Hot Towel Shave vs Regular Shave: Which One’s Better?

If you’ve only ever shaved at home, you might not know what you’re missing. A hot towel shave isn’t just about the luxury. It actually has some real benefits that make it better than a quick pass with your drugstore razor.

Here’s what makes a hot towel shave different and why it might be worth trying at your next appointment.

What Is a Hot Towel Shave?

A hot towel shave starts with, you guessed it, a hot towel. It’s wrapped around your face to soften the hairs and open your pores. After that, warm lather is applied and a straight razor is used for a close shave. Usually, you’ll get another hot towel after the shave followed by a cold towel to tighten the skin and soothe any irritation.

It’s not just a shave. It’s a full experience.

How Is It Different from a Regular Shave?

A regular shave usually means using a cartridge razor at home with some canned foam or gel. It gets the job done but there’s not much prep or technique behind it. That’s where hot towel shaves come in.

Here’s what sets them apart:

• Closer shave: The steam from the towel softens the hair and relaxes the skin, letting the blade glide more smoothly. That means fewer passes and a closer finish

• Less irritation: Prepping the skin with heat and using a straight razor reduces razor burn and ingrown hairs

• Better for the skin: The hot towel opens pores and improves blood circulation. The cold towel afterward helps close them and reduce redness

• More relaxing: There’s nothing like leaning back and letting someone else do the work. It’s one of the most calming grooming experiences you can get

When to Get a Hot Towel Shave

If you’ve got an event coming up, a hot towel shave is the move. Weddings, interviews, date nights. It’s perfect for those times when you want to look sharp and feel refreshed.

Even if you just want a reset, coming in for a hot towel shave every few weeks can keep your beard line clean and your skin healthy.

What I Offer at the Shop

At That One Barbershop in Poway, hot towel shaves are one of my favorite services to do. You’ll get prepped with a steamed towel, quality lather, and a clean straight razor shave. I finish with aftershave balm and a cold towel to seal it in.

Whether you’ve never had one or it’s been a while, this is the kind of shave that brings people back.

Final Thoughts

So is a hot towel shave better than a regular shave? Yeah, for most guys it is. It’s smoother, cleaner, and just feels better all around. If you’ve never tried one, come through and see what the hype is about. You might never go back to your old routine.