Considering laser hair removal in Japan? Here’s what to expect.
The idea of not having to worry about hair removal, and not to mention the trouble of ingrown hairs, draws crowds of people into clinics to have laser hair removal every year. In fact, laser hair removal was the second most popular choice of hair removal in Japan with 38.6% of women recommending it (Ameba, 2020).
© Photo by iStock: mapoBut what is laser hair removal? Does it completely get rid of hair? And how long does it take to see results? Here, we answer your questions, all things I wish I had known before I started my hair removal journey in Japan.
What is laser hair removal?
Laser hair removal is a permanent form of hair removal that uses a beam of light to target and weaken the hair follicle.
What do we mean by ‘permanent’ hair removal?
The length of time that the effect of the hair removal lasts differs from person to person. As laser hair removal weakens the hair follicle, it reduces the volume and thickness of hair growth and hair loses its pigment so it appears lighter in color and less noticeable. Some people experience hairless skin for months and others for years! It all depends on the individual and an occasional touch-up session is sometimes required.
What To Expect When You Book
© Photo by iStock: mapoFirst, a consultation should be arranged with the clinic and a doctor should inspect your skin and body hair. From there they’ll be able to advise you on the laser, the number of sessions required and the length of time it will take overall. Some lasers don’t work with certain hair types or skin tones so it’s important to have this consultation first.
As for the treatment, some people feel some pain like an elastic band snapping against their skin but others feel no pain at all. It completely depends on the individual, however, delicate areas such as the armpits tend to be more painful and so clinics offer soothing solutions to help with the pain.
Be careful when arranging your appointment, as afterward, you will have to avoid strenuous exercise, direct sunlight, hot showers and baths.
Laser Versus Photo Hair Removal
© Photo by iStock: Mariia SkovpenIn Japan, the most popular choice of hair removal, that 49.3% of women recommend, is photo hair removal otherwise known as photo-epilation (Ameba, 2020). Photo hair removal is another form of permanent hair removal that uses light to reduce hair growth.
Where laser hair removal emits a single wavelength of light, photo hair removal emits a beam of different wavelengths that disperse. It is therefore not as effective at reaching the hair follicle and requires more sessions than laser, however, it is less painful and cheaper.
Many salons in Japan offer photo hair removal but only medical clinics can offer laser hair removal.
Popular Japanese salons that offer photo hair removal:
Popular Japanese laser hair removal clinics:
Laser Versus Other Forms Of Hair Removal
© Photo by iStock: mapoLaser hair removal can save both time and money in the long run as maintenance of unwanted hair becomes minimal or unnecessary. Laser hair removal further encourages the hair follicle to grow straight so it reduces the incidence of ingrown hairs. So you can wave goodbye to razor bumps, the pain of waxing and ingrown hairs! On the downside, laser hair removal can be painful and starts with a hefty initial payment. However, once you calculate the amount you spend on razors or waxing, it can be cheaper over the course of a lifetime.
How much does laser hair removal cost in Japan?
In Japan, laser hair removal can cost anywhere between ¥300,000 and ¥800,000 for a whole-body treatment. The price varies depending on the area you want to be treated, the number of sessions and the clinic—clinics with English-speaking staff tend to charge more. But many clinics have regular campaigns and deals (especially for your first treatment) so be sure to keep an eye out!
5 English-Speaking Laser Hair Removal Clinics In Tokyo
Azabu Skin Clinic
© Photo by Azabu Skin ClinicAzabu Skin Clinic has multiple lasers for different skin tones and is one of the more affordable clinics when there is a campaign going on. One of their lasers, the GentleMax Pro, includes a Dynamic Cooling Device that sprays the skin with cryogen before the laser to make the treatment more comfortable.
- Business Hours: Open Mon.- Sun. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. (except Wed. 11 a.m.-8 p.m.)
- Address: 6-F Prescious 18 Building, 4-14-6 Minamiazabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo
- Getting there: Nine-minute walk from Hiro-o Station
Le Coquelicot, Health & Beauty Clinic
© Photo by Le Coquelicot, Health & Beauty ClinicLe Coquelicot boasts four different types of devices to treat all different kinds of skin tones and different hair types including fine, blonde hair. For sensitive skin, they apply anesthetic cream before the laser treatment.
- Business Hours: Open Mon.- Sun. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. (closed Thu.)
- Address: 5F Koty Bldg., 5-9-1, Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
- Getting there: Three-minute walk from Ginza Station
MDSA
© Photo by MDSAMDSA uses the latest laser hair removal technology so that your skin is treated with the utmost care. The treatment can be carried out over a short period of time with little pain.
- Business Hours: Open Mon.- Sun. 12 p.m.-11.30 p.m.
- Address: 2F Ishihara Bldg., 3-7-1 Azabu-juban, Minato-ku, Tokyo
- Getting there: Three-minute walk from Azabujuban Station
Eri Clinic
© Photo by Eri Clinic OmotesandoWith the promise of minimal pain over as few treatments as possible, Eri Clinic offers laser hair removal treatment that can remove thin baby hairs and can completely remove hair within five to six treatments. For hair that cannot be removed with the laser, such as gray hair, the clinic offers “medical needle epilation.”
- Business Hours: Open Mon.- Sun. 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
- Address: 4, 5F Iriki Building, 3-5-30 Kita Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo
- Getting there: One-minute walk from Omotesando Station
Maris Gina (Roppongi)
© Photo by Maris GinaMaris Gina offers laser hair removal or SHR treatment, a type of photo hair removal, with English-speaking staff at their Roppongi branch. SHR can be safely used on tanned and dark skin as it specifically targets the structure of the hair follicle. It is also painless. As SHR doesn’t depend on the hair cycle, it can be done every three weeks so complete hair removal can be achieved within six months at the earliest.
- Business Hours: Open Mon.- Sun. 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
- Address: 405 Dual’s Vort, 4-2-35 Roppongi, Tokyo
- Getting there: Three-minute walk from Roppongi Station
Final Tips
- Find out how much time you need to wait between appointments.
Some clinics require you to wait months between appointments meaning it could be a year or more until you have finished. It’s best to discuss this with the clinic beforehand and see if they have long waiting times.
- Find a salon that can treat your hair and skin tone.
When laser was first introduced, it worked best on dark hair against light skin tones. Nowadays, there are far more lasers available that are effective for different skin tones and hair. Book a consultation with a clinic beforehand to ask if your hair will be receptive to their laser.
Have you had laser hair removal in Japan? If so, we’d love to hear about your experience in the comments.
