Aging Gracefully | Waxing at Home: From SugaringNYC to Bathroom Floor Brazilians
Hello Everyone,
I hope all is well!
Today, we’re diving into something a little personal, a little hilarious—and honestly? A little empowering. Let’s talk at-home waxing.
This post is for the high-maintenance individual on a budget, the sustainability monarch trying to cut waste, or anyone curious about taking their beauty routine into their own (gloved) hands. Whether you're looking to ditch the salon, bond with your mom (lol), or just save some coin—I'm breaking it all down: the methods, the tools, the why, and the healing chaos of doing it all on your bathroom floor.
Let’s get into it.
You Let Your Mom Do What Now?
Yep. You read that right. My mom does my Brazilians and underarms now—and no, I’m not joking.
After three and a half years of shelling out coin at SugaringNYC and European Wax Center, I decided it was time to take matters (and melted wax) into my own hands. Or rather… my mama’s. With my guidance (and a few awkward tutorials), she’s officially become my at-home esthetician. And just so we’re clear—my mom’s a licensed cosmetologist, even if I’m currently her only client for all things beauty. So yes, she knows exactly what she’s doing. And honestly? We eatin’.
The Routine Breakdown
Let’s be clear: I don’t do it all myself. It’s a tag-team operation.
Legs? That’s all me. I sugar them myself, because it's gentle, sustainable, and not nearly as scary.
Underarms and Brazilians? That’s where my mom comes in—with hard vegan wax, gloves on, and good music playing.
Why I Made the Switch
Being a broke student with high-maintenance taste is a personality trait I’ve fully accepted. Salon visits were eating into my budget, and honestly, I wanted to feel empowered, not dependent.
Sugaring is cheap (literally sugar, lemon, and water if you wanna make it), beginner-friendly, and eco-conscious. But for the coarser areas? Hard vegan wax gives what it needs to give without the pull of the hair follicles as the wax is laid.
And having my mom involved? Surprisingly healing. It’s awkward at first, yes—but eventually, it turns into a moment of care, trust, and lowkey comedy.
The Wax Types, Explained (aka What You Should Know Before Jumping In)
This chart breaks down the three main wax consistencies—soft, medium, and hard—by their ideal use areas, texture, and key usage notes. It’s a quick reference for choosing the right product for different parts of the body during at-home sugaring or waxing.
I personally keep both medium and hard sugar wax in rotation. Medium gets used on legs and stomach. Hard comes out for serious missions.
My Toolkit (aka The Glow-Up Arsenal)
If you're new to DIY waxing, here's what I actually use:
Wax Machine Kit or Wax Machine - To warm your hard vegan wax.
Gloves – Clean hands, always.
Body Powder – Especially clutch for sweaty underarms or inner thighs.
Hard Vegan Wax & Hard Sugar Wax – I buy mine from SugarDoh and Crybaby.
Sugaring Tool and Wax Applicators – Essential for precision + wrist-saving flicks.
Calm Energy – Do not rush your pubic region, chile.
Post-Care Must-Haves (No Skipping Allowed)
Aftercare isn’t optional. It’s what makes your wax last and keeps your skin happy.
Fur Chemical Exfoliant or SugarDoh Chemical Exfoliant– Wait 48 hrs, then exfoliate 2–3x/week. A serum to prevent ingrown hairs and discoloration.
Physical Exfoliant – I use a Morroan Kessa Mitt or Japanese Exfoliating Cloth
Healing Oil or Aloe Vera or Soothing Gel – Keep inflammation down and soothe skin.
Fragrance-Free Everything – Lotions, oils, sprays. Leave the scents for another day. Just use Coconut Oil as a moisturizer and Baby Powder as a deodorant.
Pro Tips So You Don’t Cry Mid-Wax
Exfoliate 24–48 hrs before. Prevents ingrowns & gives you a cleaner pull.
Clean + dry skin only. Body powder helps when you're nervous-sweating.
Apply OPPOSITE to hair growth, flick WITH it. The golden rule.
Too sticky? Add water. Too hard? Warm it slightly.
No double-dipping paste. That’s just nasty.
Keep skin taut while pulling. Reduces pain + helps grip.
Avoid heat, friction, and fragrance for 24 hrs. That does mean no sexual intercourse.
Breathe. Relax. Play Beyoncé, Burna Boy, Karol G, or Dystinct.
Stick to the cycle. Underarms every 2 weeks, Brazilians every 4–6.
Sweat = pain. So take your time and stay cool (literally and figuratively).
Final Thoughts
Doing your own waxing (or letting your mom do it 😭) might sound wild—but it’s changed my whole routine. It’s cheaper, cleaner, and kind of… sacred? There’s something empowering about reclaiming a process so often associated with pain and performance and turning it into a ritual of care.
So no, you don’t have to learn to do this yourself. But if you’re curious, broke, or both—I got you.