You’ve likely heard about the eyelash extension craze. Social media is flooded with influencers talking about where they get their lashes done or how they learned to do them on their own. Drug stores and makeup purveyors alike have sections dedicated to at-home lash extensions. Due to that popularity, it may seem like a great idea to open an eyelash focused business… but is it really?
If you’re looking for a lash franchise, you’ll also want to research alternative beauty franchises to see how they stack up.
THE LASH EXTENSION INDUSTRY
The buzz around lash extensions really exploded during the COVID-19 pandemic. With mask mandates decreasing lipstick sales, suddenly the sales of false eyelashes and mascaras grew exponentially. When people couldn’t show their smiles, they had to be more expressive through their eyes.
The power of the eyelash extension trend is so strong large beauty brands like Fenty, Kylie, and KKW Beauty aren’t even including mascara as a product in new line launches. With eyelash extensions, there’s no need for mascara.
According to Grandview Research, the global false eyelash market is expected to increase by a CAGR of 5.4% through 2025. By that time, the industry will be worth an incredible $1.6 billion. However, like most beauty trends (thin eyebrows, for example), there’s always the chance it’s a passing fad. Projections show that false eyelashes will still be popular in the next few years, but there’s no telling what could happen between now and then.
You’ll also want to consider the cost of opening a lash franchise. Some opportunities are priced more reasonably, like The Lash Lounge, with startup costs ranging between $147,000 and $298,000. If you wanted to open an Amazing Lash Studio, it’ll run you between $304,071 and $635,972. Even at the lower end of the spectrum, it’s still a lot of money to spend on something that may not be popular in the coming years.
WHY CONSIDER A WAXING FRANCHISE INSTEAD
Less of a passing fad, waxing provides a more diversified offering of services. While lash franchises mainly focus on eyelashes and eyebrows, waxing services extend beyond the face. A waxing franchise provides a more stable investment due to its ability to cater to a wider audience, especially as more men adopt a personal grooming routine.
Throughout changing trends, waxing has remained an integral part of consumers’ overall grooming regimen. And the industry is growing. The waxing market size is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 7.9% through 2028. According to Research and Markets, the global waxing industry is projected to be worth $4.5 billion by the end of the forecast timeframe. With projections showing the industry more than doubling the size of the eyelash market, there’s never been a better time to consider a waxing franchise.
UNI K WAX: A BETTER BEAUTY FRANCHISE ALTERNATIVE
Our brand is pioneering the waxing revolution. We got our start back in 1993 when CEO and Founder, Noemi Grupenmager, was utterly unimpressed with the waxing services available. Waxing always seemed to be a back-of-salon, afterthought-type service. So, Noemi opened our first location in South Beach and made waxing services the only offering in her studio.
With our own proprietary wax blend, our waxers are able to apply our wax at body temperature, creating a more comfortable experience for guests. Our locations all have wax labs, which allow us to mix the wax fresh for every appointment. At Uni K Wax, we prioritize cleanliness and hygiene for the safety of our customers.
We now have locations up and down the East Coast and in Texas. Most recently, we’ve opened territories in California with the goal of building our waxing-only studios across the country.
As a low-investment franchise, the startup costs to open a Uni K Wax location range between $321,550 and $528,300. Franchise candidates should have a net worth of $250,000 and at least $80,000 in liquid capital.
To learn more about our franchise opportunity, request information, and one of our representatives will be in touch.