Arabic Sugar Wax Recipe

When I finally decided to wax my legs after years of hairiness, I looked up homemade waxing recipes. My first attempt was with strips of cut cotton jean which left me dissatisfied because of the required use of material and the unthorough job I was left with. Then finally I found a recipe that was strips free and could be used all over your body.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup of sugar
• 1 tablespoon of water
• 1/2 table spoon of lemon juice or vinegar
• two dashes of salt

Directions

1. Mix all ingredients together in a pot on high heat stirring occasionally with a metal spoon.
2. Let the ingredients cook until it reaches a dark honey color. When it reaches this color, remove the pot from the heat.
3. Take a marble or garnet surface and spread a small amount of water on it. A baking pan or sheet can work also.
4. Pour the sugar mixture on the wet surface and let sit for about thirty seconds. After it has set, with the spoon push the edges of the mixture towards the center of the mixture. Do this all around until it forms into a ball.
5. Using the spoon only, lightly play with the mixture on the surface while it cools down for about a minute or two.
6. When the mixture starts to harden, pick it up with your hands (unless it's far too hot) and bring it to a nearby sink. Gradually add small amounts of cold water to the mixture while kneading it in your hands.
7. Gradually the color of the wax should lighten to a raw honey color.

Warning

• Never touch the sugar when it's fresh out of the pot. It will burn and will be very hard to remove from the skin.
• Do not add too much water. If too much water is added, the mixture will become entirely too sticky. The wax should be tacky and easy to remove from the skin, not sticky.
• Do not let the wax cool down too quickly. If it does, the wax will harden and will become unplayable.

Waxing

1. Roll wax in hands until it forms into a ball.
2. Spread the wax in the direction of the hair growth on skin. The key is to spread the wax thin enough to trap the hair, but thick enough to pull.
3. Pull the wax up against the hair growth quickly.
4. Go over the area one or two more times if needed. Depending on skins sensitivity, I recommend not to go over the same area more than three times.
5. Repeat same process on other areas.
6. When complete, lightly rinse and wipe legs with room temperature water and a paper towel to wash away sticky wax and apply an oil such as tea tree oil on the legs.

Warning

• Bad waxing techniques can lead to bruising. If unsure of proper waxing techniques, research them carefully.
• Do not wax over cuts and/or bruises. This can worsen the cut and/or brush which could later lead to an infection.
• Do not tan or use hot water on waxed areas after waxing. Tanning will darken the hair spots and hot water will irritate them.
• Do not wax the back of knee. This can easily lead to a bruise.
• Do not wax areas where skin is thinner.
• Always clean area before and after waxing with alcohol.

Tips

• To preserve wax, put it in a plastic bag and put it in the refrigerator. Whenever ready to use it again, let the wax warm up in hands or in room temperature.
• Do not wear nail polish while making or using wax. The nail polish will come up with the wax.
• Keep areas to be waxed and hands clean of any oils and/or moisturizers.