Learn How To Make Sugaring Wax At Home

Just because you choose not to go au natural with your body hair doesn’t mean you don’t want to be as natural as possible when it comes to removing it. And while shaving with a razor is an obvious option, sometimes you want something that lasts a little longer, right? So, right there, you have two solid reasons to learn how to make sugaring wax. You’re not alone in wanting to learn more about this ancient hair removal method. In fact, according to the latest search data available to us, tips on making and using sugaring wax are searched for nearly 1,000 times a month. So with that in mind, here’s our guide. We’ll start with the basics: What sugaring is, why it’s different than “traditional” waxing, and how to whip up a DIY sugaring mix.

What is sugaring?

Since sugaring sounds like something you might do in a kitchen, you might not be clear about what it actually is. Well, by definition, sugaring is a process by which you use a sticky, gel-like mixture applied to skin to remove unwanted hair.

If you’re envisioning the traditional waxing process, you’re not too far off. Like quote-unquote regular wax, it’s usually applied the same way — slathered on, left to set, and then pulled off using cloth strips or as rolled into a ball. Since it removes the hair at the root like traditional waxing, it makes hair growth come in softer and slower.

How is it different from waxing?

The big difference between sugaring and regular waxing is the ingredient list. Sugaring uses natural ingredients, making it organic, biodegradable, and hypoallergenic.

Where did it originate?

Need a little more proof this isn’t some hair-brained (pun intended) idea? Consider this: Per the Encyclopedia of Hair: A Cultural History, sugaring purportedly dates back to ancient times in the Middle East. The process is said to have been used as far back as 1900 B.C.E. and originated in Persia. Other regions may have relied on honey until sugar became widely available in the first millennia B.C.E. Ancient Egyptians like Cleopatra didn’t have the wide variety of hair removals options we do today, so they relied on sugaring to keep their skin smooth.

How do you make sugaring wax at home?

You’re now ready to make your own sugaring wax. Fortunately for you, it’s a simple process that only requires a handful of ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.

To start, get out 1 cup of granulated white sugar, ⅛ cup of lemon juice, and ⅛ cup of water. With your ingredients on standby, place a medium-sized pot on the stove. Pour in your sugar first, followed by your liquids — take special care to cover all of the sugar and make sure none is sticking to the sides of your pot. Give it a light stir to incorporate the ingredients.

Turn the stove on medium heat, or whatever heat your stove typically requires to bring a liquid to a slow boil. You do not want to make it too hot or the mixture will burn, and you definitely don’t want to leave it unattended for any amount of time. Some people are firm believers in stirring the mixture. Others feel that stirring could cause crystallization. This is a judgment call.

Once the mixture turns to a warm, honey-colored hue, take it off the heat. If you’re a person who needs more precise guidelines, grab a candy thermometer and pull the mixture from the stove once it hits 240-degrees F. It should have a consistency like hot syrup.

That’s it! It’s seriously that easy to make your own sugaring wax.

Can I make sugaring wax with honey?

Though sugar-based wax recipes are more common, you can also make sugaring wax using the honey chilling in your pantry. Good thing too, because honey is known to be an antimicrobial fantastic for skin conditions like acne, rosacea, eczema.

Per Healthline, here’s a modified sugaring wax recipe using the following:

• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 cup white granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp. lemon juice

How do I know when it’s ready to use?

FYI, sugar burns hurt like hell. You want to avoid one at all costs. With that said, it’s best to give your sugaring mix a little time to simmer down once you pull it off the stove. Fifteen to 30 minutes should do the trick while still allowing the mix to retain a lot of its warmth. Still, tread gently to make sure it isn’t still hot enough to burn you.

Can sugaring wax be stored?

Yes! All you have to do is pour leftover wax into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. Over the next four to five weeks, you can pull it out when you’re ready, reheat it, and get your sugaring wax on.

Tips Before Using Sugar Wax

It’s important to exfoliate your skin before any wax session to make sure the hair is available for the wax to attach to. Unlike shaving, however, the hair also needs to be long enough for a more successful hair removal process. If it’s too short, there just won’t be enough hair follicle for the sugar to grab onto and remove. Exfoliate in the shower before hand and make sure your skin is completely dry before waxing.