Waxing vs. Sugaring: What is the Difference?

Sugaring paste
Photo by Marina Abrosimova

If you’ve spent years of your life shaving, you may be tired of the hairs growing back in just a few days or the constant razor cuts and burns. Fortunately, there are several other hair removal options available that produce longer results.

Waxing and sugaring are two of the most popular alternatives to shaving. But if you’re just starting out, you may be wondering what the difference between the two is. 

The main difference between waxing and sugaring is the materials used in the hair removal process. Waxing uses a paste made from wax, often with the addition of essential oils for a nice smell. Sugaring uses a paste made from melted sugar and citric acid. Some people prefer sugaring because the ingredients are more natural, however, the process for both procedures is very similar. 

In both cases, the hair removal process involves applying a warm paste onto the skin. After the paste cools and sets, a technician will pull the paste off against the direction of the hair growth, just like you would pull an adhesive bandaid off. 

Both sugaring and waxing pull the hair out with its root, so results typically last from two to four weeks.