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With the endless waste of paper strips, wood spatula-like sticks and plastic razors (which are most likely not recyclable) hair removal is one beauty regimen in need of an eco-friendly overhaul. Surprisingly, the zero-waste answer could lie in the past. Instead of disposable plastic razors, refillable metal razors can be used. And plastic wax can be swapped for the sugaring lifestyle, an ancient hair removal method that relies on biodegradable ingredients.
Did you know that an estimated 2 billion razors end up in landfills yearly? That’s not including all of the plastic wrapping, instructions printed on paper, labels and other waste that accompanies hair removal kits. Every year the beauty industry as a whole churns out 120 billion units of packaging. According to the Life Cycle Assessment Centre in the Netherlands, 70% of carbon emissions could be cut by the industry if cosmetic companies alone used refillable packaging. While hair removable is a small part of the beauty industry, it is still a big contributor to CO2 emissions, global warming and plastic landfill waste.
To learn more about the sugaring lifestyle, Serenity Hart, founder of Sugared Beauty Bar, a sugaring studio in Nassau County, shared her knowledge of sugaring with The Wellness Feed team. With a focus on living sustainably by adopting zero-waste initiatives like using biodegradable gloves and a Reiki healing studio next to her sugaring space, Serenity was the perfect person to learn from about how sugaring can fit into a conscious and eco-friendly lifestyle.
A Sweet History
The sugaring lifestyle dates back to ancient Egypt where it is believed to have first been used with honey. The mixture- a combination of honey and lemon juice – is warmed and applied to the skin where it attached to the hair without attaching to the skin. Because of this it is often considered to be less painful than waxing. Also, since the mixture only has to be heated to be lukewarm, there is also a smaller risk of burning the skin. Over the years sugaring has changed a lot.
Today, it is most often made with lemon juice and sugar. Because, of this getting the temperature right for a non-crystalline mixture takes a few tries (errors) to master. If trying sugaring at home, it’s best to make your own mixture instead of relying on a store-bought version which can have fillers, chemicals and wax added. If you’re seeing a professional ask about what other materials are used to ensure that you’re using the most natural and eco-friendly option.
It’s Gentle On Skin
Where razors can irritate and cause bumps and wax can peel off the top layer of your skin or burn when too hot, the sugaring lifestyle is noteworthy for being gentle on the skin and hair. “It seeps into the hair follicle,” Serenity says about the mixture. This allows hair to come off quickly and in the same direction that it’s growing in. As an added bonus she also notes that the mixture offers smoother skin afterwards because the paste is exfoliating to the skin. “Even those with eczema or psoriasis can still sugar. But, with wax, you wouldn’t want to take that chance.”
As with waxing, sugaring allows hair to grow back finer and sparsely. Sugaring is said to last about 4-6 weeks. And, after 6 months, Serenity notes that some of her clients can stretch out appointments to 8 weeks. “You’re able to stretch out appointments and with the hair being removed from the roots it grows slower and thinner rather than it would if you were using a blade on your skin,” she explains.
It Washes Away With Water
Serenity notes that while there is a strip sugaring method that is is similar to waxing in that a strip of cloth or paper is used to pull away the hair and removal mixture, that is not the most eco-friendly method. In her words she prefers to make a puddy-like paste from the sugar and lemon mixture that she “molds and flicks in the same direction as the hair growth.” By opting out of using strips she is able to minimize waste by using a hair removable method that is biodegradable and dissolves in water. As for the gloves that she uses at her salon; they’re biodegradable and compostable to further ensure that waste is kept to a minimum.