With summer just a few short weeks away, it’s nearly time to break out your sundresses, shorts, and bikinis—which also means removing body hair is probably back at the top of your beauty to-do list. While waxing and lasers are likely already on your radar, what if we told you you’ve been missing out on a potentially gentler alternative to grooming dark brown body hair? Today, we’re talking about sugaring.
Interested in learning more about sugaring for hair removal? Here’s everything you need to know about the sweet technique before you book an appointment.
What is sugaring?
You may have never heard of sugaring before, but the body hair removal technique has been around for centuries—literally. In her book "Faces Around The World: A Cultural Encyclopedia Of The Human Face," cultural anthropologist Margo DeMello explains that the technique began in ancient Egypt and remained a popular hair removal method in the Middle East and North and East Africa for years. Modern-day sugaring is very similar to traditional waxing removing hair at the root. Instead of using wax, however, an aesthetician uses a paste or gel solution of sugar, water, lemon juice, and other all-natural ingredients and applied to the desired area of hair removal.
If you decide to go for a professional sugaring treatment, here’s what to expect: A qualified aesthetician will use their hands to apply the solution onto the skin in the opposite direction of the hair growth. Then, they’ll allow the solution to cool for a bit before pulling it off in the same direction of the hair growth.
Can sugaring remove hair permanently?
Though many people swear by sugaring for keeping excess body hair at bay for extended periods of time, the technique isn’t permanent. The results typically last up to six weeks before hair begins to grow back.
Is sugaring better than waxing?
Like most things in beauty, each technique has its own set of pros and cons. The results last around the same amount of time and the price point for both services is nearly the same at many places, though it might be harder to find an aesthetician that uses the technique since sugaring isn’t as widely practiced as traditional waxing.
While both sugaring and waxing achieve similar hair removal results, some say sugaring is the gentler (and less painful) option. Unlike wax, the sugaring solution only sticks to unwanted hair—not the surrounding skin. If you have sensitive skin that’s prone to the irritation and redness waxing can cause, sugaring might be a better option for you. Plus, the sugaring gel and paste are both water-soluble, so getting rid of any excess product is easy and mess-free.
Can sugaring hair removal be done at home?
Because the ingredients are so simple, it’s totally possible to give DIY sugaring a try in the comfort of your own home. There are even sugaring hair removal kits available online. As always, however, we recommend investing in the help of a pro to achieve the best results and avoid burning your skin with the hot solution.
How do you prepare for sugaring?
Interested in getting sugared? Before you call up your nearest sugaring expert, you’ll need to prep a bit first. Much like traditional body waxing, most places ask that your body hair is grown out to at least a quarter of an inch long before you go for sugaring hair removal. This is so that the gel or paste can easily cling to the hair and pull it out. Exfoliating your skin at least 24 hours before the treatment to help remove any dead skin cells, oil, or product residue will also help ensure the best possible results.
Now that you’re equipped with all there is to know about sugaring, you’re on your way to smoother, hair-free skin...just in time for summer.
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