Strip Vs No Strip Sugar Wax Recipe: How To Successfully DIY Each

A lot of people don’t know that the ingredients and recipe for strip and no strip sugar wax is pretty much the exact same. The only difference between them is the temperature you cook it to. Mind-blowing right? 

Sugar wax has all types of benefits that other at-home hair removal methods don’t. First off it is natural – no harsh or dangerous chemicals to worry about. It is less aggressive on the skin than regular wax and can be used with strips (soft wax) or kneaded by hand (hard wax). The wax pulls hair out from the root (which gives 4-6 week results) and can be made easily at home. There are also pre-made options if you don’t want to make it yourself.

Well whether you’re trying to figure out how to make strip sugar wax or no strip sugar wax, you’re in luck- this blog post has both! This DIY hair removal method can be used on all types of body hair- legs, arms, pits, privates- you name it. The best part is, this strip or no strip sugar wax recipe is natural, simple, and can be made using ingredients you probably have in your pantry right now!

Disclaimer: I am not a licensed esthetician or dermatologist. This is just what I use, my process, and my experiences. Contact a professional if you have any concerns. 

Pre-Wax Instructions (24-Hours Before)

Exfoliate 

Exfoliating softens the skin and allows your wax job to come out feeling smooth and clean. It gently removes all dead skin from the area which helps prevent in-grown hairs and irritation. 

Using a sugar scrub and applying it in small circles with your hand should be plenty!

Moisturize 

Every part of you body wants and needs moisture. Moisturizing makes for supple skin and helps prevent rips and tears. For legs and arms something as simple as regular is fine. Use coconut oil or vitamin E oil for those special sensitive areas. 

Don’t forget to clean the area and remove all oil before starting the next day for best results. 

Ingredients 

The ingredients list is super simple, easy, and natural. All you need to make your own sugar wax is: 

1. 1 Cup white or brown sugar
2. ¼ cup lemon or lime juice
3. ¼ cup water

Directions 

1. Place all your ingredients into a large pot. This is important because the mixture will boil and overflow if the pot isn’t big enough. 
2. Turn the stove to medium-high heat and allow the mix to boil. Occasionally stir the boiling mixture to prevent boiling over. 
3. Place a candy thermometer into the mix to monitor when it reaches the desired temperature (listed below). Make sure the thermometer is not touching the bottom of the pan or else the temperature reading may be wrong. 
4. Cook until you have reach desired temperature. The temperature will be different for strip wax or no strip sugar wax. Choose your preference.
5. Once desired temperature is reached, immediately turn off fire and pour mixture into a safe storage container such as a heat-safe Tupperware. Allow to cool completely before using (usually a couple of hours). 

Temperatures For Strip & No Strip Sugar Wax

Whether you have strip or no strip sugar wax depends on the temperature the wax is cooked to. The longer the wax is cooked the firmer and harder it’s going to come out. Here’s how to heat your wax depending on what you’re going for: 

1. For strip sugar wax (also called thread or softball stage sugar wax) cook until the thermometer say between 230-240F degrees. This is the type of wax you will use waxing sticks and cloth strips for. 
2. For no strip sugar wax, cook the wax until it reaches 245-250F degrees (firm ball stage). This is the type of wax you will kneed and apply with your hand. 
3. For hard wax, heat the wax to 250-260F degrees (Hardball stage). This stage makes the wax hard as a rock. Only use this stage with a wax warmer.

Tip: If you have thick or course hair, aim for the higher heat for each wax type (240, 250, 260F degrees). Fine hair is easier to remove and may be ok with the lower temperature levels.

How To Use Sugar Wax (All Types)

1. Clean the area. Apply numbing cream or spray (optional) and wait a couple of minutes for the effects to kick in
2. Powder the area you are planning to wax in order to get rid of access moisture and stop the wax from sticking directly on the skin. Corn starch or baby powder is fine. 
3. Apply the wax in the opposite direction of the hair growth. If you are using strips, apply the wax first and then place the strip on top in the same direction.
4. Take a deep breath and quickly flick/rip the wax off in the opposite direction of application. Tip: Be quick with this. Sugar wax melts from body heat. The more you hesitate the more it’ll hurt!
5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 in different areas until the desired look is reached. Apply more powder when needed
6. After you’re finished, use a warm water towel or shower to remove access wax. Apply aloe vera gel to soothe the area (optional).