Sugaring is a hair removal and exfoliant method developed by ancient Egyptians who considered a hairless body synonymous with royalty class and prosperity.
The sugaring mixture composed of all-natural ingredients including sugar, water and lemon juice is simple to make at home and has grown in popularity through TikTok and other social media.
Unlike other forms of hair removal, sugaring is suitable for all skin tones and skin types, even the most sensitive skin.
As the sugar paste is removed in the direction of the hair the chances of ingrown hairs is minimised.
Sugaring differs from traditional waxing as the sugar paste binds to the hairs and not the skin meaning it does not pull on the top layer of skin causing pain.
Another advantage of sugaring is that it lasts longer than shaving and as the sugar paste is water-soluble, you aren’t left with any sticky residue on your skin like with traditional waxing.
Owner of Sugar London, Tanja Westendorff said, “A sugar wax can usually last from six to eight weeks and hair can be seen to grow back softer.”
Sugar waxing can be done by using two different methods. The first method involves rolling the wax into a ball and then pulling the wax. The wax is then applied to the skin and removed using your fingers to pull it away from the skin.
The second method is for people who find the wax too sticky to pull away using their fingers. This method involves applying the wax to the skin then placing a cloth over the wax to remove it, much like traditional wax strips.
As sugaring has grown in popularity so has various DIY videos on how you can sugar from home.
Tanja said “Making sugaring paste at home can be really fun but it is also challenging. Even though the ingredients are simple, getting the perfect balance to create a sugaring paste that delivers all the benefits we promote is very tricky.”
Tanja recommends that when it comes to sugaring your bikini area it is important to know you are dealing with a sensitive area and to keep a few tips in mind.
“When using sugaring as a home application, respect your body and use common sense. We recommend learning to master “the flick” i.e. safe removal of the paste from your lower legs, before venturing to other areas.”
Sugaring has been compared to napalm, a homemade substance of sugar and water sometimes used in prisons as a weapon that sticks to the skin and intensifies burns.
Tanja said, “of course this is complete barny, and instead I like to argue that the only thing “hot” about sugaring is its current following and interest.”
Sugaring is definitely the coolest hair-removal trend and it seems it is here to stay.