Introduction: How to Sugar-wax Your Legs

So, it's winter. If you live in the buttcrack of Minnesota like me, around this time of year you look at your legs and go, EW! I REALLY LOOK LIKE A YETI! This instructable is an easy way to wax your legs at home with stuff you have in the kitchen. after the first few comments I have recieved I feel compelled to expound upon this instructable with some history and reasons for waxing. Ok, waxing is an alternative to shaving and has pros and cons just like shaving. The pros are that waxed hair grows back slower,softer and lighter than shaved hair, especially if you have been waxing for a while. The major con is that it stings a bit. But come on, it's really not that bad. Also, this method of waxing with sugar has been popular since antiquity. My family is from Israel and sugarwaxing is called "Hawala" in the Middle East, where it originated. Some guys that have commented seem to think this is gross (or maybe it's just my hairy legs in the pic). Dudes- ask your girlfriend (or your mom) about waxing. It's very common and pretty spendy at your local salon.

Step 1: Stir It Up

you will need-

- 1 cup sugar
- 2 TBSP water
- 2 TBSP lemon juice
- small sauce pan
- butter knife or popsicle stick
- several cotton or linen fabric scraps cut into 3x5in. strips (old sheets and dishcloths work great)
- hairy legs ( at least 1/2 inch of growth)

Add the sugar, water and lemon juice to pan and bring to boil over medium heatand boil over medium-low heat for 5-8 minutes stirring CONSTANTLY(!) the mixture should be slightly frothy but not boiling up all over-adjust heat accordingly. The mixture is finished when you can look at a spoonful of it and see no granules of sugar.

Step 2: Cool It

let the mixture sit in the pot for a few minutes ( until it is the consistancy of honey) then pour it into a heat-safe container.

Step 3: Is It Ready Yet?

stick the stuff in the fridge for a good 15-20 minutes. when it has cooled to the point where it is lukewarm, you're ready to de-hair! PLEASE make sure that the sugar wax has cooled enough because you can really burn the crap out of yourself if it is too hot (super-hot+super-sticky=napalm!!!!)

Step 4: Rip It!

ok, now bust out those hairy legs and spread a thin layer of sugarwax on a small part of your leg use butter knife or popsicle stick. Immediately cover that area with a cloth strip and rub it down firmly. Now close your eyes and think of a happy place and quickly tear the cloth strip away from your leg in the opposite direction of the hair growth. Swear loudly and repeat this process until your legs are as smooth as Ella Fitzgerald's voice. You can save any leftover sugarwax in the fridge and microwave it for use again, although I have no idea whether it would go bad after a while or not.