Sugar Hair Removal Is Different Than Waxing—Here’s How to Do It at Home

Long before waxing was a thing—and way before laser hair removal—people who wanted to nix body hair relied on a process called sugar hair removal or "sugaring." Experts have traced this hair removal treatment all the way back to ancient Persia, and apparently, even Cleopatra was a fan.

While waxing and depilatory creams have remained popular in our modern age, sugaring has definitely made a comeback. Not only can you find salons dedicated specifically to sugaring, but there are even brands that make it possible to do sugar hair removal at home. Here's everything you need to know.

• Rachel Lee Lozina, licensed esthetician and owner of Blue Water Spa in New York

What Is Sugar Hair Removal?

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“Results with sugaring last approximately four weeks, [which is similar to] most epilation treatments,” says esthetician Rachel Lee Lozina. “Over time, you can expect the hair to slow in growth and treatments to be needed less frequently.”

Benefits

In addition to effectively removing body hair, sugaring has a few notable perks:

• Natural: Sugaring paste is typically made from sugar, water, and lemon juice.
• Eco-Friendly: The paste is reused multiple times (on the same body) versus being a one-and-done deal like wax.
• Exfoliation: The lemon juice and removal process helps lightly exfoliate skin.
• Less Painful: Any time you remove body hair it’ll hurt, but people say that sugaring is less painful compared to waxing.
• Easy Cleanup: “Sugaring is easy to clean up because it’s sugar, and it melts with water,” notes Lozina.

How Long Results Last

While sugaring is a temporary method of hair removal, results usually last three to five weeks. How long your results last will depend on how fast your hair grows, hormone cycles, and genetics. The good news is that, over time, sugaring may reduce the amount of hair growth in the areas you treat. If you schedule regular appointments every four to six weeks, you'll enjoy consistently smooth skin and less hair growth.

Sugaring vs. Waxing

Sugaring is very similar to waxing, but there are some key differences, notes Lozina. For starters, an all-natural, sugary paste is applied to your skin instead of a hot, melted resin. Also, while wax is applied in the direction of hair growth, the sugary paste is applied against hair growth. Lozina says this makes for a less invasive and more comfortable hair removal. And since the paste is room temperature, it also eliminates any potential for burns.

Where You Can Sugar

Good news! Sugaring is safe for any area of the body. Since it's a gentler form of hair removal than waxing, you can use it anywhere you'd wax. Many people opt for sugaring on sensitive areas like underarms, face, bikini/Brazilian, arms, and legs.

If you're new to sugaring and have never waxed, start with a less sensitive area, like the legs or arms. Skipping right to a Brazilian without knowing what sugaring is like might be a bit of a shock to your body.

Preparing for Sugaring

Properly prepping your skin for sugaring will not only ensure that you get a good result, but it can also lessen the pain. Since the sugar needs to grip the hair and skin to work, it's crucial that your skin is clean and totally dry.

Applying an ointment or lotion with glycerin, shea butter, or argan oil can also help the sugaring process. These ingredients moisturize the skin, which readies it for hair removal. Gentle exfoliation with a loofah or scrub the day before is also recommended.

Wash your skin with soap and warm water, then gently pat dry. Wait about 10 minutes until your skin is completely dry before moving to step three.

How to Do Sugar Hair Removal at Home

You can have sugaring hair removal done by a professional sugarista at spas and designated sugaring establishments, such as Sugared + Bronzed and Sugar Sugar. However, just like brands have developed waxing kits and depilatory creams for personal use, it’s possible to do sugar hair removal at home.

Step 1: Gather Supplies

Lozina says you’ll need gloves, baby powder, and a sugaring kit. You’ll also want some soap for post-sugaring cleanup and a body moisturizer for aftercare.

For premade sugaring kits, Lozina recommends Sugaring At Home Sugaring Paste for Coarse Hair. Some other options include Sugar Sugar Glow Goop Sugar Wax Hair Remover and Sugardoh Sugaring Paste Hair Remover. You can technically make your own, but it’s easy to find kits online for less than $20, and you’ll save yourself the hassle of perfecting the consistency.

Step 2: Apply Baby Powder

Apply a light dusting of baby powder to clean, dry skin. A tiny amount is all you need. This step helps absorb any excess moisture so the sugaring paste can work its magic.

Step 3: Soften the Sugaring Paste

“With gloved hands, grab a nice big wad of sugar about the size of a golf ball,” Lozina says. “With one hand, start working this wad with your fingers, moving the sugar wad until it becomes opaque. This warms the sugar so it easily glides on the skin.”

Step 4: Apply the Sugaring Paste

Once the sugar is easily pliable, apply it against your hair growth. Note that this is different from traditional resin wax, which is applied with the direction of hair growth.

Step 5: Quickly Remove the Sugaring Paste

“Really press the sugar into the skin, then with a whip-like motion, remove it in the opposite direction,” Lozina says. It may take you a few tries to get the motion down, but with practice, you’ll become a pro. You can keep working in the same area without irritation.

Step 6: Repeat

Repeat the application and removal until all the hair is gone.

Aftercare for Sugaring

Use soap and water to remove any residual sugaring paste. Fortunately, it will dissolve easily since it’s all-natural. And unlike resin wax, you won’t have to worry about it clogging up your drains!

After, apply a hydrating body lotion or oil to keep your skin soft. Lozina says, “Keeping the skin hydrated for the next few days is always a great idea after any hair removal service. Also, staying away from scrubs and salt water will keep the skin from getting irritated.”

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