We all hate waxing. It is very rough on our skin and can sometimes be scary. Although there are many types of waxing, most people opt for the standard wax. This wax involves putting a warm substance on your skin, applying a tear strip, and then ripping away the unwanted hairs on your body. It is pretty much foolproof and can be done at any salon that offers it.
Most people have rather pleasant experiences with traditional waxing. Some people, unfortunately, have rather bad reactions, including redness, irritation, hives, and itching. If your skin is sensitive to traditional waxing treatments, there is another option: sugar waxing! Sugar waxing is a great alternative for those who want a more natural way to wax, whether doing it for the environment, your health, or sensitive skin! Before we get into sugar waxing, look below to read about waxing in general, including the benefits, how to prepare, and what to expect.
Traditional Waxing
Waxing is a dreaded chore that many do at some point in their lives. It is a rather daunting task, especially because we have all heard the horror stories (aka it hurts!). We are all afraid of feeling that rip…. Hearing that sound… ouch. Fortunately, the more you wax, the less pain you will have each time. It is important that you are waxing consistently, about once every 3-6 weeks, for it become less painful and to help reduce the amount of hair present overall.
When should you wax? It is important that you know when your body needs a waxing, and when you are just being picky. To wax effectively, the hair in the designated area needs to be at least ¼ of an inch long. A good way to check is to see if you can pull the hair up (not out!) and move it around. If you can, it is probably long enough!
How often should you wax? Once you have waxed for the first time, you can then wax every 3-6 weeks, depending on how quickly your hair grows. Be sure not to tweeze any hairs (unless they were missed by the wax) so that your hair can all grow at the same pace.
How should I plan? Be sure not to wax for the first time before a big event, such as a vacation or your wedding. Get your first, initial wax about a month before and then the wax for the main event about 2-3 days prior, so there will not be any redness or irritation (and if there is, you will have time to moisturize).
What about post-wax? After your wax, make sure to resist putting any lotions, creams, or soothing gels on the waxed area, as it will be sensitive. Also be sure to wear only loose-fitting clothing, since any material rubbing up against waxed areas can cause irritation and redness. Lastly, be sure stay still the whole day if you can! Do not exercise, run around, or try to run errands. Keeping still and focusing on healing the raw area is the best way to prevent any future complications that you might have with your wax.
How to Prepare for Your Wax
When preparing for your wax, it is important not to do too much prep. Do not exfoliate up to two days before your scheduled appointment, and be sure to keep products off of the area you will be waxing, as some can make the wax not stick well to your skin. Be sure to prepare the area by showering the night before the scheduled appointment, so the natural oils have time to recover before the waxing (as this can protect your body).
What to Do Post-wax
Even though sugar waxing is easier than traditional waxing, there is still some post-wax habits to develop. First, be sure not to apply any soothing creams or gels on your waxed area for up to 2 hours. This can cause irritation, and the waxed area will be rather sensitive post-wax.
Second, be sure not to shower for at least 12 hours after waxing. Since that area is sensitive, the warmness of the water and the stinging of the soap will not be very pleasant.
Third, be sure to wear loose-fitting clothing the day of your wax, since material rubbing up against you will cause some discomfort.
Lastly, remember to relax! Do not go to the gym and do a super difficult workout the day of your wax, and be sure to avoid yoga pants as much as possible! Stay still, watch a movie, maybe get some work done…. It will all help your recovery from the waxing run much more smoothly.
If you find that any of these things will be difficult for you to accomplish/stick to, perhaps try to schedule your wax on a day where not much effort is required (like a national holiday or a weekend). Your comfort, safety, and health are all the most important facets to consider when dealing with waxing, regardless of whether it only involves sugar.
If you are planning on getting a bikini wax of any kind, you may want to wait until no later than four days before and no earlier than four days after your menstrual cycle, as this time of the month causes this area to be rather sensitive. If you are unsure when you may be on your period, try to schedule the appointment as best you can, but be prepared for perhaps a little more sensitivity. However, if you find that all waxes make you sensitive, or if they cause extreme discomfort, there are other options!
What is a Sugar Wax?
A Sugar Wax is an all-natural substance made with water, sugar, and sometimes honey or molasses. When heated, this product creates a substance perfect for removing unwanted hair. Since it does it does not have any chemicals, it is much easier on the skin and can relieve you of some discomfort that regular, chemical-based waxes can cause.
Sugar waxing still requires a cloth or waxing strip to pull at the hair, so it still can be rather uncomfortable or even painful. However, the after effects of sugar waxing are not as bad for many people.
Sugar wax works by pulling the hair in the natural direction of the hair growth, while normal wax pulls the hair against the natural growth, making it so much more painful and the skin more susceptible to rashes and ingrown hairs. Sugar is 100% natural, so you know you are getting the best, safest type of wax.
What to Do Before a Sugar Wax
Before you get a sugar wax it is important to make sure that the desired waxing area is clean and fully prepped. For sugar waxing, however, the hair cannot be too long. Meaning, it needs to be no longer than ½ inch.
If the hair is too long, then the sugar wax simply covers the hair–it might just make you sticky instead of actually removing the hair. It is important to note that you might have to trim the hair before actually waxing. This can be rather difficult, as you do not want to make them too short or keep them too long. Simply just watch the growth rate. Four to five weeks in between waxing is probably too long to wait when sugar waxing. It is best to wait two or three weeks in between sugar waxing.
Benefits of Choosing Sugar Wax Over Ordinary Waxing
Not as red: When you wax with sugar wax, the skin tends to not stay as red, irritated, or inflamed as long as regular waxing. It is a great substitute if you need last-minute waxing without the irritation. Make sure you are aware of any allergies you may have to sugar or similar substances.
Works from home: There are tons of recipes online for sugar waxing. If you find yourself in a jam (surprise water park trip or romantic getaway) you can make the recipe at home and give yourself a quick sugar wax to keep a clean bikini line or upper lip.
It is safer: When you use natural products for your waxes, you eliminate the risk of having bad reactions and leaving your skin irritated and red (especially with hives). Since most spas use different waxes across the board, it can be hard to know for sure if you will have a reaction when going to a new waxer. When using sugar wax, you can rest assured that you will not have any surprise reactions!
How Does Sugar Waxing Work?
When using sugar wax, the heat of the wax loosens the hair follicle. When this happens, the hair follicle is more easily pulled out and therefore eliminates most of the pain. It feels more like plucking a hair from your head instead of actually waxing. It is better for you and your skin, and also eliminates the unwanted odors associated with the normal waxing. If you have sensitive, easily irritated skin, it is a great idea to use sugar wax as a substitute for getting rid of unwanted hair.
Give It a Try!
All in all, sugar waxing is a great alternative to regular waxing. It is less painful and all-natural, so it is a win-win!
