Hot Towel Shave: What to Expect at Your First One

Wondering about a hot towel shave and what to expect? Picture about half an hour leaning back while warm towels soften your beard, your barber shaves you with a straight razor, and a cool towel and a soothing balm finish the job. It is the closest shave you can get, and one of the most relaxing half hours in grooming.

Step by step

1. A quick chat

Your barber will ask about your skin and your beard. Mention sensitive skin, ingrown hairs, breakouts or anything you have reacted to before. This is also the moment to say whether you want a full clean shave or want to keep some facial hair.

2. Recline and relax

The chair tips back so your face and neck are easy to reach. Shoulders down, jaw loose. You are not going anywhere for a while.

3. The hot towel

A steaming towel is wrapped over your face, with room left to breathe. The warmth softens the beard hair and the skin, so the razor glides instead of tugging. It is also, frankly, the best part.

4. Pre-shave oil and lather

Your barber massages in a pre-shave oil, then a rich lather. Together they lift the hairs and give the razor a smooth, slick surface to work on.

5. The straight razor

Your barber shaves with the direction of hair growth, gently stretching the skin as they go. Depending on your skin and how close you want it, there may be a second pass.

6. Cold towel and balm

A cool towel closes out the shave and feels great on freshly shaved skin. Then comes an aftershave balm to soothe and moisturize.

Who is it for?

Honestly, anyone with a face. But a hot towel shave is especially good if:

• you have a wedding, an interview or photos coming up and want the cleanest possible finish
• you've had a beard for years and want a fresh start
• your skin gets irritated by your own shaving routine and you want to see what a slower, careful shave feels like
• you just want half an hour where nobody can reach you

It also makes a great gift. Few presents are as easy to love as a hot towel.

Does it hurt?

It shouldn't. A straight razor in practiced hands feels like a light scrape, nothing more, because the heat and lather do much of the work. If anything feels uncomfortable, say so. Your barber can change the angle or ease the pressure.

How to prep for your shave

• Let it grow a little. Two or three days of stubble gives the razor something to work with. Don't shave the morning of.
• Skip harsh products. Leave scrubs and exfoliating acids off your face for a day or two before.
• Speak up early. Mention any skin concerns before you start, not halfway through.

After the shave

Your skin will feel smooth, and it may be a little sensitive for the rest of the day. Go easy on it:

• skip the gym and the sauna for a few hours if you can
• avoid alcohol-heavy aftershaves, which can sting
• moisturize, and wear sunscreen if you're heading outside
• try not to run your hand over your face all day (hard, we know)

Shave or beard trim?

If you want to keep your beard, a full shave is not the service for you. A beard trim and lineup is: your barber shapes the beard with scissors and clippers, then uses a straight razor to define a clean neckline and edges. Want a haircut too? The haircut and beard service covers both in one visit.

Hot towel shaves at EverCutz

Hot towel shaves are done at our barbershop in Richardson (525 W Arapaho Rd, Suite 23) and at the Murphy shop (104 N Murphy Rd, Suite 215). Both are open seven days a week, 10 AM to 9 PM, with walk-ins welcome based on chair availability. The hot towel shave page has the current price and time.

If you do have a wait, the massage chairs are yours. Your visit also comes with a free head massage and face mask, and every service is backed by our satisfaction guarantee: if you're not happy, you don't pay, and the next one is on us.