As we look at the history of the beauty industry as a whole, many companies have used very gender specific strategies to promote their products and services predominantly to women. As time has progressed, this trend has started to be more accepting and inclusive of men, especially as it relates to hair removal services.
Because of how gendered many services and salons can be, the process of receiving these services can be uncomfortable, traumatizing, or sadly, invalidating for some individuals. Creating a salon environment that is inclusive of all genders and all gender presentations is incredibly important. Inclusivity at Smooth Body Wax Center is what set us apart. We strive to make all of our clients feel safe and accepted in our wax center, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation.
We Are a LGBTQ+ Safe Company
Offering a safe and gender-affirming wax center is at the core of what makes Smooth Body Wax Center different from other salons. It was important for us to create a space where everyone could feel safe and accepted.
We believe that as licensed professionals, client safety and comfort should always be our priority. Because waxing is such an intimate service, we ensure our clients not only receive the best hair removal services, but we also make sure they feel safe in our salon by accepting them for who they are and treating them no differently than any other guest. We believe that everyone should be supported and uplifted no matter their sexuality or gender identification.
Waxing as a Form of Affirmation
The way hair grows on the body and where it grows is often associated with gender. And culturally speaking, hair is more accepted in some areas than others depending on your gender. Waxing hair removal can be a gender-affirming process regardless of someone's gender identity. Just as many cisgender individuals seek out hair removal services in order to feel more comfortable in their skin, waxing can be a form of comfort for those that are experiencing gender dysphoria. This service allows them to be more connected to cultural norms surrounding the presence or absences of hair in some areas of the body.
Offering Less Gendered Services
These are a few of the ways that we think allows us to stand out as an inclusive company that welcomes all. We want everyone to know that they can be serviced without concern about being rejected or traumatized.
One of the ways was by ensuring our menu and service listings are gender neutral. For services that require hair removal near the genitalia, such as a Brazilian wax, we simply request that individuals select the service that specifies which genitalia they have. This allows us to know how to prepare the room before their service.
Another way that we try to make our facility more inclusive is with our pricing. In many salons, male services tend to be more expensive than female services. For us, a body is a body, regardless of gender. We realize that some people grow more hair than others regardless of their gender, and vice versa. For this reason, we base our pricing on the amount of wax necessary to complete the service for the average individual, not the gender of the individual.
In addition, when it comes to addressing our guests, we also include an area on our salon consent form for their pronouns. This allows us to know how to address our clients and allows our clients to feel included and respected.
We hope you will consider these points of difference as important as we have found them to be. We also hope that our trans and non-binary guests know that we are supportive and offer them a safe space for hair removal services.
Crystal on The Importance of Inclusivity at Smooth Body Wax Center
“When I opened Smooth Body Wax Center, it was imperative to me that I create a safe and comfortable space for all our guests. Waxing is a very intimate service, and it is not without deep gratitude that our clients, both new and current, trust us with this service.
When we are waxing, we talk everyone through what we are doing so they know what to expect and encourage them to ask throughout the service if necessary. It is important that our guests feel that they are in a professional environment where their safety and sense of security are taken into consideration.”
Crystal emphasizes that:
“One of the biggest parts of our job is relationship building. Part of this relationship is creating experiences that people will remember and share with others. It's very important that when people think about Smooth Body Wax Center, that they relate us with comfort, professionalism, and the feeling of being well taken care of. “
"I want people to know that when they visit us at Smooth Body Wax Center, they are in a supportive place that values their overall health and well-being, and that they are always welcome! "
Final Thoughts
When we recognize and celebrate Pride Month, we look at the strides that many have taken to make our world more inclusive and accepting of all individuals and walks of life. We also make our professional commitment to make all clients feel safe, respected and included in the comfort of our salon environment. During Pride Month and year-round, we are committed to providing hair removal services that make people feel confident in their own skin and beautiful regardless of their gender identity and/or sexual orientation.
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