Hot Towel Shaves
A traditional straight-razor shave with hot towels, pre-shave oil, and post-shave balm. Closest shave possible without irritation.
The hot towel shave starts with steam. We wrap your face in hot towels to open pores and soften stubble. Pre-shave oil goes on next to protect skin and let the blade glide. Then the straight razor does its work. Multiple passes with the grain, across the grain, against the grain. We rinse the blade between strokes.
This is not a quick trim. Plan for 30 to 45 minutes in the chair. The barber works slowly because precision matters. One wrong angle and you bleed. One rushed stroke and you get razor burn. We take our time. You sit back and let it happen.
After the shave, cold towels close the pores. We apply witch hazel to prevent bumps, then a balm to moisturize. Your face feels tight and clean. No stubble when you run your hand across your jaw. Skin stays smooth for three to five days, longer than any cartridge razor gets you.
Most guys book this monthly or before big events. Weddings, job interviews, dates. Some come weekly because they like the ritual. You can add it to any haircut appointment or book it standalone. Walk-ins are fine if we have an open chair, but calling ahead guarantees your spot.
Straight-razor shaves work best on coarse or curly facial hair. If you get ingrown hairs from regular razors, this helps. The blade cuts at skin level without tugging or pulling hairs below the surface. Less irritation means fewer bumps. Guys with sensitive skin see the biggest difference.
Bring 30 minutes. Bring patience. Leave your phone in your pocket. This is old-school barbering done the same way it was in 1920. No shortcuts, no rushing, no multitasking. Just hot water, sharp steel, and steady hands.
Hot Towel Shaves — FAQ
Does a straight-razor shave hurt?
No. If the blade is sharp and the barber knows what he's doing, you feel pressure but no pain. We use hot towels and oil to soften everything first. Most guys fall asleep in the chair.
How long does the shave last compared to a regular razor?
Three to five days of smooth skin. A cartridge razor gives you one or two days before stubble shows. The straight razor cuts closer because it sits flat against your face.
Can I get a hot towel shave if I have acne or sensitive skin?
Yes. The hot towels and pre-shave oil actually help with irritation. We skip any active breakouts and work around them. Guys with razor bumps usually see improvement after switching to straight-razor shaves.
Do I need to grow my beard out before coming in?
No. We can shave any length. Two days of growth is ideal because it gives the blade something to work with, but we handle everything from stubble to full beards.