According to market research firm Statista, in 2020, 6.39 million Americans used waxing as a hair removal process four or more times in a six-month period, and “the global waxing industry is the fastest growing market. 118 by 2028, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.6% from 2021 to 2028, according to a report by market research firm Gitnux. Reaching billion dollars.
While there are many different waxes and application types on the market today, Uni K Wax strives to differentiate itself from other hair removal providers by combining a unique rosin wax formulation with a unique application technique. To learn more about the innovation behind these products and processes, the Uni K Wax founder interviewed Noemi Grupenmager for some insight.
CDU: Can you give us some background information about yourself, Uni K Wax, and your relationship with the cosmetics and personal care products industry?
Noemi Gruppenmager (NG): I started my career in business management and have been an entrepreneur since I was 15 years old. My focus has always been on business. I entered the printing industry, which has nothing to do with beauty.
My introduction to the world of beauty came from a personal setback. Whenever I was looking for waxing services for myself or my girlfriend’s daughter, I always found the services to be unsatisfactory. Services always took place in the back rooms of nail and hair salons. This product often caused irritation to my sensitive skin. I thought there had to be a better way.
This experience inspired me to develop my own wax concept. I realized that there was a need for an innovative hair removal method that was natural, non-allergenic, easy to spread, and affordable. I envisioned products, systems, and methods that met these standards and eliminated industry standard processes that used harsh chemicals, harmful synthetic materials, and painful beeswax and paper strips.
We officially opened the first Uni K Wax studio in Miami Beach in 1993. Since then, we have been a pioneer in the industry. Brazilian He was the first to coin the term bikini wax, the first to open a dedicated waxing studio, and the first to create his own natural wax. Our company started franchising his brand in 2007. Uni K Wax has grown to include 34 of his stores in states including Florida, New York, New Jersey and Texas.
CDU: What is the concept behind Uni K Wax and what steps were taken during its development? What is the formulation and development process to launch this product?
NG: I contacted a friend of mine who is a chemical engineer and we discussed this new innovative wax idea. Together we experimented with different materials and made many prototypes.
After extensive laboratory research and market analysis, we settled on pine tar to create a wax that is natural, comfortable, versatile and suitable for any area of the body or face. The final product was his ElastiKWax, our own product.
In addition to this skin-friendly wax, we have also designed a precise technique of application and removal to optimize comfort and reduce service time through widespread application at body temperature.
We have carefully selected our application and removal processes to maximize comfort and efficiency, from the pre-disinfection stage to post-wax care. We currently offer a dynamic mix of 160 waxing services for unisex clients, including body, bikini/commando, and face.
CDU: Why did you choose pine as the base ingredient for your unique elastic wax formulation?
NG: ElastiKWax is made from pine resin because of its natural properties as a surfacing agent, meaning it is very sticky. Of course, the type of pine resin used is completely different, but the underlying concept is the same.
We need a substance that adheres to the hair without sticking to the scalp and makes the hair smooth. That is the rationale behind the use of pine tar.
CDU: Were there any challenges during the formulation and development process that needed to be addressed prior to launch? If so, what were those challenges and what solutions were developed and implemented to solve them? Have you done it?
NG: Yes, it took three years of trial and error to perfect the product. For example, our first experiment was to develop a wax that could effectively cover the entire leg in one application. We started building samples, but faced some challenges.
For example, some formulas were too hot, while others didn’t spread well enough. Rosin and our unique application process proved to be the perfect solution.
CDU: How is Uni K Wax’s formulation unique or innovative compared to others? Are there any wax products currently available?
NG: When you look at the labels of other waxes, the ingredient list can be difficult to understand, with chemical names, synthetics, preservatives, parabens, and more. In contrast, our wax is gluten-free and all-natural.
This simplicity and focus on natural ingredients sets our wax apart from other waxes on the market. However, just because our products are simple doesn’t mean the formulation process is easy.
We work closely with our raw material suppliers to ensure we create products that meet your specific needs. Commercially available pine tar cannot be purchased as is. We make sure to meet dozens of specific requirements for our type of wax.
However, wax is only one part of our comprehensive product offering. Our services include a variety of products, each designed to enhance your waxing experience and ensure the best results for you. For example, we recently developed Cold Box, a product that is applied to sensitive areas such as the bikini line and face to close pores after waxing.
And our approach extends beyond the product itself. We have a wax lab in each of our studios where our wax is prepared and warmed specifically for each client, reflecting our commitment to personalized service. We have also designed a special warmer for wax, along with other unique products used in the waxing process.
We produce our own waxes for all franchisees at our in-house distribution facility in Miami, ensuring consistency and quality across our brands. Because we don’t rely on outside vendors for our waxes, you can be assured that they are made from the finest and purest ingredients.
Training is another important aspect of our operations. We have an exclusive K University that provides extensive training to both aspiring and current waxers, ensuring they are certified and skilled in our methods.
CDU: Does Uni K Wax have any plans for further innovation and development? Waxing space?
NG: We are not currently considering new types of wax as we are very happy with our current wax. However, we are constantly innovating in other areas as well, such as warmers, spatulas, and all retail products related to our services. We are committed to continuous improvement across the board.
In addition, the company recently acquired several equity partners with Heather Elrod becoming executive chairman. They bring extensive experience in franchising and managing multi-unit businesses.
This acquisition will significantly contribute to our growth over the next few years and marks an exciting chapter for our future. We remain focused on growing our business, powered by great products and a cohesive team.
