Uni K Wax INFO

Uni K Wax, the 34-unit hair removal and waxing franchise, was founded in 1993 by Noemi Grupenmager. Frustrated by inadequate waxing options for her daughters, Grupenmager developed a natural, elastic wax as an alternative to the painful honey wax and paper strips. She also introduced a skin-friendly application and removal technique for faster, more comfortable services. Today, the brand offers a dynamic blend of 160 waxing services — from eyebrow waxing to facial waxing, Brazilian bikini wax and full body wax — for unisex customers.

The Uni K Wax brand began its franchising journey in 2007 and has since expanded to include 32 franchised and two corporate locations in states including Florida, New York, New Jersey and Texas. 

In 2023, Grupenmager decided to retire and sell the company. Exaltare Capital Management, a Boston-based private equity firm with a focus on franchise and multi-unit businesses, and Heather Elrod, former Amazing Lash CEO and Managing Partner at Conscious Capital Growth, acquired the Uni K Wax brand. 

For three decades, Uni K Wax has revolutionized the $11 billion waxing sector in the diverse beauty industry with its unique, comfortable natural wax and efficient hair removal technique. The brand’s streamlined business model, which boasts smaller room requirements and leads to faster service, provides prospective franchisees a standout opportunity in the market. And, born from a mother's quest to find the best waxing options for her teenage daughters, Uni K Wax is more than just another business opportunity (although its AUV of $1.3 million is certainly eye-catching) — it is a chance to truly redefine an industry and bring a much-needed service to new communities. 

Now, the time has never been better to join the Uni K Wax family. Fueled by a recent acquisition and the backing of franchise growth experts like Heather Elrod (who brings an impressive 30-year franchising resume to the brand) and Exaltare Capital, Uni K Wax is set for massive expansion, aiming to add 30 to 50 locations per year. 

Uni K Wax enhances the waxing process for all parties involved, including clients, staff and franchisees. The signature ElastiKWax™, made of beeswax and a unique pine tree resin, offers a natural, eco-friendly alternative to conventional painful waxing methods. Its elasticity facilitates faster, simultaneous waxing of multiple body areas. The nature of the wax allows for higher frequency of the service and requires less space per room. Each studio also houses a Wax Lab™, overseen by a technician, ensuring precise wax preparation and reduced waste. Every client also receives a personalized wax warmer. Waxers, certified from Uni K University, are extensively trained to guarantee consistent, high-quality results during each appointment.

Although most waxing companies typically boast about a “proprietary” product while simply using the same wax as everyone else, Uni K Wax is the real deal. The brand has its very own Miami-based manufacturing and distribution center, ensuring an in-house process for maintaining consistent quality and eliminating third-party costs for franchisees.

Beyond distribution, Uni K Wax supports franchise owners on every level, including marketing assistance, real estate and site development, technology, recruitment tools, training, vendors and equipment, grand opening and much more. And this robust support is only set to grow stronger with the recent acquisition. 

The beauty industry is worth over $90 billion and hair removal is increasingly becoming a crucial segment within that industry. The hair removal and wax market alone is valued at $11 billion and is expected to increase at a CAGR of 6% through 2033. 

In 2018, 48% of women in the U.S. aged 18 to 24 years said they used beauty wax products and 46% of women said they preferred waxing as their primary hair removal method. Men's grooming products, including men's hair removal products, saw a growth rate of 5% between 2017 and 2019, as well. 

Overall, the beauty industry enjoys strong consumer engagement as consumers consistently search for ways to enhance their look, simplify daily routines and establish meaningful self-care habits — 8 out of 10 adults say practicing daily self-care habits is a priority in 2023.

Overall, Uni K Wax isn't just another franchise opportunity — it's a brand with a soul, a history and a future. Most franchisees are either past customers or referrals from existing owners. The ideal franchisee is hands-on or has a reliable managing partner, but no prior industry experience is necessary.

Entrepreneurs aiming to revolutionize the waxing scene will find Uni K Wax unparalleled. The team sees major potential in Texas, Arizona, Florida, Colorado, Ohio, North Carolina, South Carolina, Massachusetts, Tennessee and Nevada.

“The product is great. No other wax is as comfortable as Uni K Wax’s blend. The experience and service are amazing. What really sold me was the concept. It was started 30 years ago, but it really speaks to the current times with the elastic wax being all natural and vegan. The Uni K Wax team is also wonderful to work with. They’re very supportive. They really helped me kick off my business and made it super easy.” 

- Maria Poceiro, owner of the Brickell, FL Uni K Wax Studio

“Whenever our friends from Turkey came to visit us in New York, I’d always recommend Uni K Wax. Afterward, they would always say, ‘You have to bring this to Turkey!’ Until then, it never occurred to me to own my own studio. One night, when my husband, mother and I were looking at franchise opportunities, we thought of Uni K Wax. We got on the phone with Ozzie, talked through the business plan and finances, and decided to open a store.” 

-Serden Dagalti, owner of the Upper East Side and Murray Hill, NY Uni K Wax Studios

“I love the product. I could talk about it for hours. But what’s really great about the opportunity is the Uni K Wax team. To have Ozzie himself answer the phone and talk to me – I felt special. I didn’t feel like I was just being handed a franchise. I had support from day one. Everyone was only a phone call away and answered with a smile. As someone who is new to the beauty business, it makes it that much easier to keep going. The culture is awesome.” 

-Nathalie Kanzki, owner of the Cutler Bay, FL Uni K Wax Studio
 

The total investment necessary to begin operation of a Uni K Wax Studio ranges from $390,135 to $650,345, depending upon the size of the location and the type of market in which it is located. If you sign a Multi-Unit Development Agreement, your Initial Franchise Fee will be reduced to $355,000 for your third Studio and $330,000 for all Studios you agree to develop for 6+.

In terms of ROI, top Uni K Wax studios grossed over $1.3 million in 2023, with the system’s top studio grossing $1.7 million, according to the brand’s FDD. 

For more information, visit: https://unikwax.com/franchises/