Sugaring
Sugaring is a method of hair-removal founded by the ancient Egyptians. Sugaring involves the application of a paste made of sugar, lemon, and water to remove body hair. Results can last up to three to six weeks based on individual hair growth.
FAQ
Are there times of the year when Body Sugaring is the most difficult to perform?
Winter is actually the most difficult time for hair removal due to dry skin. In the summer, many make the mistake of going right out to sunbathe, or engage in sports-like activities that would cause sweating. Sweat and bacteria are the culprits that cause breakouts after sugaring.
Can you explain to our readers what Body Sugaring is?
It is a 98-degree paste that is molded on the skin with the hands. The paste then covers the unwanted hair down to the root. I am able to remove the hair and sugar by flicking it with my hands wearing latex gloves.
Touch-ups need to be done every 4-6 weeks. After Body Sugaring, you will notice that your hair grows back finer, softer and thinner. After 6 months, many find that the hair does not return at all. However, this varies from person to person.
How long have you been performing this treatment?
Since 1998. Zadi took additional training from Alexandria Body Sugaring in 2006. Sweethread has joined Tamara’s Sugar Team as an educator for the State of California.
What are the benefits of Body Sugaring?
It doesn’t burn your skin, and is less likely to irritate it, or cause breakouts. Hair is taken from the root, so there is rarely any breakage. The sugar is water soluble and easy to rinse off. The sugar only sticks to the hair and root itself. It will extract the hair and exfoliate the dead skin cells, helping to free ingrown hairs. It is also safe to perform treatment on dry itch eczema, dry psoriasis and varicose veins.
Why do you prefer Body Sugaring versus waxing?
Sugaring is 100% natural, and is resin and chemical free. It’s water-soluble and doesn’t harbor bacteria. The sugar doesn’t harden if left on the skin and makes the process very time efficient. You don’t need to grow your hair out very long to be able to be sugared.
Which parts of the body is it best used on?
The genital area is actually the best place, although it is painful the first time the treatment is done. Subsequent treatments are less painful over time and clients will find that the hair comes back feathery soft and eventually not at all. The lower back and butt are the second best areas, while the chest and back hair are the most resistant due to the thickness and coarseness of the hair. It also varies from person to person and is based on different ethnic backgrounds. I gear my treatments to be completely customized to the person.
Is there a process involved in preparing the skin for Body Sugaring or aftercare?
One week prior to having Body Sugaring perform a complete head to toe body exfoliation, and moisturize at home. Moisturizing should be done morning and night for one week and exfoliating twice during a one-week span of time.
Who would not be a good candidate for Body Sugaring?
Anyone with skin tags, warts, sun damaged or fragile skin, and those being treated with medications that affect the skin’s immunity such as Accutane. People who are not willing to take care of their skin and do what is necessary between treatments would also not make good candidates for Body Sugaring.
Do you ever have clients who come to you misinformed about Body Sugaring?
Yes, many people think that sugaring will melt the hair away like Nair does. Many do not understand the pain or process involved. Many times they also do not understand how labor intensive it is. There are so many variables involved in understanding how long the treatment will take, because it is done on an individual basis.
Are there times of the year when Body Sugaring is the most difficult to perform?
Winter is actually the most difficult time for hair removal due to dry skin. In the summer, many make the mistake of going right out to sunbathe, or engage in sports-like activities that would cause sweating. Sweat and bacteria are the culprits that cause breakouts after sugaring.
What is the difference between sugar waxing and sugaring?
Unlike sugar waxing and waxing, the sugaring is applied in the opposite direction of the hair growth, and then is peeled off quickly, in the SAME direction as the hair growth. Sugar waxing (cold wax) or waxing is applied in the same direction of the hair growth and removed in the OPPOSITE direction of hair growth. Sugaring works in the direction of hair growth, which makes the discomfort much less and results in less breaking of the hair and ingrown.
For sensitive skin sugaring may result in minor bums, rashes, etc. More specifically, sugaring/threading can result in temporary enlargement of the hair follicles that can allow bacteria, normally residing on the skin, to enter the follicles and cause superficial or deep skin infections. If an infection is noted, it should be evaluated and treated by a dermatologist as soon as possible.
Daily exfoliation of the area is recommended after the first 24-48 hours, to help prevent ingrown hairs.
During the first 24-48 hours refrain from using skin care products, like cleansers and moisturizers, which contain acids (i.e. alpha-hydroxy, glycolic, salicylic, etc.) Although these acidic ingredients help remove the dead outer layers of skin, they may cause an adverse reaction after hair removal, depending on the sensitivity of your skin.
Medical experts recommend abstaining from sexual activity for the first 48 hours after any type of bikini wax. This time period is when your body is most susceptible to outside bacteria which can potentially cause an infection. Use a cold compress to help soothe the hairless skin if you feel any discomfort or irritation after your treatment.
Hydrocortisone cream may be used after any hair removal treatments to help reduce irritation and inflammation, as long as you have no medical reasons prohibiting its use. You may also reapply the cream at home that evening if you feel any further irritation. Hydrocortisone cream can be found at your local drug store.
