Deciding whether or not you want to remove body hair is completely your choice. With so many hair removal options out there – shaving, waxing, laser, hair removal creams, etc –  you should stick to the one you feel the most comfortable with. For some, it’s waxing.

If you’re reading this, I’m sure you can relate to that feeling of anxiety when you know your waxing lady is scheduled to come over.

The pain of waxing can sometimes feel like your world’s about to end.

Being someone with a pretty low pain tolerance I’ve tried everything – painkillers, exfoliating, numbing creams, yoga, and distractions but NOTHING seemed the make the pain tolerable. I would end each session swearing I’d never do it again. Yet there I was the next month…thinking hmm maybe I’ve built up the endurance.

NOPE.

My problem wasn’t only with the pain. Since my skin is super sensitive, waxing would always result in swelling and redness. It’s also very difficult to find a hygienic waxing lady – one that doesn’t double dip, wears gloves, has a good technique, and uses a good quality wax.

After searching for a less painful and more hygienic approach I came across sugaring.

Sugaring is a natural hair removal technique used for centuries throughout African and Middle Eastern countries. Sugaring uses a mixture of sugar, lemon, and water to pull hair out directly from the root. However, you don’t have to heat the mixture, use any form of a strip, and the best part there is no double dipping. When the sugar is torn off, it removes the hair in its natural direction, so the results are long-lasting and it doesn’t cause ingrown hairs.

How does one do ~sugaring~?

Sugaring? I was just as confused as you are. After watching countless videos and reading articles I decided to try it out, why not right? My first attempt was a sticky hot mess. My second attempt just wasn’t right either. The third time was a charm and here is how you can do sugaring at home.

Remember ladies, it takes practice, so don’t worry if your sugar mixture doesn’t turn out right the first few times. Don’t give up because it’s totally worth it.

Here is what you’ll need:

• 1 cup of sugar
• 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon of water
• a saucepan
• a bowl of cold water
• a glass bowl/plate

Method:

In a saucepan, add in the sugar, lemon juice, and tablespoon of water. On medium-low heat cook the mixture until bubbles start to form. Using a whisk, keeping mixing to make sure the sugar is properly dissolved. Once the mixture turns from a very pale yellow to a darker yellow, you must watch it VERY closely. If the mixture gets too dark it will be too hard to use. You want the consistency of honey and a light golden color.

When the color looks similar to the honey color in the picture above, turn off the heat. The residual heat will keep cooking it and it will turn darker.

Be very careful as the mixture is very hot and can burn you very easily. Let the mixture cool off in the pan for 2-3 minutes. Now put your heat-safe glass bowl/plate in the microwave and heat the dish to avoid shattering. Very carefully pour the mixture onto the plate.

Using a spoon or knife, keep moving the sugar into the middle of the bowl, making it cool off in one big chunk. Once the sugar mixture is cool enough to touch, dip your hands into a bowl of cold water and take the ball of sugar in your hands.

Keeping kneading and stretching out the mixture until it turns an opaque golden color.

Now you’re ready to wax!

Make sure you do the waxing in a cold room with an air conditioner or your wax will start melting. Make sure your skin is clean and dry. Use a powder if necessary. Keep in mind that the hair should be at least 1/4 of an inch in order for sugaring to work.

Cover the area with a little amount of powder, take a small piece of the sugar paste and spread it against the direction of hair growth. Pull off the paste in the same direction the hair is growing. This will help minimize pain and reduce ingrown hairs. Continue the technique until all the hair is off.

Use one piece of the paste until it changes color and turns white. Then, throw it away and grab another fresh piece of the paste. When you’re done, wipe your skin with a wet washcloth and you’re done.

Keep in mind that your skin is being pulled from the root, and although I find this method less painful than waxing, you’re still going to feel some pain. If you struggle with ingrown hairs or rashes, you should definitely try out sugaring.

Have you tried sugaring before? If not try it out and let us know how it went in the comments below.

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cover image source: Veet India/Youtube