In the ever-changing landscape of the beauty industry, addressing hyperpigmentation has become a focal point. Innovative solutions are emerging across various sectors of beauty to combat hyperpigmentation, including the waxing industry. As clients seek solutions, waxing salons are stepping up to offer the best care to treat and prevent hyperpigmentation. In 2024, there will be a host of new topical products, trends and technological innovations in place to target pigmentation quickly and effectively.
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In the ever-changing landscape of the beauty industry, addressing hyperpigmentation has become a focal point. Innovative solutions are emerging across various sectors of beauty to combat hyperpigmentation, including the waxing industry. As clients seek solutions, waxing salons are stepping up to offer the best care to treat and prevent hyperpigmentation. In 2024, there will be a host of new topical products, trends and technological innovations in place to target pigmentation quickly and effectively.
Hyperpigmentation Products
While hyperpigmentation products are always advancing, there are some we can expect to see gain ample popularity in 2024.
Brightening Masks & Lightening Agents
Advancements in topical formulations have led to the development of products containing ingredients known for brightening and lightening. When it comes to brightening and hydrating masks, these products are gaining popularity when containing ingredients like vitamin C, hyaluronic acid and botanical extracts because they hydrate, protect and repair the skin.
For lightening, ingredients like vitamin C, tranexamic acid, alpha-arbutin, niacinamide and licorice extract are on the rise due to the positive impact they make on melanin production and evening out skin tone. While products designed to treat hyperpigmentation are certainly helpful and should be used in conjunction with brightening services, they typically take longer to show results. For best results, encourage clients to use these at-home, topical products in tandem with LED brightening and laser therapies.
Hybrid Products
An increasing number of waxing brands are exploring hybrid products to effectively remove hair while providing skin care benefits. Not only do hybrid products include ingredients that gently correct uneven tone and discoloration, and fade hyperpigmentation from the body, but they help to preserve clients' natural skin tones. These products are gaining traction because they involve fewer steps. Rather than layering numerous products, hybrid products give a one-two punch with fewer steps.
White Cast Free Sunscreens
Sun exposure is the main trigger primarily driving the hyperpigmentation market. We anticipate an uptick in client demand for high-quality sunscreen products in conjunction with hyperpigmentation treatments, especially those with minimal white cast. SPF has come a long way in recent years, and now there’s a wide range of zinc-based formulas available in clean and organic options offering ample coverage and a load of other skin care benefits. As an esthetician, recommending the most suitable sun protection products is about finding out what works for your clients’ skin and lifestyle.
Related: The Link Between Sun Damage and Hyperpigmentation
Trends
You will want to keep an eye on these growing hyperpigmentation trends this year.
Ingredient Upgrades to Post-Waxing Treatments
We can expect hyperpigmentation prevention to play a bigger role in post-wax treatments this year. Reimagined post-waxing skin care routines may now encompass products with ingredients like chamomile, aloe vera or vitamin C. These will not only ward off hyperpigmentation, but will soothe the skin and reduce inflammation. We also anticipate preventative serums will be on the rise. Many salons are also offering inclusive wax formulations suitable for sensitive skin and different pigmentation levels.
Hyperpigmentation Post-Care Treatments
In addition to post-waxing treatments, salons offering hyperpigmentation treatments, like LED light or laser therapies, are also revamping their post-care techniques. This is because post-care treatments are just as important as the hyperpigmentation treatment itself to maintain results. We believe hyperpigmentation post-care treatments this year will involve the use of gentle chemical exfoliants, such as those containing alpha or beta hydroxy acids, as they aid in cell turnover and help minimize hyperpigmentation. These products have specialized formulations, catering to different skin tones and can help prevent or alleviate hyperpigmentation.
Customization & Personalization
No matter the service, waxing or hyperpigmentation, salons are increasingly recognizing the importance of inclusive beauty standards. Now more than ever, estheticians are providing personalized pre-treatment consultations to understand their clients’ skin types, concerns and potential hyperpigmentation risks. Before any treatment, it's essential to determine the most suitable approach for clients’ specific skin concerns. Waxing is not “one size fits all." Salons must be willing to offer options that cater to customers’ specific skin types, as individual responses to treatments may vary. The emphasis is not only on effective hair removal, but also on minimizing potential side effects, such as hyperpigmentation. Tailoring the waxing experience not only strives to give clients the best results, but is an effective way to increase business.
Ingredient Transparency
Beauty begins with truth. For clients looking to treat hyperpigmentation, waxing salons prioritizing natural and skin-friendly ingredients are gaining traction. This is because there is trust built around using clean and organic products. Being able to pronounce the ingredients used in hyperpigmentation products is key – skin is the body’s largest organ and salons using cleaner products are taking a more natural approach to beauty regimens. The most effective products can be those with advanced proprietary blends of natural and organic ingredients that work to remove dark spots and discoloration over time.
Technology
Brightening LED Light Therapy
Brightening is essentially the next step after waxing and hair removal to get clients their ideal skin. This type of therapy can treat any area of the skin, from face to bikini line. The versatility of LED light therapy is why waxing studios are beginning to incorporate LED light therapy into hyperpigmentation treatments, as it has shown promise in reducing inflammation and promoting overall skin rejuvenation. Not only do they help fade hyperpigmentation, but reveal brighter, more even skin. Brightening treatments are effective after the first session, but require regular upkeep to maintain results. Sessions are approximately 15-30 minutes long, depending on how large the area is and the clients’ skin. Waxing salons can offer package or membership deals for clients to save money, as routine therapy is needed to maximize and maintain results. Using this technique over time can help create long-lasting results.
Laser Therapy
In 2024, there will be an emerging popularity of non-invasive energy-based devices, such as fractional lasers and picosecond lasers for treating hyperpigmentation. They are best used to combat post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. These lasers can break down pigmented lesions, stimulating collagen production and promoting skin renewal. By delivering controlled energy to the skin, laser treatments gradually work to improve skin texture and tone. One of the benefits of incorporating laser therapy into hyperpigmentation treatments is because of its inclusivity. Laser therapy works on every level of the Fitzpatrick scale, making it customizable based on skin tones and sensitivity.
A Pulse on Pigmentation
Specialty treatment categories, like hyperpigmentation, are new revenue opportunities many waxing studios are exploring nationwide. In 2024, we expect salons to evolve to be one-stop-shops to meet the demands of a diverse clientele seeking not only effective hair removal, but also hyperpigmentation solutions. To keep a competitive edge and meet demand, now is the time for salons to invest or revamp their hyperpigmentation treatments. By capitalizing on trends and incorporating advanced technology into their services, these establishments are contributing to a beauty industry that embraces inclusivity and addresses individual skin care needs. The industry’s evolution marks a significant stride towards a more comprehensive and personalized approach to beauty and skin care.
Summer Vasilas is Co-Founder & Director of Education and Training of Waxing the City, a 150-unit franchise devoted to the art of waxing, catering to both women and men and a top ranked franchise 500 company 10 years in a row. She has 25+ years of experience in the beauty industry and has been a licensed esthetician since 1999.
