How to Become a Wax Specialist
(Cerologists Explained)
So, you’re keen on inflicting beauty-pain are you?
Of course you’re not. But if you were, waxing would make the perfect profession. Aside from the pain, though, it’s a pretty noble pursuit. I mean, you’re willing to get up close and personal with strangers in order to satisfy their aesthetic goals…. I’m impressed.
Wax specialists are an exceptional breed. And, if you’d like to join the ranks of these professional superstars, we’ve got the knowhow.
Is it the profession for you? The craft of waxing hair removal is littered with positives; it’s the quickest beauty profession to gain quality training, an easily attained qualification, and it’s in high demand. You’ll never want for clients when the weather’s warm, or events are happening. Even during COVID 19, if salons weren’t forced to close their doors, people would be queuing up for their regular Brazillian XXX.
So, it’s easy, attainable and secure: What’s not to love?
What does a Wax Specialist do?
Wax Specialists are also known as Cerologists. Cera, the latin word for wax, and -ologist showing their expertise. It’s a relatively unknown term, but is interchangeable with Wax Specialist, or Certified Waxer.
The wax specialty is a branch of beauty therapy. Certified Waxers use hot or cold wax to remove the hair follicle from desired areas, which is achieved by letting the wax harden on the skin before ripping it back and taking the hair with it.
Wax Specialists work on every area of the body. This includes the feet, legs, stomach, back, buttocks, arms, chest, & face. They are also trained to complete intimate waxing, which is the removal of hair from both front and back intimate areas. That’s right. You’ll be waxing away bum hair. Don’t say we didn’t warn you…
…Of course, it’s not that bad. Every wax specialist we’ve heard from says it’s just hair. Hair that needs to be removed.
What do they Earn?
You’d hope, considering the lengths Wax Specialists go to for the desired aesthetic, that you’d be reimbursed handsomely. I’m talking the king and all his men giving you a medal of honour. But, unfortunately the crown isn’t known for giving out medals of honour to beauty therapists (shame on them).
It is difficult to find the exact rate of pay for a waxing specialist in Australia, since it is grouped under Beauty Therapy. However, in the US, a certified waxer can expect to earn around USD $34,253pa! That’s just under $50,000 AUD.
Which makes it an excellent choice if you want to dip your toes into the world of beauty therapy!
More importantly, it doesn’t take into account the salary for those who work from home. Wax specialists who run their own home or mobile salon don’t suffer the consequences of a full time, public salon. You can charge your own rates, provide your own services, and work to your schedule. Despite the initial set up costs, it is a far better way to earn the $$$ as quickly as possible.
Where does a Wax Specialist Work?
Anywhere people want hair removed.
In all seriousness though, waxing specialists are required in every single corner of the world, because hair removal has been a beauty ideal for centuries (since the Egyptians in fact!).
What sort of places hire wax specialists?
- Waxing Salon
While we like to steer clear from stating the obvious, if you’re looking for places to work, a waxing salon tops the list. There are many salon franchises dedicated directly to hair removal, they use it as their spearhead campaign to differentiate themselves from the saturated salon market. Think of Brazilian Butterfly or Wax in the City. - Beauty Salon or Spa
You don’t have to go to a specific hair removal salon to get your woolly legs sheared. Beauty salons and spas have been offering hair removal services for years. And, there’s a few around. No matter where you live, you’ll likely be pretty close to a salon of some sort. So you won’t have to worry about a long commute. - Hotels and Resorts
If we’re ever desperate for a thorough wax, it’s while we’re on holiday. Hotels and resorts offer the salon services needed to give us the most beautiful bikini line. It’s not essential, but if we’re ever going to splurge on a little self care, it’ll probably be while we’re on holiday, right? - Home
Now, we’re not saying you can bring your clients in for a Brazillian on the kitchen table. But, there are many beauty school graduates who begin their career with their own home salon. Working from home can give you the luxury of choosing your clients, income, flexibility, and products; however, it will also take more business savvy and marketing.
What Qualifications will I need?
Ah, you’re in luck. The waxing trade is a deceptively easy one to find yourself in. Despite the fact that you will need to be across hygiene practices, temperature control, before and after care, different skin types and concerns, and a range of other things, you can become a certified waxer in just a few months of training.
In Australia and New Zealand, our beauty industry is deregulated. So, for work in beauty therapy (not including laser, IPL or skin penetration treatments), you can learn your skills from any course provider, not just a government recognised body.
Basically, you can get qualified by an online or in-classroom short course focusing specifically on Face and Body Waxing. Or, you can complete your education in a full beauty therapy course, learning about waxing services within your comprehensive certification.
How can I become a Wax Specialist?
There are many different pathways into the waxing services industry. Whether you want to become a fully qualified beauty therapist, or just focus entirely on waxing – there’s a course that will cater to your needs.
The pathways can be obtained as individual qualifications, or as professional development courses once you’ve completed your original education. It never hurts to go back to school and ‘refresh’ your skills!
- The Full Beauty School Monty
This is the course with all the bells and whistles. Beauty school offers a complete education and certification in all areas of beauty therapy: Makeup, facial therapy, massage therapy, nail technology, lash and brow services, and waxing services. So, if you want to become a fully fledged beauty therapist, this would be one of the ways to do it! However, it can divide your focus between subjects, which is not useful for those of us who have one very clear goal in mind. - The Classroom Quickie
In classroom short courses can offer vast amounts of content in just a few short months. You can focus entirely on one subject, and utilise the contact with your tutors. However, accessibility and scheduling are completely up to the course provider, meaning you have no control over venue or timing. If you have prior commitments, it may be difficult maintaining your study over the extended period of time. - The Distant Affair
Online short or full courses are some of our favourite options. If you find one that is a skills-based education, you’ll not only have the time and flexibility of online learning on your side: you’ll also learn every technique, process, and approach needed to succeed in a waxing services career. Plus, you never have to leave your own home to do it! If you are planning on running your own home salon, an online course could help you do it. In order to complete your studies you will need a home set up and voluntary clientele to practice on – Many of whom will likely become your regular client base!
What is it Actually Like?
Always the skeptic. It’s hard to know the specific job satisfaction of all waxing specialists in the industry, since most of the stats are lumped in with beauty therapists and beauticians. But, the waxing profession is lauded as one of the most cost effective and profitable careers within beauty therapy. So, it is lucrative. But also rewarding, and for many…very enjoyable.
Remember that you will be on your feet all day, and providing a service that is physically demanding, and exhausting. This is important to keep in mind if you are considering it as a potential ‘cushy’ career. The right equipment and clothing are integral to ensuring longevity in your job. As you will be applying the same pressure and movements over, and over again, it’s imperative to do it in a way that won’t cause you pain. Protecting your muscles, ligaments & joints are a must!
Having said that, we’ve heard only good things! Of course, there’s the intimacy aspect of waxing to consider. You will be getting up close and personal with all kinds of people, which is not always comfortable. Waxing is one of the most intimate beauty services, and your client would be feeling the difficulty as much (if not more) than you. So, be absolutely certain you’re able to handle that kind of work environment.
…Because it’s certainly not for everyone.
Pros & Cons
Pro #1: Quick and Simple
Out of all the disciplines in beauty therapy, waxing techniques and processes are one of the easiest to learn, and quickest to adapt into your muscle memory. Though you do need to learn about contraindications, hygiene & technique, for the most part it becomes routine. The biggest concern is doing your work in a way that causes the least possible amount of pain for your client.
Con #1: Up Close and Personal
Part of waxing hair removal therapy, is the treatment of intimate areas. The full brazillian XXX removes hair from the front and back of the body – which means pubic hair all the way back. This may not phase you as a client, but as the practitioner? It might be a different story.
Pro #2: Adequate Training
From the online reviews, a lot of waxing specific salons and companies focus heavily on training up their new employees – which means you can gain more confidence and efficiency, even while working the salon floor.
Con #2: On your Feet
As a waxing specialist, 90% of your time will be spent on your feet. The work is labour intensive, and will require hours on end without sitting down. Standing may not seem like that big of a deal, but if you do it every day, you might find the luster has worn off.
Pro #3: Flexible
This one really depends on what salon you work with, but often the trade of waxing professionals is easily worked around other life commitments. This is especially true, should you choose to work from a home salon.
Con #3: Causing pain or reactions
Every single wax specialist will tell you that this happens. You are literally ripping back the wax, hair, and sometimes top-skin to remove the unwanted hair. This can cause complications, including skin reactions and infections.
But, what we can’t get away from, is the pain. Working with hair removal will undoubtedly cause pain. We can mitigate it as much as possible, but we can’t stop it.
It’s just part of the job.
Pro #4: Client Focused
This is the type of work where your customer service skills come in handy. If you’re the kind of person who loves to engage with clients and let them lead the session, waxing is an excellent choice. Because you are working to have the hair removed as efficiently as possible, you won’t have time for distractions.
Con #4: Client Focused
This one could swing either way. As a waxing specialist, your whole job centres on ripping hair from peoples’ bodies, which can cause quite a mixed reaction. Usually, your customers will know what to expect, but don’t discount the possibility that you may get some grumpy customers.
Pro #5: Variable
Many spas and salons offer wax services alongside other treatments. So, if you become a fully qualified beauty therapist, you can provide waxing in one appointment, and jump to another service straight after. This means your days will be filled with varying tasks, which for many of us is ideal!
Con #5: Pay Differences
Once you have graduated and you’re seeking work as a waxing specialist, you may find some salon roles that don’t pay what you had expected. It is common for a technician to earn a little less when they’re still gaining experience, so it is important to do your research when applying for salon roles. Or, open up your own home salon and avoid the trouble altogether!
Appendix One: Waxing Terms
Cerologist
A technical term for a wax specialist. Cera- comes from the Latin term for ‘wax’ and -ologist meaning ‘professional’.
Hot Wax
Hot wax is also known as Hard wax. It comes in solid form, in beads, pellets or bars, and forms a thick liquid once it is heated. It can be applied to the skin without the use of a strip. However, it is trickier to apply than Cold Wax. Hot wax is perfect for sensitive areas, because it only binds to the hair. Recommended for the bikini line, underarms and face waxing.
Cold Wax
Cold wax, also known as Strip Wax, comes in liquid form. It can also be heated, however it isn’t necessary to perform the job. It requires a strip to remove it from the skin, as it is thinner than hot wax. It is best for larger areas, because it can be applied and removed quickly. However, because it binds to the skin and hair, it’s not recommended for sensitive areas. Cold wax can be used on the legs, arms, stomach, back, chest, and some smaller areas.
Brazillian Wax
A Brazillian Wax is the removal of unwanted hair from front and back pubic areas. It can be a partial or complete hair removal, depending on the client’s aesthetic goals. Brazillian Waxes don’t include hair removal anywhere else on the body.
Bikini Line
The Bikini Line wax is the removal of hair from along the front edges of the underpants line – so that no hair escapes when in a swimsuit.
Wax Heater
A wax heater is an electrically charged heating pot made specifically to melt hot and cold wax.
Spatula
A spatula is used by technicians to apply hot or cold wax to the area where hair is being removed. The spatulas should always be disposable, and shouldn’t be double dipped into the wax pot.