Tag: Removal

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Skincare Experts Explain How to Make Sugar Wax for Easy At-Home Hair Removal

Hair removal may have satisfying results, but can be painful. Razors come with the risk of nicking skin and creating razor bumps; waxing strips make some flinch; while IPL hair removal devices quite literally zap away hair. If your skin keeps speaking up through redness and irritation, it may be time to graduate to body hair removal’s more sensitive skin-friendly method: Sugaring.

Sugaring is a gentler alternative to traditional waxing, and it’s easy to make at home. We rounded up everything you need to know on how to make DIY sugar wax at home.

What is sugaring?

Sugaring, an all-natural method of hair removal, commonly uses a mixture of sugar, lemon and water that forms a hair removal paste. Sugar wax is applied against hair growth to remove hair. Hair removal enthusiasts tend to reserve it for the bikini area, face, underarms, legs and arms, but it can be used for other parts of the body as well. Sensitive skin types tend to go for sugar waxing as it’s less irritating and painful than waxing, according to Michele Green, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in New York.

Is waxing or sugaring better?

Both make effective ways of removing unwanted body and facial hair, but there are a few differences to keep in mind:

  • Sugaring uses fewer potentially irritating ingredients. “Based on the ingredients alone, sugaring is a better option since additives have a higher chance of causing skin irritation,” says Dr. Green. Waxing uses beeswax, resin, oils and other additives that might irritate sensitive skin.
  • Sugaring has a lower risk of breaking hair follicles on removal. Sugaring is applied against the hair growth and removed with the hair growth while waxing applies wax in the direction of hair growth and then removed against hair growth. As a result, waxing may cause hair follicles to break in half, which may cause ingrown hairs and additional irritation, according to Dr. Green.
  • In-salon sugaring is pricier than waxing. In terms of affordability, waxing tends to be slightly more inexpensive when compared to sugaring.
  • Sugaring might take longer. Waxing can be a faster process than sugaring when used for larger surface areas like the legs or back.

Is homemade sugar wax safe?

When properly educated on how to safely sugar wax at home, it can be a good option, plus cheaper and more comfortable, says Dr. Green. That said, DIY sugar wax removal can come with some risks. You can accidentally rip your skin off instead of hair, which can cause pain, inflammation and an increased risk of infection — sugar waxing at home is often less sanitary than sugar waxing done at a salon. That’s why it’s best to start on clean skin, use clean tools, let the hair grow out slightly so the wax has something to grip onto and follow all the proper skin prep steps, below.

“Sugar mixtures that are too hot when applied can burn, and technique matters when pulling off the strips,” Dr. Amin says. “It does take experience to get the right consistency, so maybe skip the mess and leave it to the pros.” If you decide to take it into your own hands, he recommends letting the mixture cool to room temperature and soften to a sticky, honey-like texture. If it’s too hard, add a little water.

Lastly, you should avoid both traditional waxing and sugar waxing if you are undergoing treatment with oral isotretinoin, treated the area with laser hair removal or if you have any skin conditions. Sugaring should only be done on intact skin.

What’s the best sugar wax recipe?

Tatyana Aksenova / 500px//Getty Images

You’ll need a simple trio of sugar wax ingredients that’s probably already in your kitchen: Sugar, water and lemon. The recipe follows a 2:1 sugar to liquid ratio, according to Snehal Amin, M.D. a board-certified dermatologist and the co-founder and surgical director of MDCS Dermatology:

Sugar wax ingredients

How to make sugar wax on a stovetop

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of sugar
  • 1/4 cup of lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup of water

Directions

  1. Melt the mixture in a saucepan, then bring to a boil for about 10 minutes while stirring continuously.
  2. Remove from heat once it turns a caramel color.
  3. Pour into a heat-proof jar and let cool for 5-10 minutes. Do not apply until the mixture has gelled together and has “a consistency a little thicker than honey,” Dr. Amin says.

How to make sugar wax in a microwave

Ingredients

  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 tablespoon salt

Directions

  1. Combine ingredients in a microwaveable glass bowl.
  2. Microwave in 1-minute intervals, checking on it after each minute. (It may take 5-6 minutes, which varies depending on your microwave’s power.)
  3. Let the mixture cool and turn a maple syrup color with a sticky, spreadable, stretchy consistency.

How to use sugar wax with traditional wax strips

The idea of waxing yourself may make you wince, but here’s the most seamless step-by-step guide for removing hair with either traditional wax strips or just sugar wax itself:

  1. Scoop out a thick layer of the sugar wax paste using a clean wax stick.
  2. Apply the mixture directly to skin against the direction of hair growth.
  3. Cover the wax completely using clean cotton cloth strips.
  4. Pull skin taut and swiftly peel back with the grain of your hair.
  5. Repeat using clean cloth strips for each section until hair is removed completely.

How to use sugar wax without strips

  1. Grab the cooled wax using clean fingertips and apply it directly onto the skin opposite the direction of hair growth.
  2. Pull skin taut with the free hand.
  3. Remove with quick, short pulls in the same direction as the hair growth.

How to prep skin for sugaring

“Be mindful that proper hygiene prep and clean tools are necessary to avoid potential infection, Dr. Amin says. Here’s what to keep in mind:

  • Exfoliate skin a few days before the treatment — this strips away any dead skin cells while reducing the risk of ingrown hairs.
  • Let hair grow out a little or skip shaving for at least a week prior so that your hair is at adequate length for the sugar waxing.
  • Put a pause on tanning, retinols or other similar products in the treatment area one week prior. “These topicals can sensitize the skin and increase the risk of developing hyperpigmentation (dark spots) after waxing,” Dr. Amin says.

How to care for your skin post-sugaring

Post-sugar wax, avoid exfoliating, friction and minimize touching the area for 48 hours. Tip: Loose, comfortable clothing prevents friction in the area. Skip moisturizers and product application and minimize sweating for 24 hours to avoid clogged pores. “Bacteria thrive in moist, warm environments and sugar is food,” Dr. Amin says. “Folliculitis, little bumps on the skin, can sometimes occur after waxing from irritation to the hair follicle or because of infection.”

Meet the experts

  • Michele Green, M.D., is a board-certified dermatologist who attended Mount Sinai Medical School in NYC. She specializes in a variety of cosmetic dermatology treatments.
  • Snehal Amin, M.D. is a board-certified dermatologist and the co-founder and surgical director of MDCS Dermatology.
  • Chiara Butler is a reviews analyst in the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab.

Commerce Editor

Jacqueline (she/her) covers all things e-commerce in beauty, lifestyle and beyond for the Good Housekeeping Institute. Before joining GH in 2021, she was a style and beauty reviews fellow at Insider, testing viral trends, reviewing sustainable brands and more. She’s a graduate of the University of Florida’s School of Journalism, with a specialty in magazines and mass communication.

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More and More Men Are Looking Into Laser Hair Removal, But Is It a Good Idea?

Body hair — some guys love it, some guys loathe it. If you’re feeling a little too fuzzy for comfort, you could shave, you could pull a Steve Carell in The 40-Year-Old Virgin and get waxed or you could pursue a high-tech option — laser hair removal.

According to Mayo Clinic, laser hair removal works when a concentrated beam of light is directed through a laser at an area of the body with unwanted hair. The light is absorbed by the pigment, or melanin, in the hair itself. The beam of light heats up the skin, which damages follicles in the skin so they can either no longer grow hair, or so the growth process is significantly delayed.

Although it’s estimated that 82% of those who get professional laser hair removal are women, “laser hair removal is just as successful in men as it is in women,” says Evan Rieder MD, a board certified dermatologist and psychiatrist in New York City. In some cases, the process is more effective in men. “Some guys do better with laser hair removal on the face than women do, as the higher density of oil glands in men allows for better healing,” Dr. Reider adds. Men also seek laser hair removal for their backs, chests, legs (especially if they’re involved in certain sports, such as swimming) and private areas.

If you’re a guy who’s interested in laser hair removal, it’s important to get evaluated by a cosmetic dermatologist who is experienced in the procedure. “Beauty clinics” that offer laser hair removal may be plentiful online, but that doesn’t mean they’re safe — an untrained technician can hurt someone severely.

Here are other key facts a guy needs to know before having laser hair removal to help you get the best results.

1. You really have to commit.

Laser hair removal is pretty much permanent after a couple of sessions, which can be as short as 10 minutes, depending on the body part. “After three or four treatments, about 90% of the hair in the area of your body will be reduced,” says Jill S. Waibel, MD, medical director of Miami Dermatology and Laser Institute in Miami, Florida, and subsection chief of dermatology at Baptist Hospital. “Many men choose to have laser hair removal on their backs, specifically.”

There can be situations in which more treatments are necessary, however. If you have ingrown hair, additional treatment time will probably be required. The texture of a man’s hair can also make a difference. “Due to testosterone, men tend to have thicker and denser hairs than women do, and may need more treatments,” says Emily L. Guo, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist at Dermatology & Laser Surgery Center in Houston. “There may also be a shorter interval in which touch up or maintenance treatment is needed after an initial treatment series. Typical follow-up treatments are scheduled anywhere between 4–6 weeks later, to allow time for hairs to regrow in their cycle.”

2. Laser hair removal can be pricey.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the cost of laser hair removal treatment vary widely, depending on the area of the country and how many sessions are needed. Patients can also be charged for additional procedure costs, as well as for medications they need related to treatment. All in all, laser hair removal can add up to thousands of dollars, an important consideration when you’re deciding if it’s right for you.

3. Skin tone and hair color should be considered.

“In general, when the hair is thicker, the hair is dark and there is contrast between the skin and hair color — such as light skin and dark hair — the results are more predictable,” says Dr. Reider. “Men with darker skin tones can still get laser hair removal, although the side effect risk profile is higher. People with extremely fine hair or light or white hair should not have the procedure done, as the laser is unlikely to be effective. The laser targets pigment, so it’s not effective for white hair — and if the skin is heat-sensitive or tanned from the sun, it increases the risk for a laser burn.”

It’s important to ask the doctor what kind of equipment they’ll be using. “Darker skin tones require a longer wavelength laser,” says Dr. Waibel. “This is key, because it’s necessary to cool the upper layer of skin to avoid hyperpigmentation.”

4. There might be side effects.

Minor side effects lasting about 1–3 days can include swelling, red skin and discomfort, says the American Academy of Dermatology. Rarely, you could experience skin blisters, or a cold sore outbreak if you have herpes simplex. Infections and scarring can also occur if laser hair removal is not performed correctly.

5. Doing the right prep is crucial.

“Men should be aware that it’s important to shave before laser hair removal appointments so that the laser energy can reach the bulb of the hair underneath the skin, rather than just singeing the hairs on its surface,” says Dr. Guo. “Don’t wax or pluck any hairs beforehand, though, as that removes the target for the laser, and will reduce the efficacy of the treatment.”

It’s important to be careful when spending time in the sun, both before and after a treatment. “Using quality sunscreen is important as well, to reduce the risk of unwanted side effects,” Dr. Guo continues.

Also, showering isn’t advised before the appointment. Once body hair has gotten wet, its growing pattern may be harder to see. The dermatologist will want to examine how hairs lie on the body to be able to administer the treatment correctly.

andresr//Getty Images

6. The pain is very manageable.

Comfort is a priority when you go to a qualified practitioner. “We use topical lidocaine as a numbing agent,” explains Dr. Waibel. “Don’t use any lidocaine yourself before you come, though — for safety’s sake, your dermatologist must numb you.” The amount of lidocaine used depends on how dense the hair is, plus where on the body it will be removed. It’s important to discuss pain tolerance with the doctor, too, so they can gauge if more numbing will be needed.

Laser hair removal should not feel that bad, though. “The laser typically feels like a rubber band snapping sensation,” says Dr. Guo. The laser will also feel a little warm. Many doctors who administer the treatment are also patients, so they understand what you’ll experience. “Having treated many people and experienced laser hair removal myself, I can tell you that the procedure is quite tolerable,” says Dr. Reider.

7. The actual process is straightforward.

Before a treatment starts, “the hair is shaved down so that only tiny stubble remains,” says Dr. Reider. “The patient puts on protective goggles, and then pulses of high energy laser light are sequentially applied to the areas with hair.”

The equipment sounds like a vacuum. “We work on one body part at a time, and we take care to make sure patients don’t breathe in any of the laser fumes during a procedure,” says Dr. Waibel. “This is because protein in burning hair is carcinogenic.”

8. Some medical conditions can be helped by laser hair removal.

“Laser hair removal is a very reliable and excellent treatment for medical issues like folliculitis, which is the inflammation of hair follicles, or pseudofolliculitis barbae, where hairs repeatedly grow inward and causes inflammation, hyperpigmentation and scarring,” says Dr. Reider.

If you’re experiencing any unusual hair growth symptoms before the treatment, though, you should see your regular physician immediately — and certainly before any laser hair removal. Sudden hair growth can be due to a range of medical problems, from hormonal disorders to tumors to medication reactions, so the cause should be diagnosed and treated first and foremost.

9. Laser hair removal can be done at home.

Yes, there are at-home devices available, but note: They have less power than those used by a dermatologist, and because of this more frequent use is needed.

Also, it’s recommended that you consult with your doctor to get the okay before trying laser hair removal on your own–and of course, it’s in your interest to use a safe product.

These four options below were all cleared by the FDA and vetted by The Good Housekeeping Institute’s beauty analysts.

BEST OVERALL IPL HAIR REMOVAL DEVICE

Ultrafast IPL Permanent Hair Reduction
SMOOTHSKIN Ultrafast IPL Permanent Hair Reduction

The executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Beauty, Health & Sustainability Lab, Birnur Aral, Ph.D, tested this personally and found it caused little discomfort, and said she saw noticeable results after a single treatment. The Institute also liked the sensor that adds to the safety factor.

BEST VALUE IPL HAIR REMOVAL DEVICE

The Flasher™ 2.0

This lightweight, compact device has seven intensity levels; testers for the Good Housekeeping Institute said the instructions were simple to understand. Note: It doesn’t come with a precision head, so it’s not the best option for small areas.

BEST IPL HAIR REMOVAL DEVICE With COOLing

Laser Hair Removal Handset
Ulike Laser Hair Removal Handset

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This device has a cooling feature that Aral likes: She points out that it lowers the skin’s temp to about 50-degrees, which reduces pain. Experts in the Beauty Lab also found it easy to hold and maneuver.

BEST FAST IPL HAIR REMOVAL DEVICE

IPL Hair Removal Systm
Braun IPL Hair Removal Systm

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Online reviewers of this product — which is marketed to both men and women — found that it works more quickly than other devices they’ve tried. It’s good for large or small areas of the body, because it comes with different size heads.

Headshot of Lisa Mulcahy

Contributing Writer

Lisa is an internationally established health writer whose credits include Good Housekeeping, Prevention, Oprah Daily, Woman’s Day, Elle, Cosmopolitan, Glamour, Parade, Health, Self, Family Circle and Seventeen. She is the author of eight best-selling books, including The Essentials of Theater.

Headshot of Birnur K. Aral, Ph.D.

Beauty, Health & Sustainability Lab Executive Director

Birnur (she/her) has led the Beauty, Health and Sustainability Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute since 2007. In addition to overseeing product testing and GH Seal applications, she conducts the brand’s annual Beauty Awards selection process and is an active leader in GH’s green initiatives, including the Sustainable Innovation Awards and Raise the Green Bar Summit. In addition to earning M.Eng. and Ph.D. degrees in chemical engineering, she recently earned a professional certificate in sustainability management from Columbia University. 

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Everything You Need to Know Before Trying Laser Hair Removal

Shaving, plucking, waxing … all of these take time, but for people who prefer to have smooth, hairless skin, they may seem like the only options available. If you’re willing to shell out a little extra cash, however, you could opt instead for a more permanent result: laser hair removal. This high-tech method uses light to actually destroy the follicle, leaving you with fuzz-free skin.

We asked some pros to give us the rundown on all the info you need to know before getting this procedure done.

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1. How does laser hair removal work?

Any service with the word “laser” in its name might seem intimidating, but it’s actually very simple. “Energy from the laser is picked up by the pigment in the hair follicle, causing destruction to the root,” explains New York dermatologist Dr. Margarita Lolis. Once the root is destroyed, it can’t produce more hair.

2. Which type of laser is good for each need?

According to Rachel Sharoff, licensed esthetician at Skintology Skin and Laser Center, here’s a quick rundown on the three most popular laser types:

Diode: The diode laser is very effective for light and dark skin.

Alexandrite: This laser is the fastest of all laser types and works best for treating larger body areas among patients who are have light-to-olive complexions.

Nd:YAG: This long pulse laser can be used safely on all skin types, including tanned skin. It is less effective for light or fine hair when compared to other types of lasers.

3. Which body parts does laser hair removal work best on?

While laser hair removal can work on any body part you wish to remove hair from, it is especially effective on the bikini, lip, chin, and underarm areas.

4. Who are the best candidates for laser hair removal?

If you have dark hair and have ever been annoyed with how stubborn it can be when it comes to regrowth and removal, rejoice: laser hair removal actually works best with thick, coarse, dark hair. “The laser is attracted to pigment, or color, in the hair follicle,” explains Sharoff.

That said, it can take a little longer to fully work on thicker hair. “Some hair is just very resistant, and sometimes new ones come out due to hormonal changes or other hair bulbs becoming active during the treatment period,” explains Dr. Birnur Aral, Director of the Good Housekeeping Beauty Lab, who has personal experience with laser hair removal.

5. Which medications should you stop using beforehand?

Just as with waxing, this skincare treatment is incompatible with certain meds. “Any medications that are photosensitive need to be stopped at least one week prior to treatment,” Sharoff warns. She also notes that most antibiotics can be photosensitive, so if you have an infection, it could be a good idea to push your treatment back a few weeks.

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“Patients should not be using skincare with strong actives such as retinoids and alfa hydroxyl acids,” says Dr. Aral. These ingredients can increase skin cell turnover, making skin more vulnerable to the sun and irritation during the treatment period. If you’re not sure whether your medication could negatively affect your laser hair removal treatment, consult with your doctor beforehand.

6. How long does it take to work?

Everybody is different, so the amount of sessions it takes varies per individual, says Dr. Lolis. “Laser hair removal works when the hair is in its active growth rate,” she explains. Different parts of the body have different growth rates, and therefore could take longer or shorter depending on which spot you’re treating, but Sharoff states that the majority of clients need an average of six to eight treatments for full hair removal.

7. Do you really need to attend all your sessions?

Yes. “One of the biggest mistakes people make is not completing the necessary amount of sessions,” warns Dr. Lolis. “Once the hair growth slows down, patients don’t follow through.” If you really want your treatment to be effective, listen to your practitioner — they know best.

8. What does it feel like? Does it hurt?

“With numbing, it should be comfortable,” says Dr. Lolis, who adds that it feels like a “rubber band snapping the skin,” while Sharoff notes that most of her clients describe it as a light, warm pinch.

9. Should you reschedule an appointment if you have your period?

Unlike getting a bikini wax, you should not cancel your treatment due to your period, says Sharoff. “It’s very important to stay consistent with treatments,” she explains, “so even if a woman is menstruating and treating her bikini area, we just ask that she uses a tampon on the day of treatment.”

10. How should you prep for an appointment?

“We ask that you shave the area you are treating beforehand so that the laser can penetrate into the root of the hair — not target or singe any hair on or outside the skin,” advises Sharoff. She is very specific about the shaving aspect of this prep work for a reason: “You should not wax, tweeze, or bleach any hair one month before your session because the root needs to stay intact in order for the laser to effectively destroy the hair.”

11. What’s the proper way to care for the treated areas?

After your session, avoidance to sun exposure is advisable and the use of a sunscreen like Kiehl’s Activated Sun Protector Water-Light Lotion for Face & Body ($29, kiehls.com) is highly recommended. (But hey, you were already using sunscreen every day, right?) Dr. Aral also notes that any hair growth between sessions should be shaved off — not waxed or threaded.

12. On average, how much does it cost?

The price you pay per session of laser hair removal can vary from provider to provider, but Dr. Lolis says it can range from $50 to $300, depending on which body part you’re removing hair from.

Considering multiple sessions are often needed to fully stop hair growth, it’s not exactly a cheap treatment. But if you like to have hairless skin, imagine using razors or heading to the salon for a wax for the rest of your life — when you think of how much all that costs, laser hair removal can be seen as more of a longterm investment. Plus, some service providers offer packages for clients purchasing several sessions at once, so be sure to ask about any specials available.

13. What are the risks?

While laser hair removal is considered a safe treatment, Dr. Lolis notes that there is a risk of burning, while the FDA adds that blistering, discoloration, redness, and scarring are also potential side effects. There’s also the possibility that your hair could grow back, which Dr. Aral notes may require yearly treatments to keep new hair growth at bay.

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