A spoonful of sugar(ing) helps the hair go away. ✨ (Plus, it has sweet benefits for the sensitive skin girlies.) For all other Qs about the growing treatment though, we asked Courtney Claghorn (she/her), founder of SUGARED + BRONZED—the nation’s largest sugaring and airbrush tanning destination.

Here, she explains how the process works, how it compares to other hair removal methods, and what to do post-sugaring.

So, what exactly is sugaring?
Sugaring is a form of hair removal that uses 100% natural ingredients—literally just sugar, lemon juice, and water. The sugar paste is applied in the opposite direction of hair growth to remove the hair at the root, which ensures there’s very little breakage and a much lower possibility of ingrown hairs. The technique actually dates back to ancient Egypt and has remained pretty popular in the Middle East and parts of Asia.

What are the benefits of it?
For starters, it’s the most gentle form of hair removal. The paste is all-natural, hypoallergenic, and lukewarm at its hottest, so there’s no possibility of getting any painful burns. It’s extremely beneficial for anyone who has sensitive skin or is prone to ingrown hairs as the gentler application and removal process reduce the risk of skin irritation and make pesky ingrowns few and far between.

How does sugaring compare to other hair removal services like waxing?
Sugaring removes the hair in the direction it grows, whereas waxing removes it in the opposite direction. This not only prevents ingrown hairs but it also makes the process less painful, especially if you get it done on a monthly basis. Unlike regular wax, the paste we use is made from three natural ingredients which can be gentler on the skin, especially for those who may be sensitive to fragrances in wax.

How long do the results usually last?
Results can last about three to four weeks, but it ultimately varies based on each person’s hair type. As you maintain a regular routine, it will continue to last longer and longer.

Where can sugaring be done on the body?
You can sugar most parts of your body. At SUGARED + BRONZED, we offer services for Brazilian/bikini, arms, underarms, legs, backs, chest, stomach, and also smaller areas like the upper lip, hands, happy trail, etc.

How do you prep for a sugaring treatment?
Avoid all hair removal methods for two to three weeks prior to your appointment. You’ll see the best results when your hair is about ⅛ inch long. Taking an Advil an hour or so before your appointment will help to reduce discomfort, too.

Any aftercare advice?
Your skin will be more sensitive for about 24 hours post-treatment, so you’ll want to avoid any activities or products that might introduce bacteria to it. Try to wait a full 24 hours before doing any sweat-inducing workouts and avoid tanning, hot tubs, and cosmetic products for at least 48 hours to minimize irritation.