When it comes to hair removal, there are many different options with some being from ancient times and others modern day innovations.
Sugaring hair removal is one such solution. Although many people have achieved the desired results by using specially formulated creams, gels, and lotions, others have been able to get rid of unwanted or excess hair by going through some type of medical procedure.
However, waxing is one method of removing hair in particular that has become a favorite. Some of the key benefits associated with waxing include it being effective, safe, affordable, convenient, and fast-acting. In addition, waxing is something that can be performed by a professional or at home with a special kit. For waxing, several types exist, one being sugaring hair removal.
Although a type of hair removal process that dates back thousands of years, sugaring hair removal has become one of the favorite options used by men and women today. Because of this, we felt it would be beneficial to provide an overview of what this is and what makes it different from more conventional type waxing.
What is Sugaring Waxing?
Experts believe that this form of waxing has been used since 1900 BC, making it one of the oldest known solutions for hair removal in history. Also called Persian waxing, this is often the preferred method in regards to waxing because it produces less discomfort or pain. It is also popular because all the ingredients needed are found in the average kitchen. Unlike more traditional waxing, potential for skin damage from burns is eliminated, making this a perfect at-home remedy.
To use sugaring hair removal, several ingredients to include sugar are mixed and then heated. After this mixture reaches room temperature, it would be applied to the person’s skin or a strip of cloth that is placed on the skin. Now, if a strip of cloth is used, the area of skin where hair is to be removed would first be dusted with cornstarch or a special commercial product.
With this done, a spatula would be used to spread the sugary substance onto the cloth, which is then placed on the skin going in the same direction that hair grows normally. Next, a piece of paper or some type of porous cloth is placed on top of the cloth covered with the special mixture, pressed in, and then pulled off quickly but going in the opposite direction that hair grows. Along with the strip, hair would be pulled out.
Sugaring Hair Removal versus Conventional Waxing
The biggest challenge associated with conventional waxing for hair removal purposes is that wax is heated to a very high temperature. For this reason, it must be applied by a highly skilled and trained professional or potential for serious burns would exist. However, with sugaring hair removal, the sticky, sugary substance is actually applied at room temperature. Immediately, potential burns and other skin damage are prevented.
Another huge difference between regular and sugaring waxing is the application. With conventional wax, it is applied directly to a person’s skin or to a strip of cloth that is then placed on the skin. Obviously, after the wax cools and is pulled off quickly in a direction opposite from the natural hair growth pattern, skin is also pulled off. With sugaring hair removal, the sugary substance only sticks to hair not skin. Therefore, when pulled off, hair follicles are pulled out without the skin being affected.
Keep in mind that while most people prefer to have standard waxing for hair removal performed by someone with knowledge and expertise, there are now home kits being sold. Some of these kits work relatively well but risk for burns would still exist and clean-up can be a real mess. The difference with sugaring hair removal is with this being a water-based solution, even though sugar is a main ingredient, any after cleanup would be easy.
Sugaring Hair Removal Recipe
There are actually several different variations for the standard sugaring hair removal recipe but we wanted to offer the one that is used most often. Remember, the main ingredients are found in most kitchens, making this a cost efficient and convenient consideration. For instance, honey, sugar, molasses, cornstarch, lemon juice, guar gum, and water would be the things needed most.
The main thing in making a sugaring waxing recipe at home is perfecting consistency. Usually, a person goes through a number of trials before coming up with the one that grasps and pulls hair best but without causing damage to the skin. Of course, because hair follicles are being pulled out, no matter the ingredients or consistency it is expected for slight skin irritation to follow the procedure.
The base recipe used to making the substance used in sugaring hair removal consists of one cup of sugar, one-eighth cup of fresh lemon juice although lime juice, orange juice or white wine vinegar would also work, and one-eighth cup of water. Again, sometimes adjustments to the amount of each ingredient would need to be modified but this would be a good place to start.
After blending all the ingredients, the mixture would be heated until it begins to change from a light to golden color. However, this mixture should never be heated to the point of becoming dark amber or brown. If wanted, a paste could be created for sugaring hair removal whereby the ingredients would be heated to 224 degrees F whereas for gel, the mixture would be heated to 249 degrees F. Regardless, it is imperative this sugary substance be allowed to cool to room temperature before being used.
