We’ve all been in quarantine for a while and you’ve probably been forgoing your usual waxing at the salon. I’ve got you! I’m going to teach you how to make your own sugar wax at home with a few simple ingredients.

Arabic sugaring has been used for hair removal for centuries. It’s easy to make and is gentle on sensitive skin.

What You’ll Need

1 cup of white sugar

1 tsp. of vinegar (white or ACV) or lemon juice

2 tbsp of water

.5 tsp salt

Method

Add ingredients to a pot and bring the mixture to a boil. When it reaches boiling point, lower the temperature to a low simmer.

Cook the mixture for about 10 minutes, stirring often. The sugar wax mixture will begin to darken to a rich amber colour (that’s when you know it’s done.)

Take the wax off the heat and pour onto a plate or sheet pan. Be careful the wax is hot and could potentially crack the plate. Use something you won’t miss just in case! Allow the wax to cool for 30 seconds and then begin scraping it into the middle with a spoon. As the wax cools it will begin to form a ball. Wet your hands with some cold water. Once the wax is cool enough to touch, you can pick it up with your hands and gently knead the wax briefly. Don’t get too much water in the wax or it will get too sticky.

Store your sugar wax in a jar (apply a drop of oil to the jar first to prevent sticking!) or saran wrap and keep it in the fridge. Allow the wax to cool for at least 30 minutes before use.

Waxing

When you’re ready to use your sugar wax, make sure your skin is clean, dry and exfoliated. Heat the wax in the microwave for 10-30 seconds until it is workable but won’t burn the skin. Apply the wax in the opposite direction of hair growth. Use your hand to tighten the skin and quickly pull the wax off in the direction of hair growth. This is very important!

Your wax should be hard enough to pull off on it’s own. If your wax isn’t hard enough, you can use fabric strips. I have a piece of muslin cloth I use that works well. (It was a sling I found it in my first aid kit.) Any thin cotton will work! Afterwards I simply soak the cloth in warm water and the wax dissolves. I dry the cloth and it can be reused over and over. Remove any wax left on the skin with warm water.

You can store your wax ball in the fridge and reuse it until it’s not longer workable.

Watch the video to see how I do it!

Note: I apply witch hazel to the waxed area afterwards to eliminate ingrown hairs.