If you have unwanted facial hair, it can be a constant battle to keep the fuzz away. Shaving only works for a few days, and depilatory creams can irritate sensitive skin. You don't need to slather your face with chemicals to get rid of hair. An old-time, natural remedy called sugaring works just as well as waxing. This process uses melted sugar, honey and lemon juice to pull hair out at the root. It's gentler and less painful than waxing, too.
Wash your face well with warm water and a gentle cleanser. This removes dirt and oil that can make hair removal more difficult.
Rub your face with a damp washcloth using small, circular motions. This exfoliates the skin and removes dead skin cells, making it easier to remove unwanted hair. For a stronger solution, combine 4 tablespoons baking soda with 1 tablespoon water. Let the mixture set for two minutes, then apply it to your skin with circular motions. Rinse the baking-soda mixture off with warm water after three minutes.
Combine 1 cup sugar, 1/4 cup honey and the juice of half a lemon in a small bowl. Stir well to make a thick paste.
Heat the sugar mixture in the microwave for about a minute, then stir again. If the mixture isn't warm yet, heat it for another 30 seconds to a minute. Alternatively, pour the mixture into a small saucepan and heat it on a low temperature on the stove. Stir continually to prevent burning.
Wash your face as usual while you let the sugar mixture cool to room temperature. Pat your face dry with a towel.
Spread a thin layer of the room-temperature sugar wax over unwanted hair. Use a clean popsicle stick or plastic spatula for easier application.
Press a clean, dry cloth strip firmly down over the sugar wax. An old sheet or pillowcase cut into thin strips works well.
Hold your skin taut with one hand. Use your other hand to quickly pull the cloth strip away in the direction opposite the direction of hair growth.
Repeat this process as needed to remove all unwanted hair. Wipe your face with a damp cloth when finished to remove any sugaring residue.
Tip
For best results, let hair grow to at least 1/8-inch long before sugaring.
A homemade sugaring solution may last for about a week if stored in the refrigerator. Keep leftovers in a covered container so they stay fresh for longer. Store-bought sugaring products can last for 12 months or up to two years.
Warning
Do not use this hair-removal method if your skin has open wounds or burns, including sunburns.
Do not wax if you take Accutane, Retin-A or any other topical or oral vitamin A products. These medications make skin thinner and increase the likelihood of skin removal.
Don't exfoliate freshly waxed areas, and avoid exposing them to the sun for at least 24 hours.
Don't shave between waxing sessions -- doing so will make the next waxing session more painful.
If you burn your skin, immediately flush the area with cold water for 10 minutes. If the hot sugaring solution gets in your eyes, flush them with water for at least 20 minutes.
References
- Columbia Health: Do-it-Yourself Potion for Inexpensive Hair Removal
- Level 2 Beauty Therapy; Jane Hiscock, Frances Lovett; 2004
- Mother Nature Network: Sugaring: An All-Natural Approach to Hair Removal
- TotalBeauty.com: The Dos and Don'ts of At-Home Waxing
- Absolute Body Waxing & Spa: Do’s & Dont’s of Waxing
- Botanica Day Spa: Brazilian Waxing -- What You Need to Know Before You Bare it All
- Woman's Day: 6 All-Natural Beauty Fixes
Writer Bio
Melissa King began writing in 2001. She spent three years writing for her local newspaper, "The Colt," writing editorials, news stories, product reviews and entertainment pieces. She is also the owner and operator of Howbert Freelance Writing. King holds an Associate of Arts in communications from Tarrant County College.