Running a successful waxing business isn’t just about providing flawless results—it’s also about knowing your numbers. One of the most overlooked aspects of managing a profitable beauty business is accurately tracking how much wax is used per service. Whether you’re a solo esthetician or a salon owner with a team, understanding your wax cost per service helps you manage inventory, set pricing, and boost your bottom line.
Why Knowing Your Wax Usage Matters
When you track how much wax is used for each service, you can:
-
Control inventory and reduce waste
-
Plan your budget more effectively
-
Set accurate service pricing
-
Identify training opportunities for your staff
-
Monitor profitability for each service
-
Run successful promotions without losing money
The Brazilian wax is an ideal benchmark for this practice, as it’s one of the most frequently performed waxing services in the industry.
How Much Wax Is Typically Used Per Brazilian?
The amount of wax used for a Brazilian can vary depending on several factors, including:
-
Client’s hair growth cycle and frequency of visits
-
Esthetician's technique and speed
-
Type of wax used (hard vs. soft)
-
Temperature of the wax
-
Experience level of the esthetician
In general, most professionals use 3 to 5 ounces of hard wax for a Brazilian. But to get a clear and accurate average for your specific business, you’ll want to track it yourself.
Method 1: Weighing the Used Wax
Step-by-Step Guide
-
Use a Separate Trash Bag for Wax
Discard used wax only in one bin to keep it isolated from other waste. -
Separate the Sticks from the Wax
Toss sticks into a separate container and ensure no wax remains on them. -
Track Multiple Client Types
Compare usage between regular clients and first-time waxers to see the difference. -
Weigh the Wax Post-Service
Use a digital kitchen scale to weigh the used wax immediately after each session. -
Record and Calculate the Average
Track usage across several clients. Add up all weights and divide by the total number of services.
Pro Tip: Keep a small notepad or use a digital spreadsheet to document conditions such as client hair growth, time since last wax, and overall service time.
Method 2: Batch Tracking Over Time
If you want to simplify the process:
-
Collect Used Wax From 5–10 Services
Throw all used wax from multiple Brazilian services into a single bin. -
Weigh the Total at the End of the Day/Week
Divide the total weight by the number of services performed.
Example:
If you use 48 ounces of wax for 10 clients, your average usage per Brazilian is 4.8 ounces.
Note: This method works best with hard wax, as soft wax typically sticks to strips and can distort measurements unless strips are also weighed.
Method 3: Usage Per Wax Container
This is a simpler option, especially if you want a ballpark figure:
-
Set Aside Wax for Specific Services
Dedicate one or two wax cans solely for Brazilian services. -
Count the Number of Clients Per Can
If two 14-ounce cans are used for 8 clients, your average wax usage is 3.5 ounces per service.
This approach works for both hard and soft wax, and is especially helpful if you’re tracking usage for multiple service types like legs, eyebrows, or underarms.
Tracking Other Waxing Services
Once you’ve nailed down your Brazilian wax averages, consider doing the same for:
-
Eyebrows
-
Underarms
-
Legs
-
Backs
-
Bikinis
By calculating wax usage for each service type, you’ll gain full control over your variable costs and can make smarter decisions for your business.
How Often Should You Recalculate Usage?
-
Solo estheticians: Every 6–12 months
-
Salons with staff: Every 3–6 months or when onboarding new staff
-
Anytime you switch wax formulations or brands
Regular tracking ensures your service pricing stays profitable and aligns with real-time product usage.
Final Thoughts
Measuring wax usage doesn’t have to be complicated, but it’s essential for running a smart, sustainable waxing business. Whether you weigh used wax, track usage per can, or try batch measurements, the goal is the same—to know your numbers and grow your profits.