How to become a waxer: 5 steps to get started
Updated February 2025
A waxer is a professional trained in hair removal using various waxing techniques. A wax specialist or waxing technician is responsible for waxing various areas of the body, such as the face, arms, legs, bikini line, and back.
A waxer also keeps clients comfortable while ensuring that they follow standard hygiene procedures as part of their duties. It’s best to think of the waxing part as only half of your service; it’s also about providing a safe, warm space for clients through your interpersonal skills.
If you want to help clients feel confident and have a passion for working in the beauty industry, becoming a wax technician might be the perfect career for you.
How to become a waxer?
The first thing to know is that you will need a waxing license to be a professional waxer, and you’ll likely need some hands-on experience to get there. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Understand the role
Hopefully, you’ve seen the 40-Year-Old Virgin waxing scene and understand that’s not how things should be done. As a waxing professional, you’ll need to perform the following hair removal services:
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Body waxing (e.g., legs, arms, back).
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Specialized services like Brazilian waxes and brow shaping.
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Pre- and post-wax consultations to address client concerns.
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Hygiene and sanitation practices to ensure client safety.
It’s important to realize that a large part of the role relies on customer service skills. Your service goes beyond the act of just removing hair.
Clients want to go to a service provider who makes them feel comfortable and at ease. Your success as a waxer will be as much about creating a welcoming atmosphere as the quality of your service.
The other element to remember is that waxing is a physically demanding role. You will spend 90% of your time at work on your feet, so be prepared for this!
Step 2: Complete your education
To be a professional waxer, you will need a license. Enroll in a recognized program, such as our Waxing Certification Course.
The course covers:
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Hair removal techniques.
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Equipment use.
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Overview of waxing products.
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Client safety.
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Skin preparation and aftercare.
It will teach you the foundational knowledge and practical skills needed to provide a great service to your clients.
Step 3: Obtain a license
You’ll need to research your specific state’s requirements for licensure. For most states, you’ll need a cosmetology or esthetician license before you can practice as a wax technician. Getting a certificate in waxing may only be one step toward licensure.
As part of the process, some states make you complete a certain amount of classroom hours or hands-on learning to gain experience. You may not be able to get your license until you complete these requirements.
Research your state cosmetology board's requirements to ensure you have the right qualifications.
Step 4: Gain hands-on experience
Work in salons or spas to build your skills and confidence. This experience will also help you establish a client base and learn industry best practices. Hopefully, you can learn the fundamentals of client interactions from helpful colleagues, too.
As mentioned above, in some states, this experience is a necessary step to getting your official license.
Step 5: Stay updated on industry trends
Waxing is always evolving, with new styles and techniques developing as tastes change. That’s why continuous education is important. New techniques offered by Courses for Success can help you master new services that your clients will be asking for.
Further, learning how to perform other skincare and beauty treatments may enable you to take on more responsibilities at work.
What’s the difference between a waxer, cerologist, esthetician, and laser technician?
Understanding the differences between these roles can help you choose the right career path.
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Waxer: Specializes in hair removal using wax. Focuses on quick and effective treatments for various body areas.
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Cerologist: A term that can be used interchangeably with waxer, but it often implies additional expertise. A cerologist likely knows more advanced and specialized waxing techniques.
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Esthetician: Often offers waxing alongside broader skincare services. These services would include things like facials and microdermabrasion.
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Laser technician: Focuses on permanent hair removal using laser technology, requiring specialized training and certifications beyond standard waxing.
What are the different types of waxing?
Waxing services cater to different client needs. In a waxing course, you’ll learn the common types:
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Body waxing: Involves hair removal from larger areas like arms, legs, and back. It is a popular choice that leaves smooth skin for weeks.
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Bikini and Brazilian waxing: Target sensitive areas around the bikini line. These services require more skill than body waxing since there is an extra priority to ensure client comfort.
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Facial waxing: Includes eyebrow shaping, upper lip, and chin waxing. For these services, precision is vital to achieve the desired look for the client.
What are the different types of waxing methods?
There are three primary methods used by waxing professionals, these being:
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Warm hard wax is ideal for sensitive skin since it adheres to the hair rather than the skin itself. This method is used for smaller, delicate areas like the bikini line and face.
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Warm soft wax is best for larger areas like legs and arms. For efficient hair removal, you apply the wax thinly and remove it with cloth strips.
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Cold soft wax and pre-made wax strips are the ones you see in stores suitable for at-home use. Sugaring, fruit, and chocolate waxes are alternate options that provide the benefit of natural ingredients.
Is it hard to become a waxer?
Becoming a waxer requires dedication to enrolling and passing the necessary courses to obtain your license.
You can learn technical skills easily enough through training, and there is enough demand for the service that you are likely to be able to find roles in beauty salons and waxing studios all over the country.
The challenging part is fine-tuning your service so that you can build a reputation in your area as a fantastic service provider. This is your ticket to building a loyal client base.
What waxing courses are available to study?
Check out our Waxing Certification Course that offers you a certificate of completion as a testament to your learned skills.
Previous students commented that the videos are extremely useful and that the courses are simple and easy to follow. They walk you through the skills needed to be an accomplished waxer at a reasonable pace.
The appeal of the course is reflected in the 4.9/5 rating based on almost 500 reviews.
Of course, many beauticians are keen to add other strings to their bow, increasing the range of services they can offer to support their clients. Courses for Success also offers the following courses to add to your skillset:
These courses provide both foundational knowledge and specialized skills to advance your career within a beauty salon setting.
Career insights
According to Indeed, wax specialists earn an average base salary of around $18/hour, and you can earn significantly more than this if you build a loyal client base.
Many wax professionals also earn more than their hourly wages through tips and commissions. This amount also varies widely depending on where you are in the country and your level of experience.
A waxer with decades of experience in Massachusetts will be able to charge more for their services than a newly licensed professional in Iowa. Some of that is purely down to the going rate for waxing services in each region.
If you build a successful career as a waxing professional, you could open your own studio as a business owner or expand into broader beauty services.
Tips for success:
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Build strong client relationships.
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Stay updated with industry trends.
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Focus on hygiene and safety.
Summing up
Becoming a waxer is an exciting opportunity for a career in the beauty industry. With the right training and dedication, you can build a successful waxing career, helping clients look and feel their best once you obtain your license.
Begin your journey today with the Waxing Certification Course from Courses for Success.
FAQs
What is the average salary of a waxing professional?
Waxing professionals tend to earn between $30,000 and $50,000 per year. There is the potential to earn more if you get steady, high-paying clients needing specialist services.
Is licensing required to become a waxer?
Yes, most regions require a cosmetology or esthetician license to perform waxing services legally.
Can I work as a mobile waxer?
Yes, mobile waxing services are popular and allow flexibility in your career. Most of the equipment is easy to carry and allows you to visit clients in their homes and perform waxing on the go.