“I think Italy places more emphasis on organic and naturally derived ingredients than Japan does. Also, in Japan, cosmetics are often sold at big drugstore chains, while in Italy, there are still lots of small specialty cosmetics shops. But I’m really impressed by how many Japanese products are designed for different skin types. Even with mascara, there are so many options, from super waterproof formulas to ones that rinse off easily with water. It’s hard to choose!” (Italian woman)

Japanese cosmetics have earned a strong reputation around the world, and for good reason. They are known for their safety, quality, and attention to detail, with some international fans even ordering their favorite products from Japan after returning home.

Brands like Shiseido and Kosé are especially well known overseas. In fact, some people reportedly hand long shopping lists to friends or colleagues traveling to Japan, asking them to pick up specific beauty products during their trip.

From makeup brushes and sunscreen to serums and cleansing oils, Japanese beauty products get plenty of love from international shoppers. But one item that seems to stand out again and again is mascara.

Japan’s hot, humid climate has helped create waterproof mascaras that really stay put, and foreign users are seriously impressed. Some have even called them “the strongest mascara in the world,” while others rave that they make lashes look longer, resist water, and still come at an affordable price. No wonder Japanese mascara has become such a cult favorite abroad!

“Many Japanese people seem to believe that moisturizing is the key to beautiful skin, and so many people here really do have gorgeous skin. In Italy, plenty of women are interested in skincare too, but I don’t think we focus on preventing dry skin as carefully as Japanese people do. I’d love to learn from Japan’s beauty habits.”

When you live in Japan, this kind of beauty awareness can start to feel totally normal. But by global standards, Japan’s approach to beauty is surprisingly thorough.

For example, many Japanese women would not usually pop out for a quick errand completely bare-faced. In many other countries, however, going out without makeup is nothing unusual at all. It is simply part of everyday life.

Hair removal is another area where many Japanese people pay close attention. These days, it is not uncommon to hear of people going beyond at-home care and visiting clinics for long-term or permanent hair removal. Overseas, people may not worry about it to the same degree as many Japanese women do. That does not mean one side has a “better” sense of beauty. It simply shows that beauty standards vary from culture to culture, and from person to person.

Still, Japan’s intense beauty culture can catch foreign visitors off guard. Some said they were shocked to see women touching up their makeup in public restrooms, while others were surprised to see people applying makeup on the street or even on the train.

Another thing that seems to puzzle some international visitors? Young women wearing mini skirts in the middle of a freezing Japanese winter, all in the name of style. Japan’s beauty dedication is no joke!

“When I go to a hair salon in Japan, a 5-minute massage is included with the haircut, which I think is amazing. In Italy, a massage would cost extra. Also, many salons serve drinks like tea, so the service feels really good.” (Italian woman)

Many international visitors and residents have nothing but praise for Japanese hair salons, and one of the biggest reasons is the little massage you often get during or after shampooing.

In some countries, even a short massage would come with an extra charge. In Japan, however, it is often included as part of the service. No wonder so many foreign customers are pleasantly surprised!

The Italian woman we interviewed also pointed this out as one of the things she loved about Japanese salons.

But it is not just the massage that wins people over. Japanese hairstylists are also known for their impressive cutting skills. Some foreign customers who tried a haircut in Japan said they were shocked by the before-and-after transformation, with comments like, “I could barely believe it was the same person!” and “I didn’t know changing my hairstyle could make such a difference.”

One reason for this high level of technique may be Japan’s licensing system. In Japan, hairstylists must hold a national beautician license to perform salon services. In some countries, there is no equivalent requirement, and people can work as stylists as long as they have the skills. Because of that, even some well-known overseas stylists may not have been trained in techniques that Japanese hairstylists are expected to master.

That said, there is one thing some foreign customers find frustrating: the language barrier. Since not every stylist speaks English, explaining your dream haircut can be tricky. Still, many Japanese hairstylists go out of their way to communicate, even without perfect language skills, which is why so many foreign customers still walk away thinking, “Japanese hair salons are amazing!”

“In Italy, most hair salons also have spa services, so you can choose from things like massages, aromatherapy, nails, and face or body treatments. I guess it feels a bit like a Japanese hair salon with an esthetic salon attached.” (Italian woman)

Italy is famous for its effortless sense of style, and that includes chic, polished haircuts. So how are Italian hair salons different from salons in Japan?

According to the Italian woman we spoke with, many salons in Italy feel less like a simple place to get a haircut and more like a beauty salon with spa options built in.

A typical visit apparently starts with the stylist asking what kind of course or service the customer wants. After that, the flow is usually shampoo, cut, color, then another shampoo. Up to that point, it does not sound too different from a Japanese hair salon.

But if you have ever had your hair colored overseas, you may have noticed that the waiting time can feel different from Japan. One reason is that the strength and concentration of hair coloring products allowed can vary by country. In some places overseas, regulations are looser than in Japan, which means stronger coloring agents may be used, sometimes making the process faster.

That does not automatically mean overseas salons are “better,” though. Stronger coloring products can also put more strain on the hair, so it is not a simple case of one being superior to the other. It really depends on what you value most: speed, hair condition, color result, or overall comfort.

One thing to watch out for in Italy is the price. The basic haircut fee may be similar to Japan, but extras such as shampoo, hair oil, spa treatments, or esthetic services can quickly add to the bill. Before booking a salon in Italy, it is a good idea to check exactly what is included and how much each service costs.

From cult-favorite cosmetics and serious skincare habits to the surprising differences between hair salons in Japan and Italy, there’s a lot to love on both sides. Japan’s beauty scene has plenty of ideas worth sharing with the world, while Italy also has its own stylish approach that Japan could definitely take inspiration from.

Beauty habits may differ from country to country, but that’s exactly what makes comparing them so fun!

(*This article was originally posted in July 2020)