Learn & Plan

How to Launch a Successful Sugaring Business in 6 Steps

Key learnings

A)

Differentiating your business from the competition.

B)

Pursuing the proper licenses.

C)

Using liability waiver forms and other tactics to ensure legal protections.

D)

Utilizing marketing strategies to reach your target market.

Introduction:
Most clients are familiar with waxing, in fact, in the US alone, 6+ million people opt for the service four or more times per year. To dive even deeper, the industry has been seeing an average growth rate of 10.5% each year, with 2022 seeing a sharp increase of 13.9%!

There is no doubt that waxing can be an effective form of hair removal, however, it does come with a few considerations that can be solved with sugaring hair removal.

For instance, similar to tweezing, sugaring removes the hair in the hair's natural direction; the result is less breakage and a reduction in ingrown hair. Sugaring paste does not adhere to live skin cells, unlike wax which often poses an increased risk of irritation and skin damage.

Consider the environment and eco-conscious clients. As climate concerns intensify, people are increasingly becoming more conscious of their impacts on the environment. With sugaring there are minimal single-use products used since there is no longer a need for sticks, strips, or chemical wax removers.

If you are considering starting a new career path, business, or a side hustle, sugaring may be a lucrative opportunity and niche to consider. Follow the below steps to get started.

Step 1: Obtain your licenses and training
To ensure your sugaring business’ long-term success, seek professional theory and technique training from a credible educational institution. While learning the technique is important, it is also critical for anyone providing hair removal services to learn the theory and concepts around sugaring hair removal specifically.

Consider both you and your client's safety! While sugaring is regarded as a gentle form of hair removal, there are still certain scenarios where it must be avoided or adapted to the client. A verified sugaring educator will not only cover various real-world scenarios and common obstacles, but they can also help lay the foundation that will establish you as an expert in the field. Programs that are not reviewed or verified by a third party may miss critical topics that could be detrimental to your business. Additionally, they can help you avoid common practitioner injuries, such as repetitive strain injury (RSI) — which is often the result of improper techniques.

To order supplies from professional sugaring paste manufacturers, you are generally required to be accredited in sugaring hair removal by a reputable education provider. Most countries do not have any additional licensing requirements for hair removal, however, the United States often requires an esthetician license (or cosmetology license in some cases), depending on the state. You can confirm your regional requirements with your country or state’s Board of Cosmetology for guidance on what type of licensing you need. If you are based out of the United States, visit United States Licensing Requirements for Sugaring Hair Removal.

Step 2: Identify your target market and location
To differentiate your business from competitors, consider a unique target market and/or strategic business location. Consider areas with less competition, or cater to consumers seeking sugaring services for sensitive skin or intimate areas. In fact, intimate sugaring such as Brazilians or Manzilians (Male Brazilian) are often the most popular and booked services for sugaring businesses.

Start by identifying your business location. Here are a few options:
  • Rent a space from an existing beauty spa or salon
  • Open a standalone location
  • Offer services from your home or apartment
  • Start a mobile sugaring service that can travel to clients.

    Step 3: Develop your business plan
    Your business plan is crucial in clarifying your vision for the sugaring salon. Include essential information, such as your business name, structure, and details about your team or potential hires. Additionally, outline your sugaring services' pricing. While you don't need to finalize your entire business plan immediately, prioritizing your budget early on will help you determine the required startup costs and monthly expenses.

    Step 4: Register your business
    Ensure your sugaring salon operates legally by registering it with your country's governing agency. Registering not only legitimizes your business but also secures your business name in your country. While sole proprietorships and partnerships don't always require registration, they expose you to significant personal liability in an industry where client injuries are possible. Consider forming a corporation or limited liability company (LLC) to protect your personal assets. To learn more, read this article by Business News Daily.

    Step 5: Implement a release of liability waiver
    Safeguard your business by providing clients with a release of liability waiver. This document protects your business in case of any issues during a sugaring session, waiving the client's right to sue. Include information about potential risks, such as allergic reactions or skin sensitivity, to keep clients informed and protect your salon from potential legal issues. Be sure to also look into insurance options for your business. While injuries are significantly less frequent with sugaring when compared to waxing, it is important to ensure you are being transparent while avoiding any unnecessary risks. A little peace of mind goes a long way!

    Step 6: Market your sugaring business
    There is no one way to market a business. Some businesses earn their revenue solely by word-of-mouth referrals, others by a combination of different tactics. If you are looking to start a new business, it may be worthwhile to consider using a mix of strategies that include popular social media channels, such as Instagram or Facebook. You can take this a step further by pursuing paid advertising, which can be used to target specific people or behaviors.

    To attract customers in your area create a business page with Google and add your location. This free marketing tactic is often extremely effective in attracting locals and even vacationers.

    Send enticing grand opening discounts to local consumers through direct mail and showcase your expertise by posting skincare tips on social media platforms.

    Pulling it all together
    Starting a new career path or pursuing a specialization can be intimidating, but with the right education and resources, it doesn't have to be.

    The CIDESCO-endorsed sugaring course was created to empower students and new business owners by giving them the tools and knowledge needed to provide a safe and effective service. Additionally, the course provides valuable resources that include waivers, advertisements, and even business and marketing advice.
  • Sugaring Certification

    Become a verified and CIDESCO-endorsed Sugaring Practitioner. Learn the theory and techniques that will set you up for long-term success.

    Expert Brazilians

    Learn to provide female intimate sugaring, otherwise known as Brazilian sugaring with this advanced-level course.

    Mastering Manzilians

    Learn to provide male-intimate sugaring, otherwise known as male-Brazilian or Manzilian sugaring.

    Masterclass Refresher

    Refine and refresh your skills with this program designed for already certified practitioners.