Buzz
Explore our DIY sugar wax recipe to try sugaring at home
Whether you're intrigued by the TikTok sugaring trend or looking to save money on waxing, we have you covered! With just 3 simple ingredients – granulated white sugar, lemon juice, and water – you can create sugar wax and conduct your own waxing session at home. Sugar wax is also gentler than traditional hot wax as it doesn't pull out the hair follicle, making it suitable for sensitive skin. We'll also guide you through pre- and post-waxing skincare, emphasizing the importance of skin preparation starting 48 hours before waxing.
Required Ingredients
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated white sugar
- 1/8 cup (30 ml) lemon juice (preferably bottled)
- 1/8 cup (30 ml) warm water
Procedure
Creating Your Own Sugar Wax
Place a medium-sized pot on the stove. Although this recipe yields a relatively small amount of sugar wax (enough for about 2 legs), use a medium or large pot to avoid overflow when heating. The mixture tends to bubble, especially in a small pot.
Combine white sugar, lemon juice, and warm water in the pot. Measure out the granulated white sugar and add it to the pot. Then pour in the lemon juice and warm water. Stir well to blend the ingredients.
- Use white or brown granulated sugar; powdered sugar is not suitable for this recipe.
Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Turn the burner to high and allow the mixture to boil, stirring frequently. Keep a close watch to prevent burning, as overheated sugar wax solidifies upon cooling, rendering it unusable.
- Ensure the mixture doesn't boil over; adjust the heat if necessary.
Reduce the heat to medium. Once the mixture begins to bubble vigorously, reduce the heat to medium. Continue stirring frequently until the sugar is fully dissolved in the liquid.
- If the mixture continues to boil rapidly at medium heat, reduce it to low.
Take the pot off the heat once the mixture achieves a golden brown color. Stir continuously while the mixture simmers. Once it turns smooth and obtains a deep golden hue, turn off the heat and transfer the pot to another burner.
- The consistency should resemble hot syrup. If it's as thick as honey, heat it a bit longer.
Transfer the mixture into a bowl or jar and allow it to cool for 30 minutes. Unlike traditional hot wax, sugar wax should not be used while hot. Pour it into a bowl or jar and let it cool for approximately 30 minutes. If it still feels uncomfortably warm, let it cool for a few more minutes before use.
Using Sugar Wax
Scoop a small amount of wax using your fingers. The wax should be warm but touchable, allowing you to use your fingers throughout the process. Take a small amount and roll it into a ball with your hands.
- If preferred, you can use a butter knife or wooden popsicle stick instead of your fingers.
Apply the wax to a small area of skin. Use your fingers or a popsicle stick to apply it. Ensure you apply the wax against the direction of hair growth. Spread it evenly to a thickness of about 1/4 inch (0.6 cm). Work in small sections, each a few inches in length and width.
- Enough wax for approximately both legs
Take a deep breath and pull! Firmly grasp the wax with your fingers and swiftly remove it against the direction of hair growth, akin to ripping off a bandage. It might sting a bit!
- You can opt to roll or tug it off with your fingers, but this prolongs the discomfort. Swift removal is preferable.
- If preferred, place paper strips over the wax, smooth them, and remove those instead of the wax itself.
Continue applying wax in small sections until finished. You can reuse the same wax piece 3 to 4 times if desired, or apply fresh wax for each skin section.
Store any remaining wax in an airtight container and refrigerate. Pour leftover wax into airtight storage, like a durable plastic container. Refrigerate and use within 4 to 5 weeks. Reheat before use.
Preparing Your Skin for Waxing
Cleanse your skin with soap and water. Use warm water to open your pores for a less painful waxing session. Clean skin also reduces infection risks, though they're rare but worth preventing!
- Open pores also diminish the likelihood of ingrown hairs.
Gently exfoliate your skin 2 days prior to treatment. Use a bristle brush or nylon glove to gently massage your skin in a circular motion. Exfoliation helps sugar wax adhere better by removing dead skin cells along with hair. By eliminating dead skin, the wax can effectively adhere to the hair.
Moisturize your skin the night before your treatment. Lock in moisture to maintain skin and follicle health. However, avoid moisturizing on the day of your sugar waxing session to begin with clean skin.
Caring for Your Skin After Waxing
Hydrate with natural oils, body butter, or serums. Immediate post-waxing moisturization is fine, provided you avoid harsh chemical products. Keeping your skin hydrated promotes smoothness and prevents ingrown hairs.
Try a Dead Sea salt soak to soothe itching. Minimize skin contact post-sugar waxing and opt for a sea salt soak to reduce inflammation and itching. Dissolve 1/2 teaspoon (about 2.75 g) of Dead Sea salt in 2 fluid ounces (59 mL) of water. Submerge a soft washcloth in the salt solution and apply to the irritated area for 15 minutes. Afterwards, rinse the area with clean water.
Prevent ingrown hairs with exfoliation. Wait 2 days post-sugar waxing, then exfoliate every 2-3 days. Use a gentle exfoliating serum, avoiding harsh scrubbing as waxing removes the skin's top layer!
- Consider a coffee or sugar scrub for sensitive areas instead of a brush.
Avoid potentially irritating products. Your skin remains sensitive for 24 hours after sugaring, so skip scented lotions, creams, and makeup (if you sugared your face). Also, steer clear of intense UV light and heat from saunas or steam treatments.
- If you sugared your armpits, skip the deodorant.
Tips
The tips provided are based on the real experiences of Mytour readers like you. If you have a valuable tip to share with Mytour, please submit it below.
- You can apply sugar wax by kneading it until it turns into a pale brown sticky texture. Press it against the hair growth direction and pull back while holding your skin taut. No need for strips or sticks!
- If you prefer not to use strips, mix 1 tablespoon of water with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice instead of the recommended ratio. This makes the wax more pliable, allowing manipulation with your hands after cooling.
- Test the wax's temperature before use. Use a small part of your finger to ensure it won't cause burns, especially in sensitive areas.
- Allow the wax to cool slightly before pouring it into the jar to prevent cracking. Alternatively, use a heat-proof container.
- Clean your wax pot by filling it with water and boiling until the sugar dissolves into the water!
Essentials
- Medium to large pot
- Spoon
- Clean bowl or jar
- Popsicle stick (optional)
- Paper strips (optional)
