What Is a Hot Towel Shave? Process, Benefits and What to Expect

Picture leaning back in the barber’s chair as a warm towel settles over your face. That’s a hot towel shave: a traditional barbershop shave where a warm, damp towel softens your beard before a barber shaves you with a straight razor, then finishes with a cool towel and moisturiser.

If you usually shave at home, you probably have a few questions. What actually happens during a hot towel shave at a barbershop? Does it hurt? Is a hot towel shave for men really worth the money? Our Perth barbers answer all of that below, so you know exactly what to expect before you book.

What Is a Hot Towel Shave?

A hot towel shave is a traditional barbershop shave. The barber places a warm, damp towel on your face to soften the hair and skin, applies oil and lather, then shaves with a straight razor and finishes with a cool towel and moisturiser. It’s slower, calmer and more careful than a shave at home.

The big difference from a home shave is control and pace. At home, most of us shave in a rush with a cartridge razor and whatever foam is in the cupboard. In the chair, the barber prepares your skin with warm towels, builds a rich lather with a brush, and controls the angle and pressure of the razor with practised hands. There are two towels in the mix, a hot one at the start and a cool one at the end, and nobody is watching the clock.

This kind of traditional hot towel shave has been a barbershop staple for generations, and it’s making a comeback for good reason. Plenty of men want a proper break from the daily scrape, and a barber shave delivers exactly that.

How to Shave with a Hot Towel? The Hot Towel Shaving Process, Step by Step

A hot towel shave usually follows ten steps: consultation, cleanse, first hot towel, pre-shave oil, lather, first pass, second towel and re-lather, optional second pass, cool towel, then aftershave and moisturiser.

A quick chat. Your barber asks about your skin, how close you like your shave and what you’re heading to afterwards, whether that’s a wedding, an interview or a big night out. This is the moment to mention sensitive skin.
Cleanse. The barber cleans your face so no dirt or product is sitting between the razor and your skin.
First hot towel. A hot, damp towel goes over your beard area and rests there for a few minutes. It feels like a warm hug, and it’s the step most first-timers remember. The warmth and moisture soften the hair and the skin.
Pre-shave oil. A little oil goes on to help the razor glide and to cushion your skin. It feels smooth and slightly slick.
Lather. The barber works warm shaving cream into a thick lather with a shaving brush. The bristles tickle for a second, then it becomes one of the most relaxing parts of the visit.
First pass with the grain. Using a straight razor, often a shavette (a straight razor with a replaceable single-use blade), the barber shaves in the same direction your hair grows. That’s all “with the grain” means, and it’s gentler on the skin than going against it. You’ll feel light, steady strokes rather than scraping.
Second hot towel and re-lather. Another warm towel and a fresh layer of lather prepare your skin for a closer finish.
Optional second pass. If your skin is up for it, the barber may go across the grain for an extra-smooth result, and tidy your neckline and cheek line while they’re at it. If your skin runs sensitive, ask for one pass only.
Cool towel. A cool, damp towel wipes away leftover lather and soothes the skin. After the warmth, it feels refreshing.
Aftershave and moisturiser. The barber finishes with a moisturiser to calm and hydrate your skin. Barber Nation’s service includes moisturiser, so you leave comfortable, not tight.

What Are the Benefits of a Hot Towel Shave?

A hot towel shave softens your hair and skin before the razor touches your face, which helps the blade glide with less tugging. Done well, that can mean a closer, smoother finish and less irritation. It’s also a proper chance to switch off for a while. Results vary, especially if your skin is prone to razor bumps. Here’s how it stands out.

Softer hair, easier cut. A warm, damp cloth loosens hairs and makes them swell, so they’re less likely to curve back into your skin and cause bumps. The hot towel works on the same idea.
A closer, smoother finish. Good prep, a thick lather and a barber controlling the razor add up to a clean, even result.
Less tugging and irritation. When the hair is soft and the barber shaves with the grain, your skin tends to cope better than it does with a quick dry shave.
Time out to relax. Warm towels, a slow pace and a comfortable chair make it one of the few grooming services that feels like a break.
A sharp look for the day that matters. Weddings, formals and job interviews all go better when you walk in freshly shaved.

One honest note: if you’re prone to razor bumps, a barber shave helps with prep, but it can’t promise you’ll never get one.

Professional Hot Towel Shave vs Shaving at Home

A professional hot towel shave uses warm towels, brushed lather and a straight razor, while a home shave is quicker but less controlled. Both get you a clean face, but they’re quite different experiences. Here’s how they compare.

	Professional hot towel shave	Shaving at home
Razor	Straight razor, with a fresh single-use blade	Cartridge or safety razor
Prep	Cleanse, hot towel, pre-shave oil and brushed lather	Whatever fits your morning
Passes	One or two, planned by the barber	Usually one, often rushed
Time	30 – 60 minutes	A few minutes
Result	Close, smooth and calm skin	Varies with technique and gear
Cost	$40 with moisturiser	Cost of razors and products

Between visits, follow our guide on how to get the cleanest shave at home to keep razor burn away.

What to Expect from a Hot Towel Shave?

A hot towel shave takes about 30 to 60 minutes and shouldn’t hurt. You’ll feel warmth first, then the brush and razor, then a cool finish. Your skin may look a little pink straight afterwards, which usually settles quickly. Your barber guides you through every step, so there’s nothing to be nervous about.

First-Timer Tips

Let a few days of stubble grow before you come in.
Arrive with a clean face and no product on your skin.
Mention any skin concerns before the barber starts.
Relax and keep still. If anything feels uncomfortable, speak up, and your barber will adjust.
Ask for one pass only if your skin is sensitive.

Tell your barber first if you have

Acne or breakouts, as shaving can irritate them
A rash or irritated patches
Cold sores
Sunburn
Very sensitive skin

Recent skin treatments, such as prescription creams or peels

This isn’t medical advice. It’s simply a heads-up so your barber can adjust the shave to suit your skin.

Hot Towel Shave or Beard Trim: Which Do You Need?

Choose a hot towel shave if you want a clean-shaven face. Choose a beard trim and razor line-up if you’re keeping your beard, as it sharpens the edges and keeps the shape tidy.

Our beard services cover both. Keeping the beard? Our guide on how to trim your beard at home will help you keep its shape between barber visits.

Shave Aftercare: How to Care for Your Skin After the Shave

These are tips, not rules, and every face is different. A little care in the day or two after your shave goes a long way.

Skip scrubs and harsh products for a day or two.
Moisturise to keep your skin comfortable.
If your skin is sensitive, avoid fragranced or alcohol-heavy aftershave and choose an alcohol-free aftershave balm instead.
Wear sunscreen when you head out. The Perth sun is tough on freshly shaved skin.
Don’t pick at any bumps. Leave them alone, and they settle faster.

FAQs

Is a hot towel shave worth it?

Yes, a hot towel shave is worth it if you want a close, comfortable shave and a proper break from the daily rush. A barber prepares your skin with warm towels and shaves with careful control, which is gentler than most home shaves. It suits weddings, formals and interviews.

Does a hot towel shave hurt?

No, a hot towel shave shouldn’t hurt. You’ll feel warmth from the towels, light brush strokes, and gentle razor passes. If anything feels uncomfortable, tell your barber straight away, and they’ll adjust their pressure or technique.

How often should you get a hot towel shave?

Most men get a hot towel shave every one to two weeks to keep a clean-shaven look, or just before a big event. The right gap depends on how fast your hair grows and how smooth you like your face.

Can I get a hot towel shave if I have sensitive skin?

Yes, you can get a hot towel shave with sensitive skin. Tell your barber before they start, so they can adjust the products and do one pass instead of two. That keeps your skin comfortable.

How much is a hot towel shave in Perth?

A hot towel shave with moisturiser costs $40 at Barber Nation in Perth. Prices can change overtime, so check our barber services and prices page for the latest.

How long does a hot towel shave take?

A hot towel shave takes about 30 to 60 minutes from chair to finish. That covers the consultation, hot towels, lather, razor passes, cool towel and moisturiser.

Is putting a hot towel on your face good for your skin?

Yes, a warm, damp towel helps soften hair and skin, which makes shaving easier. Keep the towel warm, not scalding, and skip it if your skin is irritated, sunburnt or broken.

Ready to try it?

Book a Hot Towel Shave at Barber Nation

Searching for a hot towel shave near you? Barber Nation offers hot towel shaves at eight Perth locations: Rockingham, Morley Galleria, Karrinyup, Maddington Central, Midland, Innaloo, Eglinton and Cockburn Gateway.

We’re open 7 days, with late nights on Thursdays, and a hot towel shave with moisturiser is $40. Pair it with a haircut, and you’ll walk out looking sharp.

Call 1300 022 723 or find your nearest location.

Book in with Barber Nation’s Perth barbers at any of our eight locations and leave with a fresh, smooth face.