Thread: The Hot Towel

Hello, it's me again with another crazy question.

The hot towel may seem pretty self explanatory but I think it deserves a bit of time in the lime light. It seems as though it is common practice to use a hot towel as a pre-shave routine but what kind of towel is best and how is it best heated?

If I were to answer the questions myself I would say any type of hand towel dampened and thrown in the microwave for a bit to get it steaming hot. Since I am new to all this, maybe that's not the most effective way. Maybe a certain type of towel is better and maybe boiling a pot of water to pour over the towel is better.

What are your favorite towels and methods for heating, how do you apply it, and for how long?

Thanks in advance,
Jack

When I first started I used a hot towel , but I never got around to heating it in a microwave, just in the hot water in the sink as I was getting everything ready ,, I still soak the towel but I don't use it anymore for pre shave , I wipe my blade on it folded on the side of the sink , then I wipe my face as I finish after running cold water on it,, my pre shave routine is pretty simple now except on weekends and special occasions. But any decent hand towel will do and how hot you like is the determining factor on how. Tc

I rarely use a hot towel anymore, but I shave right after I shower. When I do use one, it is a very soft and fluffy hand towel that I dampen and microwave for a minute. I usually also put a drop of lavender or clove oil on the towel before microwaving so that I can enjoy the scent.

Clearly there are those that swear by it, and I used to use a towel soaked in very hot water, BUT, I gave it up, because at least on my face, I suspected it was contributing to less comfortable shaves. I cold water shave occasionally (actually a lot in the summer), but most of the time now do lukewarm shaves. I believe the REAL key is getting your face WET, good and wet, before applying the lather, and repeatedly if you go slowly.

I view a hot towel as a luxury and not a necessity.

I have not seen that it is a "common practice" to use a hot towel as a preshave,,, maybe at a barber shop.

I use a towel as a post shave,,, folded bar towel soaked under running water, placed on a plate in microwave, heated for 1 minute. Used to wipe the remaining soap from the face & warm massage.

I have done the hot towel a few times and cant really say it helped or hurt. It is pleasing and feels great and really the only times I have done it is when I would get home after working nights and not shower just shave and go to bed. But like I stated I could not really see where it changed a lot. I just bought some cheap towels at Wal Mart, get it wet wring some water out then toss into microwave and enjoy. Try it and see what you think like I say it does feel nice

I use a hot towel on occasion as a treat. I picked up a cheap rice cooker at Wal-Mart along with a couple of fluffy hand towels. Fold the hand towel into the rice steamer and let it go. Just be careful, it is a REALLY hot towel. As stated above, I don't think it's necessary, but it is nice.

I run hot tap water (140F) on small towel then hold to face. Sometimes over applied pre-shave oil/cream and same with shave lather.

Originally Posted by jmercer

I run hot tap water (140F) on small towel then hold to face. Sometimes over applied pre-shave oil/cream and same with shave lather.

+1
I use a small hot towel every shave, I can definitely notice the difference. I have tried microwaving a damp towel for 1 min but using hot water works just as well for me.
As said a few drops of essential oil on the towel really adds to the experience.