How to Perform Sugaring Hair Removal

Sugaring hair removal has been used since 1900 BC, when a smooth body was the standard of beauty for Egyptian women. Even Cleopatra, reportedly one of the most beautiful women of her time, received a regular sugaring treatment. It is one of the most popular methods of female facial hair removal around the world. Use this method to perform your own sugaring hair removal from the privacy of your own home.

Things You'll Need

• Sugar
• Fresh lemon
• Honey
• Small mixing bowl
• Tongue depressor
• Cornstarch
• Strips of cotton fabric
• Low tub or jar

Instructions

1. Combine one cup sugar, juice from ½ fresh lemon, and ¼ cup honey in the small mixing bowl. Heat the mixture on the stove top, low heat, for 3-5 minutes, until the sugar has dissolved and the consistency is smooth. Allow the sugaring hair removal mixture to cool to just a little warmer than room temperature.

2. Clean the area to be waxed and dry thoroughly. Dust the area with cornstarch. This will draw out moisture and aid in the skin's tautness to reduce pain.

3. Spread a thin layer of the warm sugaring hair removal mixture onto the dusted area using a tongue depressor. Lay a strip of fabric over the top of the honey and press down, rubbing opposite the direction of hair growth. Run your hand or fingers over the strip 3-4 times to make sure all the hairs adhere to the fabric.

4. Pull the skin taut. Grab the end of the strip of fabric and pull quickly, against the direction of hair growth. Do not hesitate or the pain will be worse. Discard the used strip and repeat the steps for each area in which hair removal is needed.

5. Store any leftover sugaring hair removal mixture in a low tub or jar. Heat the solution for a few minutes in the microwave before using each time. This treatment will store for several weeks in the refrigerator.

Tips & Warnings

• Use anything made of natural cotton, such as old t-shirts, sheets, etc. for the fabric strips. If you don't have a tongue depressor lying around, try using a spatula or the back of a spoon to apply the sugar wax.

• If you aren't crazy about making your own sugaring hair removal paste, there are many different pre-made products available. Check your local drug store, or online retailers for a cheaper and less embarrassing method of purchase. Read reviews of any products before trying them to make sure others have been happy with their performance. All sugaring products are not created equal.

• Sugaring hair removal is painful, although over time it becomes more tolerable. The first few times are the hardest. Once you make it through this, however, you'll barely be able to notice it.