Medical Hair Removal to Finish Before Summer! A Complete Guide.
Many people struggle with removing unwanted hair themselves. While many use razors, tweezers, or at-home hair removal devices, a lot of people also deal with concerns like “it grows back quickly,” “it irritates my skin,” or “it takes too much effort.”
Amid all this, medical hair removal is a method you can rely on for reliable results. Starting in June, our clinic will be offering medical hair removal treatments🎉
In this article, we’ll go over how medical hair removal works, how it differs from salon hair removal, its pros and cons, and what to expect during treatment.
What Is Medical Hair Removal?
Medical hair removal is a hair removal treatment performed using “medical-grade laser devices” that are only approved for use at medical institutions. By using equipment that meets standards set by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, the hair follicle tissue that generates hair growth is destroyed with thermal energy, suppressing hair regrowth — making permanent hair removal possible.
This ability to “make the hair unable to regrow” is the biggest defining feature of medical hair removal.
The Difference Between Medical Hair Removal and Salon Hair Removal
| Item | Medical Hair Removal | Salon Hair Removal |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment Used | Medical laser | Light-based hair removal (IPL, etc.) |
| Effect | Permanent hair removal (destroys hair follicles) | Hair reduction/suppression (only damages hair follicles) |
| Number of Sessions | Completed in about 5–8 sessions | May take 15 or more sessions |
| Safety | Performed by doctors and nurses | No medical qualification required |
| Handling Skin Issues | Doctor consultation and prescriptions available | Limited ability to respond |
| Pain | Somewhat strong (anesthesia available) | Relatively mild |
Salon hair removal aims for “temporary hair reduction,” and hair may grow back. Medical hair removal, on the other hand, is a fundamental method that can create skin where hair is less likely to grow back.
The Mechanism of Medical Hair Removal
The mechanism behind medical hair removal is that the laser light reacts with the dark pigment (melanin) in the hair, generating heat that destroys the hair follicle tissue. Since new hair can no longer grow from a destroyed follicle, the effect is permanent.
Because medical lasers can selectively target the treatment area, they are less likely to damage surrounding skin and allow for efficient hair removal.
Types of Medical Hair Removal (Differences in Lasers)
There are several types of lasers used in medical hair removal. Understanding the characteristics of each makes it easier to choose the treatment that’s right for you.
Alexandrite Laser
・Suited for fair skin
・Can also help improve spots and dullness
・Reacts strongly to the dark part of the hair
Diode Laser
・Relatively low pain
・Effective on fine, downy hair as well
・Easy to use regardless of skin tone
Nd:YAG Laser
・Can be used on darker or tanned skin
・Reaches deep hair follicles
・Somewhat stronger pain
Since the equipment used varies by clinic, it’s important to choose a device suited to your own skin and hair type.
The hair removal device our clinic plans to introduce uses a triple-wavelength laser, allowing it to accommodate any hair type.
Benefits of Medical Hair Removal
1. Permanent Hair Removal Is Possible
Because the hair follicles are destroyed, very little hair will grow back after treatment is complete.
2. Fewer Sessions Needed
While individual results vary, many people achieve satisfying results after 5–8 sessions. Fewer sessions also means saving time and money.
3. Your Skin Becomes Smoother
Pores tighten, and there’s also the welcome side effect that skin troubles caused by self hair removal (razor burn, dark pores) become less likely.
4. High Safety
Because it’s performed at a medical institution, a doctor can respond immediately in the rare case of a skin issue.
Drawbacks of Medical Hair Removal
- Pain: Depending on the area, you may feel a stinging sensation. However, this can be reduced with the use of numbing cream.
- Higher Treatment Cost: The initial cost is higher compared to salon hair removal. However, since it’s highly effective and requires fewer sessions, it offers good value in the long run.
- Visits Must Match the Hair Growth Cycle: You’ll need to visit 5–8 times, with treatments spaced 1–2 months apart.
The Medical Hair Removal Treatment Process
①Counseling
We’ll check your skin type, hair type, and physical condition, then propose the best plan for you.
②Shaving
The hair in the treatment area is shaved. In some cases, you may be asked to shave at home beforehand.
③Laser Treatment
Treatment is performed using a dedicated laser, adjusted to suit your skin condition.
④Cooling and Moisturizing
To reduce heat-related irritation to the skin, cooling and moisturizing care are provided after treatment.
⑤Aftercare Explanation
You’ll receive guidance on post-treatment precautions and information for booking your next appointment.
Which Areas Is Medical Hair Removal Effective For?
It can be used on unwanted hair almost anywhere on the body, but the following areas are especially popular.
・Underarms: Results tend to show the fastest
・VIO (Bikini Line): Hard to self-treat, and also improves hygiene
・Face (around the mouth, jawline): Fine hair becomes thinner, and skin tone improvement can also be expected
・Arms and Legs: Helps you achieve smooth, silky skin
Summary
Medical hair removal is a very appealing option for those seeking reliable results, high safety, and speedy completion. Being freed from the stress of self hair removal and being able to enjoy your daily skincare and fashion even more is also a major benefit.
If you’re unsure about hair removal, we recommend first getting a consultation at a clinic you trust.
Let’s work toward your “ideal bare skin” efficiently and safely, using a method suited to your own skin.
