A wax specialist has shared some must-know advice to people living with herpes who are thinking about booking one of the services she offers.
Herpes, a viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), occurs in two forms.
HSV1 is the appearance of coldsores, often on or around the lips, and is transmitted by oral contact - this can include somebody kissing your face when you are a baby.
Advert
HSV2 causes genital herpes and is an STI spread by sexual contact, though it isn't always visible.
It can be spread by receiving oral sex from somebody who is prone to coldsores. During a flare up, the sufferer may develop small blisters on the genitals, anus, or thighs.
While HSV1 is largely accepted, HSV2 still carries a stigma despite being incredibly easy to contract if you are unaware of somebody else's status.
Advert
HSV2 can be contracted from skin contact with the infected area - even when no sores or blisters are visible.
Globally, an estimated 3.7 billion people under the age of 50 suffer from HSV1, while an estimated 491 million people aged between 15–49 live with HSV2, as per the World Health Organisation.
Jess Normanton, the 29-year-old founder of The Brazilian Wax Company, has gained more than 90,000 followers on TikTok, and uses her platform to smash the stigma.
The professional waxer prides herself on creating a welcoming environment - departing important wisdom and reassuring her clients that living with herpes is nothing to be ashamed of.
'It's a safe, non judgmental zone with me'
Speaking exclusively to Tyla, about why she got into waxing in the first place, Jess said her job 'changes lives'.
Advert
She explained: "I knew that during a wax appointment, where women feel vulnerable, I could have the power to change their negative views on their body. I love my job for this reason."
She adds that people she's waxed have gone on to 'start a new hobby, let their husband see their vagina for the first time, wear shorts, not worry about pigmentation on their vulva anymore, and realise they are not alone in their worries.'
It's easy to assume that people with genital herpes will be turned away from receiving an intimate wax - but Jess reassures that this isn't the case.
Advert
Jess says: "Before a client has their appointment with me they fill out a record card online - this lists things like herpes, illnesses, anything I should know.
"I ask about herpes for a few reasons."
'I never charge for a missed appointment due to a flare up'
She continues: "I am aware that it is a sensitive subject, so [by being aware] I can bring it up and make the client aware of how common this is and that it's a safe, non-judgmental zone with me.
Advert
"I say this on the first appointment so that, if in the future they need to rearrange or cancel an appointment due to having a herpes flare up, they can feel comfortable telling me."
She reassures: "I never charge for a missed appointment due to a flare up as it cannot be helped."
'I want those that suffer to know they are not alone'
When asked whether the waxing process differs for a client with herpes compared to anybody else - Jess emphatically says no.
"The waxing process is no different at all to my other clients. For all clients I use the recommended PPE," the wax specialist says. "I pride myself on never double dipping a wax spatula to ensure no cross contamination."
She continues: "Herpes does not live in surfaces other than the human body so having a wax if you carry it is absolutely fine."
Jess, who shared a now-viral video to TikTok encouraging people with herpes to feel comfortable going for a wax, had an overwhelmingly positive reaction.
"I got so many comments thanking me for breaking down the stigma," Jess says. "I find it so important to draw attention to things like herpes, discharge, thrush and bacterial vaginosis - because so many suffer in shame and silence."
Jess concludes: "I want those that suffer to know they are not alone and I also want to educate those that don’t carry [herpes].
"I need them to know it doesn’t make a person dirty, mean they have slept around, or that they don’t wash - because all of that is so wrong and hurtful."
Topics: Health, Sex and Relationships, Women's Health, Tyla Exclusive
Kya Buller