We’ve been in this business for a long time. The stigma around waxing has become a lot less common, but it hasn’t always been this way. Owner and CEO of Waxi Taxi, Jeny Burkhart, has always felt comfortable leading the conversation around everything waxing. When she first began her waxing journey over thirty years ago, hair removal was still considered taboo. The topic of waxing is often surrounded by misconceptions, embarrassment, and unnecessary stigma. The conversation around waxing should be more normalized. It’s about self-care and confidence, not shame!
Bring on the Brazilians
Jeny’s waxing journey began at a salon and spa called ‘House of Bianco’, where she was tasked with doing makeup, facials, massages, and a few waxing services. After attempting her first leg waxing, which was less than successful, she set out on a mission to become the best in the business. When a client from Chicago came in and asked Jeny for a Brazilian wax, she had never done anything like it. In fact, Brazilian waxes were nowhere near as common as they are today, especially in smaller towns. This didn’t stop Jeny, however, and the service later became her specialty.
When Jeny began her own business, she was open and honest about her services. She advertised the Brazilian wax boldly, which was something many people would shake their heads at. For Jeny, having an open conversation around waxing, body hair, and body positivity has always been a core value in the way she runs her business. Always a pioneer, Waxi Taxi was one of the first waxing salons in Northwest Indiana to openly offer Brazilian waxes.
Where Does the Stigma Come From?
So, why do so many people still feel uncomfortable with the topic of waxing? Many people still feel like body hair removal is something to keep private or be embarrassed about. Waxing is a very intimate service, so the conversation around it can feel revealing or vulnerable. Society has pushed the idea of being hairless with smooth skin as the beauty standard, which means talking about getting a hair removal service can feel like an admission to having body hair. However, getting a wax is about so much more than hair removal. It’s about self-care, confidence, and doing what makes you feel comfortable in your own skin.
Gender Norms
The idea of body hair removal has been marketed primarily to women for a very long time, which can leave male and non-binary clients feeling emasculated or awkward when getting a service done. At Waxi Taxi, we are a safe space for all of our clients, respecting their gender identity, pronouns, and sexual orientation. Waxing is a genderless service. Although some people may feel as though getting a wax is too ‘feminine’, we believe that self-care is for everyone and should not be determined by gender.
Association with Private Areas
While waxing is often associated with private areas, it’s important to remember that there are many different services you can get done. While we do offer Brazilian waxes, booking an appointment could be for anything from brows, legs, arms, and everything in between. Going into a waxing salon shouldn’t feel shameful, it should feel empowering!
Let’s Break the Stigma Together
At Waxi Taxi, your privacy is our top priority. We will always respect our clients, put their wishes first, and keep their information confidential. We encourage you to be a part of the solution when breaking the stigma around waxing, whether you decide to share your experience or keep it private. Choosing to talk openly about waxing can inspire others to join in on the conversation. There’s nothing to hide about taking care of yourself!
