Sugaring at home - how to do it right

Sugaring is an effective cosmetic technique that eliminates excess hair on the body. This procedure is primarily for women, but is also in demand among men. The sugaring method is based on the use of sweet paste of different consistencies. Sugaring is considered a gentle procedure, as it is not inclined to cause negative reactions. The sugar depilation process is quite simple and is widely used in salons and at home.

History of origin

They knew about sugaring back in Ancient Egypt. According to the generally accepted version, this is where this effective procedure for cleansing the skin of hairs appeared. Ancient manuscripts contain information that Queen Cleopatra regularly manipulated sweet mixtures, and her court healer was the first to come up with the composition for sugaring.

The basis of the ancient Egyptian depilatory mass was honey. It also contained a variety of herbal additives that nourish and moisturize the skin. The procedure was performed after taking a bath and relaxing massage. The honey substance was applied to the entire body and then carefully removed along with excess hair shafts.

Afterwards, the method became widespread in Arab countries. It was actively used by residents of Persia and Tunisia. Back then, hair on a woman’s body was very bad manners and was considered acceptable only for people of low class. The rest sought to get rid of natural hair. It was in Persia that sugar instead of honey was first included in sugaring mixtures.

The modern version of sugaring appeared in the 80s. last century. For the first time, an improved hair removal method based on treating the skin with a sweet paste was used in the UK. Here it began to be called sugaring (from the English word “sugar”, which translated means “sugar, sweetness”). Very quickly, such depilation gained popularity in the United States and gradually spread throughout the world.

Why is it worth trying sugaring?

Most people prefer to remove body hair using a regular razor: it is fast, cheap, does not require special conditions or skills, and, most importantly, is completely painless. A razor is a tool available to a person of almost any age. However, there are other ways to get rid of unwanted hair, such as depilation with thread, wax, sugar paste, laser and electrolysis. What is the difference between the terms “depilation” and “epilation”? Depilation, unlike epilation, involves removing hair without affecting the follicle, that is, it is impossible to depilate hair forever. Some people only hear these words, while others are active consumers of these beauty salon services.

Efficiency and advantages of the method

Sugaring sessions can make your skin perfectly smooth. Sugar paste applied to the body not only removes hairs from the roots, but also cares for the integument, giving it a healthy, attractive appearance.

The procedure is permitted from the age of 16. Its advantages are:

• long-lasting effect that lasts for 3-4 weeks;
• the ability to remove hair in any area, including the deep bikini area;
• excellent tolerability, no trauma or damage to the epidermis;
• speed: a standard depilation session lasts just over half an hour and at the same time provides a lasting result;
• gentle effect, allowing the method to be used on sensitive skin;
• all-season, carrying out procedures both in the cold season and in the summer;
• a small list of contraindications, minimal risk of side effects.

Sugaring experts advise doing it once every 3 weeks. During the procedure, special techniques are used to prevent hair breakage and ingrowth. Regular sugar depilation provides a cumulative effect and promotes gradual thinning and lightening of the hair shafts.

The cost of the service is affordable for most women. Prices for sugaring in salons range from 500–900 rubles, determined by the processing area, the prestige of the establishment and other factors. A more affordable analogue is home depilation, based on the use of self-prepared paste.

How often to do sugaring

Contraindications for caramel depilation are inflammation or irritation of the skin, the presence of skin diseases, papillomas, hematomas, injuries, wounds, ulcers, and burns in the treatment area. Do not forget that this is a rather painful procedure, so it is not performed during pregnancy for those suffering from epilepsy. It is not suitable for those who are allergic to the ingredients of the product.

The procedure is most painful the first time. Epilation of the bikini area and armpits is especially difficult for beginners. A repeat procedure can be performed only 3 weeks after the previous one. During this time, in a healthy person, the hairs grow to the desired length, and the skin has time to recover.

Further body care comes down to preventing ingrown hairs, for which scrubs and peels are used, and slowing down their growth, for which special creams and body lotions are used. Proper care allows you to postpone the repeat procedure for 4 weeks from the moment hair removal was carried out.

Sugaring techniques

There are three main ways to perform sugar depilation. The following are the main features that these sugaring techniques have.

The best choice for hair removal at home is manual and bandage techniques. These types of sugaring are characterized by extreme simplicity, are easily mastered by beginners and do not necessarily require visiting a salon.

Sugar hair removal techniques

Sugaring can be done in different ways. The density of the paste depends on the choice of technique. The main sugaring techniques: manual (classical), bandage and application method. How it is done depends on the air temperature in the room, the temperature of the master’s hands, and the area of ​​depilation.

Regardless of the choice of technique, before the procedure the skin must be prepared: cleaned, wiped with a disinfectant (for example, Chlorhexidine solution). Before starting the process, the skin must dry, after which it is powdered with talcum powder or baby powder. After this you can apply caramel.

The video below provides a brief comparison of the techniques:

Bandage technique

The bandage technique is used to remove large amounts of long hair. It is suitable for eliminating unwanted hair on any part of the body, but it is best to train on the lower leg - it is most convenient to apply the mass here. In addition, when the bandage is abruptly torn off, the pain is less intense.

Paper, polymer or textile (linen or cotton) strips are used as a bandage.

For this hair removal technique, you need the softest caramel; before applying it, you need to warm it up to +35...+38ºС in a water bath or in a microwave oven. The modern spatula that comes with this paste has a temperature indicator to prevent overheating. The paste of the desired consistency should be applied like liquid honey, but not spread.

When using the bandage technique, the mass is applied in a thin layer using a spatula against hair growth, and a bandage is placed on top so that one end remains free. Smooth it with your hand for better adhesion and, pulling the skin in the opposite direction, sharply tear it off along the direction of hair growth. To reduce pain, the hand should move parallel to the skin.

Manual technique

There are two types of manual technique: the classic version and the application method. In this case, no additional devices are needed, only the hands of a master.

The application method is used at high room temperatures, when medium-hard paste melts, or when there is increased sweating. In this case, use the hardest and densest mass. The piece is kneaded and applied to the skin, left for 2 minutes, and then sharply torn off in the direction of hair growth.

For classic manual sugaring, choose a paste of medium hardness. This way you can remove hair on your arms and legs. If you have a number of skills, the method can be used for depilation of the armpits and bikini area. The mass is heated before use. The finished paste becomes matte golden with a pearlescent tint. It should be soft and flexible, stick well to the body.

Apply the finished caramel slowly and smoothly with your fingertips in a wide stripe against hair growth. With your free hand, stretch the skin and sharply tear it off in the opposite direction. The paste should be torn off in short stitches, moving down a little each time.

After the procedure, the skin is wiped again with a disinfectant. To prevent ingrown hairs, mechanical peeling is performed the next day after the procedure.

Varieties of sweet pastes

Sugar hair removal can be carried out using ready-made or self-created mixtures. The first type of sugar paste can be purchased in specialty stores or beauty establishments. Homemade compositions are prepared according to a specific recipe and often become a worthy alternative to professional products for removing vegetation.

Ready-made products

Such preparations are always more expensive than self-brewed mixtures. Their average cost starts from 700 rubles.

The efficiency of the finished product is quite high. The most popular pastes for sugar depilation include:

• Arabia;
• Сanaan;
• Gerbere;
• Diva;
• Gloria;
• Alexandria

The options listed are kits that are great for beginners. They often come with everything necessary for sugaring - hand protection products, spatulas, talc, bandage strips, antiseptics, products for subsequent care of the epidermis. If you plan to do without the help of a specialist and carry out depilation at home, you will need to purchase the listed attributes yourself.

The finished sugar mixture is in a cartridge and has a frozen appearance. To give the sweet mass a working condition, it is heated in a microwave or in a device called a wax melter.

Homemade pastas

To save money, many women prefer to prepare their own sugaring paste. If you take this process seriously and observe all proportions, the difference between homemade and purchased ingredients will become almost invisible.

To make a mixture for hair removal, you only need the usual ingredients available in every housewife’s home:

• Sahara;
• lemon juice;
• purified water.

Some recipes use natural honey instead of sugar. Juice can be replaced with citric acid. Sometimes apple cider vinegar is included in the paste (this is required if you are intolerant to citrus fruits). Prepare the sugaring product over low heat. The resulting product cannot be stored. It must be used in one session.

An important advantage of homemade hair removal formulations is their natural origin. Such products do not contain synthetic dyes or fragrances that can cause unpleasant allergic reactions.

If you plan to remove hair shafts on the legs, arms or above the upper lip, you should use a semi-liquid composition. The soft mass is applied to all areas of the body except the bikini. For cleansing the skin in the intimate area, in the armpits, a mixture of medium density is suitable. If the hair on the body is thick and tough, it is necessary to apply a paste with maximum consistency.

Where to get sugar mass for the procedure

The easiest way to buy the sugaring mixture is in ready-made form: in jars, vacuum packaging or cartridges. For the bandage method, ready-made sugaring kits are sold, which include paste, spatula and bandage tapes. You can buy ready-made soft paste in a cartridge with an applicator.

You can prepare the sugaring mixture yourself. Simple and affordable recipes for sugaring paste are suitable even for beginners.

It is necessary to cook caramel from refined sugar, lemon juice and water. Juice will be replaced by citric acid. For example, 10 tbsp. l. Pour refined sugar into the pan, add 5 tbsp. l. lemon juice and 1 tbsp. l. water. The mixture is cooked until thickened, stirring constantly. When the mixture becomes caramel-golden, drop a little of the mixture into cold water. If it hardens in the form of a drop, it is removed from the heat. The finished paste should have a light amber hue and density like toffee candies.

If citric acid is used instead of juice, recipes for making sugaring paste differ slightly in the proportions of ingredients: 6 tsp. refined sugar, 2 tsp. water and 2 tsp. citric acid.

Rules

The sugaring procedure includes several mandatory steps. The first of these will be proper preparation. It is required to make depilation more comfortable and reduce the risk of subsequent ingrown hairs or other unpleasant phenomena. After hair removal, special skin care is provided.

Preparation

To successfully complete the procedure, a certain length of hair is needed - within 4–6 mm. A few hours before sugaring, you need to steam the skin by taking a bath or making a hot compress. After this, the epidermis is scrubbed and degreased with an alcohol-containing product. Such actions are very important because they improve the adhesion of the sugar paste to the hairs and make depilation easier.

Before using sugar paste, the desired area of ​​the body should be treated with talcum powder. If it is unavailable, you can use regular baby powder. This will help avoid the development of unwanted skin reactions to upcoming manipulations.

Depilation

Sugar paste should have a temperature no higher than room temperature. If the sweet mixture has not been applied before and is being used for the first time, it is recommended to test it on a small area of ​​skin. Complete depilation is carried out in the absence of discomfort.

The main stages of the procedure are described step by step below.

1. If manual technique is used, the paste is first kneaded in the hands, then fixed on the body against the direction of hair growth. After a few seconds, make a sharp movement in the opposite direction, tearing off the caramel along with the existing rods.
2. When performing bandage depilation, the sugar mass is distributed over the skin with a spatula. A bandage strip with a free edge is glued on top. It is held on to when the cosmetic product is removed.

The described manipulations are carried out with gloves. Hair removal can be performed up to 4 times on one area. Finally, the remaining caramel substance is removed with clean water. The entire process takes about 30–40 minutes.

If you have increased sensitivity to pain, it is recommended to use Emla anesthetic cream. It is applied to the skin an hour before the cosmetic procedure. Additionally, you can take analgin tablet.

Caring for skin after sugaring

After depilation, it is important to follow the rules for caring for treated surfaces, which react to it with natural irritation. Experts give the following recommendations:

• during the first 3 days it is necessary to avoid exposure to sunlight, refrain from visiting swimming pools, saunas, and fitness centers;
• you should use products with antiseptic properties aimed at preventing infectious and inflammatory processes and at the same time caring for the skin (alcohol-containing lotions);
• you need to soften and moisturize the irritated epidermis with special cosmetic products (cream with a restorative effect, natural coconut oil).

Care after sugaring requires scrubbing with mild cleansing products. This procedure is necessary to prevent ingrown hair shafts and avoid possible complications. The use of scrubs becomes relevant 2 days after depilation. Scrubbing is carried out twice during the week.

Sugaring of hands and feet

It is recommended to practice sugaring on such parts of the body as legs and arms. These are the optimal zones where 100% success is possible. It is easier not only to remove hair on your legs and arms, but also to practice the sugaring procedure.

Roll out a heated ball of caramel onto the leg or arm area. After the paste is securely glued to the skin, you need to wait 1-2 minutes. This time is allotted to allow the sugar paste to coat the hairs. During this process, a woman may feel some feeling of skin retraction. After this, you should sharply remove the paste, tearing off the stuck hairs along with the roots.

Next, you should again heat the sugar paste in your hands, and then apply it to a new area of ​​the skin. If the hairs were not completely removed the previous time, you can repeat the procedure, but after 5 minutes. The caramel should be changed only when the paste becomes dirty and contains a lot of hairs.

After the hairs on the legs or arms are removed, you will need to wash these parts of the body under warm or hot water. It is also necessary to additionally moisturize the skin using special creams. You should not expect any irritation after sugaring (except for redness of the skin), so the skin immediately becomes smooth and soft. Having mastered the manipulations of sugaring on the legs and arms, you can move on to sensitive areas.

Restrictions on depilation

The main contraindication to hair removal with sweet mass is individual intolerance to its components (primarily sugar or honey). The procedure cannot yet be performed for the following problems:

• skin pathologies;
• oncology;
• diabetes mellitus;
• acute infectious diseases;
• feverish condition;
• injuries, unhealed wounds in the area with hair.

Some specialists do not recommend performing sugaring while expecting a baby. However, pregnancy is not a direct contraindication to hair removal. It can be done only if the expectant mother does not suffer from hypersensitivity to the procedure.

Contraindications

Hair removal with sugar can be done by almost anyone. However, there are a number of prohibitions, among which are the presence of:

• hypertension;
• ischemia;
• varicose veins exactly in the area where treatment is planned;
• inflammation, ulcers, scarring, ulcers;
• pathology in which blood vessels are located as close as possible to the surface of the skin;
• pregnancy period;
• tan that has recently covered the skin.

As already noted, pregnancy is not a complete limitation. From the description of the sugaring procedure, it can be understood that the ban applies to:

• bikini area;
• those who have individual intolerance;
• areas where neoplasms in the form of moles and warts are located.

In addition, it is not advisable to visit a specialist if:

• increased tone of the uterus;
• period of toxicosis;
• likelihood of premature birth;
• previous miscarriages;
• exacerbation of chronic diseases;
• problems with the endocrine system.

Depilation is also prohibited if genital herpes is detected. If there is at least one of the points described above, then the paste is prohibited.

What side effects may occur

Sugaring, performed in accordance with all the rules, does not lead to negative reactions. If a hair removal session using sugar paste was carried out incorrectly, there is always the possibility of problems arising:

• severe redness;
• irritation;
• inflammation;
• rashes;
• formation of pimples with pus;
• ingrown hairs;
• hematomas, bruises

If anything from this list occurs after the procedure, you should contact a cosmetologist. In agreement with him, topical medications or folk remedies that relieve negative symptoms can be used.

Armpit area

Sugaring can be used to remove hair from the armpit area. Despite the fact that this area is sensitive and delicate, the process is almost pleasant if sugaring is used correctly. The removal procedure is almost identical to the bikini area.

The paste should be rolled downwards as the hairs grow upwards. After rolling out the paste layer, after 5-10 seconds it is necessary to sharply remove it in an upward direction. Since the armpit area is delicate and sensitive, pain cannot be ruled out when removing hair. But pain appears in the first few days, after which the hairs weaken and are removed without feeling pain.

When the procedure cannot be performed

Sugaring is a virtually painless, effective method, but it is not suitable for everyone. You should avoid the hair removal procedure if:

• diabetes mellitus;
• allergies to paste ingredients;
• the presence of skin diseases and in the process of their treatment;
• menses;
• epilepsy;
• pregnancy;
• varicose veins;
• the presence of any neoplasms;
• alcohol consumption (on the day of sugaring);
• after chemical peeling;
• after a sunburn;
• within 24 hours after visiting the solarium;
• within 12 months after laser skin resurfacing.

You should not go to the beach immediately after sugaring

You should refrain from sugar hair removal before going to the beach or visiting the pool. After the procedure, 2-3 days should pass. If you immediately find yourself under the scorching sun, or swim in sea salt water or chlorinated water (in a swimming pool), your skin may become red and itchy. It is not advisable to use deodorant within 12 hours after the procedure.

Sugaring should not be done on young children whose hairs are still thin, soft, and light. Children's skin is very delicate and can be easily injured. Once the hairs become long, dark and thick (usually during adolescence), sugaring can be used.