Sugaring: our preferred waxing alternative.
Written by Carla Bonilla, of Carla Bonilla Beauty.
Sugaring is a form of hair removal that is very similar to traditional waxing. The only difference is that we are using, you guessed it, real sugar! The ingredients to this sugar paste are quite simple. Sugar, water and lemon. Some companies may add other ingredients like molasses and different variations of water and lemon in order to adjust the scent or the thickness of the sugar. Because of this natural ingredient base, the risk of irritation, inflammation, or reaction is much lower than that of traditional waxing.
The paste is gently spread over the area and pulled off in the direction of the hair growth. Because of this removal process, for some, this technique can be much less painful. This also reduces the risk of broken hairs which can become painfully irritating ingrown hairs.
A few tips from the pro:
Receiving your first wax of any kind can be a little scary. We’ve all seen the terrible 40-year-old Virgin scene and think that that is what every single hair removal service is. It’s actually not that bad! But everyone’s pain level and tolerance is different. To make sure that your first hair removal service, specifically Brazilian or bikini wax is pleasant, here are a few tips:
First, do some light stretching before your service. To make sure we get every angle, we estheticians will ask you to lay in a butterfly position. Your hips can feel a bit stiff if you aren’t used to being open for the amount of time of the service. Brazilians can take anywhere from 25-35 minutes, and bikinis can take 15-20 minutes depending on the length and thickness of the hair.
Secondly, get in the habit of exfoliating the area. Loosening the hairs and the dead skin will allow for the follicle to come out that much easier.This exfoliation will also prevent ingrown hairs.
Next, moisturize! You of course don’t want to use a thick butter as this will cause congestion. Instead, opt for something lighter like grapeseed, jojoba, or sweet almond oil. This will make sure that the skin is nourished and the sugar doesn’t pull on any dry skin that isn’t quite ready to be removed.
Lastly, if you are prone to redness or have a low pain tolerance, try taking an ibuprofen 30 minutes prior to your service. This will relax the nerves and make things just a bit easier!
After care is also very important. Making sure to keep the area dry and clean is necessary. Over the next few weeks you’re going to see much less hair and have much less irritation than you typically would as if you were shaving. Exfoliating and hydrating the area is necessary. I’ve listed a few products that I love to recommend all of my clients after their service.
Aftercare Recommendations
Exfoliant containing bentonite clay, citrus, and bilberry extract to reduce ingrown hairs and congestion.
Hylunia Natural Fruit Acid Exfoliant
A gentle enzyme exfoliant that used plant and fruit extracts to reduce breakouts and brighten hyperpigmentation.
Hylunia Antioxidant Facial Oil
A light oil blend that can be used on the body and the face to hydrate and nourish the skin without leaving a greasy finish.
If you have any questions regarding sugar hair removal or want to make an appointment use the links below!
Instagram: @carla.bonilla.beauty
Email: info@carlabonillabeauty.com