Waxing Services

Waxing Services

Tanning clients can indulge in both paraffin and depilatory waxing treatments year-round. Paraffin treatments involve painting or dipping the skin with hot paraffin wax, which possibly can prolong the life of a tan through increased skin hydration and moisturization. Depilatory or hair-removal waxing can establish a skincare regime for those who seek a hairless body image.

Since tanning is seasonal, waxing treatments would provide owners some extra income during the slower periods. Plus, the more services a client is provided, the longer he or she will stay at the salon, which opens up opportunities for additional sales.

While waxing services can possibly boost business, there are some drawbacks, especially related to overexposure and other skin sensitivities.

One expert recommends no sun exposure 24 to 48 hours before or after waxing. “If you take hot wax and put it on freshly overexposed skin it’s going to cause some challenges-anything from scabbing to blistering,” she says.

Also, after waxing or hair removal, the last thing a person would want to do is use a tingle lotion and get into a tanning bed since the skin is going to be sensitive to products.

After weighing the benefits and drawbacks of both types of wax treatments, a salon owner can decide on equipment and products to carry. Retailing pre- and post-wax-treatment products also is an option.

A salon owner could begin with a $500 to $1,000 investment, which would include a range from low-end to high-end equipment. “For $1,000, they only have to do 10 full-body paraffin cocoons and it’s paid for—if they are charging $100 per treatment,” says another industry veteran. “Invest in something that is going to give you the return value fairly quickly.”

Medical-grade, low-melt paraffin remains pliable and molds over the body to lock in heat. Some compare the consistency of the heated paraffin to taffy. The wax used for depilatory treatments is resin-based because it’s designed to surround itself around hair and adhere to it, so once the strip is removed, the hair also is removed.

Equipment needed to perform the full-body paraffin treatment includes a massage table, plastic and metallic sheets, a thermal blanket, a stainless-steel-lined tank, and disposable applicators, brushes, mitts or booties for hands and feet.

Depilatory treatments require a separate heated pot, which should be covered when not in use. Roll-on wax applicators with special heating units also are an option. In addition to disposable wax applicators and muslin strips, it’s suggested to have available a table or facial chair, tweezers, scissors, brushes and a mirror.

Experts recommend retailing products for pre- and post-waxing treatments. There are products to weaken hair follicles, numbing sprays, antiseptic lotions, after-wax cooling gels and no-bump lotions. Some products aren’t geared necessarily for waxing, but for shaving, where some of the same properties apply.

Licensed skincare technicians convey professionalism and ensure safety at the salon, so it’s recommended that a licensed skincare specialist perform the services. Myron urges owners to check with local state boards to determine who is licensed to perform waxing treatments.

Properly trained skincare technicians are equipped to determine which types of waxing treatments to offer clients. Client consultation and questionnaires can uncover if certain skin conditions, treatments or products used by the client pose any risk factors prior to waxing.

Skincare professionals should be made aware of any types of spa treatments currently offered at the salon, and of how many waxing services the technician would perform during a shift.

“You won’t get the professional person just to do the waxing,” says a Washington salon owner. The person will make money through selling retail products and performing other skincare treatments, she explains.

The salon should have the appropriate insurance to perform wax treatments, and should follow strict cleanliness guidelines. Such treatments may not be covered under existing insurance plans, and would expose the salon to unnecessary risk. Some state boards may set parameters on where treatments can be administered within the salon, so it’s best to check.

Experts also recommend that any body service be performed in a separate area due to the nature of the treatment. Wax treatments should take place in a room apart from tanning rooms. The area should be comforting to clients to enhance their experience, which may include incorporating relaxing music or candles.

Hot paraffin treatments can be offered as their own service or as a way to prep the skin for depilatory waxing.

The full-body paraffin cocoon warms up the body and soul and makes you feel great. The skin is cleansed and moisturized, and then wax is painted onto the client who is cocooned for 30 minutes. The paraffin peels off like snake skin, leaving the skin soft and hydrated. The effects of paraffin last about 14 days; however, a full-body paraffin cocoon can be intense, so experts recommend one a month.

Body exfoliation, full-body paraffin cocoons, salt-glow treatments or body wraps also are suggested to condition the skin.

“If you offered a full-body polish with a full-body paraffin cocoon, their tan would just be phenomenal,” says another successful salon owner.

Tanners also should be encouraged to exfoliate and hydrate every day regardless, to help keep skin conditioned as well as maintain the healthiness of the clients’ tans. This is especially important for someone who is prone to in-grown hairs because exfoliating will help before a depilatory wax.

Pricing wax treatments involves some investigation. Experts recommend contacting local salons to get a better idea of how much to charge for the services. Salons have to be aware of your market area, and do your research.

Depilatory wax-treatment prices generally are regionalized. However, the size of the area to be waxed and how much hair needs to be removed also play a factor in pricing.

The price for paraffin treatments can be based on how long the room will be used for one treatment. For example, one session can tie up the room for almost an hour. If the body treatment generates less money in that time than a tanning room, a salon owner could charge accordingly to make up the difference.

Once prices are established, wax treatments can be marketed using current methods used at the salon, but targeting athletic-minded individuals.

To promote paraffin treatments, provide a complimentary hand dip that allows clients to experience the sensation. Dipping one hand will allow the client to compare the treatment’s effectiveness between hands.

Advertising treatments outside of the salon can include cross-promotions with like-minded businesses. Try marketing at local gyms or runners’ clubs where salon owners can reach body builders, cyclists, swimmers, marathon runners or triatheletes— anyone who may prefer no hair. Also try advertising in sports-specific retail shops with signage or fliers.

Wax treatments at a tanning salon can increase traffic as well as provide extra income for the salon. A good place to begin is with the right licensed skincare professional and a quality line of products and equipment for use and retail. Pursuing a market through effective marketing can possibly expand the clientele base and bottom line.