Podcast Summary: ASCP Esty Talk – Ep 371 – I'd Wax That

Date: January 28, 2026
Host: Associated Skin Care Professionals
Participants: Ella Cressman (Licensed Esthetician), Maggie Stasik (Licensed Esthetician & Program Director), guest insights from Bri Musquitt (ASCP Esty of the Year 2025)

Episode Overview

This episode delves deep into the ever-evolving world of waxing, tracing its historical origins, market growth, and the modern emphasis on skin health and client experience. The hosts, Ella and Maggie, explore how waxing has shifted from a simple beauty service to an advanced, holistic treatment requiring knowledge of products, techniques, contraindications, and personalized care. Notably, they highlight the importance of skin barrier management, evolving client expectations, and the need for continued professional education in the field.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

The Evolution & Growth of Waxing

• Waxing’s market boom:

  • Waxing is no longer a niche—it's a multi-billion dollar global industry, projected to reach $22.2B by 2030 (02:45).
  • "It's not just a niche service anymore… 11.8 to $14.4 billion industry in 2024… growing to $22.2 billion by 2030." – Ella (02:21)
  • "The fact that waxing is still so massive and continuing to grow really says something big." – Maggie (03:37)

• At-home and professional trends:

  • Increased availability and popularity of at-home waxing kits and post-wax care products; both sectors are expanding rapidly (04:17–05:13).

Historical Turning Points in Waxing

• Ancient practices:

  • Hair removal dates back to ancient civilizations using sugar pastes, resins, honey, and oils for ritual, hygiene, and status (06:55).
  • "Waxing has always been about more than aesthetics. It has roots in hygiene and skincare, not just appearance." – Maggie (07:44)

• Mid-Late 20th Century:

  • Standardization in salons—introduction of wax heaters, strips, gloves, and hygiene protocols made professional waxing more accessible and profitable (08:10).
  • Focus then was on efficiency and hair removal, not skin health (08:53).

• Hard Wax Revolution:

  • Hard wax, introduced ~40 years ago, changed the game for sensitive areas (face, bikini, etc.) as it adhered more to hair than skin—gentler for intimate services (09:17–09:53).
  • "Hard wax is a game changer for Brazilian waxing… not adhering to sensitive skin areas." – Maggie (09:53)

• Hybrid & New Formulas:

  • Latest innovations include hybrid waxes with flexible polymers and improved performance (10:15+).

The Shift: Hair Removal to Skin-First Care

• Expert insight: Bri Musquitt

  • Bri recounted her early-career shift after noticing clients’ insecurities related to skin concerns (dark spots, ingrown hairs) post-wax, not just hair (11:27).
  • She prioritized treating the skin for confidence and health, not simply hairlessness.

  "They wanted to be smooth. They wanted that skin to look healthy. They wanted clear skin and confidence. And that's what changed her approach on waxing." – Ella quoting Bri (11:49)

• Modern client expectations:

  • Clients now expect waxing results with minimal irritation, fewer ingrowns, and a holistic approach (01:55–02:21, 13:29).
  • Skin’s reactivity has increased due to widespread retinoid use, acids, and medications—technique and post-care matter more than ever (13:29).

Technique vs. Products: Mastery and Customization

• Technique is paramount:

  • Even the best waxes cannot compensate for poor skill; mastery enables the professional to pivot based on each client’s needs (19:15–20:15).
  • Bri customizes wax blends for individual clients, likened to how skin therapists layer serums (15:21).
  • "When strong technique is paired with the right formula, that combination creates the best possible experience and outcome." – Ella quoting Bri (19:15)

• Should you mix waxes?

  • Only recommended for skilled professionals who know their products inside-out; not all waxes should be mixed (15:36–15:48, 16:00).

Wax Formulations, Trends, and Greenwashing

• More choices than ever:
  • Today’s waxes are more flexible, melt at lower temps, and claim benefits (hypoallergenic, “clean,” or compostable)—but marketing doesn’t guarantee performance or safety (17:11–18:25).
  • "Marketing terms like clean or hypoallergenic, those don't guarantee safety. But wax selection should be based on skin condition, hair type and treatment area." – Ella (17:45)
  • The “green” phase saw wax brands marketing compostable or recycled waxes—hosts caution against believing all marketing claims (18:25–19:15).

Post-Wax Care: The Essential (Formerly Forgotten) Step

• The old days:

  • Post-care used to be minimal—just Tend Skin (an alcohol-based toner) or post-oil, occasionally a lotion (21:28).
  • "It burned like a mother. Exactly. It hurt. It wasn't pleasant, but you just bite down." – Ella (21:31)

• Modern approach:

  • Advanced post-wax products now include serums, specialized lotions, and barrier-repair formulas.
  • Customized pre- and post-care is critical, as is understanding client medications and skincare routines (13:29–14:25, 21:47–23:44).

• The critical role of consultation:

  • Consultations should be as robust as those for facials or advanced treatments—even for legs or brows (24:02–24:47).
  • Informed consent and updated client records are vital for safety—ASCP members have resources for this (25:04).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On waxing evolution:

  • "Are we practicing like it's 2005 or like it's 2026?" – Ella (01:59)
  • "Modern waxing is no longer just hair removal, it is skin barrier management." – Ella (13:29)

• Patient-centered shift:

  • "Treating the skin first ultimately helped her clients achieve their real goal, not just hair removal." – Ella quoting Bri (11:49)

• On learning and technique:

  • "Mastery really comes from understanding technique deeply and knowing how to pivot in real time based on each client's skin, hair and circumstance." – Ella quoting Bri (19:15)
  • "Even with the best wax… it can't compensate for poor technique." – Ella quoting Bri (19:20)

• On post-wax care:

  • "Post care determines inflammations, ingrowns and then barrier recovery… Barrier first care supports healing and reduces complications." – Ella (23:44)
  • "When we grew up in the industry we simply just had 10 skin." – Maggie (24:02)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [01:55] – The waxing industry’s explosive growth and modern challenges
• [06:05] – Historic perspective: Waxing through the ages
• [09:17] – Hard wax revolution & technique advances
• [11:27] – Bri Musquitt’s insight: Skin-first waxing philosophy
• [13:29] – Modern waxing: Barrier management, reactive skin, and client expectations
• [17:45] – The complex world of wax formulations and greenwashing trends
• [21:28] – Post-wax care: From "Tend Skin" days to full skin regimens
• [24:02] – The importance of consultation and informed consent
• [25:24] – Fun wrap-up and call for listener engagement: “Would you wax that?”

Tone & Takeaways

The conversation is warm, light-hearted, and honest, peppered with personal anecdotes and professional insights. Both hosts reminisce about their training while championing the necessity of continued learning in waxing. The episode stresses adapting to modern client needs, practicing with up-to-date knowledge, and treating waxing as a comprehensive skin care service.

"Would you wax that?" – Ella (25:24)
"I would wax it." – Maggie (25:25)

Final Thoughts

Waxing is more sophisticated and client-focused than ever. Professionals are urged to upgrade their techniques, educate themselves on skin health, and personalize both product and care approaches. The episode encourages estheticians to see waxing not as a relic skill, but as a dynamic, evolving practice integral to whole-skin wellness.

For More Information

Listeners are invited to share their own waxing experiences or insights via the ASCP’s social channels or email. Resources for consultations and informed consent forms are available for ASCP members in their resource vault.

Stay tuned for more from ASCP Esty Talk!