Different methods of hair removal

Waxing Procedure
Sugar hair removal, also known as sugaring, is often erroneously called sugar waxing. While sugaring does have some similarities to waxing its application and technique very widely.

With traditional waxing, an applicator stick is dipped into a pot containing hot wax. The applicator stick is then used to spread a thin layer of the wax in the same direction as hair growth. A cotton strip is then applied on top of the wax. The cotton strip is often rubbed to be sure it has adhered well to the wax and the wax to the hairs. The strip is then quickly pulled off against the direction of hair growth.

Results
Results can vary depending on the area of the body being waxed and the strength of the hair. For many clients, waxing can be a very quick, efficient, and an affordable way to remove unwanted hair. For others, waxing can lead to skin irritation from the resins found in the wax or from the wax pulling and lifting the skin on removal.

Another downside to waxing is the removal of the hair against its natural direction of growth. Not only can this break the hairs leaving you with stubble but over time it can alter how the hair grows. This altering of the hair growth pattern often causes more ingrown hairs to occur.

Sugaring Procedure
Sugar hair removal causes very little if any irritation. It not only lacks resins found in wax but is made with simple and safe food grade ingredients.

With sugaring, a gloved hand is dipped into a warm sugar paste made of lemon, sugar, and water. The esthetician scoops out the paste and using her fingers molds the paste into a ball. The ball is then gently rolled onto the skin against the direction of hair growth. The esthetician then uses her hand to glide over the skin several times allowing the sugar to seep into the hair follicle. With a light flicking motion, the sugar paste lifts away from the skin taking the hairs with it. This method is then repeated on another area.

Results
Due to the sugars unique ability to seep into the hair follicle, breakage seldom occurs and much shorter hairs are able to be removed. Over time regular sugaring can result in permanent hair loss and yield comparable results to laser hair removal. Unlike laser hair removal that relies on a contrast of pigment between the hair and skin, sugar hair removal is suitable for all skin/hair types and pigments.

Sugar Waxing
As previously stated sugar waxing is a term often used mistakenly when referring to sugaring. You may ask then “Does sugar waxing even exist?” In short, sort of. Sometimes when receiving sugaring services the same paste can also be applied in the same manner as waxing. An applicator stick can be dipped into the sugar paste, applied to the skin, and then a cotton strip applied on top and then removed. This technique is almost exclusively used on facial hair and for shaping brows. Aside from this, I have seen drugstores carry sugar waxing kits. This is not the same product as the sugar paste used in sugaring. As such the same benefits as sugaring will not be achieved. The end result would be the same as any at home waxing kit.

What about Hard Wax?
Hard wax is in a category of its own. Hard wax is still considered a wax and contains similar ingredients as traditional wax.

Hard Wax Procedure
An applicator stick is dipped into the wax formula and applied to the skin in the direction of hair growth. Several applications may be applied in a row and then allowed to cool. Once cooled the wax hardens around the hairs. An edge is lifted from the skin to serve as a tab to remove the wax. The Hard wax is then pulled in the opposite direction of the hairs pulling them out with the hard wax. The wax, containing the hairs is then disposed of.

Results
Results are very favorable. Unlike traditional wax or in some cases sugar paste, the wax dries completely and is not sticky. This means there is very little irritation, and won’t bruise or tear delicate skin.

Hard wax is best suited for coarse hair and tends to be used solely in the bikini or underarm area. It is not suitable for waxing large areas of the body or on fine hairs. Hard wax still removes hair in the opposite direction of growth and over time can lead to hair growth abnormalities as mentioned above. Breakage of hairs resulting in ingrowns is less common as the wax hardens around the hair adhering to it very well.

Now that we have a good understanding of the differences between traditional waxing, sugaring, and hard wax, which will you decide to try?