How Does Body Sugaring Work?

Waxing. Depilation. Plucking. Laser. The struggle to get rid of body hair comes in a lot of forms, and has been going on for a long, looooong time.

In fact, if you're wondering what it is... body sugaring is one of the earliest forms of hair removal and it goes back thousands of years. Cleopatra herself is said to have used it, so you’re in good company! This history is likely due to the simple, all-natural ingredients that the paste is made of, which even ancient people would have had access to.

But even though it’s been around longer than almost anything we use today, many people still don’t quite know how it works, what the past is made of, or whether it’s safe to do at home. 

If you’ve wondered about any of these questions, this blog is for you!

An Intro to Body Sugaring

If you’re totally new to the idea of sugaring, and especially how it stands up to other techniques like waxing, here’s a great video that breaks down some of the most common questions people have.

There are also some excellent sources online which feature different dermatologists to get their thoughts. We’ll cover some of the most important stuff here, but feel free to search more on Google if you want to explore more.

Who to ask about body sugaring

Facts About Body Sugaring Paste

So...is “body sugar” really sugar, or is that just a name for a different kind of wax?

As you can see, the sugar paste looks a lot more like honey than it does like wax. That’s because it is basically honey, with some added citrus flair! Recipes and ratios may vary from one brand and salon to the next, but our sugaring paste is pretty simple: lemon juice, water, and sugar. Think of it like the world’s thickest lemonade.

It smells good, it’s totally natural with no harsh additives or chemicals, it’s hypoallergenic, and it’s environmentally friendly. Just like wax, it’s soft enough to be moved around the skin and pick up hair, but it doesn’t require nearly as much heat and as a result, it won’t burn the top layer of skin.

Is body sugaring good for sensitive skin?

Body Sugaring Techniques

The technique and application are where body sugaring really shines and breaks away from more traditional waxing.

Our paste is at room temperature, making it quite comfortable to use and feel, on any part of the body. Once warmed up, it is applied to a clean area of skin where the hair will be removed – against the natural direction of growth. It flows over the hair and down into the follicle, where the stickiness grabs the hair and holds on (this is why the hair must have a bit of growth – at least a few weeks between sessions).

Why do we do it this way? While it may seem strange, it makes sense because we then remove the paste in the same direction as hair growth. Applying the paste in the opposite way causes the pulling force to move in the same direction that the hair is pointing – and that in turn helps the root come fully out of the follicle without breaking. 

It’s a big difference that makes sugaring more comfortable than waxing. Not only is this less painful for you, but it means longer periods of smoother skin, less chance of ingrown hairs, and less time spent on the same area of skin, reducing irritation. Repeated sessions can also lead to finer hair in those areas, making regrowth less apparent and removal easier.

Here’s a pro breakdown of how and why it works:

Can You Do Sugaring at Home?

Like any other cosmetic procedure – hair dyeing, waxing, manicures, and so on – it’s almost always possible to do at home. It’s a matter of whether the result will be better.

Even though the techniques of body sugaring are simple to understand, it will always be easier for another person to do it for you, since they can reach places and get better angles that you can’t. It also takes skill and training to be fast and effective with each application, which only comes with practice. Even heating up the paste can be tricky if you are not familiar with it, leading to potential burns.

Another issue may stem from the quality of DIY kits or even the body sugaring instructions you find online or in boxes. Every body is different, with its own skin type and hair type, and having a professional to help figure out the best approach always leads to better results. 

So, what we’re saying is – yes, it’s possible to do sugaring yourself at home, but it’s almost guaranteed to not be as thorough, clean, or simple, especially on hard-to-reach areas that you can’t see well.

Body Sugaring in Calgary, Kelowna, Edmonton, and Sherwood Park

You may still have plenty of questions about how body sugaring works, but you’re in luck, because we’ve got answers! From our locations across Alberta and BC, we’re on a mission to bring the gospel of body sugaring even further around Canada. We’re happy to provide you with everything you need to make an informed decision and choose the service that’s best for you. Aside from three locations in Calgary (17 Ave, McKenzie Towne, and Crowfoot), we have shops in three other cities:

• Our Edmonton sugaring salon
• Our Sherwood Park sugaring salon
• Our Kelowna sugaring salon

We can’t wait to help you look and feel your smoothest, hair-free, care-free best!