Hair removal at Azabu Clinic

I tried out Azabu clinic in Tokyo because they have a wide range of cosmetic dermatology services and an English speaking staff. I started out with the laser hair removal for two reasons: 1) I was due for a treatment and couldn't use my American spa (which is still my favorite), and 2) I wanted to try a service I was familiar with before jumping into new territory (Thermage!)

So, staff speaks English well and there are a lot of foreign clients. Staff prefer to speak Japanese, so we did. There is a doctor who checks your skin and hair before treatment to recommend intensity of the laser. She spoke perfect English and was having none of my still-learning Japanese.

I selected two areas (face and hygiene) and did the trial price (came to a total of 4 man) for one treatment (due to my travel schedule). I found out later a groupon would have been MUCH cheaper, so you should do that.

I bared the areas to be worked on. The staff drew lines and confirmed hair patterns. Then she applied a cool gel and started with the laser. The laser was MUCH stronger than the one used at Datsumo Labo but I don't think it was as strong as the one I get in the US. There was some stinging, but I bore out the high intensity laser the entire time with discomfort only in the sensitive nether regions.

All in all, I would go back, especially if I just needed a dermatologist (she can write prescriptions for acne medication and anything else you need). The prices are a bit high, so the groupon is perfect. However, for the price you are also getting doctor supervision, so it's not so bad.

Hair removal: GenteLASE Pro

I loved my hair removal process at Datsumo, and it has greatly decreased the time between shaving, but I hate that I still have hair despite 8 visits.

Here in the states I took advantage of a groupon for area specific laser hair removal with a different machine, the GenteLASE Pro. I booked a large area at 6 visits for about $250.

Wow. The experience is totally different. No cool gel. No two hours. To do a Brazilian and upper lip treatment takes less than 7 minutes (I timed it). The sensation is like a quick snappy burn.

And my goodness does it work.

On the first visit I had shaved the area. The regrowth wasn't thick, but it was there and noticeable. About two weeks after my treatment the hair seemed to grow back, but apparently, it was just shedding. Seriously. If you brushed it, it fell out. For 6 more weeks I was hair free (in most areas).

I just did my second treatment. I'll let you know how it goes!

This machine is apparently also in use in Japan: http://www.syneron-candela.jp/ but i haven't found a specific clinic yet...

Hair Removal: Datsumo Labo (Step 2: The first appointment)

This process is not for the faint of heart. I had never even had a Brazilian wax before. Now, I have no shame.

So, I woke up the morning of my appointment, showered, and shaved. No lotions or oils. I had shaved my face and arms with the bi-hada razor two days before. I got my neck shaved in that beautiful maiko-san swallowtail at Beauty Face the day before (900 yen).

I thought I was hair free and wouldn't incur any shaving charges: wrong.

I arrived and was escorted into a very run down, hospital-feel, room. There was a massage table covered in plastic and the hair removal machine. I was given a terry robe and told to undress completely and put the snaps at the back. I had my hair pinned up.

The staff member came in and instructed me to lay face down. She placed a towel over my head. She then unsnapped my gown to do a shaving "check", including my O-line (for those of you not in the know, that means my butt). Although I removed the O-line hair well enough (thanks Veet!), I apparently was not aware that I have hair on my back. And, although I shaved my arms, I apparently did not do it well enough. So, I was shaved. (1000 yen)

Then they applied a freezing cold gel on my back, went over the area with the laser, scraped off the gel, wiped off the residue, and wrapped me in a cold towel. Repeat this for every area on my body. Including my butt, fingers, toes, bikini line, and face. At times, there were three women working on me. I felt like a dog at the groomer.

The entire process lasted two hours. I got dressed, paid my shaving fee, and made my next appointment.

For the rest of the day I was freezing cold - I could not get warm. I took a hot shower, but was cold afterwards.

Results: It's been three days since my appointment, and I still have to shave my legs everyday, but they are much more smooth than normal. I think perhaps some hair was destroyed. When you touch my arms you can feel there is some hair regrowth, but it is not visible. No hair regrowth is visible anywhere else.

I shaved my face (and arms): KAI Bi-hada shaver

Since I'm starting the Datsumo Labo hair removal process, I have to shave EVERYWHERE before I arrive for my first appointment. No waxing.

Datsumo Labo basically made me swear on my life that I would use this type of Japanese shaver. So, I went out and bought one for about 800 yen.

First, I prepped with my Tend-Skin. Then, I shaved my arms. Then I shaved my face, especially my cheeks. It was weird. I had no idea I was so hairy. I finished with Tend-Skin and a bit of my Embryolisse.

I have to say, I liked it. My skin is super smooth. As long as I don't get ingrown hairs, and since I should soon be hairless anyway, I will continue to use it!

Hair removal: Datsumo Labo/ SSC hair removal (Step one: The consultation process)

I finally took the plunge and signed up for six sessions of hair removal at Datsumo Labo. All hair, everywhere, gone. Cost is about 160000 yen. (There are other plans available, including site specific removal.)

The sign up process was pretty complicated if you are not comfortable with your Japanese. First, you apply for a consultation online. Then, you get a phone call with some basic questions. Finally, you go in for an hour consultation and choose your plan.

The entire thing is in Japanese, and there are some pretty non-standard words being tossed around, so it's not for the faint of heart. (Although everyone is really nice.)

You can pay by credit card, cash, or bank transfer. You will need to sign a contract, and they insisted I use my hanko and not simply sign my name.

The take home message is: it takes about 18 visits to be hair-free. For the first 3-4 months, you can go twice a month. After that, it's once a month.

Before you go: shave completely, if you don't, they will shave you for a charge (either 1000 yen or 1500 yen); don't use any lotions or oils; don't get a tan.

After your appointment: don't take a bath (shower only); don't drink; don't exercise. You are also supposed to refrain from hair removal in between visits. I'm not sure how that will even be remotely possible for me...

I had to wait a week to book my first appointment, it's apparently VERY popular in Japan.

A basic English website exists for Datsumo Labo Singapore.

A New Year of Beauty secrets: Tend Skin Shaving Liquid

Some research led me to Tend Skin, ordered on the internet, in the hopes of finally banishing the bikini line razor burn.

I am amazed. Completely and utterly amazed.

In two days there has already been dramatic improvement.

I've been applying 2-3 a day, as directed, and will continue to do so until I'm all bump-free and perfect. Then I will apply only after hair removal.

The good fight against razor burn and Veet depilatory cream

 

I am now in a full on battle with my bikini line. I usually wax, but I hate that I have one week of a beautiful bikini line, and three weeks of a crazy, unsightly bikini line.

A friend swears by daily shaving, so I bought a new razor and a ton of new blades specifically designed for women (I had been using the same brand as my male S.O.). I bought the laser hair remover. Now, I have to shave everyday and my bikini line, while hairless, now has unsightly razor burn that is only getting progressively worse. In an effort to stop repeating tasks which have proven not to work, I did some research on how to cure and prevent razor burn, and purchased Veet depilatory cream for about 900 yen at my local drugstore.

My goal is to have a beautiful, hair-free bikini line in five days. Wish me luck!

Step One: Fixing the Razor Burn

Day one: No shaving or plucking. Treatment consisted of exfoliating with my Aqua Cure gel, followed by a cleansing with an acne fighting astringent after my morning shower.  I added a little TLC mid-day with a light application of my Nivea lotion. Evening treatment (no improvement, possibly worsening?) included an aspirin paste application and a layer of lotion. And prayer....

Day two: Surprisingly, there has been significant improvement. No shaving or plucking. The redness has gone down and some bumps have disappeared altogether. Morning treatment included exfoliating, a long soak in a hot bath with Youmeisen bath salts, and application of acne fighting astringent followed by lotion. Evening treatment included an aspirin paste application and a layer of lotion.

Day three: No huge leaps in improvement. No shaving or plucking. Still have a few (4) pink/red bumps.  Morning treatment included exfoliating, application of acne fighting astringent, lotion application. Evening treatment included acne fighting mask, SK-II lotion. Today is the spot-test for the depilatory (results below).

Day four: Worsening! But how? No shaving or plucking. Have 6-8 pink/red bumps. Morning treatment included exfoliating, hot bath, application of acne fighting astringent, lotion. Since the evening was the time to do the full depilatory treatment, no evening razor burn treatment. But, surprise change of plans! No time to continue experiment. ABORT. Shave.

Day five: No shaving or plucking. Have 4 pink/red bumps. No morning treatment. Evening treatment was exfoliation, acne fighting astringent.

Day six:  No shaving or plucking. Have 4 pink/red bumps. Morning treatment included acne fighting astringent. Evening treatment is a long hot bath, acne fighting astringent, lotion.

Day seven: How do I have more bumps? More than 8??? No shaving or plucking. Morning treatment included exfoliating, hot bath, application of acne fighting astringent. Evening treatment included exfoliating, hot bath, aspirin paste application.

Day eight (RESULTS):  Still have 8-10 bumps!?!? After depilatory (results below!!!), morning treatment included hot bath, acne fighting astringent, and aspirin paste. I've concluded that nothing I am doing is actually helping to cure the razor burn. The aspirin paste does help reduce redness and inflammation, but it doesn't get rid of the bumps or the redness altogether. I'm bringing in the big guns for future treatments - check back later!

Step Two: Bikini line hair removal

I had not used a depilatory in more than 20 years, mostly due to the memory of the chemical perm-like smell. I am using the "sensitive skin" version, and, while there still was the tell-tale smell of depilatory cream, it was nowhere near as strong as I remember it being in the past.

The Veet depilatory cream instructions state that the cream is resistant to water in the shower, so you can use it while showering. You take off the cream (and the unwanted hair) with the included sponge. There is supposed to be no stinging. Directions say to leave on the "premium essence" brand for 3-6 minutes, "sensitive skin" brand for 5-10 minutes. Results should last 3-5 days.

Day One: I have four days of growth. Today is the spot test! I left the cream on for 10 minutes, then wiped with the sponge. I'm not sure it removed all the hair (but this could be just the hair on the edges of the spot-test). After cleansing the area, there was some slight burning/stinging. However, as long as my skin doesn't revolt, I'll try a full removal tomorrow!

Day Two: There is still a bit of a burning/stinging sensation at the test site, but nothing I can't live with. There is a lingering odor of depilatory. There is also a lotion-y film on the skin. No adverse effects, but surprise change of plans! No time to continue experiment. ABORT. Shave.

Day Three - Six: Waiting for hair to grow out a bit more.

Day Seven (RESULTS): I have three days of growth. Full depilatory today. This worked AMAZINGLY on the areas between the legs and through to behind. However, it didn't work as well on the front - both on the front sides and above. First, the rough side of the included sponge inflamed my existing razor burn, breaking open some bumps and making others an angry red. Second, it didn't remove all the hair in these areas, meaning I had to do a second swipe with a razor. (I think this hair might have been too short?) So, I will continue using this, and continue the fight with my razor burn, in search of a photo shop perfect bikini line...

Panasonic Hair Removal Machine with Light Este with Light (for Body)

I'm in a constant battle with my body hair. I usually use NAD'S wax on my bikini line, and a strip wax on other places (upper lip, big toe, etc.). While strip wax is easy to find in any Japanese drug store, any type of wax for a bikini line is difficult, if not impossible, to locate. Therefore, I decided to take the plunge into the world of laser hair removal.

I was seriously considering the Tria (about $450 USD), but, because of the price, I decided to look elsewhere. Cosme rates the Panasonic incredibly highly, and, at 14500 yen, it was much more reasonable for my first foray into the arena of at-home laser hair removal.

I just completed my first session on my big toes, legs, and bikini line. The instructions say this is for body use only, no facial use. There was no pain whatsoever. There was a bit of a burning hair smell, but it was not overpowering.

I plan to continue the treatment twice a week for the next several months, so I will update this post as I progress.

Wish me luck! My goal is to have a bikini line free of shaving bumps and no need to grow out hair in order to wax!

MONTH ONE UPDATE: no real noticeable difference.  I've been using the machine about every 3-4 days.

Month two: still no noticeable difference. I've been using the machine about once a week, to week and a half.