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The rapid growth of waxing treatments in the health and beauty industries is largely due to waxing specialists becoming well-versed in advanced waxing techniques, while complementing them with advanced delivery systems that offer more hygienic approaches. Technicians are also going that extra mile to educate their clients on the importance of after-care by offering a selection of retail take-home products.
Waxing is an extremely safe way to remove unwanted hair and it is one of the most lucrative treatments offered by a spa, due to its low upfront costs. An $11 can of wax may return up to $900 in services. So, if your establishment is not waxing, it may be time to consider it. And here is how to get started.

Waxing systems
Buying a pre-assembled waxing starter kit is no different than buying a car. It is an investment, and you should take every step to research your purchase thoroughly. Do not just seek the most inexpensive one. Examine its features and benefits. Check that the equipment is listed and tested by Underwriters Laboratories (UL)—a trusted product compliance source—and that is it easy to keep clean. Ask yourself how hygienic the system is, and does it look sturdy enough, because this system will be put to the test once you get going.
A good kit will contain all the necessary pre- and post-waxing products—wax strips and applicators; two to three types of waxes consisting of a cream, honey and hard wax; equipment cleaner; wax heater; training element; warranty card; multilingual written instructions; tweezers; powder; wax collars; wax removal oil; and equipment cleaner. If the kit contains posters and window decals, that is a bonus.
Do you have any idea of what waxing method you want to offer? Some of the most popular options include the following.

Pot method. This method features wax that is heated to the correct temperature and consistency in a UL-approved wax heating device before application. The wax is removed from the pot with a plastic, stainless or wooden disposable waxing applicator and then applied to the hair on the area of the body to be waxed. This method gives the therapist more versatility and control because both soft and hard waxes can be heated in this type of system to accommodate services from legs to eyebrows. Pot waxes can remain hygienic if the lid is kept on the system when it is not in use and if the technician uses a clean spatula with each application.

Roll-on method. This method is becoming increasingly popular because it enables the therapist to deliver a variety of cream or honey soft waxes onto the skin in an even, consistent manner with little to no waste. It is ideal for speed waxing of the legs, chest, back and arms. Some systems now provide wax cartridges with interchangeable heads, ranging from extra small for those hard-to-reach areas, such as ears; small for facial waxing; and large for the legs, chest and back. The method is hygienic because a fresh applicator head can be attached to the cartridge for each client. Roller waxing systems work with soft wax only. Be sure to choose a system that heats the cartridge or tube at a steady temperature during wax applications.
Wax optionsThere are many waxes on the market that are available in different sizes, colors, textures and even fragrances; however, it can be a challenge for even the most skilled therapist to choose the right wax for each job. Following are the different wax options available.

Stripless waxes. Also known in the industry as hard wax, which can only be heated via the pot method. Hard waxes tend to come in solid colors and are blended with rosins for slower setting times, giving the therapist a little more control with the removal. In some cases, plasticides are added for additional flexibility and control. Stripless waxes are ideal for Brazilian bikini procedures, as well as for underarms and facial waxing. Strip waxes run at a lower temperature than soft waxes and, as they are applied, they dry gently, shrinking around the hair shaft, resulting in successful hair removal with little to no irritation. Hard waxes are removed without a waxing strip, hence the name stripless.

Strip waxes. Also known as soft waxes, these are most commonly used with roll-on waxing systems. Mainly composed of resins to increase setting time, strip waxes are often blended with additional essential oils for special skin conditions and types, and come in many varieties. Soft waxes are applied onto the skin in the thinnest layer possible in the direction of hair growth. This is followed by the removal of the wax in the opposite direction with a fabric or paper strip, depending upon the therapist’s preference. Strip waxes can be used on any area of the body.

Fabric versus paper strip. Fabric strips are generally made from some type of bleached or unbleached cotton, are extremely flexible, and some consider them to be less painful and, therefore, ideal for facial waxing. Paper strips are more rigid and more suitable for speed waxing. They are economical because they can be utilized as a continuous-use strip during a leg-waxing procedure.

Post-care for waxing
There is no question that waxing has been one of the strongest hair removal trends for decades, however there are often complaints after a treatment due to improper post-care. Common concerns include, “I had my eyebrows waxed yesterday and have a nasty rash where the wax was applied. There is lots of redness and some bumps,” or “I just had my chest waxed yesterday and I have this terrible breakout with redness, swelling and dozens of whiteheads all over.

This article was originally published in the July 2008 issue of Skin Inc. Magazine and is being reprinted with permission. All right reserved.

If you would like to learning waxing techniques, Aesthetic VideoSource has Waxing DVD’s on a variety of different topics. Eyebrow Waxing, Body Waxing for men and women and Brazilian Waxing techniques. Visit us today and view free excerpts of our educational DVD’s. Our videos show all the above mentioned types of waxing.

When you see an eyebrow or Brazilian wax on your books, do you panic? Are you among the many spa professionals who have banned performing these services altogether due to your fear of taking off too much? If so, you’re not alone. These are common reactions to performing two incredibly intimidating waxing services.
If you think that your business can get by without placing these services on the menu, think again. Eyebrow design and Brazilian waxing are some of the most requested waxing services. Spas know this, and many now require spa professionals to be proficient in performing these services. To be successful with these techniques, you have to conquer the fear that goes along with executing them.

Soft Wax- Eyebrow

Less hair = more money
Waxing, in general, is a high-profit treatment with low overhead that will comprise at least half of your total service revenue, and eyebrow waxing and Brazilians commonly make up a large majority of that.
The hairless trend has spawned the need for a new breed of spa, devoted exclusively to the art of hair removal. These businesses offer every conceivable method to choose from, including waxing, sugaring, threading, tweezing, laser and electrolysis, and everyone from estheticians to physicians are jumping on the bandwagon.
Money is what you stand to lose by not providing these services. Historically, when the economy gets tough and clients tighten their belts, the perceived luxury services, such as facials and massages, are the first to go. Waxing, on the other hand, has become a necessity for some, ranking up there with hair and nails; therefore, it will sustain you through the lean times.
Look at it this way: Many facial services are 60 minutes in length with an average cost of $60. A Brazilian service often is 30 minutes with an average cost of $50. So potentially, in the time it takes you to do one facial for $60, you can do two Brazilians for $100 or more.

Men

Brows
So with all that money to be made, why aren’t you cashing in? The likely reason is fear. Eyebrows are quite possibly the scariest service ever. They sit right on the face, front and center, for the entire world to see. Those who have mastered the art of eyebrow design are practically initiated into sainthood for the miracles they perform. Yes, there is stress, but remember that the difference between failure and success when it comes to brows and Brazilians is training and practice.
Done correctly, eyebrow design is one of the most rewarding services you will ever perform. A properly placed and proportioned set of brows has the ability to change the shape of the face, create balance, give the illusion of a more youthful appearance and heighten your client’s self-esteem. It’s quicker than plastic surgery with less downtime—who knew eyebrows could do all that?

Brazilian
The first thing most spa professionals learn about the Brazilian is how much pain is involved. Horror stories about experiences gone awry may make you never want to get a Brazilian, let alone perform one on your clients. The truth is, Brazilian waxing doesn’t have to be as painful as the tales that have been told about it. A Brazilian isn’t pain-free, but it can be a lot less painful, especially when you are depositing that money into your bank account. But to do the Brazilian right, make the client happy and make more money, you have to know and understand the basics.
There is a lot more to performing a proper Brazilian than the basic techniques learned in school. Using the correct product and technique are imperative to performing a superior Brazilian. Experience teaches you how to hold the skin, where and how to apply the wax, and what to do when things go wrong. And they will go wrong.
Brazilian waxing is uncomfortable—period. You know it. Your client knows it. If you become overly concerned with the pain aspect of the Brazilian, you will be stressed every time you perform one. Your nervous energy will make your client nervous, thereby magnifying and prolonging their discomfort. Not only that, it will make them think twice about your capabilities.
Running a close second to pain on the discomfort scale is the intimacy factor. Let’s face it, unless you’re a gynecologist or a midwife, you aren’t used to spending a lot of time in that area. Most will agree that holding a spatula of hot wax over a stranger’s pelvic region isn’t your normal day at the office.These mental barriers are normal and natural, and you will overcome them in time.

Confidence is the key
When it comes to these and other life challenges, finding the confidence to accept and face them is what makes the difference. Following are some ways to feel secure enough to wield the wax spatula.

• Education. In order to perform the advanced services of eyebrow design and Brazilian waxing, proper training is needed. Education takes the mystery out of these services and makes them more accessible. It teaches the skills and techniques needed to execute these treatments with ease. Whether you learn best from hands-on classes, books, videos or a combination of these methods, proper training gives you the base on which to build your skills, and the confidence you need to know you can do it.

• Realization. Eyebrow design and Brazilian waxing are specialized services. There is a certain degree of difficulty that comes with performing them on both a technical and a mental level. Learning and practicing correct waxing techniques is just the beginning. The difficulty comes when the wax meets the skin of a paying client.

• Acceptance. You are not going to be perfect at performing an eyebrow design or Brazilian wax service your first time out; there is a learning curve. Practice is key. How much practice? Only you can answer that question, but with the right training, a little patience and a lot of persistence, you will be designing and waxing like a pro in no time.

A great investment
Invest in your future and yourself. Conquer the fear and gain the confidence to overcome the obstacles that are keeping you from profiting off of these very popular services. The bottom line: Clients want these services, and they are willing to pay for them, and if you aren’t providing them, your competitor will. One little can of wax just might be the best investment you’ll ever make.

This article was originally published in the December 2008 issue of Skin Inc. Magazine and is being reprinted with permission. All rights reserved.

Education is critical to performing a professional Brazilian wax. We have a comprehensive educational video showing step-by-step procedures. Find it here.