Startup cost
$25k–$250k
TRUiC Business Ideas
How to Start a Body Waxing Salon
Decision Snapshot
Body Waxing
Idea Score
43
Profit margin
8%
Break-even
4 mo–12 mo
Time to launch
12 wk–36 wk
Demand trend
Stable
5-yr failure rate
—
Capital intensity
Very high
Time commitment
Full time
Part 1 - How to start a Body Waxing Salon business - Background
A body waxing salon business provides body hair removal services. Though women tend to patronize these salons most frequently, body waxing is quickly going mainstream for all genders.
Our guide is in 3 parts:
- Part 1 - How to start a Body Waxing business - Background
- Part 2 - Our planner tool to see if this idea is the right fit for you
- Part 3 - Action plan to get started
What are the costs involved in opening a body waxing salon?
This business requires a facility for body hair removal, body hair removal equipment and supplies, employees, insurance, a table, chairs, a receptionist’s desk, marketing, and a website. Though the owner can serve as the body hair removal specialist, receptionist, and marketing professional at the business’ launch, additional employees will be necessary as the business grows. Plan on spending several thousand dollars on body hair removal equipment, supplies, table(s), and chairs. The office will likely run $500 to $1,000 or more in monthly rent.
What are the ongoing expenses for a body waxing salon?
This type of business requires employees, marketing, insurance, office supplies, body hair removal equipment/waxing products, a space to operate and utilities including a high-speed internet connection. Body hair removal specialists typically earn between $10 and $20 per hour. A receptionist will earn between $8 and $15 per hour. Marketing and accounting professionals will command a yearly salary of $30,000 to $50,000. Budget at least $200 per month for insurance, office supplies and utilities. Plan on spending between $600 and $1,000 or more to rent an office/body hair removal space.
Who is the target market?
In general, teenagers and those in their twenties or thirties are most interested in body hair removal. Most customers will need periodic waxings, so you will likely have many return customers.
How does a body waxing salon make money?
This business makes money by charging customers for sessions in which body hair is removed.
How much can you charge customers?
A full body wax typically costs between $50 and $100. The waxing of eyebrows usually runs between $10 and $20. Waxing the upper lip costs between $5 and $10. A Brazilian wax of the lower body runs $30 to $45.
How much profit can a body waxing salon make?
This type of business can generate a yearly profit of $50,000 or more. Set up shop in an area with plenty of young people, market the business in a strategic manner and you might make six figures per year or more.
How can you make your business more profitable?
Offer a wide variety of services. Waxing services should extend to the eyebrows, lips, underarms, chest, back and beyond. You can also provide beauty salon services, spa services, massages, pedicures and manicures.
Day-to-Day and Growth
What happens during a typical day at a body waxing salon?
Body waxing salons provide hair removal services throughout the day. Employees schedule body hair removal sessions, remove body hair from patients, clean the facility, and interact with customers. The owner and/or manager of the body waxing salon oversees employees, delegates work, handles marketing duties, and researches new body hair removal equipment and supplies.
What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful body waxing salon?
An individual who has a background providing aesthetician services, running a business or operating laser-based equipment will likely thrive in this rapidly growing niche. The entrepreneur should have excellent people skills, be detail oriented and precise. He or she should also be comfortable removing hair from highly sensitive areas of the body.
What is the growth potential for a body waxing salon?
This business is growing quite rapidly. According to IBIS World, the body hair removal industry revenue was nearly $600 million in 2015. This organization projects a three percent annual industry growth rate. Plenty of people are on the prowl for a body waxing service that removes hair from all over the face and body. This spiking interest in body hair removal creates the potential for rapid expansion. It might even be possible to expand to a second location and eventually set up body waxing salons across the state or region.
What are some insider tips for jump starting a body waxing salon?
Market the business toward those who are most likely to be interested in body hair removal. Furthermore, the business owner should research body hair removal equipment in-depth to pinpoint technologies that reduce the amount of pain endured by the patient when the hair is removed and provide lasting results. Establish relationships with waxing supplies wholesalers to get the best deals on products like soft wax, hard wax, gloves, waxing strips, lotions, powders, etc.
How and when to build a team
The quality of the salon’s body waxing services is of the utmost importance. Your business should provide body hair removal services that last for weeks, if not months. Furthermore, the body hair removal process should be as painless as possible. Your body hair removal specialists must be friendly with clients from the moment they walk in the door to the moment they leave. Customer comfort during the body hair removal process is important as this is somewhat of an inherently awkward service. Keep your clients comfortable, provide lasting results and they will recommend your business to friends, co-workers and others.
Part 2 - Is a Body Waxing Salon business the right fit for you?
Business Evaluation & Strategy Tool
We'll walk you through the four pillars every business needs: Points of Leverage, Marketing Strategy, Financial Model, and Personal Compatibility. At the end you'll see a personalized report and your action plan below will be tailored to your answers.
Step 1 of 4 — Points of Leverage
Every viable business has natural advantages. Below are common leverage points across four categories. Pick the ones that apply to your Body Waxing business. We've pre-suggested a few based on your idea — review and adjust.
Step 2 of 4 — Marketing Strategy
Without a way to connect with customers, even great businesses fail. Pick the channels you plan to use to reach your customers.
Step 3 of 4 — Financial Model
Enter your monthly baseline costs — the minimum overhead to keep the business running. Then we'll calculate how many sales per month you need to break even.
Step 4 of 4 — Personal Compatibility
A business that doesn't fit your life will fail no matter how good the numbers look. Tell us how this business fits you.
Your Body Waxing Evaluation Report
Complete the four pillars and your personalized summary will appear here.
Points of Leverage
Marketing Strategy
Financial Model
Personal Compatibility
Part 3 - Action plan to launch your Body Waxing Salon business in 90 days
Nine concrete steps to take you from idea to open business, grouped into 30-day phases. Complete the planner above and we'll highlight what's most important for your situation.
First 30 days — Foundation
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Form your legal entity
An LLC keeps your personal assets separate from business debts and lawsuits — the most common reason small business owners choose this structure. Sole proprietorships and partnerships do not provide this protection.
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Get an EIN and register for taxes
Apply for your free Employer Identification Number through the IRS, then register for any state or local taxes that apply to your business (sales tax, franchise tax).
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Open a business bank account and credit card
A dedicated business account is required to maintain personal asset protection. Mixing personal and business finances ('piercing the corporate veil') can void your LLC's liability shield.
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Set up business accounting
Recording expenses and income from day one makes tax filing easier and lets you see when the business is actually profitable. Use software (QuickBooks, Wave) or a part-time bookkeeper.
Days 30–60 — Compliance & Risk
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Get permits and licenses
State and local requirements vary widely. Brick-and-mortar businesses typically need a Certificate of Occupancy; service businesses may need specific professional licensing; food businesses need health permits.
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Get business insurance
General Liability Insurance is the most common starting point. If you'll have employees, most states require Workers' Compensation. Specific industries need additional coverage (product liability, professional liability, etc.).
Days 60–90 — Launch
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Define your brand
Your brand is how customers perceive and remember you. A clear name, logo, and visual identity make every later marketing decision easier and protect you legally as you grow.
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Create your business website
Every legitimate business needs a website. Social media pages are not a substitute — you don't own the platform. Modern website builders mean you can launch a clean site in a weekend without a developer.
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Set up your business phone system
A dedicated business number keeps your personal life private, makes the business look legitimate, and lets you route calls professionally. Cloud phone services start under $20/month.