Sugaring or waxing: which to choose and how to prepare

Hair removal with sugar paste or wax leaves your skin smooth for 3-4 weeks - much longer than shaving. Both methods remove the hair from the root, but they work slightly differently. Here is how to choose and how to prepare for a comfortable treatment.

Sugaring vs waxing: the difference

Sugaring uses a paste made of sugar, water and lemon juice. It is applied against the direction of hair growth and removed in the direction of growth, so hairs break less often and the risk of ingrown hairs is lower. The paste does not stick to live skin, so there is usually less irritation. Sugaring suits sensitive skin and delicate areas such as a Brazilian bikini.

Wax is applied in the direction of hair growth and removed against it. It treats large areas quickly - legs, arms, back - and grips coarse hairs well. Modern film waxes are fairly gentle on the skin.

No method is "better" for everyone. Your therapist will choose the technique based on the area, hair type and skin sensitivity, and you can combine several areas in one visit.

What hair length you need

For both methods the hair should be slightly grown out - about the length of a grain of rice (3-5 mm). Sugar paste can grip slightly shorter hairs than wax. If the hair is too short, some of it will be left behind; if it is too long, the treatment will be more painful. So avoid shaving for about 2-3 weeks before your first visit.

How to prepare

1. 1-2 days before, use a gentle exfoliator - it frees the hairs and lowers the risk of ingrown hairs. Do not exfoliate on the day itself.
2. On the day of your visit, do not apply cream or oil to the area - the skin should be clean and dry.
3. Do not tan before the treatment: tanned or sunburnt skin is more sensitive.
4. If you take retinoids or antibiotics, tell your therapist - they can make the skin more vulnerable.

Aftercare

Slight redness after hair removal is normal and fades within a few hours, sometimes a day or two. To help your skin settle faster:

• for the first 24 hours, avoid saunas, pools, sunbeds and intense workouts;
• wear loose clothing made of natural fabrics;
• avoid sunbathing for 1-2 days;
• from day 2-3, exfoliate gently 1-2 times a week and moisturise daily - the best way to prevent ingrown hairs.

How often to repeat

Usually every 3-5 weeks. With regular treatments the hairs often become finer and lighter over time, and the treatment itself becomes less noticeable.

How to make it more comfortable

The first treatment is usually the most noticeable, especially if you used to shave. Each time the hairs become finer and hair removal is easier to tolerate. A few tips that help:

• avoid booking in the days before your period and the first days of your cycle - skin is more sensitive then;
• do not drink lots of coffee before your visit;
• breathe slowly and deeply - your therapist will help you find the rhythm;
• come regularly: when all the hairs are in the same growth phase, the treatment is quicker and more comfortable.

Frequently asked questions

Which is better for a Brazilian bikini? Sugar paste is most often chosen for delicate areas because it is gentler on the skin. But your therapist may suggest wax depending on your hair and sensitivity.

Can I have hair removal during pregnancy? Many women continue during pregnancy, but skin usually becomes more sensitive. Be sure to tell your therapist and, if needed, check with your doctor.

Can facial hair be removed? Yes, the price list has a separate "face" area. The skin there is thinner, so your therapist works especially carefully - and before an important event it is best to book a few days ahead.

Will I get ingrown hairs? There is some risk with any method that removes hair from the root, but regular exfoliation and moisturising reduce it noticeably. If ingrown hairs do appear, do not dig them out yourself - mention them at your next visit.

How many areas can I do in one visit? As many as you like - areas can be combined. The administrator will tell you how much time to allow.

If you want longer-lasting results

If you are tired of regular hair removal, consider laser hair removal: it targets the hair follicle and gives long-lasting results after a course. Important: you need to stop sugaring and waxing several weeks before laser treatment - we explain this in a separate article.

At NV Stars we work with sugar paste and wax, priced per area: face, underarms, arms, legs, Brazilian bikini and more.