How Sugaring is a Gentler Form of Hair Removal

Sugar, lemon juice, and water make up the sugar paste. Since it is a water-based product, just like humans are water-based, this allows the sugar to get deeper into the hair follicles. The sugar is molded opposite of the hair growth three times so when the Sugarist flicks the sugar paste off in the direction of the hair growth, the paste takes the entire hair including the follicle. I tell clients the sugar envelopes the hair follicle and with the mold and flick technique, it is gently shimmied up and out of the skin. 

Every time you get sugared, it weakens hair follicles, which is why it is important to exfoliate. Exfoliating helps the hair grow out of the skin versus getting trapped and going back down. It’s best to get sugared on a regular basis every four weeks. Getting sugared every month is the ideal length from pain and discomfort as well as to keep the hair on the same hair growth cycle leading to weakness of hair follicles. Sugaring and home care on a monthly basis can give you a sense of freedom to feel clean, especially if you bleed a lot or have menstrual issues. Sugaring exfoliates the skin by removing dead skin cells. Healthy cell turnover and moisturizing with a water based moisturizer supports skin and hair health, including keratosis pilaris, razor burn, in-growns, cysts, boils, and bumps. 

Sugar hair removal is an art form that a Sugarist learns and practices for years such as the Mold and Flick Technique, hair growth patterns, best sugar consistency for the specific service and time of day, environmental temperature, the client’s temperature, and the season. Because sugar changes consistency once it's taken out of the warmer, it's important the Sugarist understands the best sugar consistency dependent on the service. For me, the goal is to hurt my client the least possible. At every new customer appointment, I sit and talk with the client. I ask them if there is anything I should know about them, answer any of their questions, and check on the last time they shaved. Then we go into the sugar room. Before all clients get on the bed I ask them to wash their hands. I explain to each client the steps of sugaring. First, I will clean each client, then powder them, then sugar, then clean them again. I ask them if they have anything at home to exfoliate with as well as show them my retail offerings. I gently remind them to moisturize and we rebook for four weeks. 

Since the sugar paste is at room temperature, unlike hot wax, client’s don’t have the added worry of being burned when the sugar is being applied. There is also less mess (no applicators are needed) so it makes for a more comfortable hair removal experience. Overall, Sugaring is a gentler alternative to hair removal and can be a wonderful self-care service. If you're interested in sugaring, you can learn more about the process on my website. 

I hope you find the sweeter, gentler side of hair removal with sugaring!