Sugaring Versus Waxing: Benefits, Risks & Which Treatment Is More Painful

Personal grooming choices are, well, personal—especially when it comes to hair removal. While there is no "right" way to go about it, or do it at all, many people opt for services with high-quality ingredients that cause the least pain-filled yelps as possible. Which is why sugaring has seen a rise in the hair removal hierarchy, due to its all-natural formula and less abrasive appeal. But how does it compare to a traditional wax, and which one is better in the long run? Here, we get to the bottom of the sugaring-versus-waxing debate. (Spoiler: It's all about skin type).

Final point before we begin: You may also want to hold off on hair removal services if you've used topical retinoids on the desired area within the last week, as you may end up causing damage to the epidermis.

Here's what to know about sugaring.

Sugaring definitely trumps on the all-natural front: While there certainly are natural, premium-quality waxes available, you might have to seek them out at the right salon. With sugaring, you know exactly what you're putting on your skin each time—always sugar, lemon, and water. 

"Sugaring can also be more hygienic than waxing because double-dipping isn't a possibility," says Courtney Claghorn, founder of the sugaring studio SUGARED + BRONZED. While most waxing estheticians will grab a brand-new applicator before dipping into the mixture, sugaring mitigates the risk altogether—an esthetician will use a ball of sugar until the consistency is no longer adhesive, then throw it out and grab a new one. 

For those with sensitive skin, sugaring may be your go-to. Because it pulls the hair in the same direction it grows, it can be less abrasive on the skin and prevent hair breakage (a precursor for those gnarly ingrowns). "Removing hair in the same direction of growth significantly reduces the tension put on the hair, making it less likely to break during the removal process," says Amanda Mulea, licensed esthetician at SUGARED + BRONZED. Especially if you have fine, sparse hairs, sugaring can effectively clean up those bits without pulling too harshly at the skin. 

But because sugaring involves pulling the hair in the direction it grows, it might not extract the entire hair like a traditional wax would. While sugaring is a gentler process, sometimes people need that extra power (especially those with thicker hair); if sugaring is unable to extract coarser hair cleanly from the root, it might actually lead to hair breakage and ingrowns, in addition to faster regrowth. 

Here's what to know about waxing.

If you have coarse hair, sometimes extracting in the same direction of hair growth just won't cut it—because waxing removes against the grain, it can be more effective for those folks who need the extra maintenance.  

With a wax, you might also be able to wait longer between appointments; if you don't uproot the entire follicle, it can lead to faster regrowth, says Carolina Tincovan, master esthetician at Miami's WaxSpa. So if you find yourself in the salon more often than you'd like, you may want to re-evaluate your options.

However, if you have supersensitive skin, a traditional wax may be too abrasive for your pores. While there are waxes made for those with sensitive skin, sugaring still reigns as the gentler in-office option. Because of the heated temperature, waxing also runs the risk of burns—be sure to tell your esthetician if the wax feels too hot to handle. 

"Waxing, if done with premium-quality hard wax, is not painful, especially if maintained every three to four weeks," says Tincovan. So even if your first experience in the treatment room is a little nightmarish, keep in mind that it should become less painful with each recurring appointment. Just be sure to consult your derm if any extreme pain or redness persists or if you notice a reaction to either formula.  

Let’s be real, any sort of pain involved in hair removal isn’t for all of us. If you cringe at the thought of waxing, with any sort of material, then you can stick to shaving. Luckily, there are a few ways to level up your hair removal process. First, be sure to exfoliate before shaving to ensure you get that silky smooth finish. Next, opt for fluffy, moisturizing shaving cream. This way, you’re softening the hairs which allow for a smoother glide with your razor. You don’t have to break the bank in order to find a high-quality shaving cream, you can actually make your own at home, DIY instructions here. Lastly, remember not all razors are created equal, so do your research to find which one works best for you. 

As you just read, sugaring is a great option for those with sensitive skin, but may not be the most effective for those with thicker hair. If you still have questions about this all-natural mode of hair removal, check out our full sugaring guide here. 

If you’re sick of dealing with hair removal and want something longer-lasting, laser hair removal could be right for you. We will say it’s not exactly the most enjoyable experience, and it’s not the best option for everyone. If you have a darker skin tone or lighter hair, laser hair removal may actually cause damage to the skin. If you’re interested in laser hair removal, it’s best to speak with a professional to see if it could be a safe and effective option for you. 

We’ll repeat: if you have courser hair (and not super sensitive skin) waxing may be a great option if you’re looking to keep your body feeling smoother, longer. Not to mention, you can say bye-bye to pesky razor bumps. 

No matter which service you choose, the right prep and aftercare are essential: "Much like any other beauty regimen, [they] require regular skin care maintenance," Claghorn explains. Want another option for hair removal? Try at-home laser hair removal devices.