Q&A for How to Make Sugar Wax

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How should I care for my skin after applying sugar wax to it?

Diana Yerkes
Skincare Professional
Diana Yerkes is a Skincare Professional and the Lead Esthetician at Rescue Spa in New York City, New York. With over 15 years of experience, Diana helps others with their skin care needs by incorporating natural and high-performing products and treatments into their routines while providing nutrition insights and educating clients on better skin care habits. Diana is a member of the Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) and holds certifications from the Wellness for Cancer and Look Good Feel Better programs. She received her esthetics education from the Aveda Institute, the International Dermal Institute, and the Biologique Research Academy.

Diana Yerkes

Skincare Professional

Expert Answer

Unlike standard wax, sugar wax doesn't create burns or more reactive, sensitizing action. Just hydrate your skin like you would do with any hair-removal services and you should be totally fine.

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Question

Can I use apple cider vinegar in place of lemon or lime?

Community Answer

Yes, you can use apple cider vinegar in place of lemon or lime. You can also use presqueezed lemon or lime juice.

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Question

What can I use if I don't have wax strips?

Community Answer

You can also use an old t-shirt or cotton cloth cut into strips.

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Question

Can I use lime instead of lemon?

Community Answer

Yes, you certainly can. Either way, it's the citric acid that you need for it. Just don't use an orange, it's not acidic enough.

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Question

Can I use it on my mustache area?

Community Answer

Yes! Just test it with your finger before putting it on your face to make sure it's not too hot.

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Question

How do I store sugar wax? How long does it last for?

Community Answer

Store sugar wax in the fridge. To "soften" it after refrigeration, put it in the microwave for 4 to 10 second increments. Sugar wax lasts for less than 2 weeks; keep in an airtight container.

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Question

Can cotton balls work if you don't have any wax strips?

Community Answer

No. The strip needs to be a firm cotton fabric, such as the kind used in men's white dress shirts. It shouldn't be stretchy like T-shirt material, or soft and fluffy. If you used a cotton ball, then the cotton ball will just rip apart and leave the wax on your skin.

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Question

Is it safe to use near my eyes, like around my eyebrows?

Community Answer

It is, but be careful as it can be quite warm.

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Question

What is the most desired length of hair for sugar waxing?

Community Answer

A quarter of an inch typically works best for gripping the hair in the wax. If it's too long, it becomes more painful and less accurate. If it's too short, the wax doesn't grab.

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Question

How much lemon and water for 1/2 cup of sugar?

Community Answer

1 tablespoons of lemon and 1 tablespoon of water. Just cut the recipe in half.

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Question

Can I use a different type of sugar?

Community Answer

The recipe states that any type of sugar, so long as it is granulated, is suitable. "No powdered sugar" was the only restriction.

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Question

Can you use this wax on the bikini area?

Community Answer

Yes. When waxing pubic/bikini area, be sure to thoroughly remove any residue, as sugar can alter vaginal pH and cause yeast infections.

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Question

Should I put it back on the stove if the wax consistency is too thin?

Community Answer

Yes, you should. It shouldn't be too thick or too runny though, so make sure you don't leave it on the stove for too long.

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Question

About how long does it take for the wax to be done?

Community Answer

It should take bout 10 to 15 minutes. It depends on how fast your stove heats things up. For example, if you use a double boiler, it will take about seven to 10 minutes.

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Question

If it's the perfect wax texture but very dark, why won't it pick up hair?

Community Answer

Make sure your skin is dry. Try sprinkling a little bit of baby powder on the area.

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Question

Why is my wax too hard and tight, like toffee?

Community Answer

Perhaps you haven't added enough water or lemon juice. Try adding more a little bit at a time to see if the consistency improves. If not, you may have heated the sugar wax too much, causing it to harden.

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Question

Can you use regular white sugar?

Community Answer

Yes, but do not use powdered sugar.

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Question

Can I make it without lemon or lime?

Community Answer

No. The lemon makes the water evaporate so the wax can peel off your skin.

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Question

Can I use muscovado sugar?

The_generals2014

Community Answer

The recipe states that any type of sugar, so long as it is granulated, is suitable. "No powdered sugar" was the only restriction.

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Question

Is it okay if I put on lotion after using this? If so, what kind of lotion should I put on?

Community Answer

Try using aloe vera gel, it'll help soothe the skin afterwards. Skin can sometimes be a little irritated after something like this, so it'll probably help. Aloe vera gel is also really good for softening, and is very gentle and cooling on your skin. Make sure to get a product that is "aloe gel" and not "aloe lotion," as I find the former works better and it is all natural.

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Question

What can I substitute for the lemon in this recipe?

Community Answer

Lime should work as well.

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Question

I let it stay for too long in the jar. What do I do?

Community Answer

Pour some hot water in the jar and let it sit, then use a bottle cleaner. If that doesn't work, you might need to just throw the jar away. Sugar wax is sticky and hard to remove after its been stored too long.

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Question

Does it matter in what direction I apply the wax?

Community Answer

Yes. Apply it away from the direction of hair growth and remove it in the direction of hair growth.

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Question

Am I able to use a tomato, for the citric acid, rather than limes or lemons?

Community Answer

No, a tomato is not a substitute for limes or lemons in this formula.

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Question

Can it be made without the sugar? I've seen people make honey wax but the sugar is still incorporated.

Community Answer

A sugar wax cannot be made without sugar, but there are other waxes you can make at home that might not incorporate it.

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Question

How long does the wax last? Can I use paper sheets instead of wax sheets?

Community Answer

The wax lasts no longer than two weeks. Yes, you can use paper sheets, but it's best to use cloth or wax paper.

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Question

Is it still OK to use if it goes black?

Community Answer

No, because it means you burnt the mixture.

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Question

Will it be affected if I add coconut oil for smoothness to the wax?

Community Answer

Yes, because then it will be too oily for the wax to take out the hairs. But you may put on the oil afterward.

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Question

What should I do if the consistency is too watery?

Community Answer

If the mixture is watery, you can add more sugar, but you will have to heat it again until the sugar has dissolved. You can also refrigerate it for an hour and 30 minutes.

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Question

Is it safe to use on pubic hair?

Community Answer

Yes. This wax is generally safe for all parts of the body, so there shouldn't be a problem with using it on more sensitive areas.

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