Your Guide to Earning a Waxing Certification in 2025

Published September 30, 2025

The world of beauty is constantly growing, and the demand for skilled waxing specialists is higher than ever. Helping clients feel confident and cared for is a deeply rewarding experience. 

Whether you’re shaping flawless eyebrows or providing full-body hair removal, a career in waxing offers a path to entrepreneurship and flexibility. But before you can start booking clients, you need the proper training and credentials.

This guide will walk you through the essential steps to earning your waxing certification in 2025. We’ll cover everything from educational requirements to building your career.

As experts in helping beauty professionals launch their own businesses, we at Salon Suites Palm Beach understand what it takes to succeed, and it all starts with a solid foundation.

What is a Waxing Certification?

A waxing certification is a professional credential that proves you have completed the necessary training to perform waxing services safely and effectively. While the specific name of the license can vary by state, sometimes it’s a specialty license, while other times it falls under a broader esthetician or cosmetology license, the goal is the same: to ensure you meet professional standards.

This certification process covers critical topics, including:

• Skin anatomy and hair growth cycles
• Proper sanitation and hygiene protocols
• Different types of wax and their uses
• Techniques for various body parts
• Pre- and post-waxing client care

Earning this certification isn’t just about following rules; it’s about protecting your clients and building a trustworthy reputation from day one.

Step-by-Step Guide to Your Waxing Certification

Embarking on a new career can feel overwhelming, but we’ve broken down the journey to getting your waxing certification into clear, manageable steps.

Step 1: Meet the Basic Requirements

Before you can enroll in a program, you need to meet a few prerequisites. While these can differ slightly from state to state, the most common requirements include:

• Age: Most states require you to be at least 16 to 18 years old.
• Education: A high school diploma or a GED is typically required for enrollment in a certified beauty program.

Always check your state’s specific cosmetology board website to confirm the exact requirements in your area. This is the first and most important step to ensure you’re on the right track.

Step 2: Enroll in a Qualified Esthetician or Cosmetology Program

With your prerequisites in hand, it’s time to find the right school. To perform waxing, you’ll generally need to enroll in either an esthetician or cosmetology program.

• Esthetician Programs: These focus specifically on skincare, including services like facials, microdermabrasion, and, of course, hair removal. This is the most common and direct path for someone who wants to specialize in waxing.
• Cosmetology Programs: These programs are broader and cover hair, nails, and skin. While you will learn waxing, it will be one part of a larger curriculum. This path is great if you want to offer a wider range of beauty services.

Some states may offer a “waxing-only” license, which requires fewer training hours. Research programs that offer comprehensive, hands-on training. This practical experience, working on real people under the supervision of an instructor, is invaluable.

Step 3: Complete Your Training Hours

Every state mandates a specific number of training hours you must complete before you can apply for your license. This can range from around 250 to over 1,000 hours, depending on the state and the type of license (esthetician vs. cosmetology).

During your training, you’ll learn the theory behind skincare and hair removal, but most of your time will be spent practicing your technique. This is where you’ll build the confidence and muscle memory needed to become a proficient waxing specialist.

Step 4: Pass the State Licensing Exam

After completing your training hours, the next hurdle is the state board exam. This test typically has two parts:

• A Written (or Theory) Exam: This section will test your knowledge of safety, sanitation, skin science, and state regulations.
• A Practical Exam: Here, you will be asked to demonstrate your skills in a simulated salon environment. You may have to perform services like an eyebrow wax or a leg wax on a mannequin or a live model.

Your school will help you prepare for this exam, but studying on your own is crucial for success. Passing this exam is the final step to earning your official waxing certification and license.