Have you ever wondered how to become a thriving professional waxer? This guide will highlight the skills and steps required to succeed, as well as the biggest benefits of becoming a waxer.
What skills do you need to be a professional waxer?
Not everyone is cut out to be a hair removal specialist. Before you take the first step on this new career path, decide if you’re willing to build your skills in the following areas:
Technical and physical skills
Cosmetology school will cover every aspect of applying and removing wax, but that isn’t all the knowledge you’ll need to become a waxer. You’ll also need to develop a solid understanding of different skin types, medical conditions, and the hair growth cycle. You should also have great attention to detail for performing Brazilian and brow waxing services.
Customer service and soft skills
Helping your clients feel comfortable is a huge part of being a great waxing technician. By communicating clearly and confidently, you let each client know exactly what to expect before, during, and after a wax. This encourages more confidence in your abilities and will ultimately be reflected in your salary.
Professional and hygiene standards
Sanitation and infection control are non-negotiable in any successful waxing business. You must have a solid grasp of hygiene requirements and best practices to ensure a safe and effective wax for every client.
Related: Benefits of Waxing for PCOS Hair Removal
How to become a licensed waxer
You know the importance of mastering the right skills, but how, exactly, do you become a waxer? Here’s a step-by-step guide to illuminate the path:
1. Research state requirements
Every state imposes different regulatory conditions on aspiring estheticians, including mandatory courses, practical hours, testing requirements, and licensure provisions. Search your state board’s website to learn exactly what it takes to earn an esthetician license in your area.
2. Complete a training program
Once you know the training requirements, it’s time to find an approved esthetics program that meets your needs. You may find a dedicated cosmetology school, beauty academy, or community college that offers classes.
As you consider your options, be sure to ask about the program's scope. Those that cover aspects of the waxing business outside of practical waxing skills are often the most valuable.
Take licensing exams
Most licensing exams are divided into written and practical portions. You’ll need to prepare for questions covering sanitation, state law, and skin theory, as well as hands-on tests that assess your draping skills, waxing techniques, and more.
3. Get specialized certifications
As you continue gaining experience in the waxing industry, you’ll find certain niches that spark your interest. Certification courses are very diverse, ranging from intimate body waxing techniques to facial waxing and brow mapping. Study your local market to identify gaps in waxing specialties and use this to your advantage to fill the niche.
An advanced Master Esthetician License can set you apart from the competition, but it isn’t offered or recognized in every state. You can also perform waxes alongside other esthetics practices like facial treatments and laser hair removal.
4. Continue your education
The practices you’re taught in cosmetology school may not always be relevant. As technology advances, we learn more about safe and effective hair removal. Stay current on the latest waxing formulas, hormonal hair-growth advances, skin barrier science, and other relevant topics to consistently deliver the best possible treatments to your clients.
Related: How To Encourage Clients To Make a Waxing Routine
Perks of a career as a professional waxer
Now that you know how to become a waxer, let’s talk about why you should explore a career in epilation!
High earnings
While your income may be capped as a salon employee, the sky is the limit as an independent contractor business owner. Services are relatively short, so you can easily schedule eight to 12 clients per day. Additionally, it’s rare for clients to wax only once. Instead, you may build a consistent clientele seeking monthly services.
We should also note that the job outlook for barbers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists is expected to grow 5% between 2024 and 2034, faster than the average for all occupations.
Flexible environment and schedule
Business owners typically have the highest earning potential of all waxing specialists, but there’s tons of flexibility in the field to find a setup that works for you. As you hone your skills and build a great reputation, you can rent a suite in an established salon or skincare clinic.
If you decide to go out on your own, you can open a boutique studio or a mobile waxing salon. Either way, you’ll have control over your schedule, so you only work when it works for you.
Helping clients and building connections
Waxing is an intimate service, so you’ll inevitably form relationships with your clients. That intimacy creates trust, helping you become a valuable part of your clients’ monthly self-care rituals. As these connections strengthen, they’ll be more likely to book a bikini wax before each vacation and a brow touch-up before big events.
Rapid career growth
So, how quickly can you expect to become a successful, in-demand waxer? Depending on your skills, reputation, and market, it may be possible to build a booked schedule in 12 to 18 months.
Related: How Much Do Estheticians Make?
Need a little career inspo? Be a part of the Enso Wax Community!
Enso Wax is here to help active and aspiring estheticians achieve success! Check out The Waxing Podcast for the inside scoop on the industry, shop our hard and soft waxes, or reach out today to learn more!
