Sugaring is a method of epilation that is similar to waxing, and, for that reason, is “often called sugar waxing orPersian waxing.”
It has been in use since 1900 BC, “when a hairless and smooth body was considered the standard of youth, beauty and innocence for women in Egypt.” Nowadays Islam rules the removal of armpit and pubic hair.”
Sugaring can be less painful than waxing, because the substrate sticks to the hair without attaching to the skin, may be applied at room temperature or heated to a lukewarm temperature, preventing burning. Nevertheless, there is some risk of skin irritation, sensitivity, and reaction. One website advises, “Of course it hurts to pull out hair however you do it, but many find sugaring less painful than waxing.”
Substrate
Sugaring paste can be prepared with common household food items, such as water, sugar and lemon juice, and cornstarch, honey or molasses.
Getting the consistency correct takes some practice for most users.
Pre-made sugar paste is also sold under many brand names, and both professional and retail versions are available. It may contain guar gum in addition to the other ingredients.
Some salons state that sugaring is preferable to waxing, because the former has no resins, except for guar.
Since the sugar solution is water-based and water-soluble, sugaring is easily cleaned up with warm water.
Process
In sugaring, either a “heated sugar mixture” can be covered with a strip of fabric, or spread directly on the skin.
With the strip method, the area to be epilated is typically dusted with powder (commercial or corn starch) prior to application of the sugaring solution, which is spread on with a spatula, tongue depressor, or by hand. After the sticky paste is applied to the skin in the opposite direction of hair growth. A strip of porous cloth or paper is pressed into the preparation, and “lifted” or “zip[ped] off” in the same direction of hair growth, taking hairs with it.
Alternately, the paste is rolled onto the skin, and flicked off by hand in the natural direction of growth.
Does it hurt?
Yes! Like waxing the hair is ripped out of the folicles and yes it hurts. Look at the poor guys face in the picture above.