Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about body sugaring, appointments, and care. Can't find your answer? Feel free to contact me directly.
About Body Sugaring
Body sugaring is an ancient, natural hair removal technique that uses a paste made from just three simple ingredients: sugar, lemon juice, and water. Unlike waxing, the sugar paste only adheres to the hair and dead skin cells—not live skin—making it significantly gentler and less painful. The paste is applied at body temperature and removed in the direction of hair growth, which reduces breakage and minimizes discomfort. This method is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, and provides smooth results that last 3-4 weeks.
Sugaring differs from waxing in several important ways. First, sugar paste is applied at body temperature (never hot), eliminating the risk of burns. Second, it's removed in the direction of hair growth rather than against it, which significantly reduces pain and prevents hair breakage. Third, the all-natural paste only adheres to hair and dead skin cells, not live skin, making it much gentler. Fourth, sugaring is water-soluble, so cleanup is easy with just warm water. Finally, sugaring causes less irritation and fewer ingrown hairs compared to traditional waxing.
While all hair removal involves some discomfort, sugaring is generally much less painful than traditional waxing. Because the paste doesn't stick to live skin cells and is removed in the direction of hair growth, most clients find it significantly more comfortable. The level of discomfort also decreases with regular treatments as hair grows back finer and sparser. First-time clients often report that it's much easier than they expected, and many say they wish they had tried sugaring sooner.
Yes! Sugaring is safe for all skin types and tones, including sensitive skin. The all-natural ingredients (sugar, lemon, water) are hypoallergenic and gentle on the skin. Because the paste doesn't adhere to live skin cells and is never hot, there's minimal risk of irritation, burns, or damage to the skin. Sugaring is also safe for those with eczema, psoriasis, or other skin conditions, though we recommend consulting with your healthcare provider if you have any concerns.
Before Your Appointment
For best results, your hair should be at least 0.5 cm long (about the length of a grain of rice) or roughly 2-3 weeks of growth after shaving. Don't worry if you're unsure—I can trim for you to the perfect length at the time of the appointment. If your hair is too short, we may need to reschedule to allow for additional growth.
To prepare for your sugaring appointment: (1) Gently exfoliate the area 24-48 hours before your appointment to remove dead skin cells and help prevent ingrown hairs. (2) Avoid using lotions, oils, or creams on the day of your appointment, as these can create a barrier between the paste and hair. (3) Come with clean skin—you may shower before your appointment. (4) Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. (5) Avoid sun exposure or tanning for at least 24 hours before your appointment, as freshly tanned or sunburned skin is more sensitive.
Yes, you can absolutely get sugared during your menstrual cycle, though you may be slightly more sensitive during this time due to hormonal changes. For Brazilian or bikini services, please wear a fresh tampon or menstrual cup. Many clients prefer to schedule their appointments outside of their cycle for comfort, but it's entirely your choice and we accommodate all clients with professionalism and discretion.
Yes! Transitioning from shaving to sugaring is easy. You'll just need to let your hair grow out for 2-3 weeks (about 0.5 cm) before your first sugaring appointment. During this transition period, resist the urge to shave, even though you may experience some discomfort as your hair grows. The wait is worth it—after your first sugaring session, hair will grow back softer, finer, and more slowly, making each subsequent appointment more comfortable and effective.
During & After Treatment
Appointment length varies depending on the service area and whether it's your first visit. A Brazilian typically takes 20-30 minutes for first-time clients and 10-20 minutes for returning clients. Smaller areas like underarms take about 5-10 minutes, while larger areas like full legs can take 30-45 minutes. First appointments often take longer as I take extra time to explain the process, answer questions, and ensure your comfort throughout the service.
Sugaring results typically last 3-4 weeks, though this can vary based on individual factors such as hair growth rate, hormones, and hair texture. With regular sugaring appointments every 3-4 weeks, you'll notice that your hair grows back progressively finer, softer, and sparser. Many long-term clients find that their hair growth slows significantly, requiring less frequent appointments over time. Consistency is key to achieving the best long-term results.
Proper aftercare is essential for the best results and to prevent irritation or ingrown hairs. For the first 24 hours: (1) Avoid hot baths, showers, saunas, or steam rooms. (2) Skip exercise or activities that cause excessive sweating. (3) Don't apply makeup, fragrances, or heavily scented products to the treated area. (4) Avoid direct sun exposure and tanning beds. (5) Wear loose, breathable clothing. After 24 hours: (1) Keep the area clean and moisturized. (2) Exfoliate gently 2-3 times per week to prevent ingrown hairs. (3) Apply a soothing, fragrance-free moisturizer daily.
It's recommended that you do not shave between sugaring appointments. Shaving disrupts the natural hair growth cycle that sugaring helps establish, leading to uneven hair growth, increased irritation, and less effective results at your next appointment. Shaving also causes hair to grow back thicker and stubbly, undoing the progress you've made with sugaring. However, if you have a special event and your hair hasn't grown out enough for an earlier sugaring appointment, it's okay to shave if necessary—just understand this may affect your next session. If you feel you need touch-ups between appointments, please contact me to discuss scheduling an earlier appointment rather than shaving.
Some mild redness and sensitivity immediately after your appointment is completely normal and typically subsides within a few hours. You may also notice small red bumps around the hair follicles for the first 24 hours—this is a normal reaction and will fade quickly. Serious side effects are rare with proper aftercare. If you experience prolonged redness, swelling, or any signs of infection, please contact me immediately so we can address your concerns.
Special Considerations
Yes, sugaring is generally considered safe during pregnancy and is actually preferred over waxing because it's gentler and uses only natural ingredients. However, your skin may be more sensitive during pregnancy due to hormonal changes, so you might experience slightly more discomfort than usual. If you're pregnant and haven't been sugared before, we recommend waiting until after your first trimester. Always consult with your healthcare provider before booking if you have any concerns or complications with your pregnancy.
Yes, please inform me if you're taking or using: (1) Retinoids (Retin-A, Differin, tretinoin) or any prescription acne medications—you must discontinue use for at least 5-7 days before sugaring. (2) Blood thinners or medications that affect skin healing. (3) Accutane—you must wait at least 6 months after completing treatment. (4) Topical or oral steroids. Also mention if you have: diabetes, skin conditions (eczema, psoriasis), compromised immunity, or recent cosmetic procedures (laser, chemical peels, injections). This information helps ensure your safety and the best possible results.
Absolutely! Body sugaring is for everyone, regardless of gender. I offer professional sugaring services for men including back, chest, stomach, and underarms. Men's hair is often coarser and denser, which may require slightly longer appointment times, but sugaring is highly effective for all hair types. Many male clients appreciate the long-lasting smoothness and reduced irritation compared to shaving. All services are provided in a professional, comfortable, and judgment-free environment.
I understand that life happens and schedules change. I kindly ask that you provide at least 24 hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment. This allows me to offer your time slot to other clients who may be waiting for an appointment. If you have an emergency or need to make a last-minute change, please contact me as soon as possible and we'll work something out. Your understanding and cooperation help me serve all my clients better.
Still Have Questions?
I'm here to help! Feel free to reach out with any questions about body sugaring, appointment booking, or anything else. I look forward to welcoming you to Sugar Coated Skin.