Sugaring has been big news recently, as the vegan alternative to the old faithful – waxing. The ‘ancient’ technique has roots in the Middle East, where Cleopatra is rumoured to have been a fan. Using all-natural ingredients, and promising long-lasting results, sugaring bookings have increased on Treatwell by 200%. Sweet. We spoke to Tanja Westendorff of Sugaring London, to see why it’s on the rise (and exactly what’s involved). If you’re a hair-shifter – shaving, Veet-ing, plucking (bold) – you’re going to want to read this.
By Rachel Spedding
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1 What is it?
We’ll let Tanja take this one. ‘Sugaring removes unwanted hair in the natural direction of hair growth, by applying a natural mixture (of lemon juice, sugar and water), to the skin, and peeling off’. While lemon causes the hair to weaken, sugar is a natural exfoliator – so it’s a win-win situation. Soft skin, without the in-shower effort.
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2 How's it done?
The process involves flicking the hair with the sugaring paste, to pull straight from the root. Unlike waxing, the paste will only stick directly to the hair (and not pull at the skin), making for a *slightly* more comfortable experience. Over time, frequent sugaring can cause the follicle to become damaged and stop hair growing entirely. Good news for hair-shifters.
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3 Can anyone try it?
Sugaring paste is 100% natural. Just a sweet combo of basic ingredients. The temperature of the paste can also be adjusted, meaning it’s suitable for all skin types (even the sensitive amongst us). No harsh petrochemicals or polymers involved – it's so natural, in fact, that the formula is soluble in water. A quick shower and you’ll be paste-free.
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4 Is it better than waxing?
Well, we all have our favourites, but there are perks to sugaring; the natural ingredients used allow the paste to get a little deeper into the skin, which means you can head for a treatment with minimal regrowth (think 7 days post-sugar). Better yet, as the hair is removed in the natural direction of growth, there’s less chance of ingrowns forming. YES.
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FAQs
What is sugaring and how does it remove hair?
Sugaring uses a natural mixture of lemon juice, sugar and water to remove unwanted hair in the direction of natural growth. The paste is applied to the skin and peeled off, weakening hairs thanks to the lemon and exfoliating the skin with the sugar.
Is sugaring suitable if you have sensitive skin?
Yes, sugaring is suitable for all skin types, even sensitive skin. The temperature of the paste can be adjusted for comfort, and the formula is free from harsh petrochemicals and polymers. It’s so natural that it’s soluble in water, making cleanup easy.
Why might you choose sugaring over waxing?
Sugaring can be slightly more comfortable than waxing because the paste sticks only to the hair, not the skin. Removing hair in the natural growth direction helps reduce the chance of ingrown hairs and allows for treatment with minimal regrowth, as soon as 7 days post-sugar.
How does regular sugaring affect hair growth in the long term?
Frequent sugaring can damage the hair follicle and may eventually stop hair from growing altogether. This long-term benefit is great for those looking to reduce hair growth over time while enjoying soft skin after each session.
What kind of ingredients are used in sugaring treatments?
Sugaring treatments use a 100% natural blend of lemon juice, sugar and water. There are no harsh chemicals or polymers, making it a vegan-friendly and gentle choice for hair removal.