Sugaring is an ancient temporary hair removal technique that originated in the Middle East. It utilized natural food derived ingredients like sugar, water, and lemon juice to remove hair. The technique is similar to waxing leading to the term sugar waxing though this is a misnomer in the strict sense. Sugar waxing uses natural ingredients only irrespective of the recipe used. Hair is uprooted from the root hence guaranteeing up to six weeks of hair free living.
There are two types of sugaring techniques;
1. The paste.
2. The gel.
The paste technique is the traditional method of sugaring. A thick mixture of the paste is warmed then applied in the opposite direction of the hair growth first. The next layer is applied in the direction of hair growth. Application in the paste technique is done by hand. The mixture is then flicked off in the direction of the hair growth.
The gel technique bears resemblance to waxing. The gel is applied in one direction and removed in the other.
Sugaring is a fast technique. An experienced hand can quickly sugar and remove large amounts of hair in a short time. This is especially so because large areas can be pasted at once and then the dried paste removed progressively in small portions. Since all the ingredients are food based, it is easy to clean of any residue left on the body with water. The technique is far less messy that waxing; both the paste and the gel are soluble in water. Also, any areas where the hair didn’t come off can be re-pasted again as sugaring is gentle to the skin.
This is one key advantage of using natural ingredients; chances of irritation are limited to skin allergies. The chances of developing a spontaneous allergy are remote. This technique is also less painful than waxing because the sugar sticks less to the skin. With repeated use, damage will occur to the hair follicle and there will be less hair to remove each time. What was meant to be a temporary measure begins to take on a semblance of permanence.
Unfortunately, this technique is not in common practice, getting a proven and experienced hand in not easy, especially for the pasting technique. This attribute also means that sugaring will attract a premium price. While this technique is do- able at home as is commonly advertised, getting the measurements to produce the desired consistency is a tricky affair. A good salon is advised and high hygiene standards must be adhered to at all time otherwise to guard against redness and damage to the skin.
All said and done, sugaring is one of the better temporary hair removal techniques available in the market.
