Sugar Forms of Waxing

The best known "sugaring" method of hair removal is Nad's Gel Hair Removal ($29.95 for one kit). What makes this different is that it literally uses sugar instead of wax. Having a thick, caramel-like consistency, it works exactly like waxing, but instead of spreading a wax substance over the skin, you're spreading caramel.

This is one of the first products I've ever run into where the claim of being 100% natural and organic is 100% true. Nad's ingredients are honey, molasses, fructose, vinegar, lemon juice, water, alcohol, and food dye. Now that's what I call natural. But does that make it better than waxing, as the company claims? As far as hair removal is concerned the effect is identical. You spread Nad's gel over the hair you want removed, then you rip it off and out comes the hair.

Sugaring has two things going for it. First, sugaring's mess washes away while wax has to be peeled or scratched off. Second, sugar doesn't have to be heated while wax often does, and that is much less damaging to skin! Easy cleanup and a relatively easier application are the benefits of sugaring.

But before you jump on the sugaring bandwagon, you should know a few details about some of the untrue claims that accompany Nad's. Nad's states, "when you use Nad's, the hair is extracted, including the roots so re-growth is softer, finer and slower." That isn't true. Hormones and genetics determine hair growth and hair thickness. Anytime you pull hair out it is removed closer to the root so the new hair takes longer to grow back to the surface.

Nad's also claims sugaring will prevent ingrown hairs. Ingrown hairs occur because a hair that has been removed sometimes has trouble finding its way back to the surface. That applies to hair removal in general, regardless of whether you shave, tweeze, sugar, or wax.

Another claim: "Because of the natural substances in Nad's, there is little chance of irritation." Natural or not, ripping out hair hurts, and for some skin types that can be a problem.