There are a number of ways to go about removing unwanted body hair. If you want to try an at-home technique that’s quick and simple, you might try shaving. Others who don’t mind a little discomfort for longer-lasting results may turn to waxing. If you’re looking for an option that lasts longer than shaving but isn’t quite as uncomfortable as waxing, sugaring hair removal might be worth considering.
This method of body hair removal has become more popular over the last few years for good reason: It’s all-natural, and often less invasive and less expensive than other common hair removal techniques. But, most importantly, research has shown it’s effective. Here’s everything you need to know about sugaring hair removal before you try it.
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What Is Sugaring?
Sugaring is a method of temporary body hair removal. It involves using a paste, which is made up of a combination of sugar, lemon juice and water (hence the name). That paste is then applied to the skin against the direction of hair growth, explains Erum Ilyas, M.D., Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, a board-certified dermatologist with Schweiger Dermatology Group in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. The paste is then applied directly to the skin and then pulled off in the direction of hair growth. Think of sugaring as a slightly less painful version of waxing.
According to a 2016 research article in the journal JAMA Dermatology, this method is based on an ancient Egyptian form of hair removal that dates back to 30,000 years ago[1]Lim V, Simmons B, Maranda E, et al. Sugaring-Modern Revival of an Ancient Egyptian Technique for Body Hair Removal. JAMA Dermatology. 2016;152(6):660. . Like waxing, plucking or threading, it removes hair from the root, which means it takes longer for hair to grow back, giving you more time between sugaring sessions than something like shaving, which only removes the hair shaft from the top of the skin’s surface.
How Long Does Sugaring Last?
Sugaring is a method of temporary body hair removal, which means that you’ll have to do it fairly often to keep your skin smooth. Results typically last anywhere from two to four weeks, however, that can depend upon an individual’s hair growth cycles, the part of the body it was done on and hormonal and genetic influences, says Marianna Blyumin-Karasik, M.D., Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, a board-certified dermatologist specializing in cosmetic, medical and surgical dermatology and co-founder of Precision Skin Institute in Davie, Florida.
What Areas of the Body Can be Sugared?
It’s safe to do sugaring on any part of the body, says Dr.Ilyas. “It is often favored for larger surface areas given cost benefits, safety and less irritation.”
Sugaring vs. Waxing: What’s the Difference?
If you’re familiar with waxing, you might notice that it shares a number of similarities with sugaring. There are also a few key differences—with the main one being application and removal. While a sugaring paste is applied in the opposite direction of hair growth and removed in the same direction of growth, waxing involves application in line with hair growth and then removal in the opposite direction. Additional differences include:
- Sugaring may be less painful than waxing. According to the JAMA Dermatology research mentioned above, sugaring has been considered less traumatic to the skin than traditional forms of hair removal.
- Sugaring can remove shorter hairs than waxing. The JAMA Dermatology study also states that sugaring can capture hairs at a much shorter length than traditional waxing, explains Dr. Ilyas[1]Lim V, Simmons B, Maranda E, et al. Sugaring-Modern Revival of an Ancient Egyptian Technique for Body Hair Removal. JAMA Dermatology. 2016;152(6):660. . “Sugaring has the ability to remove hairs as short as one-sixteenth of an inch, compared to traditional waxing at one-fourth of an inch,” she notes.
- Sugaring may have limited side effects. A 2022 J. Institute case study looked at the effects of waxing compared to sugaring on one woman and found that sugaring resulted in lower skin dryness, redness and irritation of pores compared to traditional hard waxing[2]Study on the Waxing Effectiveness of Sugaring. J.Institute. Accessed 3/1/2023. . However, because this case study was done on only one individual, and the study was not peer-reviewed, it’s important to talk to your esthetician or dermatologist prior to sugaring to make sure it’s right for you.
- Sugaring paste is more natural than hard wax. “Traditional waxing uses combinations of beeswax, essential oils, resins and other preservatives,” explains Dr. Ilyas. Sugaring uses just sugar, lemon juice and water.
- Sugaring doesn’t pull on the skin the same way waxing does. Traditional waxing requires heat to soften it and then it cools as it hardens on the skin. “The heat of the wax allows it to grasp superficial layers of skin and keratin,” explains Dr. Ilyas. “This can be pulled along with the hair.” When the keratin from the top layers of the skin is pulled, it can erode the surface of the skin. Dr. Ilyas notes that depending on how aggressive the keratin removal is, it can actually make someone look like they have a chemical burn. Sugaring is warm, not hot, which brings less of a risk of thermal injury. “It may not be as aggressive to traumatize the follicle,” adds Dr. Ilyas.
Pros and Cons of Sugaring
There are several reasons dermatologists and consumers alike prefer sugaring. According to Dr. Ilyas and Dr. Blyumin-Karasik, sugaring is:
- Cost-effective. The price typically depends on where you’re located, what kind of salon or spa you go to and where you get sugaring done, but it’s generally cheaper than waxing and a lot cheaper than lasering.
- More natural. Sugaring paste is only made of water, lemon juice and sugar, making it a more natural option for hair removal than hard wax or shaving cream.
- Less traumatic to the skin and less painful than waxing.
- Hydrating for the skin. “It’s a hydrating and exfoliating [form of] skin care resulting in extra smooth and soft skin,” Dr. Blyumin-Karaisk says.
- A longer-lasting option compared to shaving.
Sugaring may be a great option, but any hair removal technique can come with risk involved. Here are some cons that are associated with it:
- Sugaring can still cause skin irritation. While it may not irritate your skin as much as waxing, sugaring is not risk-free, Dr. Blyumin-Karasik points out. “It can also cause occasional skin irritation and skin allergy,” she says.
- At-home attempts may not be as successful as those done by professionals. Shaving can easily be done at home, and there are even waxing kits available for home use. While sugaring seems like a do-it-yourself (DIY) option, Dr. Blyumin-Karasik warns against jumping on that idea. “Sugaring paste preparation requires technique (a special pot and long simmering process) and expert application,” she says. “Please be safe and visit your local trained spa/salon professional that can properly utilize sugaring.”
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How to Prepare for Sugaring
If you want to make sugaring as effective as possible, be sure to prepare properly. As Dr. Ilyas notes above, the sugar paste has to firmly grip hair and skin in order to work. “When the product is stripped to remove hair, superficial skin cells may follow and leave the skin feeling raw, sensitive or uncomfortable.”
Preparing your skin for this trauma can make the process a bit more comfortable in the long run. Dr. Ilyas recommends applying glycerin to the skin, as it is a humectant that can draw moisture into the skin. “A pre-wax product containing glycerin can help prime the skin and add moisture to make it better prepared to withstand the effects of hair removal,” she says. She also recommends using moisturizing products that include ingredients like shea butter and argan oil, which can trap moisture in the skin and form a protective barrier.
You should also clean the area you’re removing hair from with soap and water beforehand, Dr. Blyumin-Karasik says. She recommends gently exfoliating with a loofah sponge to remove dead skin cells. She also notes that you shouldn’t sugar if the area has scrapes, irritations or sunburn, which can lead to a risk of complications, like further skin irritation.
Sugaring is the use of a paste made of water, sugar, and lemon that can be a less painful way to temporarily remove body hair than something like waxing. It is easy to prepare for and can be done in most spas across the U.S.