If you’re looking for an effective, natural, and less irritating way to remove unwanted hair, sugar waxing (also known as sugaring) might just be your new favourite method. This centuries old technique has made a huge comeback thanks to its simplicity, gentleness on the skin, and eco-conscious appeal.
Whether you’re brand new to sugaring or want to sharpen your technique, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know from prepping your skin to troubleshooting sticky situations.
What is Sugar Waxing?
Sugar waxing uses a simple paste made of sugar, water, and citrus. Unlike traditional wax, it doesn’t require strips (unless you’re using a strip-style version) or heat, and it adheres only to hair and dead skin cells, which means less irritation and reduced risk of ingrown hairs.
The paste is applied against the direction of hair growth and removed with the direction of growth, helping to minimize breakage and making it easier to achieve smooth results that last.
The Benefits of Sugar Waxing
- All-natural and gentle on skin
- Less painful than traditional wax
- Can remove shorter hairs (as little as 1/8″)
- Water-soluble – rinses off easily
- Reduces risk of ingrowns and irritation
- Can lead to permanent hair reduction over time
How to Prep for Sugar Waxing
Proper prep is key to smooth, long-lasting results:
1. Let Your Hair Grow
- Hair should be at least 1/8″ long – about the length of a grain of rice.
- Avoid shaving for at least 10-14 days before sugaring.
2. Clean and Dry Skin
- Gently cleanse the area to remove oils, lotions, and sweat.
- Pat dry thoroughly – sugar paste won’t stick to damp skin
3. Exfoliate (but not right before)
- Exfoliate 24-48 hours before to remove dead skin cells.
- Avoid exfoliating the day of sugaring to prevent irritation.
Avoid Moisturizers or Oils
- Do not apply anything to the skin right before sugaring – clean, dry skin ensures better adhesion.
How to Sugar Wax: Hand Method vs. Strip Method
There are two main ways to sugar wax: the hand method and the strip method. Both use sugar paste, but the application and removal techniques are slightly different. Here’s how to do each one – plus tips to help you get smooth, long-lasting results.
Hand Method (Flicking Technique)
This is the traditional sugaring method – no strips required.
You’ll Need:
- A ball of firm or medium sugar paste (depending on area and hair type)
- Clean, dry hands
- Cornstarch, arrowroot powder or talc free powder (optional for extra grip)
- Powder-free gloves (optional, for DIY use)
How to Do It:
- Prep your skin – Make sure the area is clean, dry, and free of oils or lotion. Dust with a small amount of powder if skin is damp or sticky.
- Scoop the paste – Using clean fingers or a spatula, scoop out a small ball of sugar paste and knead until it’s pliable.
- Apply against the direction of hair growth – Press and spread the paste in the opposite direction that your hair grows, using firm pressure to grip the hair.
- Flick in the direction of growth – Hold the skin taut with one hand. With the other, quickly flick the paste off in the same direction the hair grows using a fluid wrist motion.
- Repeat as needed – You can reuse the same ball of paste until it becomes too soft or full of hair.
- Clean up – Sugar paste rinses off easily with water. No sticky reside.
Best for:
- Coarse hair
- Small of curved areas (Bikini, underarms, face)
- Experienced users or those who prefer a tool-free method
Strip Sugaring Method
This method uses a softer paste (but still firm enough to grip well) and fabric or biodegradable strips to remove the sugar – similar to traditional waxing, but much gentler on the skin.
You’ll Need:
- A jar of strong or refined sugar paste (our strip pastes, designed to match the grip of firm and medium)
- Reusable muslin or biodegradable strips
- A spatula or sugar applicator
- Powder (optional)
How to Do It:
- Prep your skin – Clean, dry, and powder if needed.
- Scoop and spread – Use the spatula to scoop a small amount of sugar paste and spread it in a thin, even layer against the direction of hair growth. Ensure there is enough paste to cover the strands.
- Apply the strip – Firmly press a strip over the paste and smooth it down with your hand several times.
- Pull quickly with the direction of hair growth – Hold the skin taut and pull the strip back swiftly, staying as close to the skin as possible.
- Repeat and rinse – You can use a fresh strip or fold and reuse as long as the paste is still gripping. Rinse any residue with warm water.
Best For:
- Large areas (legs, arms, back)
- People with long nails, sweaty palms, or difficulty flicking
- Beginners or those who want a more forgiving technique
- Humid climates where the hand method may be harder to control
Tip: Hand or Strip - Choose What Works for You
You don’t have to stick to just one method – many people find success by using both depending on the area. For example, on the the bikini line or the mons pubis, the hand method gives your more precision and control. But when it comes to the more sensitive inner areas, the strip method can be easier. That’s because your body starts to sweat in anticipation of discomfort, which can make paste melt or slip during hand application. Using strips allows for quicker removal without the need to flick, which helps reduce mess and hesitation when it matters most.
Aftercare Tips
1. Avoid Heat and Friction
- Skip hot showers, saunas, workouts, and sex for 24 hours
- Heat and sweat can irritate freshly sugared skin
2. Wear Loose Clothing
- Tight clothes can trap sweat and cause friction, leading to irritation and ingrown hairs.
3. Keep Skin Clean
- Gently cleanse the area daily
- Use a natural, fragrance-free cleanser or a gentle underarm toner (especially for the underarm or bikini).
4. Moisturise With Care
- Wait at least a few hours, then apply a light, non-comedogenic moisturiser or post sugaring oil to sooth the skin.
5. Exfoliate Regularly (But Gently)
- Begin exfoliating again 2-3 days after sugaring to prevent ingrown hairs.
- Use a natural scrub or exfoliating mitt 2-3 times a week.
Best Practices for Sugaring Waxing
1. Choose the Right Consistency
Not all sugar pastes are created equal – and choosing the right one makes all the difference. Our pastes come in different consistencies to suit different hair types, body areas, and methods. Firmer pastes are best for coarse hair and smaller areas like underarms or bikini, especially in hot climates where softer pastes may melt too quickly. Medium pastes are ideal for larger areas like legs and arms with medium to fine hair.
We also offer strip sugaring pastes in strong and refined versions, which are designed to match the performance of our firm and medium pastes – but are applied using strips rather than by hand. These are ideal for those who prefer strip removal, are newer to sugaring , have long nails, or simply want a quicker cleanup.
2. Trim Hair if It's Too Long
Hair that’s too long (over 1/2″) can make the process more painful and harder ro manage. Long strands tend to tangle in the paste, causing extra pulling and discomfort. Trimming to about 1/4″ – 3/8″ allows the paste to grip just enough to remove the hair cleanly without unnecessary snagging.
3. Hold Skin Taut
Pulling sugar paste on loose or soft areas of skin (like the bikini line, underarms, or inner thighs) can lead to bruising or ineffective hair removal if the skin isn’t stretched flat. Holding the skin taut helps create a smooth, firm surface for application and removal, reducing pain and improving the paste’s grip on hair.
4. Work in Small Sections
Smaller sections give you more control and reduce the chances of the paste losing grip or becoming too soft before removal. This is especially helpful for beginners or when sugaring areas where hair grows in multiple directions. It also helps prevent overwhelm – focus on one patch at a time.
5. Reuse the Same Ball of Paste (Hand Method)
With the hand method, you can reuse the same ball of sugar paste several times until it becomes too soft or loses stickiness. This not only reduces waste, but also makes the process more efficient and cost effective. However, once it starts slipping or won’t pick up hair, it’s time to switch to a fresh ball.
6. Stay Consistent With You Schedule
Sugaring works best when you stick to a consistent routine. Over time, hair grows back finer, sparser, and more slowly, especially when you’re regularly removing hair from the root. This means less discomfort, fewer ingrown, and longer-lasting results with each session. Aim to sugar every 3-4 weeks, depending on your growth cycle.
7. Close the Jar Tightly Between Uses
Sugar is hygroscopic, which means it naturally absorbs moisture from the air. Leaving your jar open between applications – especially in a steamy bathroom – can cause the paste to soften, separate, or even ferment over time. To maintain the quality and shelf life of your sugar paste, always seal the jar tightly between sections during your session and immediately after you’re done. This helps keep the texture just right and extends the life of your product.
