The Hot Towel Shave Experience

In a world of five-blade disposable razors and electric shavers, the hot towel shave stands as a reminder of what grooming used to be—and still can be. It's not just a shave; it's a ritual, a moment of relaxation, and a genuinely closer cut than anything you can achieve at home.

What Is a Hot Towel Shave?

A hot towel shave is a traditional barbershop service that combines the precision of a straight razor with the luxury of steam, hot towels, and premium products. It's the way men were shaved for generations before cartridge razors took over.

At Traditions Pilsen, we pair our hot towel shaves with haircuts for the complete grooming experience. It's a service that says you care about how you present yourself—and that you deserve a little time to relax.

The Process

1. Preparation

Everything starts with a hot, steaming towel wrapped around your face. The heat opens your pores and softens your facial hair, making it easier to cut. There's nothing quite like the feeling of that first towel—it's immediately relaxing.

2. Pre-Shave Oil

While your face is still warm and relaxed, we apply a pre-shave oil. This creates a protective layer between your skin and the razor, reducing friction and helping the blade glide smoothly.

3. Lather

Using a traditional shave brush, we work up a rich lather from quality shave cream. The brush helps lift your hair away from the skin, setting it up for a cleaner cut. The lather is applied in circular motions, which also provides a gentle exfoliation.

4. The Shave

This is where skill matters. Our barbers use a straight razor or shavette, working with the grain of your hair in careful, precise strokes. The blade removes hair at skin level—something multi-blade razors can't match.

5. Second Pass (Optional)

For an even closer shave, we can apply another hot towel and lather, then do a second pass against the grain. This gives you the smoothest possible result.

6. Cool Down

A cold towel closes your pores and prepares your skin for aftercare. The temperature contrast feels refreshing after all that heat.

7. Aftershave

We finish with a soothing aftershave balm or splash. This calms the skin, prevents irritation, and leaves you smelling fresh.

Why It's Better

Closer Shave

A straight razor cuts hair at skin level. Multi-blade razors pull hair before cutting, which can cause ingrown hairs. The straight razor approach is gentler on your skin while delivering superior results.

Less Irritation

When done right, a hot towel shave causes less irritation than shaving at home with a cartridge razor. The preparation, quality products, and skilled technique all contribute to a comfortable experience.

The Experience

Let's be honest—there's no way to replicate this at home. The hot towels, the skilled hands, the ability to completely relax while someone else takes care of you. It's a small luxury that makes a big difference in how you feel.

Better for Your Skin

The steam, exfoliation, and quality products are actually good for your skin. Regular hot towel shaves can improve your complexion and reduce razor bumps and ingrown hairs.

Who Should Try It?

A hot towel shave is for anyone who:

• Wants to experience traditional barbering
• Has a special occasion coming up (wedding, interview, date)
• Struggles with razor bumps or ingrown hairs
• Deserves a break from their regular routine
• Appreciates quality craftsmanship

Even if you wear a beard, a hot towel shave around the edges provides clean lines and a polished look you can't achieve with trimmers alone.

Our Men's Haircut + Hot Towel Service

At Traditions Pilsen, we offer our hot towel experience as an add-on to haircuts. For $60, you get a precision cut plus the full hot towel treatment. It's the complete package—walk in looking good, walk out looking and feeling great.

Whether it's your first time or you're a hot towel veteran, our barbers will take care of you. This is the kind of service that keeps clients coming back, and we're proud to offer it.