Summer is officially here, and along with it, one of the most annoying parts of the season – hair removal. No longer can you get away with throwing on your favorite pair of jeans to hide that it’s been one-too-many days since you’ve used a razor – it’s just too hot for that! Fortunately, if you find yourself tired of having to shave every day or two to keep unwanted hair at bay, there are numerous alternatives available. One of my favorite options is sugar waxing, which has the added bonus that you can make your own sugar paste at home with just a few simple ingredients!
A gentler and more affordable alternative to traditional waxing, sugar waxing is entirely non-toxic and can be done easily from home using ingredients that you already have on hand. Once I discovered sugar waxing, it truly changed the game for me in the summertime. Now, I don’t have to worry about remembering to shave, nor do I have to pay for expensive hair removal treatments or remember to schedule my next waxing appointment. Read on to learn how why I love sugar waxing so much, and how you can make your own sugar paste at home!
WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT SUGAR WAXING
WHAT IS Sugar Waxing?
Sugar waxing is a hair removal alternative to traditional waxing that is non-toxic, affordable, and can easily be done from home with just a few ingredients that you already have on hand. Less harsh and irritating than standard waxing, sugar waxing is preferred by people with sensitive skin as it is more moisturizing and generally hurts less while still achieving the same results. While sugar waxing has been around for centuries, it has in recent days become more and more popular, and sugaring has become a popular service at many spas. If you know me, though, you know I’m a fan of a good DIY, and sugar waxing is so easy to do at home that it’s certainly worth giving it a try. You don’t need fancy sugaring products – everything you need is in your kitchen!
WHAT ARE THE Benefits OF SUGAR WAXING?
With so many different hair removal methods on the market, it can be difficult to know which one is the best fit for you. Here are a few reasons why I’ve found sugar waxing to be incredibly beneficial.
It’s Affordable
If you’re on a budget, it’s hard to beat sugar waxing. Because sugar paste is made from everyday grocery store items that you already have in your cabinets – sugar, lemon juice, and water – this quick mixture can be whipped up at little to no cost, which can’t be said for other hair removal treatments, such as threading or laser hair removal, which can quickly add up.
It’s Non-Toxic
As many of us are trying to be more mindful about the products that we’re using, it’s hard to beat sugar paste as a hair removal method – after all, what other wax is made entirely from ingredients you can ingest?
It Provides Results that Last
Unlike shaving or hair removal cream, sugar waxing – like traditional waxing – removes hair at the root, meaning that you won’t find yourself noticing hair growing back within just a few days. Generally, the results of sugar waxing will last for close to six weeks, so you should have over a month of hair-free bliss. Repeated sugar waxing treatments can also result in less hair growth overall, and the hair that does grow back will often be thinner than it was initially, so you eventually may find yourself having to wax less frequently with time.
It’s Gentle on Skin
Oftentimes, hair removal methods can cause pain or leave your skin angry and irritated. Sugar waxing, on the other hand, is much gentler on skin than traditional waxing as it moisturizes and exfoliates your skin. How often does a hair removal method leave your skin better than when you began? For people with dry or sensitive skin, sugar waxing is ideal as it is less irritating and more hydrating. It often can also hurt less than the standard waxing process.
SUGAR WAXING AT HOME
This is my go to recipe for a DIY sugar paste! I love that it uses all natural ingredients, and is super easy to quickly whip up.
HOW TO USE Sugar Wax
First things first – you need to make sure that your skin is prepped and ready to go before you begin sugar waxing. It’s always a good idea to exfoliate a few days before you plan to wax so that your skin is fresh, clean, and in a great state for hair removal. You also will need to note that the hair must be between one quarter and three quarters of an inch long to be able to be properly waxed. Too short and the wax won’t have anything to grab onto; too long and it will just be a mess, and it will be difficult to remove everything.
This does mean that you may have to time your waxing days carefully in order to have enough hair to wax – and if you have an event around the same time that you want to be hair free for, you may have to shave for a few days between waxing treatments until you’re able to let the hair grow out enough to wax.
When you are ready to wax, prep the skin by washing gently to make sure that skin is clean and free from residue, oils, or products such as sunscreen or lotion. If your skin is currently damaged due to cuts, sores, blisters, or sunburn, it’s best to let it heal before waxing. Dermatologists also note that you should stop using retinoids or acne medications at least six days before sugaring.
Once your skin has been properly prepped, it’s time to sugar! First, test the temperature of the wax on the inside of your wrist to make sure you are good to go. Remember, you want the wax to be warm, but not so hot as to burn. When you’re ready, gently spread the wax with your fingers or a wooden stick over the area you plan to remove hair from in same direction as the hair growth. From here, you have the option of peeling the wax back with your fingers or using a cloth strip. If you would like to use a cloth strip, press it down on top of the wax gently but firmly for 2-3 seconds.
Then, pulling the skin taut with one hand, use the other hand to either pull the cloth strip or the wax itself up in the opposite direction of the hair growth. Repeat until all unwanted hair has been removed.
Once you’re finished waxing, feel free to apply cold compresses to the affected areas to reduce pain or redness, and moisturize with a gentle lotion. I like to just add it as a step to my standard skin care routine – when I do the rest of my skin care, I make sure that I am taking time to moisturize the area that I have sugared. If pain persists, you can take a standard dose of ibuprofen. However, as a rule, this generally doesn’t pose an issue – sugar waxing is very gentle on skin, so aside from the standard pain that comes with any hair removal based at the root, you shouldn’t have to worry too much about pain.
I also suggest using an exfoliating body wash regularly – specifically after waxing – so as to avoid ingrown hairs. Sugar waxing has much less likelihood of resulting in ingrown hair than standard waxing, but it never hurts to take extra precautions!
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FAQs
Where Can I Use Sugar Wax?
Anywhere that you have unwanted hair! Sugar wax is safe and effective for all parts of the body, from your legs, arms, underarms, and yes, even more sensitive areas such as the face and bikini area.
Is It Okay to Shower After Using Sugar Wax?
It is! However, I would suggest taking a shower using warm water as opposed to hot so as not to overly inflame already tender skin, and to try to take it as easy as possible on your skin for the 24-48 hours following sugaring. Think extra rest, no gym time, and as little skin to skin contact as possible.
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