Record Heat Sparks Surge in Men's Hair Removal

Japan’s summer heat is driving an unprecedented surge in men seeking body hair removal, with aesthetic clinics reporting rapid growth in male clientele and fuller bookings. The trend is shifting from facial treatments to removing hair on other body parts as shorts become more common and perceived hygiene improves, according to operators like Gorilla Clinic in Tokyo. A survey by Hot Pepper Beauty found that just over a quarter of men had lower-leg hair removal in the past year, underscoring the broader demand beyond facial grooming. Personal accounts, such as Yuki Kubo’s, describe smoother skin reducing sweaty discomfort and contributing to a cleaner, more comfortable summer experience. Government efforts like Tokyo’s Cool Biz campaign promoting lighter clothing are aligning with and reinforcing this heat-driven grooming shift. Record-high temperatures—41.8°C last year—and a 2025 summer that ran about 2.36 degrees above the long-term norm amplify the context for these grooming choices.