2 DIY Body Sugaring Recipes for Natural Hair Removal

Body Sugaring? What Is That!?

In today's How To DIY, I saw sugaring recipes for hair removal. This caught my attention while scouring the web, and I feel that this is highly relevant to my readers.

If you wonder what it is, it's a sugary mixture that is heated, applied, and removed just like traditional wax with strips of fabric to get rid of hair.

The regrowth time is about the same as traditional wax because you are doing the same process. However, it is way better for your skin because it is much more gentle if done correctly. Sugaring is a lot like exfoliating.

Unlike wax, it only removes your dead skin cells. Wax, however, removes the whole top layer of your skin! Ouch! The plus of sugaring is that your skin is left soft and smooth. In addition, sugaring is cost-effective; you'll know what's in it, and there isn't much mess! Finally, the mixture is water-soluble and can be washed off easily.

Now that's what I like to hear; no-fuss waxing! Although, I have to confess that I don't wax. I tried doing it to myself on small test areas and couldn't bring myself to pull the strip with confidence.

I even went to a salon to get it done professionally, and I was a big baby and couldn't handle the repeated pain. But don't let that deter any of you from giving this a go!

These tips are for your benefit, so let's get into it, shall we?

Supplies For Sugaring:

• Candy thermometer (so you can check the temperature while heating)
• 1" wide strips of cotton fabric that are about 8"-10" in length
• Wooden popsicle sticks or spatula

Ingredients of Sugaring Mixture:

Recipe #1:

• 2 c. sugar
• 1/4 c. freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1/4 c. water

Recipe #2:

• 1 c. sugar
• 1 c. honey
• freshly squeezed juice from half a lemon

Stove Heating Directions:

1. Combine the ingredients of your chosen recipe in a heavy saucepan and turn the heat to medium.
2. Then once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low and cook until the mixture reaches 250°F. Make sure you stir the mixture often so it doesn't boil over.
3. When the mixture reaches 250°F, take it off the heat. (Tip: if you want it thicker, heat it to 245°F)
4. Once off the heat, let it sit until warm, then pour it into a glass canning jar (or any spare glass jar you have with a lid).
5. Continue to let it cool until it finally reaches room temperature.
6. It will then be ready to use.

Microwave Heating Directions:

1. Using Recipe #2, combine the items in a large glass bowl and heat for two minutes. Make sure to stop every 20-30 seconds to stir.
2. Then once finished cooking, allow to cool until warm and pour it into a glass canning jar.
3. Let it rest until it's finally ready at room temperature.
4. It will then be ready to use.

How To Apply Your Sugaring Wax:

1. Lightly dust the surface to be waxed with cornstarch and rub it in.
2. Then, apply a thin layer in the opposite direction of the hair growth using the popsicle stick or spatula.
3. Cover with a cotton strip, rub the fabric firmly, and follow your hair growth direction.
4. Let it sit there for about a minute. Then, pull the skin tight with one hand and rip off the strip quickly with your other hand. Make sure you are tearing the strip toward your hair growth, as this will help stop the hair from breaking (less chance of irritation or ingrown).
5. Repeat as needed until you have done the entire area you are targeting.
6. If needed, reheat the mixture if it gets too cold.

Tips For Success:

• Your hair should be at least 1/4" long so the Sugaring Wax has something to grab.
• You can seal any leftovers in the jar, refrigerate, reheat, and use them later.
• If the sugaring wax is too hard to work with, add a spoonful of water and warm it in the microwave until hot. Then, stir it and allow it to cool. Then follow the instructions above.
• To be more eco-friendly, reuse your strips by washing them in warm soapy water or sticking them in the washing machine.
• Using the microwave method, ensure the mixture reaches the desired temperature; otherwise, it won't have the right consistency when it cools down.

Recipe #1

If you want an alternative to cotton strips, take the sugaring wax (careful not to burn yourself!), and form it into a malleable mass in your hand. Then, rework it with your fingers until it becomes a very light pale caramel color.

• The lemon juice is there as an antibacterial agent. As a substitution, you can also use lime juice or white vinegar.
• Don't heat the mixture to too high a temperature; otherwise, you will turn it into candy!

So that's it! Super simple, isn't it?! Please give it a go and leave your comments and experiences below.

About the Author
Article Contributed by Danielle Winters
Organic Natural Beauty Directory Founder
Thank you to Campaign for Safe Cosmetics.org for this information.