How to Use Sugar Wax on Your Face
Published October 4, 2022
Most of us dream of having that smooth, picture-perfect skin we often see on the cover pages of magazines. But for some, excess facial hair can be the biggest roadblock to achieving that dream.
The problem with facial hairs, however, is they can be very thin and short. As a result, they can easily break when pulled leaving you with stubbles and ingrown hairs. That’s why traditional hair removal methods like tweezing and waxing don’t really work on them.
One method that works though is sugar waxing. It’s not only a great alternative to traditional waxing but is also effective in getting rid of fine facial hairs.
If you’re planning to use sugar wax on your face, make sure to read through this quick guide first.
What is Sugar Wax?
Sugar wax is an all-natural waxing solution that uses caramelized sugar to get rid of excess hair.
Despite its name, it doesn’t really contain any type of wax. Instead, the sugar is boiled in water and lemon extract until it achieves a sticky, syrup-like consistency. When applied to the skin, it sticks to your hair like that of a traditional wax. So when pulled out, the hair also comes with it.
Because it only uses sugar, water, and lemon, it’s not that damaging to your skin. It also doesn’t contain resins, oils, and chemical additives making it safe for pregnant women and those with sensitive skin.
Though it can be used in any part of the body, sugar wax is more typically used in the face. As the skin on your face tends to be more sensitive than the rest of your body, using an all-natural waxing solution helps you minimize or totally avoid any irritations.
How to Apply Sugar Wax on the Face
Just like traditional waxing, there are steps to applying sugar wax on your face. Even if it’s all-natural, it may still have some risks if not applied correctly.
With that, here are some steps on how to apply sugar wax on your face:
Preparing your skin
Before applying sugar wax on your face, make sure to:
- wash and clean the area to be sugared with natural soap to get rid of any lotions, oils, or sweat (sugar wax won’t stick to your hair if it’s covered in oil);
- refrain from taking acne medications or topical retinoid creams at least six days before sugaring;
- do the sugaring in a well-ventilated area to prevent yourself from sweating (remember, you’re using sugar and water melts sugar)
- dust a small amount of cornstarch or talc powder on the area getting waxed to make sure that it’s totally dry (you can skip this part if you don’t have any)
Applying the wax
Sugar wax can be applied to any part of your face. But it’s most effective if the hair is at least a quarter of an inch long. Here’s how to apply sugar wax on the face:
- Using a small spatula, scoop out a decent amount of sugar wax depending on the area you’re waxing.
- Spread the wax in the opposite direction of your hair growth. For instance, if your hair is growing downward, move the spatula in an upward motion. Make sure to cover every inch of hair you want to get rid of.
- Apply small strips of linen over the wax and wait for it to set.
- Once the wax hardens a bit, pull the skin taut and gently pull the strips in the direction your hair is growing.
- Remove any wax residue with your bare hands or if it’s too sticky, wipe it with warm water.
Aftercare
- Apply some antiseptic cream for one to two days after sugaring to prevent infections.
- You can also apply some tea tree or coconut oil to soothe the face.
- Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun or taking hot baths for a few days after sugaring as your skin can still be sensitive.
How to Make Your Own Sugar Wax
There are lots of pre-made sugar wax in the market right now. But if you want to make sure it doesn’t contain any harmful substance, you can always make your own. Here’s a basic DIY recipe you can follow.
What you’ll need:
- sugar
- lemon
- water
- pot
- stirrer
Procedure:
- Boil water in a pot.
- Add sugar.
- Squeeze some lemon.
- Stir until the sugar turns golden brown and reaches a “spreadable” consistency.
- Turn off heat and store wax in a dry container.
You can use any type of sugar but we recommend white sugar as it has finer granules and thus melts faster. It also produces a gorgeous golden brown color as compared to brown sugar.
Is It Safe to Use Sugar Wax on Your Face?
Yes, it’s perfectly safe to use sugar wax on your face. It’s all natural so there’s less risk of irritation and won’t likely to trigger any allergies.
Besides, sugar is a natural humectant. Meaning, it draws moisture from the environment into your skin leaving it soft and moisturized.
Sugar is also a great source of glycolic acid which is typically used in treating sun-damaged and aging skin. It also encourages cell turnover helping your skin to stay younger.
Wax vs. Sugar Wax for Facial Hair
Both traditional waxing and sugar waxing are great hair removal methods. But despite sharing a similar name, they couldn’t be any more different.
Some of the key differences between wax and sugar wax are:
- Sugar wax tend to be less painful as the paste is pulled in the direction of the hair growth.
- Traditional wax can be hard to DIY compared to sugar wax.
- Sugar wax leaves minimal bumps and irritation compared to traditional waxing.
- Traditional wax can be used on all hair types while sugar wax is recommended for sensitive hair.
FAQs:
1. How often should I sugar wax my face?
You should allow at least two to four weeks intervals between each round of sugaring.
2. Does sugaring eventually stop hair growth?
Sugaring pulls out hair from the roots. So every time you do sugar waxing, your hair follicles are destroyed. In time, this will eventually lead to reduced hair growth.
3. Does sugaring leave stubble?
Yes, sugaring can leave stubble, especially if not administered correctly. But since most facial hairs are already very fine as it is, they’re hardly noticeable.
4. How long does it take for hair to grow back after sugaring?
It depends on your hair cycle. But for most people, it takes about 4 to 6 weeks for their hair to start growing back after sugaring.
(Related: Is Dermaplaning Bad for Your Skin? What You Need To Know)
Lease Salon Space In Royal Palm Beach Florida
Fulfill your dreams and be your own boss when you lease salon space in Palm Beach Florida with us. Our beautiful salon spaces come with complimentary laundry and cleaning services and a flexible lease agreement you can afford. Our salon suites come with many amenities including free cleaning service, televisions, storage space, and more. Contact us now to book a tour or learn more.
Fact Checked By Experts
Our team of internal experts diligently fact-checked this content to ensure accuracy and reliability. Find detailed information about the rigorous editorial standards we uphold for our website.
About The Author
Judy Ponio is the lead writer for the Salon Suites of Palm Beach website and blog. Her many years of blogging experience and passions for beauty trends helps her create content that has helped millions of people worldwide.