Sugaring Aftercare

Sugaring is a healthy hair removal method that will keep your skin smooth and hairless with minimal pain. In this article, I’ll explain and illustrate what sugaring is, how it works, and the best sugaring aftercare process to follow. 

As a cosmetologist for over five years, I love sugaring above all other types of waxing. Why?

Because sugaring has a lot going for it. It’s a gentler option for sensitive skin, it’s made from simple chemical-free ingredients, it’s an effective way to slow down hair regrowth, and it’s more eco-friendly than any other waxing procedure.

Here’s everything you need to know about sugaring and how it can fit into your skin care regimen.

What is sugaring?

Sugaring is a method of hair removal in which your sugaring practitioner uses a ball of sugar paste to remove hair and dead cells from your skin. They spread the soft ball of sugar across the skin and using a smooth motion flick it off in the direction of hair growth.This pulls hair out from the root resulting in less breakage and ingrown hairs.

Sugaring also has an eco-conscious and sensitive skin-friendly advantage. There’s no hot wax, and the practitioner only dips into the sugar paste pot once reducing waste and upping hygiene standards.

Sugaring aftercare do’s and don’t

Follow these simple sugaring aftercare instructions to get the most out of your treatment.

24 hours after sugaring

  • Avoid exfoliating the sugared area for at least 48 hours, even if exfoliation is part of your normal routine.
  • Avoid excessive sweating since your pores, and therefore hair follicles, may become clogged.
  • Avoid any kind of friction to the area. Yes, this includes sex! Especially if you just had your bikini area sugared.
  • Avoid touching the area. Don’t pluck, tweeze or shave your freshly sugared skin.

48 hours after sugaring

  • Exfoliate as needed but with care. Your skin may still be more sensitive than normal.
  • Protect yourself from the sun using a high quality sunblock.
  • Avoid lotions and moisturizers that include harsh chemicals or fragrances.
  • Avoid tanning. The UV light from tanning beds can harm your freshly exfoliated skin.
  • Avoid swimming. Even chlorinated pools and hot tubs can carry bacteria.

Once your skin has returned to normal, you can resume your normal skincare routine.

Between sugaring treatments

A few pro tips to follow between sugaring treatments.

Hydrate

Staying hydrated is key to keeping your skin healthy and moisturized from the inside out. Hydrated skin also makes it easier for your hair to grow back in without becoming ingrown. Beyond drinking plenty of water use high quality body lotions to lock in moisture.

Sugar on the regular

Regular sugaring prevents ingrown hairs, slows hair growth, and breaks down follicles. Over time, you’ll notice you have more hair-free weeks in between sessions.

Exfoliation

Exfoliate once or twice a week to prevent ingrown hairs, clogged pores, and remove dead skin cells.

Sugaring vs waxing

Sugaring vs waxing

Sugaring is a safer, more natural alternative to ordinary waxing.

Ingredients

Sugaring paste is typically crafted from three simple ingredients: granulated sugar, lemon juice, and water. Traditional body wax formulas often contain harmful ingredients like parabens and questionable chemicals.

Application process

Another main difference between sugaring and waxing is how it is applied. The paste is smeared onto the targeted area with gloved hands. Once it’s thoroughly covering the hair roots it is flicked off in the direction of growth. The malleable nature of sugaring paste has the advantage of not disturbing or irritating the surface of your skin.

Does sugaring remove hair permanently?

No, sugaring does not remove hair permanently. But regularly sugaring will reduce the thickness of hair follicles over time. The rate of hair growth depends on the individual. As a rule you can get a sugaring treatment every 4 to 10 weeks.

How to minimize discomfort with sugaring

Sugaring is known for being one of the most painless types of hair removals. But, as with any waxing procedure, you may experience some discomfort. Luckily there are several things you can do to prepare for an enjoyable sugaring experience.

Avoid sugaring close to your period

If you’re a woman, keep in mind when you had your last period. This is because increased hormones from your monthly cycle can make you more sensitive to any hair removal treatment.

Five days after your period, when your hormones are at their lowest, will reduce the risks of stinging side effects after sugaring.

Exfoliate 2 days before

Two days before your first sugaring appointment, lightly exfoliate the area in question . This removes dead skin cells and brings ingrown hair to the surface of your skin so they can easily be removed.

Take Ibuprofen

If you experience discomfort, consider taking some Ibuprofen after the appointment to reduce inflammation and soreness.

While sugaring causes a temporary redness that will fade in a few hours, painful irritation is not a common side effect. Sugaring is all-natural and especially good for delicate skin.

Is sugar wax the same as sugaring?

No, sugar waxing is not the same as sugaring. Also known as “strip sugaring” sugar waxing replaces regular wax with sugar paste that is heated just like wax.

Strip sugaring requires pots of this hot wax with wooden sticks and strips of cloth or fabric. These strips are placed in the opposite direction of the hair growth and quickly yanked off by the esthetician or cosmologist.

Even though strip sugaring is a better alternative to regular waxing, nothing compares to genuine sugaring!

Compared to other hair removal methods the sugaring technique generates less waste, doesn’t use hot wax, reduces the risk of ingrown hairs and significantly slows hair growth.

Sugaring Tips

For delicate or sensitive skin, consider sugaring instead of waxing. Benefits include:

  • Sugaring is less painful than waxing
  • Sugaring is more eco-friendly and sustainable
  • Hair removal lasts longer

For best results, make sure your hair is at least a quarter-inch long. Any shorter, and the sugar paste won’t be able to remove the hair.

Most sugaring salons will ask if you’ve waxed or sugared in the recent month, or whether or not you’ve shaved in the last 14 days.

The rest of the preparation is straightforward: simply show up for your sugaring appointment with clean, dry skin free of any oils or lotions.

Is sugar wax safe?

Yes, sugaring is a safe way to remove unwanted hair.

What is Brazilian sugaring?

Brazilian sugaring is an alternative to the traditional bikini wax. As with any hair removal treatment, Brazilian sugaring is focused on removing hair from around the bikini line including the top of the bikini area and the sides.

Key takeaways on sugaring aftercare

There you have it, skincare lovers! Sugaring is a fantastic alternative to traditional waxing, especially if you’re looking for a safe, all-natural hair removal solution.

This simple, straightforward treatment is a solution for hair-haters with sensitive skin and an eco-friendly choice for the environmentally conscious.

Consider trying out this procedure and see how it fits into your skin care routine. You won’t regret it!