Long before disposable razors, waxing kits, and laser treatments, people used a simple method called sugaring to remove unwanted body hair.

Body sugaring is an ancient technique that dates back to 1900 BC and was popular in the Middle East and North Africa. Even Cleopatra and her friends used it to keep their skin smooth and hair-free. Nowadays, with so many hair removal options available, body sugaring is making a comeback because it’s safe, natural, effective, inexpensive, and eco-friendly.

What is Body Sugaring?
Body sugar is made from three basic ingredients: white sugar, lemon juice, and water. When heated, these ingredients form a thick, honey-like paste that can be spread on the skin and “flicked” off to remove hair.

To use it, spread the paste against the direction of hair growth, let it sit for a few seconds, then pull it off in the direction of hair growth with a quick, smooth motion. It might take a bit of practice, but it’s easy once you get the hang of it.

7 Benefits of Body Sugaring
1. No Harsh Chemicals
Body sugar paste is made from simple kitchen ingredients and is free of chemicals. Unlike waxing products that contain resins, preservatives, and dyes, body sugaring is gentle on the skin.

2. Won’t Irritate Your Skin
Shaving can cause nicks and bumps, and waxing can make skin red and sore. Body sugaring, however, is gentle enough for all skin types and only sticks to hair and dead skin cells, not live skin. It also mildly exfoliates your skin.

3. Less Painful
While any hair removal can cause some discomfort, body sugaring is less painful than waxing because it doesn’t tear at live skin cells.

4. Long Lasting
Body sugaring results last about six weeks. The paste penetrates deeply into the hair follicle, removing hair from the root. Over time, hair grows back finer and sparser, and regular sugaring can lead to permanently hair-free areas.

5. Zero Waste
Unlike disposable razors that create a lot of waste, body sugaring is a zero-waste method. It doesn’t require strips or sticks and the paste can be composted after use.

6. Reduced Risk of Ingrown Hairs
Since body sugaring removes hair in the direction of growth, it reduces the risk of ingrown hairs. Exfoliating before sugaring and moisturizing afterward can further help prevent ingrown hairs.

7. Easy Clean Up
Waxing requires oil-based substances to clean up, but body sugar paste is water-soluble and can be rinsed off with plain water.

How to Make Body Sugar
As body sugaring gains popularity, more salons offer it and pre-made pastes are available for purchase. However, making your own sugaring paste is easy:

Ingredients
– 2 cups white cane sugar
– ¼ cup lemon juice
– ¼ cup water
– 1 teaspoon guar gum (optional thickening agent)

Instructions
Combine the sugar, lemon juice, water, and optional guar gum in a medium saucepan. Stir continuously over low heat to prevent burning, gradually increasing to medium heat. Once the mixture reaches a boil (about 250°F) and turns golden yellow, remove it from heat and let it cool completely before transferring to a glass jar. To use, warm it in the microwave for easier spreading. Leftover paste can be stored in the refrigerator indefinitely.

Enjoy smooth, hair-free skin with this natural and effective method!