Raising the Bar in Waxing—One Detail at a Time
When you step into a competition room, every detail matters. The way you position your client. The precision of your sections. The confidence in your movements. And according to our newest Waxing judge for The Skin Games 2026, even the shoes you’re wearing can make a difference.
Meet Marta Zaczkowska—a global waxing expert joining us all the way from London, UK, who’s about to bring two decades of uncompromising standards to the TSG judging panel.
Who Is Marta Zaczkowska?
Marta isn’t just a judge—she’s a force in the waxing industry. As President of BCA UK (The Beauty Connect Association), founder and owner of Zakawax Professional Line, and best-selling author of The Art of Pregnancy Waxing, she’s spent 20 years raising the bar for what professional waxing should look like.
Her work spans three businesses:
- Waxing Specialist Ltd.
- Marta Zaczkowska Consultancy Ltd.
- Zakawax Ltd.
And her influence reaches far beyond her London studio. She’s an international judge, speaker, and advisor—deeply respected throughout the UK and Europe for her advocacy around hygiene, client safety, and professional excellence.
This year marks her first time judging at The Skin Games, and we couldn’t be more honored to have her expertise on our panel.
Follow Marta:
@martazaczkowska_ | @zakawax | @zakawaxtrainingacademy | @thebeautyconnectassociation | @waxingspecialistlondon
“I’d Be the Gordon Ramsay of Waxing”
When we asked Marta which famous judge best describes her style, she didn’t hesitate.
Gordon Ramsay.
And she means it. When it comes to hygiene, client care, and professionalism, Marta holds competitors to the highest standards. No cutting corners. No messy work. Every movement should show intention, confidence, and respect for the client.
What Marta Watches For
During competition, her trained eye tracks several key elements:
- Client positioning — Is the client comfortable and properly positioned for optimal results?
- Precision and smart technique — Does your approach show mastery of the craft?
- Working in clean, controlled sections — Are you organized and methodical, or scattered and reactive?
- Safety and comfort at every step — Is the client’s wellbeing your top priority throughout the service?
But technique alone won’t win her over. Marta is equally invested in what drives you. Passion matters. Confidence matters. And above all, she looks for therapists who truly understand why they do what they do.
The Human Side of Competition
Here’s what sets Marta apart: she gets it.
With two decades in the industry and extensive international judging experience, she brings both high standards and genuine empathy to the judging room. She knows how nerve-wracking competition can be. She understands that mistakes happen. And she’s clear about one thing—a single competition does not define your career.
“It’s simply a challenge you choose to take on that day,” she reminds competitors.
Her advice is both grounded and encouraging: focus, bring good energy, and let your personality shine through. Skill matters—but so does presence.
What Really Stands Out
Beyond technical ability, Marta looks for deeper qualities that reveal who you are as a professional:
- Humility — Can you stay grounded under pressure?
- Dedication to the client — Is their experience always your priority?
- Resilience — Can you recover when things don’t go as planned?
- The ability to correct mistakes and move forward — Do you adapt or freeze?
Her reminder to competitors is simple and powerful:
In that room, it’s just you and your client.
Marta’s Best Advice for TSG Competitors
Preparation shows. And details matter more than you think.
If you’re competing in Waxing at TSG 2026, take these recommendations seriously:
- Stay hydrated — Your body and mind perform better when properly fueled
- Be immaculate — Clean presentation reflects professional standards
- Tie hair away from your face — Keep your workspace clear and hygienic
- Remove jewelry and watches — Eliminate distractions and potential hygiene concerns
- Wear comfortable shoes and breathable cotton fabrics — You need to move with ease
- Choose daytime-appropriate makeup — Professional, not distracting
- Keep nails short — Safety and hygiene first
These aren’t just suggestions—they’re the foundation of confidence. When these small details are handled, your nerves calm down, your presence strengthens, and your work can truly shine.
A Career Built on Education
Among Marta’s many milestones, one achievement stands out above the rest.
During the pandemic, while the beauty industry faced unprecedented uncertainty, Marta wrote The Art of Pregnancy Waxing—the first-ever book dedicated to this specialized subject. The book became an Amazon bestseller, supported therapists around the world, and opened new doors in her career as an educator.
It remains a testament to her commitment to advancing the profession through education, safety, and thoughtful practice.
Getting to Know Marta
Favorite skincare “holy trio”:
Botox, Retinol, Hyaluronic Acid
Skincare myth she wants to end:
Daily exfoliation after intimate waxing—over-exfoliation causes more harm than good. (Pro tip: Salicylic acid is your friend.)
Judging-day ritual:
Single-shot latte with lactose-free milk
Why This Judge Matters
Marta Zaczkowska represents exactly what The Skin Games stands for: elevated standards, thoughtful judging, and deep respect for both the professional and the client experience.
Her presence on the judging panel reinforces our commitment to integrity, education, and excellence. She brings not only technical expertise but also a genuine understanding of what it takes to perform under pressure—and what separates good therapists from exceptional ones.
If you’re competing in Waxing at TSG 2026, know this: you’ll be judged fairly, with high standards, and with true appreciation for the craft.
We’re proud to welcome Marta Zaczkowska to The Skin Games 2026.
Ready to compete? Registration for The Skin Gamesx is closing soon.