What is the difference between Sugaring and Waxing?

So, I have been getting waxed and sugared for nearly 7 years and I think it’s safe to say I have been around the block. I’ve experienced various estheticians, in different states, and on all different parts of my body. I am also a licensed esthetician who specializes in Brazilian sugaring and is also trained in waxing. I have spoken with my friends, bounced stories off of clients, and empathized with some awful “horror” stories…

Many people don’t know where to start, especially those of you beginning your Brazilian hair removal journey. And because of my experience, this is one of my favorite questions to answer: what are the real differences between waxing and sugaring?

I will preface this by saying that it is all about what works best for you and your skin type. Some people get regular waxes with impunity and really love how fast the service is. They seem to have supersonic skin that is unbothered, and if you are one of those people, my hat is off to you! However, for the majority of girls that I speak with and from my experience as a practitioner, I have to admit I prefer sugaring to wax - and I will tell you why.

Here is a nitty-gritty breakdown of the differences between waxing and sugaring.

What is it made of?

Wax is a chemical mixture that contains resins, water, and other additives such as coloring and perfumes. Sugaring is just three ingredients: sugar, lemon, and water. Although it may sound simple, making sugar (that actually works) is difficult because it has to be kept at the exact right temperature.

Waxing…

• Is very difficult to clean up and needs to be removed with some kind of solvent like an oil.

• Can cause adverse skin reactions.

• Bacteria can breed inside of wax.

Sugaring…

• Is water soluble so it does not ruin equipment, hair, or clothing, and easily melts off.

• Contains all-natural ingredients.

• Bacteria cannot breed in sugar because of its antibacterial properties.

How does it work?

The way that we apply sugar is different from the way we apply wax. Wax is heated to a high temperature and laid on the skin in the direction of hair growth, coating every hair with its sticky chemical structure. Because it is warm, the heat can feel great…or if it gets too hot, it can lead to burning of the skin (I have experienced both). A pellon strip is applied (if it is soft wax) and removed quickly in the opposite direction of the hair growth. This motion can lead to many issues which include causing ingrown hairs and hair breakage. For sugar, the room temperature mixture is laid down and molded in the opposite direction of the hair growth. Then, it is taken off in the direction of the hair growth, resulting in a seamless removal of hair without breakage.

Waxing…

• Adheres to both dead and alive skin cells so it can burn and lift the skin.

• Because the esthetician can only go over each spot one time, typically more hair is left behind.

• Hair needs to be at least 1/4 of an inch.

• Regrowth can occur very quickly.

Sugaring…

• Adheres only to dead skin cells and exfoliates the skin.

• The esthetician can go over the same spot multiple times and remove virtually every hair.

• Can remove hair 1/16 of an inch.

• Will last longer because the hair does not break and is instead pulled out of the hair follicle.

Which one is better for ingrown hairs?

For the majority of women I speak to, they experience far less ingrown hairs with sugaring than with waxing… and I would have to agree based on my experience. However, for both forms of hair removal, it is crucial to care for your skin by exfoliating every few days between appointments.

Waxing…

• Breaks the hair, causing it to get stuck under the skin, resulting in more ingrown hairs.

• Not safe for all skin types.

Sugaring…

• Is a safe alternative for someone who is experiencing a lot of ingrown hairs. Better for those with sensitive skin or those who have had an adverse reaction to traditional wax.

• Safe for even sensitive skin.

Which one hurts less?

The jury is still out on this one - I’ve heard a lot of differing opinions. The largest benefit of waxing is that it can be really quick. However, in my experience, I notice that the painful sensation lasts longer once the wax is removed. Afterward, my skin is left feeling sore…almost like I sat on a bicycle all day. Sugaring feels like a small rubber band snapping on the skin, stinging for a second and immediately dissipating. So in my opinion overall, sugaring is much less painful.

Waxing…

• Leaves the skin feeling red, irritated, and sore.

• You must follow strict aftercare instructions because of the trauma caused to the skin.

Sugaring…

• Leaves the skin feeling smooth and soft

• Since the follicle is still open, avoid intense sweating and pools/hot tubs for 24 hours following the service. However, the skin is still intact.

Comment below about the real differences you have found between sugaring and waxing!