Sugaring (epilation)

From Susan's Place Transgender Wiki

Sugaring (also known as Persian waxing) is a method of hair removal that has been in use for thousands of years. The process is similar to waxing, though there are a few differences.

Pre-made commercial sugaring products are widely available, easier to use, and their application is the same. Some of the commercial brands available are sold under the name Moom, Nad's, or Parissa. However, homemade sugaring preparation is much more economical.

[edit] DIY Recipe

Sugaring paste can be prepared with common household food items, such as sugar, lemon juice, honey or molasses. Getting the consistency correct takes some practice for most users. The area to be epilated is typically dusted with powder prior to application of the sugaring solution, which is spread on (with a spatula, tongue depressor, or other flat object) in the direction the hair is growing. After the sticky paste is applied to the skin, a strip of porous cloth or paper is pressed into the preparation. The strip is then quickly pulled away in the opposite direction of hair growth, taking hairs with it.

2 cups sugar
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/4 cup water

Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Bring down to a simmer once you have brought this to a boil. Adjust temperature as needed and continue stirring until mixture is a rich brown or amber color. Use a candy thermometer to ensure that the mixture is heated to the "soft ball" stage, 110° C/230° F. If you don't have a candy thermometer, use the cold-water test. At the right stage of cooking, the sugar mixture will form a soft, flexible ball when dropped into cold water. If you remove the ball from the water, it will flatten like a pancake after a few moments in your hand. At this point, remove the sugar preparation from the heat and allow it to cool to the right temperature before using. It should be warm and soft enough to spread easily, but not so hot as to hurt your skin. To reheat it, warm it for a few seconds in a microwave, and stir it with a wooden paddle for even consistency. Take care not to overheat it.

[edit] Microwave recipe

This method is easier to make, but when prepared in a microwave the sugar may not melt completely, leaving the finished product with a somewhat granular texture, which makes it harder to use.

1 cup sugar
Half a lemon for the juice
1/4 cup honey
A little bit of molasses if you have any like a drizzle
Cornstarch (to powder with for tautness making it more effective)
Something to spread the mixture with like a tongue depressor, popsicle stick, cheese spreader or spatula.
Cotton fabric (any old thing you can find or buy some strips at a store)

[edit] Directions

Mix the lemon, sugar, and honey thoroughly in a bowl.
Microwave it on high for about 2-3 minutes or until it bubbles into a smooth consistency. If you use the stove use LOW heat.
Allow the mixture to cool until it can be safely touched. If the mixture cools too much then microwave it for an additional 20 seconds.
Make sure your legs or where ever you wish to place it is clean and dry.
Dust the area you wish to depilate with cornstarch which allows the sugaring mix to be more effective as it draws out oil.
Spread the sugaring mix on skin in the direction of the hair growth
Put cotton strip on top but not allowing the product to bleed through
Hold skin firmly and rapidly pull strip off in the opposite direction from that of the hair growth
Reheat the mix if it gets too hard to spread.

It is recommended that you keep the sugaring mix in a glass or plastic container which has a top. Make sure the container is clean and oil free. Most sugaring mixes can be stored for long periods of time.

[edit] External links

Sugaring for Hair Removal~Nina's Technique

[edit] Discuss

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