Tag: Wax

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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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Everything You Need to Know About the Hair Color Wax Trend

There’s a new way to color your hair and it doesn’t involve any commitment or chemicals — we’re talking hair color wax. Sure, the newest hair color trend is a little messy. But it’s gentle, safe and doesn’t contain any of the harsh ingredients found in regular hair dyes. The best part: it washes out easily in the shower. We got the 411 on how, when and why to apply hair color wax.

“Hair color wax is a temporary type of hair color for people who want to experiment with fun, vibrant shades but also want to avoid chemicals and damage,” says Sha-Raya Hutchins, a New York City-based hairstylist. The perks go beyond not bringing on damage. “They deposit color onto strands which then easily comes off when you wash your hair with clarifying shampoo,” explains Danusia Wnek, a chemist in the Beauty, Health and Sustainability Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute. “These waxes do not penetrate into the strand as permanent hair color does, making them gentler.” While every formula has a slightly different ingredient list, “they are generally made of beeswax or a hair wax component, water, alcohol and color pigments,” Hutchins explains.

How should you shop for hair color wax?

“Shopping for hair color wax can be a little tedious, as sometimes you have to try out a few to see which brand takes to your hair texture,” Hutchins says. “Different brands of hair wax have different consistencies, so you really need to read reviews and figure out which brand works best for you.”

Generally speaking, you’ll want to check the (typically short) ingredient list. Beeswax is the top ingredient in hair color waxes that helps the color stick so make sure that’s on the list. Color choice is a big (and fun!) part of the shopping process. There are tons of fun, bold colors to play with and try, especially since you aren’t making a big time commitment.

Hutchins’s favorite hair color wax is Mofajang, as she feels that the colors are super bold and vibrant and it dries and sets better than other waxes she has tried. “It’s also not as messy as some competitors and lasts longer.”

Here are a few top sellers, including Mofajang:

Mofajang Temporary Hair Color Wax
Credit: Mofajang
On Sale

4 Colors Temporary Hair Color Wax

CMWGKBC 4 Colors Temporary Hair Color Wax

Now 26% Off

Credit: CMWGKBC
Curls Unleashed Color Blast Temporary Hair Color Wax
ORS Curls Unleashed Color Blast Temporary Hair Color Wax
Credit: ORS Curls
A Splash Of Color Hair Color Wax
Hair Paint Wax A Splash Of Color Hair Color Wax
Credit: Hair Paint Wax

How do you apply hair color wax?

Always be sure to read the instructions on your hair color wax packaging before applying and start with damp, freshly washed and conditioned hair. The application is super easy: divide hair into sections and apply it (with gloves on, of course) to each section — no mixing required. Keep in mind that a little goes a long way. You can always go back in and add a little bit more if the color isn’t as strong as you hoped; just wait at least 15 to 20 minutes for it to set. While you can use it on wet or dry hair, Hutchins feels that it sets better on wet hair. And unlike permanent hair dye, it shouldn’t be rinsed after application.

In terms of different hair types, “hair color wax can definitely be used on natural hair — it should be used as your wax or gel for your hair,” says Hutchins. She suggests washing and conditioning hair as normal and using your go-to leave-in conditioner or curl cream, then replacing any gel or wax products with hair wax instead. “I typically twist the hair using the wax as my styling gel and allow it to dry for an hour or so to prevent it from bleeding,” she says. “After that you can apply a light oil to your hair, untwist and go.”

Does hair color wax stain clothes?

The short answer: yes! Wnek suggests either wearing clothes you don’t mind getting dirty or wrapping yourself in an old towel. “The pigment from these types of products can really be messy,” she explains.

Is hair color wax good for your hair?

Hutchins believes that it’s good for your hair because it gives you color without all the damaging chemicals. “If brands could come up with an alcohol-free hair wax, it would be even better,” she says. “But hair color wax isn’t damaging and it washes out pretty easily.”

How long does hair color wax last vs. regular hair dye?

Hair color wax can last anywhere from one to two weeks depending on how often you shampoo. “It fades out on its own mostly but washing speeds it up, especially with clarifying shampoo,” Hutchins says. Regular hair dye can last a few months; it also depends on how often you wash your hair or allow it to get wet.

What’s the best way to remove hair color wax?

The easiest and quickest way to get rid of hair color wax is with clarifying shampoo. “It will not come out by just rinsing with water,” Hutchins says.

What are the pros and cons of hair color wax?

Just like any beauty product or treatment, there are upsides and downsides to using hair color wax, especially when compared to traditional hair color. Hutchins shares her thoughts:

Pros:

  • The temporary color. “The fact that you can try any color you want with no commitment is great — it literally washes right out,” Hutchins says. “When it comes to traditional hair dye, you have to commit for at least a month.”
  • The lack of damage. “Hair wax isn’t damaging to your hair and doesn’t alter the texture of your hair,” she says. “Regular hair dye can leave your hair very dry and cause breakage.”

Cons:

  • The mess. “Some brands never fully dry, so you could potentially be ruining a shirt or bonnet because it may continue to bleed everywhere,” Hutchins says.
  • The potential lack of color payoff. “Occasionally a hair color wax doesn’t really show up on your hair and can leave you feeling like it was a waste of time to use,” Hutchins says.

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