"I tried sugaring my lady bits for the first time and this is what happened"

So I decided to try sugaring myself after reading this Buzzfeed article about natural hair removal where another woman did it.

But I was interested to see what it would be like for someone who has never waxed down there ever and what the pain would be like. 

READ MORE: Women who no longer shave are ditching the body hair stigma follicle by follicle and we're here for it

So I did a quick Google search and found a few places in Cape Town that could do it (a lot of these brands need better websites, tbh) and found that Banksia Boutiqe Spa was the cheapest and also best reviewed. 

So I sent an enquiry and the lovely Stefanie called me the next day to confirm my appointment and answered all my initial questions, etc. Then there was a spanner in the works because I got my period early and I did NOT want to be sugared during that. 

So I rescheduled for the day after my period was finished. I don’t really recommend this as you are a bit more sensitive just before, during and after your period, but if you can handle the pain, go ahead. 

Now, sugaring is a lot different to wax for several reasons. Firstly, the sugar used is completely natural and is just sugar, water and lemon juice.

The application of the sugar feels weird. It’s exactly like if you got syrup stuck in your hair. It’s uncomfortable and can be a little painful as the sugar binds to the hair and then is pulled out in the direction of the growth. 

It hurts for about 10 seconds after the hair is yanked out, but then it’s completely fine afterwards, especially if the technician applies pressure after and gives you little breaks in between. 

If you’ve only ever shaved before and never done sugaring, the session will be a bit longer. I spent just over 90 blissful minutes with the lovely Stefanie who got to know my vagina probably better than anyone ever has or will. 

I got the full Hollywood, which is when they remove all the hair from your vag and between the butt cheeks. It’s also called the “Barbie” because that’s how smooth you’ll be afterwards. 

The products used were called Alexandria and there’s an anti-microbial spray which cleans the area (but you should also exfoliate before you go) and then a moisturiser for after and powder for when the wax is applied which helps lift the hairs and also helps the sugar latch on, especially if you’re perspiring. 

READ MORE: This year I discovered hair removal cream – and it’s magnificent

Stefanie was really great and talked me through the entire process and put me at ease. She gave me little tips and tricks to help ease the pain and was totally okay with me taking breaks in between and would have been fine if I had said that I wanted to stop. 

But I didn’t because I was committed. 

All in all, it didn’t hurt as much as I was expecting, but it’s not pain-free. Your hair is being yanked out of your skin, after all. But if you have sensitive skin, or want to try a less painful option, then do try sugaring. 

Would I do it again? I’m still not sure. Honestly, I’m fascinated by how smooth it all is right now, but I’ve also always been one of those women who still think it’s necessary to have some hair there because your body grows it for a reason. I’ll see how I feel in 4-6 weeks. 

This treatment was paid for by the writer and Banksia Spa did not sponsor the treatment. 

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