Have you ever had a classic hot towel and straight razor shave? Most modern hair salons don’t do those anymore. In fact most barbers don’t even know HOW to do it.
But here at our old fashioned Conway Village Barber Shop, all of our expert barbers know how to give you a classic hot towel and straight razor shave. Our man Steve has done them for over 42 years!
You may not really understand how it all works. When done correctly it is a very calming, relaxing experience. Almost like a spa treatment for men! Here is how it all works. Different barbers will do it slightly different, but in general the following steps are what most barbers adhere to.
Step One: The first step once you are relaxed in your chair that is pulled back so you are in a backward reclining position is applying a steaming, hot or warm wet towel around your face. Only your nose is uncovered so you can breathe. This relaxes your facial muscles, softens the hair and opens the pores. It feels great and is very relaxing. Your barber may do this once or several times.
Step Two: Once the towel is removed a special pre-shave oil is massaged into your skin, which helps the straight razor to glide across your skin, preventing it from dragging or scraping your face. Nice to know!
Step Three: Using a shaving cream brush your barber will apply a rich, warm lather of cream and soap to all areas that will be shaved. This lifts the hairs and helps glide the blade across your skin. Smells nice too!
Step Four: Now the shaving begins! Your barber will take a very sharp straight razor and glide it very close to the skin, shaving the lifted and softened hair. He or she knows how to stretch and pull your skin, using angles and smooth strokes to avoid cuts and irritation.
Step Five: Once the shaving is all done, another hot towel will be applied to your face to clean and wipe off any remaining lather and hairs. It helps to sooth the skin also.
Step Six: Finally for the last step a cooling balm or aftershave lotion is applied all over. It will moisturize and relax your skin, locking in moisture and leaving you feel refreshed. Smells pretty too!
That is how a classic hot towel and straight razor shave is done! If you have never had one I highly recommend going to Conway Village Barber Shop and asking for one. It feels great and you will leave feeling very refreshed.
Sitting in one of our vintage style barber chairs you will feel like Clint Eastwood in one of his westerns getting a straight razor shave! Please leave your six shooter pistols outside however!
Below is a video that shows how most hot towel shaves are done and all the steps most barbers will use. Our expert barbers are waiting to give you a great hot towel shaving treatment, so stop on in soon!