Sugaring is a method of epilation that is similar to waxing,^[1][2] and, for that reason, is "often called sugar waxing or Persian waxing."^{[3] [4]}

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."^{[4] [5]} Nowadays Islam rules the removal of armpit and pubic hair."^[6]

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.^{[1] [2]} Nevertheless, there is some risk of skin irritation, sensitivity, and reaction.^[2] One website advises, "Of course it hurts to pull out hair however you do it, but many find sugaring less painful than waxing."^[3]

[edit] Substrate

Sugaring paste can be prepared with common household food items, such as water, sugar and lemon juice,^{[5] [2] [4]} and cornstarch,^[7] honey or molasses.

Getting the consistency correct takes some practice for most users.^[4]

Pre-made sugar paste is also sold under many brand names, and both professional and retail versions are available.^[2] It may contain guar gum in addition to the other ingredients.^[5]

Some salons state that sugaring is preferable to waxing, because the former has no resins, except for guar.^[5]

Since the sugar solution is water-based and water-soluble, sugaring is easily cleaned up with warm water.^{[5] [2] [4]}

[edit] Process

In sugaring, either a "heated sugar mixture" can be covered with a strip of fabric, or spread directly on the skin.^{[1] [2] [4]}

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.^[7] 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 "zipped off" in the same direction of hair growth, taking hairs with it.^{[1] [2] [3] [4] [7]}

Alternately, the paste is rolled onto the skin,^[2] and flicked off by hand in the natural direction of growth.^[5]

http://www.care2.com/greenliving/ancient-egyptian-body-sugaring.html#

[edit] References