Sugar Wax

What is the Difference between Sugaring vs Waxing (2020)

So you heard about sugar waxing and you are wondering what is the difference between sugaring and waxing? In this blog post, I'll be discussing just that, and how to know the best solution for you.

Sugaring and waxing are associated and even mistaken for each other. And it's probably because they both remove hairs from the root. Despite their seeming similarities, there are major differences that distinguish both. Let's find out.

 

What Is Waxing?

Waxing is a hair removal technique that strips hair directly from the roots using hot wax. It's done using a variety of artificial mixtures.

Waxing, as opposed to sugaring, is more painful and blistering. And it's because the wax is applied in the natural direction of hair growth and pulled out in the opposite direction.

Waxing is like pulling off a plaster; painful, but if done quickly and efficiently, you won’t feel the pain for long.

To make sure you don't feel the pain for long, the wax usually covers a large area, so it takes less time.


What Is Sugaring?

Sugaring is a more natural and mild approach to hair removal. It uses organic derivatives from sugar, lemon juice, and water.

Sugaring is like traditional waxing but milder on the skin, and it can be and applied at room temperature.  

Sugar wax or Sugar paste is usually applied in the opposite direction of your hair growth pattern. It is pulled out in the same direction as hair growth.

What Are the Differences Between Waxing and Sugaring?

We've written a post on the differences and the pros and cons of waxing and sugaring. But here are the major differences:

#1. Composition

The primary difference between both is probably in the making.

Sugaring is all-natural ingredients, including sugar, lemon juice, and water. Sugar wax can include honey and essential oils, but it's not compulsory.

When the mixture is heated, it comes out looking like candy.

Wax mixtures vary a little. This is because there are two types. There's the hard wax and then the soft wax. Hard Wax is generally heated to a higher temperature than the softer pastes. Some companies take shortcuts by formulating their Hard waxes with beeswax, resin, and oils.

#2. Discomfort & Pain Level

One of the most persuasive arguments for sugaring is the fact that it is less painful.

For one, the sugaring paste is applied at room temperature and warmed, which doesn't hurt. Standard wax on the other hand, is applied while hot.

In sugaring, the paste is sticky and thick enough to hold on to your hair but not your skin. Waxing, on the other hand, sticks to your skin surface. Because of this, when the wax eventually gets cold and needs to be removed, it becomes painful and discomforting.

When placed side by side, the pain level of sugaring is mild to moderate, with waxing being moderate to severe.

You might fare better with soft waxes if you decide that waxing is your thing.

You might want to go for sugaring around your bikini area, your armpits, and other sensitive areas.

#3. Side Effects

When hair is removed from the root, it usually comes with visible proofs.

For sugaring, you might experience minimal bumps, slight redness, and possible irritation. Whereas waxing can give rise to severe bumps if not well managed.

Also, some waxes, depending on how harsh they are, can lead to hair breakage. When this happens, it increases your likelihood of ingrown hair.

To prevent ingrown hairs, don't apply wax to the same area more than twice.

#4. Direction

Sugaring is applied against the direction of hair growth and is removed towards the direction of hair growth. But this is different when waxing. 

Wax is usually applied towards the direction of hair growth and is peeled off in the opposite direction.

#5. Skin Type

Sugaring is best for people with sensitive skin types. If your skin can withstand the burning heat of hot wax and the painful extraction process, you can try with waxing without qualms.

#6. Efficiency

Wax is better for getting the job done in no time. Sugaring, on the other hand, uses successive small pulls.

#7. Multiple Usage

The good thing with your sugar paste is that you could keep using it over and over. All you need do is take the same ball of sugar to the next area. This, unfortunately, is not the case with waxes. Once the wax has cooled down and is removed, it cannot be used again.

#8. Temperature

Wax is applied to the skin while it's still hot. This allows it to dry out and solidify before being pulled out. Whereas, the sugar paste is usually applied to the skin at room temperature. This prevents the possibility of scalding and unnecessary irritation.

 

Other Things to Consider Before Waxing or Sugaring

Now you know the differences between them both, here are some factors you need to consider before waxing or sugaring:

#1. When Should You Get It Done?

For one, you can still sugar even if you're on your period. All you'll have to do is wear a tampon.

But should you really go ahead with it?

My honest answer is "no."

Ladies are more sensitive when on their period, and this can cause the waxing experience to be hyper-painful. Sugaring may be less painful than waxing, but tolerance varies while on your period.

I suggest you do so at least five days after your period. By then, your hormones are down, and you're less sensitive to pain. But if you really need to get sugared while on your period, then go for it.

#2. Exfoliation

A few days before getting your sugaring done, make sure you exfoliate.

For one, it makes the process a whole lot easier to bear when you eventually choose to wax.

Two, your pores are usually left open after removing body hair. Exfoliating beforehand can help keep bacteria out.

Finally, asides helping you remove dead skin cells; exfoliation will also make sure you don't end up with ingrown hairs.

Yuck! No one should have to deal with that.

#3. Red Signals

24 hours before you sugar wax, avoid hot baths, exfoliation, and tanning. It might aggravate sensitivity and cause your skin to become dry.

The day before you sugar wax, avoid exfoliation, tanning, or hot baths, as these might make your skin dry or sensitive.

On the day of your sugar wax, keep your skin dry and clean. Avoid wearing creams and lotions of any sort.

As much as possible, leave the bottle and avoid caffeine. Alcohol and caffeine can also aggravate skin sensitivity.

#5. Trim

Overly long hair can make the process more daunting. Your hair should be kept at the length of a grain of rice—that's about 1/2".

We've written a detailed article in which we answered the question of whether to trim before sugaring or not. You should read it.

 

Conclusion

Should You Wax or Sugar? It’s your call.

Hair removal is not the sweetest thing to do. And most of the conventional means like lasers, traditional waxing, and tweezers are too painful to consider. 

But then, sugaring gives better results in a much healthier manner.

Yea, it can hurt at times. But the quick pain is nothing compared to what you will experience with other methods.

Although it's got its issues, sugaring is truly the hack you need.


 

 

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