While it is not possible to keep up with the hair removal world when a new device pops up every other day, many people tend to go for sugar waxing that hurts less than waxing because it gently pulls less on the skin, thus causing minor irritation and redness. Surprisingly, it’s an all-natural product made of sugar, lemon juice, and water, so it’s generally safe for sensitive skin.
Moreover, it has been documented as early as ancient Egypt and is hypoallergenic. The ingredients of sugar waxing are heated together to form a candy-like consistency and applied in this form to the skin. In sugar waxing, the hair is pulled in the natural direction of the follicle’s growth pattern, and its hotness is typically room temperature.
Body Areas That Can Be Sugared
Since sugaring is gentle enough for delicate skin and can be applied on any body part (basically, anywhere you’d wax), here are the usual areas that this hair removal is being used.
- Arms: Whether this part is of the client’s decision to shave depending on how long the hair is, sugar waxing this area may take up to 30 minutes.
- Bikini/Brazilian: It is important to note that sugaring this part becomes sensitive during the monthly cycle, and up to the client to have it done, usually between 30 to 45 minutes.
- Legs: This is the part that may take longer to sugar wax since it has a larger area; hence, it may last up to 45 minutes.
- Underarms: This is the most common area for sugar waxing and can only be done in 5 minutes or less.
The Process Of Sugar Waxing
While the cooling gel is applied to the skin in the opposite direction of hair growth with sugaring, the hair will then be removed in the direction of hair growth in quick, small pulls. Since the sugar only exfoliates the skin’s surface, it can be reapplied multiple times to the same skin area. Waxing is much more methodical.
Things To Do Before The Appointment
To make sure that the appointment runs smoothly, there are a few things that the client must take note of to prepare. Before the appointment, clients are usually handed questionnaires.
- Hair should be at least ¼-inch long, which should be the same size as the grain of rice; however, if it’s on the longer side, the size should be 3/4 inch or more, but clients can consider trimming it down before the appointment, or the technician can also do this.
- It is also advised to exfoliate lightly with a buffing mitt or washcloth to get rid of some dead skin to prevent stray hairs from getting left behind.
- Application of retinoid creams or tanning within 24 to 48 hours before the appointment is not advised.
- On the appointment day, minimize caffeine and alcohol intake to prevent the pores from tightening.
- Clients will be advised to dress in loose or clothing should be cotton for the client’s comfortability.
- A pain reliever is usually advised 30 minutes before the appointment to minimize pain.
- Expectation During The Appointment
Most technicians should make the clients feel comfortable during the process. Here’s what you can expect:
- Clients will be asked to undress and get on the table. If wearing a dress, they might ask the client to lift it. Technicians are professionals, so most likely, they’ve seen it all before.
- Patients must communicate their preferences on what to do or not be sugared, especially for Brazilian style.
- Of course, the technician will cleanse the area and usually apply powder to protect and make hairs stand out.
- To apply the sugaring gel, the technician will use a single ball of gel, applying it against the grain of hair growth while lightly tugging in the opposite direction.
- Upon completion, the technician will then apply a serum or rejuvenating oil to soothe, hydrate, and help prevent ingrown hairs.
Post-Care Reminder After The Appointment
The technician gives after-care instructions to help prevent irritation after the session.
- Application of hydrocortisone cream or a cool compress is suggested if the sugared area feels tender. Patients can also take an over-the-counter pain reliever if an area becomes swollen.
- No sexual activity for at least 24 hours after the session to not irritate the area being sugared.
- Exercising, soaking, or swimming in water that allows the body to sweat is not allowed yet within 24 hours from the session.
- Do not get tan or stay away from the sun for at least 24 hours.
- Foremost, don’t shave or otherwise remove stray hairs.
Risks Or Side Effects Of Sugar Wax?
Sugar wax’s most common side effects are temporary redness, irritation, and itching immediately after the sugaring session. However, if the skin is sensitive, sometimes, it could develop bumps or rashes wherever the paste is applied, but sugaring typically produces fewer side effects than waxing. Although sugaring is a relatively safe hair removal method, it’s not for everyone, and it’s crucial to consider the following situations when giving it a go.
- Women on period. The skin can feel more sensitive during the monthly period and may experience bumps or pimples, dryness, itching, or redness due to the body’s hormonal fluctuations.
- Pregnant Women. Skin sensitivity increases during pregnancy, and it’s always best to check with a doctor. However, if the doctor gives them the green light, it is advised to inform the technician to customize the treatment as necessary.
- People with genital piercings or tattoos. Clients with genital jewelry will be asked to remove it before the appointment to not interfere with the process of sugaring. However, if it’s challenging to remove, the technician will most likely work around it, but a few stray hairs may be left behind.
- Clients who have sunburned. Sunburned skin is the same as an open wound, and sugaring this area may irritate the burn. It is advised to wait for a week to heal the sunburn completely.
Sugaring is reasonably safe, but a few people should consult a doctor first if taking antibiotics, hormone replacement medication, hormonal birth control, Accutane, or retinoids. Treatments like chemotherapy and radiation can also make skin more sensitive, so sugaring might not be the most comfortable form of hair removal.
Sugar Wax Is Less Painful
Sugaring is a less-painful hair removal option than other semi-permanent methods that remove the hair from the root. However, for those with active skin diseases like folliculitis or eczema, sugaring needs to be avoided as it can exacerbate the issue.
How Long Does Sugar Waxing Last?
Typically, the result will last around three to five weeks, depending on the area being waxed and the rate at which the client’s hair grows. The beauty of sugaring is that it may reduce hair growth over time, meaning there is only less hair to sugar each time a new appointment rolls around. Moreover, hair removal appointments should be made regularly (every four to six weeks) to ensure the smoothest result and most painless service possible.
Where To Go For Sugar Waxing?
Sugar Waxing is different than traditional waxing and has a more gentle, less-down-time approach to removing hair. It is best for people who tend to break out or have adverse reactions to waxing, as sugaring would also be better. Truth Medspa offers Sugar Wax if you want that smooth, hairless skin naturally that is less painful and yields longer results.
