Many tourists visit us asking the same question: “I want to go white or silver.” Kenji has worked in London and New York and now runs his own salon in Tokyo. He notes that achieving white hair is actually more difficult in Japan than anywhere else. If a stylist who hasn’t worked in Japan tells you otherwise, they are mistaken.
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The Legal Hurdle
The primary reason is Japan’s Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Act. In most parts of the world, stylists can use 9% (30vol) or 12% (40vol) hydrogen peroxide. These high concentrations are prohibited in Japan.
- Outside Japan: You can reach white hair in about two rounds of bleach using stronger developers.
- In Japan: Because we lack those strong chemicals, it takes significantly more time to strip the pigment until the hair reaches white.
How Do Japanese Locals Maintain Bright, Shiny Hair?
You might notice young Japanese women with very light hair that still looks healthy and glossy. This isn’t a miracle; it’s the result of significant time and money, combined with high stylist skill. In Japan, the process is typically gradual:
- Step 1: Perform one round of bleach followed by a toner/color.
- Step 2 (One month later): Perform a second round of full-head bleach.
- Step 3 (Six weeks later): Perform a third round of bleach if more lift is needed.
Almost no one in Japan attempts to go white in a single day. If you are a tourist wanting white hair, you would ideally need to stay in Japan for three months or visit once a month.
Does Bleaching in Japan Cause Less Damage?
This is a common misconception. Damage is determined by how light the hair becomes, not the specific brand of bleach used. If you aim for the same level of white, the damage will be the same whether you do it in Japan or another country. However, the “Japanese method” of taking 2–3 months to lighten the hair gradually is the best way to minimize cumulative damage.
Pricing & Service at WEC Hair
If you wish to achieve white or silver hair at WEC Hair, please note the following:
- Cost: 55,000 JPY for 3 rounds of bleach + color (New tourist clients are subject to an additional first-time fee).
- Deposit: Required at the time of booking.
- Time: The process takes 5+ hours.
Note: We strongly discourage trying to complete this entire process in a single day.
