Datsumo Labo: Visit #3

I've completely given up thinking that I can save the 1000 yen shaving charge. No matter how diligently I shave before my appointment, they shave me anyway.

I'm going every two weeks (they said that would be ok for the first two, maybe three months. After that, they recommend only going once a month). Below are the results to date:

Face: hair is definitely growing back less and at a slower pace. I usually have to wax my upper lip every two weeks, and that is because hair is THERE. I noticed I only have a few stray hairs by the end of week two.

Underarms: A significant reduction in the amount of hair. The hair that does grow there is much finer. I went about a week without having to really shave.

Arms: I can feel hair there, but I can't see it.

Bikini line: Here is my big problem spot. This process has definitely reduced the razor burn I experience from daily shaving. There is a significant reduction in the amount of hair. The hair that grows is still dark and coarse. I can go about 3 days without having to shave at all. After a week, shaving is necessary.

Legs: I can feel hair there, but can't see it.

Fingers and toes: no real difference here. I still have the same amount of hair that regrows in two weeks.

Verdict: After just three treatments the results are noticeable and make it worth the discomfort (so cold, and so many people touching my body)! I'm continuing to go every two weeks until the hair regrowth makes that unnecessary.

LUX Super Rich Shine Damage Repair

I'm still on the hunt for a good conditioning mask to fix my fried hair. I chose this Lux damage repair due to great ratings on Cosme, and the fact that it cost about 500 yen at my local drugstore. You leave it on for about 20 minutes after shampooing. It is a weekly treatment, but I've been using it after each shampoo (just on the ends), and haven't noticed any terrible build-up.

It's better than the Laggie conditioner (which comes in cute little individual packets- perfect for traveling). But, it hasn't solved the problem. My Japanese friend swears by using Nivea cream lotion in her hair - I'm trying that next!

Laggie Rich Repair treatment

The double process straight perm Watanabe gave me totally fried my hair, so I'm desperate for treatments to disguise the damage. Since Aki san didn't reply to my email request for products he recommends, I picked up the highly rated Laggie Rich Repair mask (4 treatments for about 500 yen).

It definitely helped - I can get a comb through the ends, gave it a silky texture, and it doesn't look horrible, but you can still tell the ends are frayed and dry. I'd recommend this for a normal weekly treatment, not a salon-gone-wrong-fix.

Dieting: Konyaku jelly and Black vinegar

I'm trying to shed a few kilograms and a friend suggested konyaku jelly. Konyaku is one of my favorite foods, I regularly put it in rice or serve it up with shiitake. Little did I know it is also a candy!

Konyaku is made from vegetable fibers and water, so it is known as a diet food that will flush out your system. It was pulled from production a few years back because a number of people died from choking on the candy. However, it's back, and my friend said it is perfectly safe (just don't freeze it). Sales of konyaku jelly are prohibited in the US. It sells for about 100 yen (in individual servings, like the one above, or in a gel pack) and can be found in most grocery stores and drug stores.

The other little secret is black vinegar, which can be drank straight, mixed with club soda (my favorite), or purchased with flavorings added. It's also about 100 yen a drink box and can be found in most supermarkets. It is touted to burn fat, which I like!

Akasuri: scrubbing off the dirt and grime

In the summer I try extra hard to keep nice and squeaky clean. Japanese summers are so hot and humid I always feel the need for multiple showers a day. When you add in the sweat, lotions, and UV protection, I can get pretty grimy. So, I head to akasuri.

My usual spot for this treat is Gokouyu, a sento by Gojo Omiya. The basic scrub course (Course A) is 2500 yen for 20 minutes. You can make a reservation by phone (Japanese only) or at the front desk of the sento.

You'll be given a special numbered bracelet and told to be in the waiting area a few minutes before your appointment. Once you've soaked for 15-30 minutes, head to the second floor and wait in one of the plastic chairs outside of the akasuri room. A woman will invite you in, ask you to lay face down, and scrub you down like an elephant in the zoo. She will thoroughly scrub everywhere, including your I-line and O-line, so this is not for the faint of heart. At Gokouyu, the akasuri room is private.

However, since akasuri is not always available at Gokouyu, I sometimes go to Hana no yu. In addition to having rotemburo (outdoor bath), it also offers massage and akasuri until midnight. You can buy a ticket in the lobby (15 minutes for 2200 yen) and then make an appointment at the massage/akasuri counter on the first floor. The scrub here isn't quite as good, and the room can accommodate 5 people, but it's effective.

Daiso's hair drying glove

At the moment, Daiso's hair drying glove is all the rage here in Japan. For 100 yen you get this (ugly) glove that you use when drying your hair. Since it's basically just a towel, it works.

Pantene Extra Damage Care Shampoo and Conditioner

I've been focusing my beauty budget on big ticket items lately, so I decided to try out the Pantene Extra Damage Care Shampoo and Conditioner. It's been working just fine, so, bye Ahalo Butter!