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What happens in a hot towel shave.

Step by step, from the first towel to the last. Why it's closer than a razor at home, who it suits, and how to prepare.

By the barbers at Khalil BarbershopUpdated 2026-10-01
Sam in the barber chair at Khalil Barbershop

A hot towel shave is a straight razor shave done by a barber, with hot towels before to soften the hair and open the skin, and a cool towel after to close it. It is the closest shave you can get, and the one most men only have once before they start booking it regularly.

Step by step

  1. Hot towels. Two or three towels, steamed and laid over the face for a few minutes each. This softens the hair and relaxes the skin so the razor glides instead of scrapes.
  2. Pre-shave oil. Worked into the beard to give the blade a slick surface.
  3. Lather. Warm lather brushed on, which lifts the hair up and away from the skin.
  4. First pass. With the grain, in short strokes, the skin held taut. This is the pass that takes the length.
  5. Second pass. Re-lather, then across or against the grain where your skin allows. This is where the closeness comes from.
  6. Cool towel. Closes the pores and calms the skin.
  7. Balm. A light aftershave balm, no sting, to finish.

Why it's closer than shaving at home

Three reasons. The hot towels soften the hair more than a shower does. The barber holds the skin flat with one hand, so the blade meets every hair at the same angle. And a single straight edge cuts the hair once, where a cartridge razor pulls and cuts it three to five times, which is what causes most razor burn.

Good to knowIf you have never had a straight razor shave, say so when you sit down. Your barber will do a gentler second pass the first time and check how your skin reacts.

Who it suits

  • Anyone with a wedding, photos or an interview in the next day or two.
  • Men with coarse hair who get razor burn at home.
  • Anyone who wants a clean face without the daily routine for a few days.
  • If you have active acne or a skin condition on the face, ask first. A beard trim may be the better service that week.

How to prepare

  • Come with at least two days of growth. The razor needs something to catch.
  • Skip aftershave with alcohol for a day after. The balm your barber applies is enough.
  • Book it with a haircut and you'll walk out finished on both counts.

Hot towel shaves in Ottawa

Khalil Barbershop has done straight razor shaves on Prince of Wales Drive since 1990. Book a hot towel shave, on its own or with a haircut or skin fade, and pick your barber.

More from the chair

HaircutsWhich fade to ask forBeardsShape a beard that suits youKidsKids haircuts: how to make it go well

Shave questions.

Does a straight razor shave hurt?

No. With hot towels, oil and lather the razor glides. Most men find it gentler than a cartridge razor at home.

How long does the shave last?

Most men stay smooth for two to three days, longer than a home shave, because the hair is cut closer to the skin.

How much growth should I have?

At least two days. The razor needs some length to catch cleanly.

Can I get a shave and a haircut in one visit?

Yes. Pick both when you book so the time is blocked off.

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