Sugaring vs Waxing: What's the Difference?

Sugaring services are now being offered at select salons as a “new” way of hair removal. Sugaring at home is becoming more popular (again!) as women seek out more natural beauty products for their personal care routines. So what is Sugaring? And how is it different than sugar waxing? 

What’s the difference?

The type of paste that is used for sugaring is a hard, thick, sticky ball of wax that resembles caramel or toffee. Made with simply sugar, water, and lemon juice, creating this sugar paste is a lot like making candies. But anyone who has ever tried to make candy knows it can be a sticky business. After making this sugar substance you now need some skill to mold and shape it in your hands, apply to your skin, and then zip it off with confidence. This sugar paste is reusable, so when this service is done at a salon the esthetician will roll the same ball of sugar up, and reapply it to a different area, using the same ball of product for the entire session.

Waxing, on the other hand, is sometimes done with a thinner substance, closer to a honey consistency. The wax is generally applied with a wooden spatula and is removed with a fabric strip. This process is natural, simple, effective and easy to do at home without a lot of mess or practice. What's could be confusing is that some waxes can be made with sugar. While you can make your own sugar wax, you will also find that Parissa’s sugar wax products save you a few steps, while maintaining the most natural option available. Our sugar waxes are made with just sugar, water, lemon juice, and chamomile extract.

While sugaring and sugar waxing are both becoming increasingly popular, this is actually the oldest known form of hair removal. In Persian and Egyptian cultures sugar wax has been used for hair removal for thousands of years.

Good for you, Good for the planet

Sugaring and waxing are both excellent options for people with sensitive skin. This gentle, all-natural formula is perfect for those concerned about what they put on and in their bodies. Parissa’s sugar waxes are made just like you would at home, with simple natural, food-grade ingredients.

Parissa sugar waxing kits also come with everything you need to get started, including fabric epilation strips and an all-natural soothing aftercare oil. The fabric strips are made from recycled materials and can be reused many times. The Organic Sugar wax is made with organic sugar cane and is free from process sugar, making this a great vegan-friendly option. All Parissa products are certified as cruelty-free by Leaping Bunny.

Pain & Discomfort

One of the reasons that sugaring and waxing are getting more attention these days is that many bloggers report there is less pain or that using these natural products is pain-free compared to other waxing practices. While sugar-based hair removal products are gentler on the skin and give great results without much discomfort, we will be straight with you – any time you are removing hair at the root, with an epilator, a tweezer or laser, it will cause some slight discomfort. The great news is that waxing really is not that bad! And the discomfort only lasts a few seconds, while the smooth skin lasts for weeks!

What about the mess?

One of the best things about sugar wax is how easy it is to clean. Whether it's washing away any excess wax from your skin, the bathroom counter or to reuse the epilation strips, some warm water will do the trick.

Sugaring, while an effective and natural process overall is messier and requires more skill to do yourself. If you are interested in sugaring, look for a local salon that has practiced estheticians familiar with this technique. If you are ready to try sugar waxing at home – check out the tips in this blog 6 Things You  Should Know about Sugar Waxing at Home.