Early 20s Most Common Age to Start Hair Removal; Salon Hair Removal Tops Methods at Approx. 41%

■ Survey of 93 Experienced Individuals: Triggers, Methods, and Satisfaction with Hair Removal

Concerns about unwanted hair and care methods vary from person to person.

While some receive treatments at salons or clinics, others use home devices, and some rely on self-care.

As the choices for hair removal methods and price ranges expand, what triggers experienced individuals to start, which methods do they choose, and how satisfied are they with the results?

To explore this, we collaborated with Forest Symphony Co., Ltd. to conduct a survey titled 'How to Choose a Hair Removal Method,' targeting 93 men and women nationwide who answered 'I have experienced hair removal' in a preliminary screening.

* When quoting the contents of this press release, please ensure the following:

- Mention that the source is the 'Survey by NEXER Co., Ltd. and Forest Symphony Co., Ltd.'

- Provide a link to Forest Symphony Co., Ltd. (https://www.forestsymphony.jp/)

'Survey on How to Choose a Hair Removal Method' Overview

Survey method: Online questionnaire

Survey period: May 8 to May 14, 2026

Target audience: Men and women nationwide who answered 'I have experienced hair removal' in a preliminary screening

Valid responses: 93 samples

Questions:

Question 1: What triggered you to start hair removal?

Question 2: At what age did you start hair removal?

Question 3: What kind of hair removal method did you choose?

Question 4: Please tell us the reason.

Question 5: Did you have any concerns or face any actual problems with hair removal?

Question 6: Please select all concerns or actual problems you faced with hair removal. (Multiple answers allowed)

Question 7: Are you satisfied with your choice of hair removal method?

Question 8: Have you ever thought 'I should have chosen another method'?

Question 9: Please tell us the reason.

* Since figures are generally rounded to the nearest tenth, the total may not equal 100%.

■ 53.8% Answered 'Because dealing with unwanted hair was a hassle'

First, we asked about the trigger for starting hair removal.

The most common response was 'Because dealing with unwanted hair was a hassle' at 53.8%.

This was followed by 'Wanted skin to look beautiful' (25.8%), 'Concerned about rough skin from self-care' (6.5%), and 'Wanted to start early for the future' (3.2%).

Daily or weekly repeated self-care takes more time and effort than imagined.

The desire to be freed from this hassle seems to be the biggest motivation for starting hair removal.

■ 'Early 20s' Tops the List at 28.0% for Starting Age

Next, we asked at what age respondents started hair removal.

The most common answer was 'Early 20s' at 28.0%.

This was followed by '30s' (26.9%), 'Late 20s' (16.1%), 'Teens' (15.1%), and '40s and above' (14.0%).

When combining those who started hair removal by their early 20s, it accounts for over 40% of the total.

Many may choose hair removal as an investment in themselves during the significant environment change from student to working professional.

■ 40.9% Chose 'Salon Hair Removal,' Medical Hair Removal Also Popular at 25.8%

Subsequently, we asked what kind of hair removal method they actually chose.

The most common choice was 'Salon hair removal' at 40.9%.

Following this were 'Medical hair removal' (25.8%), 'Self-service hair removal' (17.2%), 'Home hair removal devices' (8.6%), 'Other' (4.3%), and 'Combination of multiple methods' (3.2%).

When combining aesthetic 'Salon hair removal' with clinic-based 'Medical hair removal,' approximately 70% chose the style of 'receiving treatments at specialized facilities.' On the other hand, there are also quite a few voices preferring to proceed at their own pace with self-service salons or home devices.

We asked for the reasons behind choosing each method and will introduce some of them:

Those who answered 'Salon hair removal'

- The price was cheap. (Female, 20s)

- I was already going there for skincare. (Female, 30s)

- A friend's recommendation made it easy to take the first step. (Female, 40s)

Those who answered 'Medical hair removal'

- I wanted a method with a sense of reliability. (Male, 20s)

- Because it seems more effective than a salon. (Female, 30s)

- Because medical hair removal had a reputation for being safe and highly effective. (Male, 40s)

Those who answered 'Self-service hair removal'

- Because it can be started at a low price. (Male, 30s)

- Because I can do it at my own timing. (Female, 40s)

- Because it was hard to get an appointment. (Female, 40s)

Those who answered 'Home hair removal devices'

- Because doing it at home is the cheapest. (Female, 30s)

- Because there is no hassle of going out or embarrassment. (Age/Gender unknown)