Sugaring has a long history in the Middle East, but has only recently been introduced to the western world and is still unknown to many. Like waxing, it involves the removal of unwanted hair by the root using a paste that is spread on the skin and pulled off by strips, but unlike waxing, it uses all natural ingredients and can be done at home without the help of a professional. Sugaring has many benefits.
The Benefits of Sugaring
Sugaring ingredients are all natural. The paste is usually made from sugar, water and lemon juice. Because the ingredients are all natural, sugaring is gentler on the skin then other methods of hair removal. It is a good choice for those with sensitive skin or those who are allergic to waxes or waxing preparation and clean up products. Also, because of the natural ingredients, it is easy to clean up. The ingredients are water soluble and need no harsh chemicals to remove from the skin.
Another benefit of sugaring is that it is inexpensive. This is good news in these times of economic downturn. The three main ingredients cost near nothing and can usually be found in every household. Although commercial sugaring kits can be bought, it is easy to prepare this hair removing paste in any kitchen.
Sugaring Recipe
Only a few ingredients are needed for this recipe.
- 2 cups of sugar
- ¼ of a cup of water
- ¼ of a cup of lemon juice
Mix all the ingredients in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil, stirring consistently. After boiling is initiated, lower the heat and simmer until the mixture turns a golden amber color and is at a firm ball candy stage. Pour finished product into an air tight container and let it cool enough to be handled with bare hands.
Sugaring Application
When cooled, sugaring paste can be applied and removed just like a hard wax except it can be done with hands, rather then applicator sticks. Just take a piece of paste big enough to cover the area of hair to be removed, smooth it against the skin with the fingers and pull it off.
Sugaring paste can also be heated and used like soft wax. To apply it in this way first prep the skin with baby powder or cornstarch, use an applicator stick to apply a thin smooth layer of paste on the skin toward the pattern of hair growth, place a strip of cotton cloth over the slightly wet paste and rub so that it sticks, pull the skin taut and then pull against the pattern of growth. The cotton strips can then be washed and reused thanks to the natural ingredients in the paste.
Although the results are temporary, sugaring is an easy and inexpensive alternative to waxing and laser hair removal and can be done by anyone with access to a few simple ingredients. Never suffer from unwanted hair again.
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