We recently spoke with Ashley Getzinger, a San Diego-based aesthetician and founder of Sugar and Sand Spa. She told us all about sugaring, a hair-removal alternative to waxing that uses a paste made of sugar, lemon, and water. Here’s what we learned.
What Is Sugaring?
Sugaring is an innovative hair-removal technique in which a room temperature sugar paste (not a hot wax) is applied to the skin in the opposite direction of the hair. The sugaring paste is natural and safe on sensitive skin. It seeps into the hair follicle to remove the whole root.
Getzinger describes removing the paste as a “flicking motion” in the same direction of the hair growth, making it less painful and less likely to break the hair and cause ingrowns. “Because the paste does not have resin, it does not remove live skin – only dead skin cells!” Getzinger says.
Sugaring can be done on any body part with one exception. “We do not sugar inside the nose since the sugar would just melt,” Getzinger says.
Sugaring Upkeep
If you are new to sugaring, you’ll need to have it done three times throughout the three stages of hair growth to see its effects. In the beginning, Getzinger recommends getting sugared every 3-4 weeks. “The hair begins to grow back less to where my regular clients only need to come back every 6-8 weeks,” she adds.
Post-Sugaring Skincare
As mentioned, sugaring entails removing the whole root of the hair, which means proper aftercare is necessary to prevent ingrowns and irritation. Getzinger also advises:
- No tanning, saunas, hot tubs, exercise, or exfoliating for 48 hours.
- After 48 hours, exfoliate 2-3 times a week.
- Apply balm or moisturizer to prevent dry skin, and help to block bacteria from entering the pores. Getzinger recommends Fur Oil
Sugaring With a Skin Condition
If you have a skin condition, check with your dermatologist before making a sugaring appointment. However, Getzinger says conditions like psoriasis, eczema, and keratosis pilaris are usually safe to sugar since the paste is hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic.
Have you tried sugaring? Share your experiences with us in the comments below!