Is sugaring that gentle and effective hair removal method I’ve been searching for? I visited Sugar(ed)’s Downtown outlet to give my first-timer review.
I’d be lying if I say I don’t love a low-maintenance beauty routine. In the pursuit of soft, smooth skin that doesn’t require constant shaving, sugaring has always been on my radar. This all-natural hair removal method is said to result in finer hair and lesser regrowth in the long run. My only hesitation? The pain. I mean, you’re removing hair strands directly from their roots! As a step outside of my comfort zone, I signed up for a session at the pioneer of body-sugaring in Singapore, Sugar(ed). Here’s my honest review of Sugar(ed) and why I would surprisingly return as someone with low pain tolerance.
Welcome to the pioneer of body-sugaring
Think of body-sugaring in Singapore, and Sugar(ed) easily comes to mind. After all, it is the first professional body-sugaring company in the city and has specialised in natural hair removal services since 2016. It has four locations to date – Bukit Timah, Katong, Downtown and Upper Thomson – and I booked my session at Downtown which was nearest to the CBD.
The Downtown outlet is tucked away on the third floor of a shophouse unit, and within walking distance to three MRT stations – perfect, if you’re coming by public transport. It might be the warm lighting, calming music or a mix of both, but I was instantly enveloped in a cosy ambience the moment I stepped inside. The staff greeted me and went through a short first-time client form with me.
A sweeter way to say bye to hair
Once the pre-appointment administration was settled, I was led to my treatment room. My agenda of the day was a full Brazilian ($78 for female and $98 for male) and lower legs ($58 for female and $68 for male) sugaring session, starting with the latter to ease me into the experience.
For the uninitiated, sugaring is an ancient hair removal technique where a 100% natural sugar paste is used. The (actually edible) paste, made of lemon juice, water and sugar, is applied to the skin to extract hair in its natural growth direction. Fun fact: the natural paste is edible, and you can have a taste of it on your visit!
Not only does it feel less painful than traditional waxing, but it also reduces the chance of breakage and ingrown hair. As an all-natural paste, it is suitable for most skin types and hair textures, too.
The honest lowdown on sugaring
I consider myself pretty hairless on my lower legs, but my sugarist shared that sugaring can also be done for exfoliation and smoothing purposes. No worries about scalding ‘cos the lukewarm sugar paste is carefully applied at body temperature.
On my lower legs, the hair removal felt like a gentle and quick tug of the skin. I would rate the pain level as a two on a pain scale of one to 10. The hair removal spanned every inch of my lower legs, toes and knees included. After the session, I could immediately feel the difference in softness and smoothness, and observe a brighter sheen in my lower legs.
Next, it was on to the Brazilian sugaring, which I was admittedly more nervous about. I opted for the full Brazilian service, which meant every last area from the front to the back was stripped off. For singular hairs that were not removed, my sugarist used a tweezer to pluck them out. Talk about a thorough hair removal process!
Here’s my honest verdict on the pain factor: unfortunately, it does sting. More sensitive areas (think the labia and pubic mound) had a heightened pain sensation, and I would rate the entire experience as a seven to eight on the pain scale.
While the pain was sharp, I’d caveat that it was also fleeting. I requested for smaller surface areas to be sugared each time for reduced sensation, and short breaks between each area to catch my breath. I also appreciated how my sugarist distracted me with her chats, and conscientiously guided my breathing for more sensitive spots. Let’s just say seeing the baby-soft skin after made the temporary pain well worth it.
As a bonus perk, first-timers of the Brazilian and Manzilian services are entitled to a complimentary mud treatment. I was treated to a relaxing 10-minute mud mask to hydrate, detoxify and soothe the skin, before ending my session.
Aftercare matters too
The sugaring experience may have ended, but the aftercare for my skin has only just begun. To minimise skin irritation, my sugarist advised me to avoid any heat, sweat and harsh products on the freshly sugared area for at least 24 to 48 hours. Breathable, loose cotton fabrics are preferred to reduce friction and avoid irritating the open follicles.
Using suitable skincare products can also go a long way, such as the Simple Serum ($48) from Sugar(ed)’s in-house skincare line, The V Spot. The first product in the skincare line, this lightweight and antioxidant-rich skin serum is designed to nourish, protect and hydrate your skin from your face to your toes – yes, external intimate areas included.
Made with over 99% naturally derived ingredients, the serum is gentle enough to apply on freshly sugared skin and for everyday use. Grab it online or at any Sugar(ed) outlet, and see the difference when you add it to your daily skincare routine.
Will I be back again?
Even as someone with a low pain tolerance, I would return for the sugaring services at Sugar(ed). The pain was worth the results, and it seems like it would only get less painful from here on. With regular sugaring, it’s said that hair growth would gradually reduce and the strands get thinner, which would make each subsequent session feel more bearable.
The temporary pain seems like a small trade-off in exchange for smooth and hair-free skin for a few weeks. Plus, bonus points for the welcoming and warm ambience at Sugar(ed), which made the overall experience feel all the more comfortable.
Up to try this natural hair removal service with results that count? Visit Sugar(ed) to find out more and book your first sugaring experience. It might just become a permanent fixture in your low-maintenance beauty routine!
This post is in partnership with Sugar(ed).
