Whatever you decide to do with your body hair, it’s entirely up to you. If you’re one of those people who love hair removal, you’re probably familiar with the many methods available: shaving, hair removal wax, tweezing, sugaring, hair removal creams, and more. Waxing and sugaring tend to be the two most popular methods for those looking for long-lasting results. Both techniques work by lifting hair from the roots, and the results can last anywhere from two to six weeks, but while they sound similar, they actually have some very important differences.
To better understand the difference between sugaring and waxing, in today’s guide we’ll be comparing the two, so read on to learn more.
1. What’s the short answer?
People tend to associate sugar hair removal with waxing because they are both hair removal techniques that remove hair from the roots, while shaving only removes hair from the surface of the skin. Despite their similarities, sugar, and wax have some key differences: directions of application and removal.
In the sugaring process, sugar is applied in the opposite direction of hair growth and then removed in the same direction as hair growth. With waxing, wax is applied in the same direction as the hair grows and removed in the opposite direction. Therefore, results may vary significantly.
| Add sugar | Waxing | |
| Mixture ingredients | sugar, lemon, and water | Beeswax, resins, oils and other additives |
| application process | It inhibits hair growth after application and is removed as hair grows. | Promotes hair growth when applied and inhibits hair growth when removed |
| pain level | ease | moderate to severe |
| potential side effects | Minimal bumps and irritations | Some irritations, bumps, and potential ingrown hairs |
| The result is the final | 3 to 4 weeks | 3 to 4 weeks |
| average cost | From $15 for facials to $100 for full legs | From $10 for a facial to about $70 for a full leg |
| skin type | Skin types with sensitive skin should use this product | Skin types of all kinds |
| hairstyle | All hair types | All hair types |
| hair length | 1/4” – 1/2” | 1/4” – 1/2” |
2. What is added sugar?
“Sugaring is an organic hair removal method that uses a sugar paste mixed with lemon juice and sugar,” says Ramirez. Additionally, Tumala explains that the hair removal process is similar to waxing, except that it is gentler on the skin with the addition of sugar. “Compared to waxing, it removes hair more effectively while doing less damage to the skin. This also means there’s much less irritation and redness,” she adds. Although the recipe described is a standard one, some technicians may also add essential oils or honey to the sugar.
Ask your doctor about allergies if you have concerns.
3. What is waxing?
“Waxing is a proven method of removing unwanted body hair,” explains Tumala. “Some of the benefits of waxing are the super smooth results – it effectively removes hair from the roots. Our formula contains chamomile oil to soothe the skin during the treatment. Waxing is also fast and effective, meaning it can be used on hair on all sides in one sitting area to be waxed.”
Tips: Chamomile oil is a vegetable oil extracted from chamomile, yarrow, or blue tansy flowers. The anti-inflammatory properties of this product reduce redness and soothe the skin. It also moisturizes, strengthens the skin barrier, and has some antibacterial properties.
4. Advantages and disadvantages of added sugar
Let’s understand the benefits of sugaring so you can make the right choice when it comes to hair removal. One of the appeals of this method is that it’s an all-natural cosmetic, as it’s made from just three simple ingredients (lemon, sugar, and water). Added sugar also has a large audience among people with sensitive skin. This is due to the fact that it is removed in the same direction as the hair grows. This is less abrasive and kinder for those with particularly sensitive skin and those with particularly fragile, fine hair that breaks easily.
The downside to sugaring is the effectiveness of the type of hair removal. Because sugaring removes hair in the direction of hair growth, rather than against the direction of hair growth like waxing, it often leaves hair behind, making it impossible to extract the entire hair from the root. Especially for those with thicker or coarser hair, the sugaring process is gentler and often doesn’t bring the level of strength that people require from hair removal methods.
Additionally, since sugaring is not as effective as regular waxing, it is more likely to cause hair breakage and the development of ingrown hairs if the entire hair cannot be extracted.
5. Advantages and disadvantages of waxing
There are many advantages to waxing, especially when you consider the many different types of waxes and each wax’s individual formula. Whether you’re using soft or hard wax, and no matter what formula you use, the biggest benefit of waxing is its effectiveness and long-lasting results.
Because waxing requires removing hair from the root in the opposite direction of hair growth, its pull is stronger and leaves less room for ineffective removal, patchiness, breakage, or hair loss. Ingrown hairs due to incomplete removal. This is an especially important factor to consider for those with coarse or thick hair.
Another benefit of waxing is its long-lasting results. Because waxing grabs and removes hair from the roots, it can cause a slower regrowth period, especially over time. In contrast, gentler methods with added sugar can result in more salon appointments due to a faster regeneration cycle.
Waxing is also a highly effective method for use on large areas of the body, especially when using a highly flexible and easy-to-apply formula. For effective hair removal on your back, chest, or legs, these formulas quickly remove large areas of hair and leave you with long-lasting smooth skin.
The downside to waxing is that since it has a stronger pull, there is a greater potential for irritation for people with sensitive skin. If you have sensitive skin and want to wax instead of sugar, talk to your esthetician to make sure they use a formula that’s right for you.
6. Sugaring vs. Waxing
Here’s a comparison of the different aspects of sugaring vs. waxing.
1) Skin type
If you have very sensitive skin that turns red at the slightest touch, adding sugar may be your best option. Not only is sugaring a gentler and more natural method of hair removal, but it also generally causes less redness and irritation, making it ideal for people with sensitive skin or certain allergies.
Natoff adds that because the sugaring is gentler (the paste itself only adheres to dead skin cells, not live ones), it’s great for plucking hair from areas that might require several passes, such as Hard-reaching areas. “The worst-case scenario is to hydrate the skin to make it look and feel healthier rather than waxing, which removes some of the top layers of skin, so try it no more than three times on the same area,” she says.
2) Effectiveness
“By continuing to wax every three to four weeks, the hair will eventually grow back softer and finer, since the hair is removed from the root,” says Petak. “Some clients like to come in earlier to treat areas such as their lips, eyebrows or underarms.”
Like wax, added sugar removes hair from the root and damages the follicle wall, causing slower regrowth over time. However, for those with thicker hair and multiple shaves, this may not be the most effective way to remove fine hairs. “We may not be able to shave off all the hair if it has been shaved for many years and is very thick, so we may not be able to shave it off until it grows a little longer.”
Nartov said. If you don’t have particularly sensitive skin and want to throw away your razor after a recent shave, then opting for wax may be best for you.
3) Process
After removing excess oil, you can apply some powder to the area before starting hair removal. For sugaring, the next step is to heat the paste in your hands and apply it slowly directly to the skin, following the pattern of hair growth. “Sugarista’s special flicking method removes the hair once the sugar paste has been applied,” says Nartov. You can use a soothing serum when you’re done to reduce irritation.
With waxing, the process changes after the excess oil is removed. At European Wax Centers, pre-wax oil protects the skin barrier. As soon as the wax has been absorbed, it is applied in the direction of hair growth. Post-treatment options vary—you can use an ingrown hair serum to reduce the bumps, or opt for a hair reduction lotion to keep the new hair in place longer.
4) Pain
“Due to the fact that your hair still needs to be removed completely, you may experience some discomfort after this procedure,” Huang says. Another factor for women to consider when removing hair, Nartov adds, is when they just had their last period: “If you’re close to your menstrual cycle, your hormones are higher and you’re probably going to have more pain a month. The best time to eat sugar during pregnancy is the five days after your period when hormone levels are low.”
Whether you choose to sugar or wax, there are things you can do beforehand to reduce pain. “Everyone’s experience will be different, but if this is your first time having hair removed, it may feel uncomfortable, so I recommend exfoliating the night before and taking ibuprofen to ease any discomfort,” says Smith.
5) Other side effects
As with any removal treatment, there will be some irritation after removal. Mild temporary redness will disappear within a few hours, but there shouldn’t be much irritation since the sugar is all-natural and is especially suitable for sensitive skin. From avoiding the sun to wearing loose-fitting clothing for the first few days, aftercare is key to ensuring you enjoy smooth skin without stress.
6) Price
Brazilian wax can cost around $50 to $60, while sugary wax will cost $60 to $70. Rates will also vary based on your location and the experience of the person servicing you. When deciding between sugar or wax, other factors such as skin allergies and hair growth stage may play a bigger role in the final choice, since the cost between the two is not too high at the moment.
7. Sugaring or waxing?
It definitely depends on your hair and skin type. If you have thicker body hair, waxing is your best option. But if not, I would definitely prefer it with sugar and recommend giving it a try! I really appreciate how completely clean and natural it is…and I love how warm and hot it is. If you have sensitive skin, sugaring is definitely a better option…I do notice that sugaring reduces redness compared to waxing. If you find that your skin feels worse after hair removal, you can try adding sugar, which is better for sensitive skin. Either way, both techniques can remove hair for a long time.
8. Frequently asked questions
Here are answers to frequently asked questions about choosing between sugaring and waxing.
1) Which one is more suitable for your skin?
Added sugar is better for your skin. It’s natural and relatively gentle. By adding sugar, hair can be removed directly from the roots! If you have sensitive skin this is definitely the best choice!
2) Which hair removal method is more effective?
Both sides have pros and cons here, and there’s definitely a debate. If you have thick or coarse hair, waxing will be more effective. Otherwise, adding sugar can actually be more effective, as the treatment reduces breakage and allows more hair to be pulled out. In my own experience, the results are very similar – the hair grows back no matter what. I find that sugared hair removal is more effective and can even remove shorter hairs.
Waxing lasts about 4 weeks (for me) and sugaring lasts about 5 weeks. This is negligible and, for me, more about the experience than the results (added sugar is much gentler on my specific skin type, and I love that it’s organic!)
9. Conclusion
No matter which hair removal method you choose, it’s important to use the correct method for your skin and hair type. Keep in mind that sugaring is less effective but has a gentler pull, while waxing is very effective but not suitable if used by those with sensitive skin. However, when looking for the right hair removal method, your first priority should always be quality and effectiveness.
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