Sugaring

When we think of hair removal, we tend to think of quick, cheap and easy shaving (with it’s annoyingly quick regrowth), waxing (more expensive but hair remains at bay for a couple of weeks) or laser hair removal (can be a bit painful and requires commitment to regular sessions but the results are permanent).

But there is another option, and no, its not hair removal creams. It’s sugaring!

Sugaring is similar to waxing in that it removes hair at the root, but unlike waxing it doesn’t pull at the skin. We all have our favoured hair removal methods, but here’s our lowdown on sugaring. Give it a try if you haven’t already, it could soon become your go-to!

Sugaring - What you need to know

When you book in for a sugaring treatment with BookWell, your experienced therapist will use a thick, warm mixture of sugar, water and lemon juice to remove hair from your chosen area. This thick, caramelised paste only sticks to the hairs, and not the skin, so when it’s removed, it only takes the hairs with it and doesn’t tug at the skin. It should feel comfortably warm when applied, not hot.

Essentially, it’ll feel very similar to a waxing session. Your therapist will apply the sugary mixture to the area, using a single use wooden or plastic applicator. They’ll then press a clean cloth, usually muslin, over the top then quickly tear it off in the opposite direction to hair growth. Some therapists might apply the sugar mix, allow it to dry slightly, then roll upwards (particularly if you’re having hair removed from your legs) removing the hair as it goes.

Any excess can easily be removed with warm water and soap. No sticky bits of wax for your clothes to cling to! As with waxing you might feel a bit tender and red for a short while afterwards. Hair isn’t removed at the root without some level of discomfort but the results should last two to three weeks - well worth it!

Sugaring is an ancient hair removal treatment, that’s thought to have been used for centuries in Greece, Northern Africa and the Middle East. It’s a natural alternative to shaving and waxing and with the added lemon juice has a gorgeous citrusy, sweet aroma.

It’s all-natural ingredients make it ideal for those of us who might be sensitive to waxing and at-home shaving. As it only sticks to hairs, it’s ideal for light, fuzzy hair as well as longer, tougher hairs (keep in mind that for sugaring to be most effective, hair needs to be at least a quarter of an inch long). It’s suitable for all areas of the body, and is especially suited to more sensitive areas such as the bikini line and areas of the face.

As with waxing, it’s recommended that you exfoliate regularly between sugaring sessions. At least exfoliate the day before a session, as this will help prevent ingrown hairs. Avoid exfoliating or sunbathing for 48 hours after a sugaring treatment to keep the skin in perfect condition.

Like most hair removal (aside from shaving) sugaring is best performed by the experts. They’ll guarantee soft, bump free and hair free skin for weeks. If you’re a sugaring convert or you’re yet to try it, book in with one of our salons today and leave with the smoothest skin in town!