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Writer's pictureJessica

The Differences Between Sugaring and Traditional Waxing

Updated: May 15

Having trouble figuring out which method is best for you, sugaring or waxing? 

There are differences in sugaring and waxing from ingredients used to results

If you're sensitive to begin with, have hyperpigmentation concerns or if you've never done a brazilian/manzilian and you want to be sure which will work best, this article will benefit you!


Sugaring is an ancient form of hair removal that goes all the way back to ancient times in Egypt. It is said that Cleopatra herself was sugared. Hair removal fit for a queen? No doubt but what are the pros and cons? Waxing and sugaring are forms of hair removal but there are differences.


Does waxing have chemicals? What are the ingredients?

The primary ingredients in hard wax are beeswax and resin. Other therapeutic ingredients include oils and vitamins.


Also important to consider, there are a lot of different waxes out there with chemical-like dyes, fragrances, and preservatives. Possibly not the best choice for those with sensitive skin. A question some may ask is, if you can't eat it, do you really want on your skin?


Sugar, lemon, and water used for sugaring

How does Sugaring work? Let's start with the ingredients: Sugar + Lemon + Water. It's really that simple; so simple you can eat it because it's organic.


With sugaring, there is far less of a mess or waste. The esthetician wears gloves and basically molds the sugar paste into a ball and then spreads it over the hair. No skin damage.


This sugar paste is applied directly to the hair in the opposite direction and subsequently gets pulled out in the same direction of the hair growth for a much smoother finish.


Overall, sugaring generally causes less irritation than waxing, because the sugaring technician is working with the hair growth instead of against it. The sugaring paste is not heated and no sticks or strips are used, so it's generally a lot quicker. No product waste to the environment and everything is biodegradable.


Does sugaring help with darker pigmented areas of the skin?

Yes it does. By choosing sugaring hair removal you are on the path to clearer skin. Consistency obviously plays a huge role, just like you can't lose weight If you don't work out, right? Sugaring monthly with the use of our body brush, black soap and SPF products will provide the best result. It takes about 3 months for you to see the difference. We will go into more details in future articles on how the above products can set you on a clearer skin journey. (Look out for our shorts on YouTube for all our products, stay tuned!)


Zensa lidocane topical to reduce skin irritation

So is sugaring painful?  When removing the hair from its socket (so to speak) or the hair follicle, it's hard to get away without having any pain, although everyone is different. The good news is even though the first time may be somewhat painful, as you continue to be regular with your sugaring hair removal appointments, the pain will become less and less. If you have sensitive skin, you are likely to experience irritation and redness, especially the first time. This is true with any hair removal method that removes hair from the follicle. But never fear, with sugaring you'll walk away with minimal of the above. Or you can always use a numbing cream like Zensa Lidocaine Topical 30 g (left) to help with any skin irritation.


What about waxing?

Waxing is applied with a stick so it's generally more messy because it tends to be very sticky and it drips and stretches. Also, the wax is HOT. The fact that the wax is hot may cause irritation and redness to the skin, depending on the individual. The hair is removed using a strip against the hair growth, which is another factor that may cause irritation. Pain tolerance and thresholds vary from person to person but just as with sugaring, if it's your first time, you are more likely to experience pain or discomfort, but as discussed, there are ways to deal with the pain after your treatment.


What are the results?

The results regarding the time it takes for the hair to grow back is generally the same, 3 to 6 weeks based on your lifestyle, results may vary but sugaring has a smoother finish than waxing because it's removed with the hair growth instead of against. Sugaring also works as an exfoliator. So it's like having a hair removal and exfoliating treatment in one. It's a win-win.


What about after my sugaring appointment? What if I have pain, irritation or redness?

Antibacterial cream that can be used on areas after sugaring, for scars, cuts, etc.

Fortunately, there are ways to relieve any irritation and redness associated with hair removal procedures by using an antiseptic, numbing cream. Our client's love finipil Lait 50. It's an antiseptic cream with over 100 uses including those who are susceptible to ingrown hair. This type of cream will give a cooling sensation that provides instant relief and kills bacteria at the same time. It is highly recommended by those in the industry that you grab a bottle on your next visit. Pick one up at the Spalon at your next appointment.


Does the hair grow back thinner with sugaring?

Yes, when done regularly, your hair will come back thinner and more sparse, comparable to laser hair removal results. As you sugar, you are pulling the hair out by the root/bulb and each time this is done in the natural direction of hair growth it will ultimately weaken the part of the follicle that supports new hair growth and so your hair comes back less and less and sometimes not at all, as with some of our long time clients.


So why has waxing been more popular than sugaring?

To be honest, anyone can wax and provide wax treatments. The majority of people out there waxing are not licensed or certified to work with the public. Anyone can buy wax and perform it on their friends, family, or the public.

 

Sugaring requires a higher respect. Why? Sugarists who are treating the public have gone through a schooling process and are certified to properly perform the sugaring technique and this is the way to go! We love that at our location every sugarist is trained, certified and coached to be their best otherwise, they wouldn't be a sugarist with us. It’s a beautiful thing.


So what is the general consensus with respect to sugaring vs waxing?

Most people who have tried both sugaring and waxing, generally prefer sugaring. Sugaring is safe for all skin sensitivities like eczema, psoriasis, keloids, skin tags just to name a few and for all hair types. In our opinion, sugaring is a better way to go! It's faster and cleaner with longer lasting, smoother results. It’s a natural exfoliant with no hot waxes, is generally less irritating and it's organic.


Is there an age limit?

The quick answer is no. If someone is under 16 years of age, a parent/guardian is present for their treatment. We have a client as young as 6 years of age who comes in with mom, to sugar the brow in order to avoid bullying at school. Mom made the right choice choosing sugaring hair removal. Our client is a regular and although it’s an emotional experience for mom, she feels better knowing it's the better choice vs waxing because it's natural.


Why would a person under 16 years of age need to get sugared?

Usually, there’s no need to, but if we're talking about the best way to go about hair removal in teens and younger, sugaring is the best choice. We meet young athletes who just need the hair gone in the mankini/bikini area. They want sugaring in order to avoid irritation and chafing around this sensitive spot. We have soccer players and swimmers under 16, coming in to get sugared so as to gain more confidence in their sport. No one wants to deal with razor burn at such a tender age and no one should have to. Sugaring is your best and healthiest choice so you feel and look your very best.


So are you ready? Breathe :) We're here for you!


Hope you found our article helpful. Learn more about our service here!

Looking to book your sugaring/hair removal appointment?




Visit us at www.snmspalon.com or check us out on Instagram or Facebook. Watch our videos on Youtube @snmspalon and remember to subscribe, like and hit that notification bell for more videos.


Are you new here? Be sure to use my exclusive promo code Jess24 up to 3 times and get 16% off 1x regular priced services or 15 extra mins Monday to Friday on a massage. Conditions apply. Excludes Lomi Lomi/RMT/combos/offers/products. Must booked online so enter the code. That's Jess24 in case you missed it!



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