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What is Sugar Waxing?
Sara Schmidt
Sara Schmidt
Sugar waxing is a type of hair removal that involves using a thick gel on the skin. Sugar wax can either be in the form of a gel or wax resin. The thick, sugary adhesive resembles caramel, and is spread on body hair and quickly removed to eliminate hair.
Like regular waxing, sugar waxing requires at least a quarter inch (6.35 millimeters) of hair growth prior to being used. The product is applied with a stick in the direction of the hair growth. After the hair is fully immersed within the gel or wax, a paper strip or clean cloth is applied directly over the product. The covering is then quickly pulled off in the opposite direction of the hair growth, removing the body hair directly from its follicles.
There are many benefits to removing unwanted hair with sugar wax rather than traditional waxing. The method allows hairs to be gently lifted rather than painfully removed. Some claim that the process is an entirely pain-free removal of hair. Gel sugar wax is also made of all natural ingredients, such as sugar, lemon juice, and water. Using all natural ingredients can help prevent skin irritation.
Clean up is also considered to be simpler with sugar waxing. Gel sugar wax is water soluble, and can be cleaned off the skin using water alone. Wax resin is stronger and leaves a sticky residue if not removed with both water and soap.
Some drawbacks to regular waxing are still present with sugar waxing. Hair breakage, ingrown hairs, and skin irritation can all still occur. Sugar pasting, is considered a safer, more effective method of hair removal. Though very similar to sugar waxing; it is known as sugaring.
Used in salons and spas, sugar pasting is different from sugar waxing. This method includes using a thicker paste applied directly with the hands rather than a stick. The sugar paste is molded into a ball and rolled in the direction of hair growth. Salon professionals can also remove shorter hair with sugar paste; body hair as short as a sixteenth of an inch (1.59 millimeters) can be removed with this product.
Homemade sugar paste can be easily created using household ingredients. Granulated sugar, water, and lemon juice combined and cooked over high heat will yield a similar product to the one used in professional salons. The mixture should be simmered and constantly stirred until the sugar is melted and golden brown. The product should be cooled completely prior to using.
Sara Schmidt
A graduate of Southeast Missouri State University, Sara has a Master’s Degree in English, which she puts to use writing for BeautyAnswered and several magazines, websites, and nonprofit organizations. She has published her own novella, and has other literary projects currently in progress. Sara’s varied interests have also led her to teach children in Spain, tutor college students, run CPR and first aid classes, and organize student retreats.
Learn more...
Sara Schmidt
A graduate of Southeast Missouri State University, Sara has a Master’s Degree in English, which she puts to use writing for BeautyAnswered and several magazines, websites, and nonprofit organizations. She has published her own novella, and has other literary projects currently in progress. Sara’s varied interests have also led her to teach children in Spain, tutor college students, run CPR and first aid classes, and organize student retreats.
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![Sugar waxing can be used to help women shave their legs.]()
By: Jacek ChabraszewskiSugar waxing can be used to help women shave their legs. -
![Sugar waxing is applied with a stick.]()
By: tceySugar waxing is applied with a stick. -
![Sugar waxing, like regular waxing, can lead to ingrown hairs.]()
By: F.C.G.Sugar waxing, like regular waxing, can lead to ingrown hairs. -
![Sugar waxing allows hairs to be gently lifted rather than painfully removed.]()
By: starushSugar waxing allows hairs to be gently lifted rather than painfully removed. -
![Waxing is a form of hair removal commonly used on the legs, bikini line and armpits.]()
By: NobiliorWaxing is a form of hair removal commonly used on the legs, bikini line and armpits. -
![Waxing the bikini area during menstruation may caused increased pain to the area.]()
By: BlueSkyImagesWaxing the bikini area during menstruation may caused increased pain to the area. -
![Waxing the genital area during pregnancy may be more painful for some women.]()
By: Natalia ChircovaWaxing the genital area during pregnancy may be more painful for some women. -
![Applying numbing cream to the area may help reduce the pain caused by waxing.]()
By: Richard VillalonApplying numbing cream to the area may help reduce the pain caused by waxing.
Discussion Comments
Seriously, this sugar waxing sounds cool, but does it hurt?
I might have to start doing sugar waxing at home too. My sister just tried a sugar wax kit that she picked up from the pharmacy and says that it works great.
I went to college in Texas and there was a spa that offered sugar waxing there so that's where I would go. But I'm back in Iowa now and cannot find a single spa that does sugar waxing.
I don't know why spas aren't using sugar waxing more with the whole natural and organic trend. I think sugar waxing is way more natural than other waxing methods since it doesn't have chemicals and additives in it. And if it really works so well and costs less, why aren't we seeing it in more places?
@ysmina-- That sounds great! I bet it saves a lot of money too! The cost of sugar and lemon is like nothing compared to the price of hot wax or a Brazilian wax at the salon.
What are the exact proportions for this sugar paste wax? I'm sure it's important to get the consistency right. And is it better or worse than other types of wax pain wise?
I actually don't like waxing myself. It takes too long and I feel like I hurt myself more than a professional does. I wonder if I could make my own sugar wax at home and then take it to the salon I usually go to for application? Has anyone tried this? I think it would save me money and it wouldn't take too much of my time.
My family is from the Middle East and sugar paste waxing is how women in the Middle East have been removing hair for centuries. Now there are pre-prepared sugar paste waxes on the market. I've used it for sugar waxing at home when I went to visit extended family in Egypt. You just heat the wax container in hot water, remove the wax and roll it between your fingers until it's flexible enough to be applied.
My mom says that when she was young, the pre-prepared ones weren't available and they would make the paste at home. It's the exact recipe the article mentioned. You just boil sugar and water until it's thick and add some lemon juice in it. I tried this once just to see how it works but I didn't like it as much as the ones from the store.
It's still an option though if I'm ever in a situation where I can't find wax. I can make my own which is nice.
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