Nervous about getting sugared? Here's the process of Brazilian sugaring in Calgary:

So, if you are just dipping your toes into the world of sugaring hair removal in Calgary, especially with the summer and vacations coming up. Let me break down what it’s all about and why it’s got everyone rethinking their whole hair removal and "everything shower" routine.

Sugaring and waxing typically follow the same process. However, sugaring is like the cooler, less abrasive cousin of waxing. It’s a simple mix of sugar, lemon, and water that comes together into a paste that is used to remove hair right from the root. It’s a minimalist style ingredient deck, especially for those with really sensitive skin. I absolutely love sugaring, especially as a PCOS girlie with thick, dense hair, because it helps to keep the skin smooth and fresh, exfoliate dead skin, and brighten the skin at the same time. If you have been trying to stay clear of shaving for a while due to the stubbly, rough skin from shaving, then sugaring will be your best option, especially for your convenience.

What actually happens when you go for your Brazilian sugaring appointment:

When you arrive for your appointment, you will be asked to fill out a sugaring waiver or form to note allergies, skin conditions, medication, and health history. Then you'll be welcomed into a room where you will be asked to change, and you will be offered a towel or blanket to cover up your private area. If you’re getting a bikini, which is the v-line that shows when you wear a bikini, hence the name, you might be provided with disposable underwear.

Your esthetician or sugarist would explain everything about the procedure and ease you into how the sugaring process goes. They start by cleaning the area with an antiseptic solution to make sure your skin is prepped and ready, free of oils, lotions, or sweat/impurities that may be lingering on your skin; then powder will be applied to keep the area dry, and a fan might be used to help regulate body temperature and keep the area cool. Then comes the sugaring part. The warm paste is applied against the hair growth and then flicked off in the opposite direction. I won’t lie, this part can be a little uncomfortable, but it’s way less painful than waxing. Like, significantly less. Plus, it doesn’t pull on the skin, just the hair, so it feels less intimidating.

What’s cool is that the process of getting sugared is mostly very conversational. You can chat about anything from skincare to random daily stuff, which makes the whole thing feel super relaxed. It's not easy to ignore that someone is yanking your hair out, but afterwards, your mind kind of forgets the uncomfortable part and remembers how it felt to have a genuine, private space to connect. Some have shared that it's very therapeutic.

Once the appointment comes to an end, your esthetician will make sure no hair is left behind and that you’re satisfied with the look of the area; usually if you have been shaving even up to 6 weeks prior to your appointment, there may still be stubbles as all the hair growth isn't consistent yet. With subsequent visits, you will notice that the skin gets smoother and with fewer stubbles. You will then experience the closing of the service. It’s usually a spray of hydrating toner, wiping the area to remove any sugar trails, and a bit of moisturizer to soothe the area. Our establishment here in Calgary would typically do a soothing gel mask after to reduce redness and keep your skin relaxed. Your esthetician will step out or leave the room so you can get dressed.

And just like that, you are done, and you have completed your first sugaring experience. You will be provided with some tips on aftercare, like staying hydrated and avoiding heavy workouts and sexual activity for a day or two, which makes sense since you don’t want to irritate the skin further. You'll also be asked not to take a hot shower to prevent the skin from burning. Cool showers are preferred, or shower right before your appointment instead. Payment and rebooking your next appointment typically occur once you are out of the treatment room.

The whole experience feels less like a clinical appointment and more like a self-care session. You will notice your skin feels smoother, and the hair takes way longer to grow back compared to shaving. If it's your first time, you will start to notice hair growth within 10 days, but with 2-3 treatments, you can expect hair growth after 2-3 weeks. Rebooking typically falls between 3-5 weeks. You’ll need to plan your visit timing based on things like your schedule and your hair growth frequency. (Here's some guidance on how often to get a Brazilian.)

So, if you’ve been nervous about starting sugaring but you're tired of the usual razor routine that causes ingrown hairs, cuts, burns, or the torture of waxing. Sugaring could be the best choice you'll make. Imagine not having to worry about hair removal while on vacation. It’s one less thing on your to-do list. Your everything shower routine is cut in half because you don't have to do the shaving part. It's been handled for you, so you can relax and not dread shaving your full body.