Bare with care, hair removal with history.
Sugar waxing is a natural form of hair removal that originated in North Africa, and dates back thousands of years, as early as 1900 BC. Made of only sugar, lemon, and water; this all natural paste was used and honored for its ability to thoroughly remove unwanted hair while simultaneously nourishing the skin.
Today - sugaring continues to be a trusted, time honored alternative to wax. Celebrated not only for its natural origins; but also for its effective, long lasting results.
The Paste
Sugar paste is made up of just sugar, lemon, and water. It is boiled at different temperatures to create specific consistencies of paste, for use on different areas of the body.
Unlike wax, sugar paste is truly hypoallergenic, and a great alternative to those with sensitive skin. Not only is the paste used at low temperatures to reduce risks of burning, it can only adhere to dead skin cells [vs wax which can adhere to live skin cells], making it gentle enough to use more than once over the same area. This results in a more thorough service, gentle yet effective exfoliation, and longer lasting results.
Because the paste is water based, any left over sugar on the body can be wiped away with water. No sticky residue, no harsh chemicals, no pore clogging oils.
The Method
Sugar paste is applied against the direction of hair growth, and pulled off in the direction of growth.
This ensures each hair is coated with the paste before being removed, leaving a much more thorough result and less ingrown hairs compared to waxing. This method also results in less breakage of the hair, meaning more hair is removed from the root, weakening the follicle over time leading to slower, finer, and sparser regrowth.
The Technique
Sugaring can be preformed with either strips or simply by using the paste in gloved hands, which is the traditional technique. Each practitioner has their own style and preference. At Sugar Bare, you can expect for strips to be used first, followed by the hands on technique to refine your results. If you have a preferred method (i.e. only strips or only hands on) that can happily be accommodated.
A Comparative Breakdown
WAX vs SUGAR
Wax: contains resins, chemicals, preservatives, dyes, and fragrances
Sugar: contains sugar lemon and water
Wax: applied hot, which can risk burns or irritation
Sugar: applied at low or room temperature, leading to less redness or irritation
Wax: applied with hair growth, removed against it; making hairs prone to breakage
Sugar: applied against direction of hair growth, removed with it; less breakage and less regrowth over time
Wax: leaves sticky residue, requires oil based/ chemical removers
Sugar: water soluble, washes off easily with warm water
Wax: can adhere to live skin cells, causing trauma to the skin
Sugar: cannot adhere to live skin cells, provides gentle exfoliation
Wax: non eco- friendly, not recyclable, not biodegradable
Sugar: eco friendly, sugar and cotton strips are biodegradable