How to Prepare Wax with Sugar

Whether you want to hop on the sugaring trend from TikTok or just want to save money on waxing, we’ve got you covered! You can make sugar wax with 3 simple ingredients and do your own waxing at home. All you need is granulated white sugar, lemon juice, and water. Sugar wax is also less painful than traditional hot wax because it doesn't remove the hair follicle, making it a great option for those with sensitive skin.^{[1]XExpert SourceDiana Yerkes
Skincare ProfessionalExpert Interview. 16 April 2019.} We’ll even walk you through pre- and post-waxing skincare, since it’s important to prep your skin, starting 48 hours before your waxing treatment.

Ingredients

1 cup (200 g) granulated white sugar
1/8 cup (30 ml) lemon juice (preferably bottled)
1/8 cup (30 ml) warm water

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Making DIY Sugar Wax

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Even though this recipe makes a fairly small batch of sugar wax (approximately enough for 2 legs), use a medium or large pot to make it. The mixture starts to bubble when you heat it, and it can overflow if you use a small pot.
2
Add the white sugar, lemon juice, and warm water to the pot. Measure out the granulated white sugar and dump it into the pot. Then add the lemon juice and warm water. Stir to combine them.^{[2]XResearch source}
- Use white or brown granulated sugar. Powdered sugar won't work at all.
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3
Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Turn your burner on high and let the mixture heat up until it starts to boil. Stir frequently. Keep an eye on the mixture, since it will start to bubble as it heats up.^{[3]XResearch source}
- Take care not to burn the mixture. If you do, it will completely solidify once it cools down, making it unusable.
4
Reduce the heat to medium. Once the mixture starts bubbling and boiling, turn the heat down to medium. Continue to stir frequently. The sugar should be completely dissolved in the liquid at this point.^{[4]XResearch source}
- If the mixture continues to bubble rapidly at medium heat, turn it down to low.
5
Remove the pot from heat when the mixture turns golden brown. Keep stirring the mixture as it simmers. Once it reaches a smooth consistency and becomes a deep golden color, turn off the heat and move the pot to another burner.
- The consistency should be similar to hot syrup. If it's thick like honey, heat it a little longer.
Unlike traditional hot wax, sugar wax should not be used hot. Pour it into a bowl or jar and give it about 30 minutes to cool down. If it still feels hot or warm enough to be uncomfortable, let it cool for several more minutes before proceeding.^{[5]XResearch source}

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Applying Sugar Wax

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1
Scoop up a small amount of wax with your fingers. The wax should still be warm but cool enough to touch, so you can use your fingers for the entire process. Scoop up a small amount and roll the wax into a ball with your hands.
- You can use a butter knife or a wooden popsicle stick instead of your hands, if you prefer.
2
Apply the wax to a small strip of skin. You can apply it with your fingers or a popsicle stick. Be sure to apply the wax in the opposite direction of hair growth. Spread it evenly until it's about 1/4 in (0.6 cm) thick. Work in small sections that are only a few inches in length and width.^{[6]XExpert SourceDiana Yerkes
Skincare ProfessionalExpert Interview. 16 April 2019.}
- Yields enough wax for both legs (approximately)
3
Take a deep breath and pull! Get a firm grip on the wax with your fingers and pull it off in the opposite direction of your hair growth. Make it quick, just like you are pulling off a bandage. It may hurt a little bit!
- You can also use your fingers to roll or pull it off, but this prolongs the pain. It's better to make it quick.
- If desired, apply paper strips on top of the wax, smooth them out, and pull those off instead of the mixture itself.
You can reuse the same piece of wax 3 to 4 times, if you like. Or you can use a fresh amount of wax for each section of skin.^{[7]XExpert SourceDiana Yerkes
Skincare ProfessionalExpert Interview. 16 April 2019.}
If you have leftover wax, pour it into an airtight container, like a sturdy plastic Tupperware container. Pop it in the fridge and use it within 4 to 5 weeks. Reheat it before you use it.

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Preparing Your Skin for Waxing

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1
Wash your skin with soap and water. Use warm water to open up your pores for a more pleasant, less painful waxing experience. Clean skin will also reduce your chances of getting infections, which are rare but worth being cautious about!^{[8]XResearch source}
- Opening up your pores also reduces the risk of ingrown hair.
Exfoliate gently 2 days before treatment. Use a bristle brush or nylon glove to rub your skin in a circular motion. Exfoliating will ultimately make the sugar wax stick better, because sugar wax will lift up dead skin cells in addition to hair. If you remove some of the dead skin, the wax can just do its job and stick to the hair.^{[9]XResearch source}
Moisturize your skin the night before the treatment. Lock in moisture to keep your skin and follicles healthy.^{[10]XResearch source} However, you don’t want to moisturize on the day of your sugar wax, because you want to start with clean skin.^{[11]XResearch source}

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Caring for Your Skin After Waxing

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Moisturize with natural oils, body butter, or serums. You can moisturize immediately after waxing, as long as you’re not using harsh chemical products. Hydrating your skin keeps your skin smooth and free of ingrown hair.^{[12]XResearch source}
Use a Dead Sea salt soak to alleviate itching. You should avoid touching your skin too much after a sugar wax, so try a sea salt soak to reduce inflammation and itching. Dissolve 1/2 teaspoon (about 2.75 g) of Dead Sea salt in 2 fluid ounces (59 mL) of water. Soak a soft washcloth in the salt solution and hold it to the irritated area for 15 minutes. Then, rinse the area with clean water.^{[13]XResearch source}
3
Exfoliate to prevent ingrown hairs. Wait 2 days after your sugar wax, then start exfoliating every 2-3 days. Use a gently-exfoliating serum, but don’t scrub hard–waxing has already removed the top layer of skin!^{[14]XResearch source}
- Try a coffee or sugar scrub instead of a brush for sensitive areas.
4
Hold off on products that might irritate your skin. Your skin will be pretty sensitive for 24 hours after sugaring, so steer clear of scented lotions, creams, and makeup (if you sugared your face). In addition, avoid harsh UV light and heat from saunas or steam treatments.
- Avoid deodorant if you sugared your armpits.

Expert Q&A

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Question
How should I care for my skin after applying sugar wax to it?
Diana Yerkes
Skincare Professional
Diana Yerkes is a Skincare Professional and the Lead Esthetician at Rescue Spa in New York City, New York. With over 15 years of experience, Diana helps others with their skin care needs by incorporating natural and high-performing products and treatments into their routines while providing nutrition insights and educating clients on better skin care habits. Diana is a member of the Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) and holds certifications from the Wellness for Cancer and Look Good Feel Better programs. She received her esthetics education from the Aveda Institute, the International Dermal Institute, and the Biologique Research Academy.
Diana Yerkes
Skincare Professional
Expert Answer
Unlike standard wax, sugar wax doesn't create burns or more reactive, sensitizing action. Just hydrate your skin like you would do with any hair-removal services and you should be totally fine.
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Question
Can I use apple cider vinegar in place of lemon or lime?
Community Answer
Yes, you can use apple cider vinegar in place of lemon or lime. You can also use presqueezed lemon or lime juice.
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Question
What can I use if I don't have wax strips?
Community Answer
You can also use an old t-shirt or cotton cloth cut into strips.
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You can use sugar wax by working it a bit in your hands until it becomes a pale brown sticky texture. Push it against the hair in the direction of growth and pull back while pulling your skin taut. No need for rags or sticks!
If you don't want to use strips, just use 1 tablespoon of water and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice instead of the recommended ratio. The wax will be more pliable and you can manipulate it with your hands after it's cooled.
Test how hot the wax is before using it. Use a small part of your finger to make sure it won't burn you, and remember that it may feel hotter in more sensitive areas of your body.
If you pour wax immediately into the jar it might crack. Let it cool down for a few minutes or make sure you're using a heat-proof container.
Clean your wax pot by filling the pot with water and boiling it until the sugar has dissolved into the water!

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