Sugaring, sugar waxing, or Persian waxing is a method of hair removal.
It has been in use since 1900 BC. Sugaring can be less painful than waxing, because the substrate sticks to the hair without attaching to the skin, may be applied at room temperature or heated to a lukewarm temperature, preventing burning. Nevertheless, there is some risk of skin irritation, sensitivity, and reaction.The Simply Hair Removal website advises, “Of course it hurts to pull out hair however you do it, but many find sugaring less painful than waxing.”
Waxing versus sugaring, aren’t they the same?
Often put in the same category of of hair removal because they’re somewhat similar in the way they rid hair, yes ripping it out from the root.
But very different from one another when it comes to one aspect extremely important- PAIN! Discover why even the people that cringe at the thought of the tiniest bit of discomfort are saying, “Pour some sugar on me!”
Waxing vs sugaring, why sugar is superior
What’s in the pot? Real sugaring is made up of all natural food-grade ingredients like sugar, lemon juice, water and sometimes essential oils. Most waxes are made primarily of resins and contain artificial fragrances, dyes, chemicals, and preservatives. Although you can be allergic to any given ingredient, natural or not, it’s more common for people to be allergic to artificial fragrances and ingredients like those found in waxes. Allergic reactions can make skin red, irritated, and break out into a rash. Ouch!
Sweet, but not sticky. Sugaring paste is water soluble, meaning you can wash it off with plain old water. A very different story with wax that needs to be taken off with a special wax remover, baby oil or petroleum jelly.
Sugaring doesn’t attach to live skin cells. Sugaring will only take away dead skin cells, unlike waxing which also removes live skin cells. If you’re skin isn’t already over-exfoliated (using glycolic, Retin A or peels) you don’t have to worry about the sugar accidentally removing skin.
Waxing vs sugaring, the technique
Sugar is never hot. Wax is applied warm, but sometimes overheated causing a skin burn and then you know what follows- scabs. Sugar paste is used lukewarm so there’s no chance of burning the skin.
Less strain, less pain. Wax is applied with the direction of hair growth, but removed against the grain of hair growth. But the traditional sugaring technique using the paste is removed in the same direction hair grows, putting less strain on the skin- always a plus for the pain management department.
The bottom line
Perfect for all parts. Certain areas of the body are just more sensitive than others. The highest pain offenders are the upper lip, chest, bikini and genital areas. Sugaring comes in extra handy when ridding hair in these zones.