HANX
What does sexual wellness and self-care mean to you?
Photo Courtesy: HANX
We live in a time where advances are happening in almost every field; however our sexuality is still trapped in the medieval times. It still remains a taboo in the modern world. The sex education we receive is so basic and the rest of the gaps are filled with what we see in pornography or what a friend told us. This results in adults experimenting with their sexuality based on archaic narratives full of shame, guilt, and fear. It seems that we are so uncomfortable in our own skin and on top of that, misinformation (or lack of information) inhibits our sexual expression and potency.
Founded in 2017 by Farah Kabir and Dr Sarah Welsh, HANX is a brand determined to create sex-positive, sustainable, good lookin’, and gynae-backed sexual wellness products. A selection of condoms and lubes that challenge status quo and misconceptions around vaginal health issues. What started as a line of condoms you could buy without embarrassing packaging, has now evolved into a brand that tackles the taboos, stereotypes, and myths. We wanted to create a space for people to access help, improve their sexual, and intimate health.
What is self-love in the times of Coronavirus looking like to you?
FK: Hmm, self-love in the time of COVID… where do I start? For our community, it’s been a chance to really focus on what makes them ‘tick’, especially if they don’t live with a partner. It varies from solo-experimentation with toys (especially if that’s something they haven’t dabbled in before) to sexting and getting it on over Facetime.
What does sexual wellness mean to you?
Both: For us, it’s knowing your body and yourself. Making decisions that benefit you - from relationships to the products you use and what’s actually in them.
How do you think your sex education has informed how you feel about sex?
FK: Well, it was definitely lacking in more than a few areas! Education and pleasure is central to what we do at HANX and the latter wasn’t even a concept for sex ed when we were at school. It was missing that holistic approach which is so important - if no one’s bringing consent or feelings into the equation, how can you expect young people to make informed and empowered decisions about their sex lives and personal safety?
SW: We’ve previously run adult sex ed classes and it was really interesting to meet more than a few people who’d gone 30+ years without a basic level of sex education behind them. During my time in clinic as a gynaecology doctor, I saw so many women come in with a misunderstanding of their body or sexual wellbeing, resulting in negative effects on their health. If we don’t know what’s normal for our body, how are we supposed to understand when things are not so normal?
What do you hope to see more of online in terms of wellness content and sexuality?
FK: Inclusivity! It’s great to see fellow brands and sex educators working towards a more inclusive narrative when talking about sex and relationships, e.g. not all penis-owners identify as male and that’s one thing we’re working to get right in everything from our social media to our packaging. We’re actually in the process of updating our condom packaging to reflect this by removing the term ‘male’ and that’s something we’d love to see more of in the sexual wellness industry.
How do you redefine what sex and sensuality means to you?
FK: Zero shame! HANX is all about owning your sexuality and having really good, safe sex.
SW: Feeling confident in yourself, knowing you’ve got the resources to be having safe, great sex - be it with yourself or partners.
Can you tell us about the inspiration behind HANX philosophy and your designs? I really love the whole concept and visual identity, I feel like most sexual care products are all up in your face and yours reminds me of my beauty products.
SW: There was a real need for a different kind of sexual wellness brand that actually spoke to women, felt empowering to buy and carry. and whose products actually looked good alongside your beauty and skincare essentials. FK: We wanted to be the polar opposite of those really garish brands that were dominating the space at the time. Deciding on a fresh, contemporary, and clean colour scheme of cream and gold came easily. Cosmopolitan actually described us as ‘the Eve Lom of condoms’, It doesn’t get better than that!
What is next for HANX?
SW: We launched our HANX Fix platform last year, taking our first steps into intimate wellness with a core range of vaginal treatments delivered straight to your door. You can currently purchase relief for thrush, bv, and cystitis but who knows what the future holds…
FK: As for sexual wellness? Our lips are sealed for now! Keep an eye on our Instagram (@hanxofficial) to be the first to find out, or slide into our DMs and let us know what you want to see!
How do you feel technology is changing our relationship with sex?
SW: It can be a really wonderful thing, especially where lockdown has left so many people feeling isolated and that’s where technology can bring back a bit of much needed intimacy. Like everything, we are using technology to our advantage with relationships and sex, including psychosexual counselling apps, smart sex toys, sex education and the potential of VR to have a huge impact on our sex lives too.
I think feeling insecure or negative about our bodies affects not only our self-esteem, but also our sex lives - making us unable to be present and enjoy pleasure. So in that sense, can you tell me one thing you practice to help you love your body more?
FK: Embrace and love the things that make you different, as these are the things that make you special.
SW: Self-love is ever evolving, so be kind to yourself and support yourself through the hard times. I also love a good run outside in nature.
What is your sexual self-care routine?
Both: Use lubricant to keep things moving, make time for your pleasure and remember to clean your sex toys!
What makes you feel empowered?
FK: Feeling ‘done’ - I love a beauty treatment although it’s been a while thanks to lockdown, a clean and tidy flat, and listening to podcasts - usually ones about finance and crunching numbers.
SW: Running HANX!
Best song to have sex to or masturbate?
FK: Haha! According to Spotify, I listen to a lot of Stevie Wonder.
SW: Kool and the Gang or Marvin Gaye… Team HANX clearly keeps it classic!
Best advice to embrace your sexuality?
SW: Lean in to what feels good. As human beings, we’re constantly evolving and our interest in sex or sex drive, may naturally ebb and flow - don’t put pressure on yourself to perform and be kind to your body and your mind.
FK: Practice good sexual health, keep an open mind and remember, orgasms are a form of stress relief!