Shaving can be a tedious task for many. There are some people who have a routine that is nick-free, and it can be frustrating to realize later on in the day that you forgot a spot. The hot towel shave is here to transform that chore into a self-care ritual. Hot Towel Shave in New York offers a luxurious and precise shaving experience that leaves your skin smooth and rejuvenated.

Hot towel shaving is a service that involves shaving your face after using a warm towel to soften the hair and skin. You get a closer shave and the experience makes shaving a pleasure, not a chore.

Your barber will first wrap your face with a warm towel to help you relax. This also improves the shave. Your barber can choose to use hot towels again or a cool towel after shaving.

The hot towel shave of each barber will differ, but the basic principles are the same.

What are the benefits of hot towel shaving?

Your hot towel shave has benefits that go beyond the cosmetic. It can be beneficial to your skin and health. Why should you and/or your barber make the effort to do a hot-towel shave?

Open pores

Heat and steam are effective in cleaning your pores. It’s not possible to “open” your pores (and this would be bad for your skin!). Steam does help to loosen dirt and oil in your pores.

It is easier to clean the skin, and that’s why you feel so smooth after a hot-towel shave.

Promote circulation

The warmth of the skin promotes healing. It is important to do this because shaving can irritate your skin. If you are prone to razor burn and nicks, a hot towel will reduce this irritation.

Skin moisturizing and soothing

Heat is soothing and can help your skin to stay hydrated. Moisturizing creams contain humectants. These are ingredients that attract moisture to your skin.

Steam from a hot towel will maximize the effect of these humectants, resulting in deeply moisturized skin. Consider using a moisturizing face mask after shaving if you have dry skin. This will keep your skin soft, and free of irritation.

Exfoliate skin

Exfoliation removes dead skin cells and is an essential part of any skincare regimen. Exfoliating your skin can reveal smoother, younger-looking skin.

Shaving your skin exfoliates it and using a warm towel before shaving makes it easier to remove dead skin cells. Your skin will feel extra soft after shaving.

Skin and hair softening

We all know what an irritating dry shave is. This is mainly due to how stiff your hair can be. Steam from a warm towel will soften your hair. Steam softens your skin and hair, so you don’t have to pull on your razor to remove the hair.

This results in a more gentle shave and better results.

Relax your mind

A hot towel shave will be much more enjoyable than struggling to get an even shave while hovering around your sink. Barbers often add essential oils to towels and use products that feel luxurious.

All of this makes shaving a very special experience. Relax and enjoy the experience knowing you will leave the barbershop having had a fantastic shave. Do not forget to tip the barber who gave you a good shave.

How does the hot towel shave function?

You can expect a hot towel to be used before the traditional shave when you visit your barber. Some barbers use a hot towel to soothe the face after shaving. The hot towel will warm your skin and soften the hair before shaving.

Before going to the barbershop, you should wash your face. It is good barbershop manners to come in with a freshly washed face to reduce the risk of ingrown hairs. Your barber may follow these steps after you arrive:

1. Apply pre-shave oil:  Pre-shave oil is a great way to protect and moisturize your skin before shaving. This will protect and moisturize the skin before shaving.
2. The first step is to apply the hot towel all around your face: Your barber may leave it on for several minutes in order to soften up the skin and hair. Some barbers apply shaving cream during this step. Your barber may also cover your eyes to help you relax.
3. Apply shaving cream: Shaving cream is applied by your barber if not already done. A shavebrush is a must-have tool to help you brush your hair up for a more precise shave.
4. Shave: Patience can be a virtue. It’s likely that your barber will take longer to shave you than you would at home. A perfect shave takes some time. Straight razors are the razor of choice among many barbers, but each barber does it differently.
5. Apply another hot towel: Use a second hot towel to remove any shaving cream or hair that remains after your shave.
6. Use a cool towel: Not all barbers finish their shave by using a cold cloth. This can be a soothing extra step that helps you to cool down, reduce redness, and de-puff up your face.
7. After shaving, apply aftershave: If you have ever skipped the step you will know how tight and uncomfortable your skin can be. Aftershave skincare prevents the growth of bacteria, ingrown hairs and keeps your skin soft. Some barbers use Talcum Powder, which absorbs excess moisture without drying your skin.

Follow these steps to DIY a hot-towel shave. If you are not a straight-razor pro, it’s best to stick with the traditional razor.

How can I request a hot towel shave?

Each barber performs the hot towel shave differently. If you are unsure if your shop offers this service, call ahead.

The hot towel shave can go by different names. In some barbershops every shave includes a hot-towel shave. In other barbershops, this is an additional service.

Prices and appointment times can vary widely because hot towel shaves can differ. Your barber’s experience and the way he performs his shave will determine how long it takes. The type of products used by your barber will also affect the cost of a men’s haircut.

There’s no better time to relax and enjoy a hot-towel shave than right now. You’ll soon be relaxing on the barber’s chair.