Waxing, Sugaring, Threading

With the warm weather that looks like it will be with us for a while, hair removal is a multi-month affair. The more I thought about it, the more I started to wonder about the differences in common hair removal methods. As a beauty professional, I couldn’t just sit—I had to find out, so I did some research.

Lasering can be expensive. The three most common hair removal services are waxing, sugaring and threading. Waxing, the most common, is applying hot wax to your skin and then removing the wax with a small strip of cloth. For the process of sugaring, an esthetician uses a sugar-based paste applied to your skin before peeling off the hair. And threading is using a piece of string to remove the hair—this method is most commonly performed on the face.

WAXING

The most common method of hair removal, waxing is available at most beauty salons. The best salons to choose are those that educate clients on the waxing process. Many hair removal customers select the bikini or Brazilian waxing technique, which involves removing hair in the pubic area. Waxing is quick and convenient (and I personally don’t find it that painful), which is why it’s been my usual go-to hair removal method. Do your research—find a place that highlights the important issue of sanitation: spas and salons should abide by strict safe waxing procedures such as keeping hospital grade disinfecting products in each wax room, insisting each skin therapist wears gloves and never double-dipping the wax stick. Hot wax does not kill bacteria, so it is important to choose an establishment that is clean, licensed and strict about sanitation.

SUGARING

I’ve only done this once, but I am impressed. This technique involves using, yes, sugar, to remove hair. All hair-removal practices have their pros and cons, but some clients have reported that the sugaring technique was less painful and caused less irritation to the skin. Sugaring doesn’t just remove hair, it also exfoliates the skin. Sugaring leaves the skin smoother and the hair has reportedly 30 percent less breakage than with waxing or threading. Additionally, like with waxing, sanitation should be a priority. Look for a spa or salon that uses a fresh, new sugar ball for each client, eliminating the possibility of cross-contamination. One possible disadvantage is that this technique is difficult to master, so if you’re interested in trying it, do your research and find an experienced studio.

THREADING

Threading is considered the most precise in providing the best shape for brows. It’s also one of the least-painful methods, with the sensation similar to that of tweezing several hairs at once. Some therapists prefer threading to waxing because waxing has the potential to burn or irritate the skin while threading requires no products and reduces the likelihood that the skin can become inflamed. Threading doesn’t lift or tear the skin and is safe for people who are taking medications. The possible disadvantages of threading include sneezing and eye-watering, not so much from the pain, but the sensitivity. Another disadvantage is that it can be tough finding someone to provide this service and the technique may leave your skin itchy for a short time afterwards.

For more content like this, read our article on what an esthetician really does by clicking here.