Can you contract genital herpes from getting a brazillian bakini wax (all hair removed)???

Hi Kariann,

Thanks for asking a question.  Although I'm not a doctor, and therefore cannot give you medical advice, I do have herpes and love Brazilian waxes so hopefully I can help answer your question.

I assume what you're referring to is the way estheticians us a big melting pot of wax for probably all customers.  You are worried that someone with herpes will use the wax before you, and the virus may then be transferred to you (or maybe you're worried about giving it to someone else).  I understand the concern, given that a Brazilian wax covers a lot of area very close to mucous membranes, and that sometimes waxing can lead to small open wounds.  I personally, don't get waxed when I'm having an outbreak, and I'd be surprised if other people did.  Also, the wax that is poured on someone else never gets put back in the pot, it gets thrown away.  The only way the herpes would get back in the pot would be through the spatula they use to apply the wax.  But I find that the spatula is so coated in wax, it's never touching much of my skin.  Finally, I would have a hard time believing that the herpes virus could live in hot wax for long enough to infect someone else.  If you've been waxed before you know that it gets hot in there!

I would say getting herpes from the waxing salon is about as probable as getting herpes from a toilet seat.  There may be a tiny chance, but it's not enough to obsess about. 

Check out the page about Transmitting Herpes and learn the Basics of Herpes.  Also, you may want to read the Herpes Prevention page. 

Have a good bikini season!

PJ

Hi Kariann, 

I wanted to follow up about this as I just got a Brazilian wax.  I noticed that the aesthetician used a new waxing stick each time she put wax on me...so no double dipping!  It was very clean, she used gloves, and I can't think of a way that my herpes would somehow be transmitted to someone else.  

So although it's not cheap, I think it's worth going to a place that is very hygienic and cautious.  I went to Benefit, which has several locations.  If you're worried about getting herpes from a wax just remember: you get what you pay for (or don't pay for, in this situation). 

Hi Kariann,

I have done quite a bit of research on herpes because a few months ago, I had a bad bacterial infection, which the doctors thought may have been herpes (luckily the tests came back clear) so while I was waiting for my results, I researched all of my options.  It was impossible for me to have herpes because I wasn't having sex with anyone at that time, so I started thinking of ways I could have caught the virius.  I do get a brazillian wax about every 5-6 weeks, and my doctors told me that IT IS POSSIBLE to get herpes from getting waxed.  The wax pot never reaches a temperature high enough to kill the virus, believe it or not, it actually keeps the wax warm enough to keep the virus alive.  I know it sounds disgusting!! As long as you to go a sanitary salon, where they use a new stick each time they apply the wax you should be fine, check out your local salons and day spas before getting waxed!!  I know that you posted your question a while ago, but I hope that this helps answer your question a little bit!! 

Hi Guys,

for the benefit of anyone who perhaps is researching about Brazilian Bikini Wax, I too am a victim of HSV 1 & 2 contracted from Bikini waxing.

My Gynea mentioned that not only is the spatula, but also the warm wax is a perfect environment for Herpes virus to stay alive and get passed on.  Therefore, if possible it is recommended that you buy a spatula and Wax which is only used for you and the Salon experts can wax it for you.

In fact I wanted to know if anyone has gotten permanent hair removal done in the Bikini area after having contracted Herpes.  Is it a comfortable procedure?

Thanks

Jejj