The Launch of 'Safe Hands' - the UK's first HIV Inclusion Course for the Beauty Industry

Launch of the UK’s first free HIV inclusion course for the beauty industry

Leading UK HIV charity, George House Trust has launched the UK’s first HIV inclusion for the beauty industry. Entitled ‘SAFE HANDS: Understanding HIV in Hairdressing, Barbering and the Beauty Sector’, the free online course, funded by Manchester City Council, will empower beauty professionals and students to be confident and supportive of people living with HIV.

Research from a national survey in 2023 found 52% of respondents of people living with HIV said they had been refused a treatment or service after talking about their HIV status despite HIV falling under a protected characteristic of the Equality Act 2010 and it therefore being unlawful to discriminate against someone living with HIV in the provision of services.

Respondent shared experiences like:

“I was rejected for a mini-facial, reflexology and massage. I was asked for medication I was taking when I wanted a foot treatment and they refused to treat me because of my status. I was referred to as ‘you people’.                                      

  'I was told there should be a separate wax pot used for people who are living with HIV like me’

The course has been developed with industry expert, Sam Marshall ‘the Beauty Guru’ and has received endorsement from industry regulator HABIA and the British HIV Association. It covers the basics of HIV – its transmission and treatment, HIV and the law, and HIV in the beauty sector. Undertaking the course will help ensure misinformation and discrimination within the beauty industry can be eliminated and that everyone can access hair and beauty treatments free of stigma.

Sam Marshall ‘the Beauty Guru’ said: ‘As science progresses, so must our industry. HIV isn’t a risk in beauty, but misinformation is. We created this course to give beauty professionals the knowledge and confidence to work safely, ethically and without stigma, so everybody can access beauty services with dignity.’

Des Davis, course co-creator said: ‘ I’m living with HIV and always like to look my best, a more inclusive beauty industry will make a world of difference’

Lorraine Nordmann, President of HABIA, said ‘This essential, factually driven course dispels HIV myths backed by the science – a must for all working in the sector. Engaging and concise, it educates whilst sharing supportive best practice in service delivery, ensuring equality and positive outcomes for all’.

You can access the course here: SAFE HANDS: Understanding HIV in Hairdressing, Barbering and the Beauty Sector

NOTES TO EDITORS:

For further information or to arrange an interview, please contact:

• Jack Liepa, Communications and Engagement Officer

Jack.liepa@ght.org.uk

 About George House Trust:

George House Trust is dedicated to ensuring that people living with HIV can lead healthy, confident lives, free from stigma and discrimination. Last year, George House Trust supported 3000 people through providing advice, support and information and thousands more through HIV advocacy, and education activities. The charity continues to raise awareness and challenge misconceptions about HIV, delivering education sessions across schools, health organisations, and corporate partners to combat stigma and promote understanding.

For more information about George House Trust, visit: www.ght.org.uk