Find Out the Difference Between Sugaring Hair Removal and Waxing Hair Removal

Sugaring Hair Removal vs Waxing Hair Removal

Sugaring doesn’t sound like something you would put on your body, does it? It sounds like something you would eat, or a way to bake something. Well, it may be, but in this case, the sugaring we will be talking about, is a gentle way to remove unwanted hairs. It’s a paste made up of lemon, sugar, and water. 

Just like wax, the paste can be applied anywhere on the body that unwanted hair is. No waxing strips are required to remove the paste and the hair that comes along with it. Just make sure you have at least an eighth to a quarter inch of hair growth for the paste to hold on to. Same goes for waxing.

Sugaring and waxing both allow the hair to be removed from the root, although with waxing, hairs are more likely to break off at the surface. Removing hair from the root will cause less blood supply to the follicle, weakening it, resulting in less hair growth over time. Who doesn’t want less hair where we don’t want it? Are you prone to ingrown hairs, or have curly hair? Sugaring would be the best option for you. 

How Long Can You Go Between Services?

You can typically go 3-6 weeks in between services; this all depends on how fast your hair grows and the thickness of your hair. You will have smooth, hairless skin for at least 1-1 ½ weeks with both techniques. You’ll also notice the hair that grows back is softer and not as blunt as it would be with shaving.

The Application Process

Sugaring is a less abrasive service, although there is still discomfort, it’s less painful then waxing. This is because the paste doesn’t stick to the top layer of the skin and remove live skin cells like waxing does; It just removes the dead skin. For this reason you can go over the same area with your sugar paste and it won’t harm your skin (so long as it’s the right temperature), unlike waxing; if you went over the same area more than once, you will damage the skin and cause your client to burn. The downside to sugaring, is that it is more expensive then waxing.

How to apply the sugar paste:

1.Start by cleansing the area you will be removing hair from.

2.Apply a powder to the cleansed area (this removes any moisture left on your skin).

3.Apply the sugar paste against the way the hair grows.

4.Once you’ve applied the paste, flick it off in the direction the hair grows. The amount you apply at one time will depend on the area you are sugaring.

How to apply wax:

1.Start by cleansing the area you will be removing hair from and let it dry.

2.Apply wax in the same direction of hair growth.

3.Apply waxing strip if using soft wax and pull in opposite direction of hair growth. Same goes for har wax, you just won’t need a waxing strip. Instead, wait for wax to get hard. Apply your post treatment solutions.

Waxing Aftercare

You’ll want to wear loose fitting clothes right after the service so your skin can breathe. Avoid high heat, ex: working out, hot tubs, saunas, etc. as your skin is more sensitive and prone to bacteria. Wait 24 hours to exfoliate after service. Sugaring already helps exfoliate by removing dead skin. Skin to skin contact should be avoided in those 24 hours as well. Keep your skin moisturized, this will allow the hair to push through the surface, limiting ingrown hairs.

What To Avoid

You want to avoid sugaring and waxing (well any form of hair removal really) if you have skin problems like folliculitis or eczema as it can exacerbate the issue. If you have a sunburn or rash, as it will irritate your skin more. If you are using retinol, Accutane, topical vitamin C, lactic acid, glycolic acid, or fruit acids on the area being sugared, you should not get this service done.

I always say this, but make sure your stylist or esthetician is a licensed professional and knows what they are doing. Some risks can occur due to user error. This includes burning (if they let the paste get too hot, it should just be lukewarm), bruising (if the paste isn’t getting removed properly), or folliculitis (if paste is left on too long). You would really have to not know what you are doing for any of this to happen, so again, just make sure your pro is licensed. 

In case you are wondering what folliculitis is, according to the Mayo Clinic, it is a common skin condition in which hair follicles become inflamed. It's usually caused by a bacterial or fungal infection. That does not sound like something I want to happen to my skin, so sanitation and cleanliness is a must! If you don’t follow your after-care, infection can also happen. So do your part to follow your pro’s directions after your service is done.

Waxing Recap

Waxing and sugaring are very similar to each other. Sugaring sounds less invasive and seems better for more sensitive skin. Personally, I like the minimal ingredients in sugaring. Waxing is more budget friendly. They will both result in, over time, less hair growth, and softer, thinner hairs. So whichever technique you choose, you will get about the same results. It beats the heck out of having to shave constantly and having stubbly hair when it grows back in. I would prefer softer hair as it grows in, I mean, who wouldn’t, right? 

Check Lash Stuff full line of waxing products here.