The Ultimate Guide to the Hot Towel Shave at Pair of Shears Barbers, Dublin
Close your eyes for a moment.
Imagine warm steam rising around your face. The scent of sandalwood or eucalyptus. The gentle pressure of hot towels softening your skin. The quiet snip-snip of scissors elsewhere in the shop. And then—the smooth, deliberate glide of a straight razor across your jaw, removing not just hair but the tension of your entire week.
This isn't a fantasy. It's a hot towel shave at a real barber shop.
In an age of disposable razors and rushed mornings, the traditional hot towel shave stands apart. It's not about efficiency. It's not about getting it done as quickly as possible. It's about taking time for yourself. About trusting a skilled professional to do something you can't do at home. About stepping out feeling like a new man.
At Pair of Shears Barbers, we've kept this tradition alive. We believe that every man should experience a proper hot towel shave at least once—and that many men should make it a regular part of their grooming routine.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know about the hot towel shave: what it is, what to expect, why it's different, and why Pair of Shears is the place in Dublin to experience it.
What Is a Hot Towel Shave?
A hot towel shave is a traditional barber service that uses heated towels, professional-grade products, and a straight razor to deliver the closest, most comfortable shave possible.
More Than Just a Shave
A hot towel shave isn't just about removing hair. It's a multi-step process designed to:
Open pores with steam and heat
Soften the beard so the razor glides rather than pulls
Exfoliate the skin gently through the towelling process
Hydrate and protect with specialised products
Close pores at the end to prevent irritation
Relax you completely for 30–45 minutes
The result is skin that feels smoother, looks clearer, and stays smoother for longer than anything you can achieve at home.
The History of the Traditional Shave
The straight razor shave has been a cornerstone of barbering for centuries. Before disposable razors, before electric shavers, men went to the barber for a shave. It was a regular ritual—weekly, sometimes daily.
The barber was a trusted figure in the community. The shave was a moment of peace in a busy day. The hot towels, the lather, the skilled hand—these weren't luxuries. They were standards.
Today, we've brought that tradition back. Not because men can't shave themselves—but because a professional shave is fundamentally different. Better. And worth experiencing.
The Hot Towel Shave Experience: Step by Step
If you've never had a hot towel shave, here's exactly what happens when you book one at Pair of Shears.
Step 1: Consultation & Preparation (3–5 minutes)
We start by talking. Do you have sensitive skin? Are you prone to ingrown hairs? Have you had reactions to products before? What are you hoping for from this experience?
We also check your beard. If it's very long, we might trim it down first with clippers. The ideal length for a hot towel shave is 2–3 days of growth—enough for the razor to grip, not so much that it takes forever.
Step 2: Pre-Shave Oil (1–2 minutes)
We apply a lightweight oil to your beard and massage it in. This does two things:
Lubricates the skin so the razor glides smoothly
Softens the hair, making it easier to cut
The oil also provides a protective barrier, reducing the risk of irritation.
Step 3: The First Hot Towel (3–5 minutes)
A thick towel is steamed until it's hot (but not burning) and wrapped around your lower face. You lie back. You close your eyes. The heat opens your pores and softens your beard to its maximum.
This is where the relaxation begins. For a few minutes, you do nothing. The world outside fades away.
Step 4: Hot Lather Application (2 minutes)
We whip up hot lather in a shave mug—not from a can, but from real shave soap or cream. Using a badger or synthetic brush, we apply the lather in circular motions. The brush lifts the hair, ensuring every strand is coated and standing up for the blade.
The lather is hot, rich, and smells incredible.
Step 5: The First Pass (With the Grain) (5–8 minutes)
Using a straight razor with a fresh blade, we shave with the direction of your hair growth. This removes the bulk of the hair.
The blade is impossibly sharp. You'll hear it cutting—a quiet scraping sound—but you won't feel tugging or pulling. A straight razor cuts cleanly, reducing irritation compared to multi-blade cartridges.
We work methodically: one sideburn, then the other. The cheeks. The upper lip. The chin. The neck. We stretch your skin as we go, creating a smooth surface for the blade.
Step 6: The Second Hot Towel (2–3 minutes)
Another hot towel removes the remaining lather and resets the skin. It opens the pores again, preparing for the second pass.
Step 7: The Second Pass (Across/Against the Grain) (5–8 minutes)
Now we go for the closest possible shave. Depending on your skin sensitivity, we'll shave either across the grain or against it. This pass removes the hair below the surface level, leaving your skin completely smooth.
We're extra careful on sensitive areas: the neck, the upper lip, the jawline.
Step 8: The Cold Towel (2–3 minutes)
A cold towel closes your pores and soothes any irritation. The temperature contrast feels incredible after the heat of the earlier steps.
Step 9: Aftershave & Moisturiser (2 minutes)
We finish with a high-quality aftershave balm—alcohol-free to avoid drying—followed by a moisturiser. Your skin is now smoother than it's been in years.
Total time: 30–45 minutes of pure relaxation.
Why a Straight Razor?
If you've never experienced a straight razor shave, you might wonder: why not just use a cartridge razor?
Here's the difference:
Cartridge RazorStraight Razor Multiple blades that tug and cut below the skinSingle blade that cuts cleanly at the surfaceBlades dull quicklyFresh blade for every client—always sharpCan cause ingrown hairs (cutting below skin)Lower risk of ingrown hairsDisposable, impersonalTraditional, skilled, intentionalYou do it yourself, rushedA professional does it for you
The straight razor delivers a closer shave with less irritation—when used by someone who knows what they're doing. That's the key. It's a tool that requires skill, practice, and respect. At Pair of Shears, our barbers have that skill.
The Pair of Shears Difference
Not all hot towel shaves are created equal. Here's what sets us apart.
We use fresh blades for every client. Single-use, disposable blades. Nothing touches your skin that hasn't been sterilised or is brand new.
We take our time. A hot towel shave isn't a rushed service. We book proper time for every appointment. You won't feel hurried.
We use premium products. No canned foam. No cheap aftershave. We use professional-grade shave creams, oils, and balms that are gentle on sensitive skin.
We understand Irish skin. Dublin skin can be sensitive, especially after exposure to wind and hard water. We adjust our technique and products accordingly.
We do consultations properly. Before we start, we talk about your skin, your history, your concerns. A great shave starts with understanding the client.
Who Is a Hot Towel Shave For?
Client TypeWhy They BookThe GroomWedding day, engagement photos, a big date—nothing makes you look sharperThe ExecutiveBefore a big presentation, job interview, or important client meetingThe StressedAn hour of pure relaxation in a busy weekThe Ingrown SuffererProfessional shave resets your skin and reduces future ingrownsThe TraditionalistAppreciates the craft and wants to experience a dying artThe CuriousAlways wondered what it's like—and finally ready to find outThe Self-Care SeekerBelieves that taking time for yourself isn't indulgence, it's maintenance
Dublin-Specific Shaving Considerations
Hard Water: Dublin's hard water leaves mineral deposits on your skin, which can cause irritation and make shaving harder. Our pre-shave oil and hot towels help cut through that buildup.
Sensitive Skin: Irish skin can be prone to redness and reactivity. We use gentle, natural products and adjust our technique—lighter pressure, fewer passes if needed.
Windburn: If you've been out in Dublin's wind before your appointment, your skin might already be irritated. We'll take extra care, using soothing products and a gentler touch.
Seasonal Changes: Winter dry skin requires different products than summer humidity. We adjust based on the season and your skin's current condition.
Preparing for Your Hot Towel Shave
Do:
✓ Grow your beard for 2–3 days before your appointment (enough stubble for the razor to grip)
✓ Come with clean skin (but not freshly washed—natural oils are good)
✓ Let us know about any skin sensitivities or allergies
✓ Arrive a few minutes early to relax before we start
✓ Avoid alcohol immediately before (it thins the blood and increases sensitivity)
Don't:
✗ Shave the morning of your appointment
✗ Use heavy products or moisturisers before coming in
✗ Come in with sunburn or active skin irritation
Aftercare: Keeping Your Skin Happy
Immediately After:
Don't touch your face for a few hours
Avoid heavy sweating or exercise for the rest of the day
Stay out of direct sun if possible
The Next Day:
Use a gentle, alcohol-free moisturiser
If you're shaving yourself again, wait 24–48 hours
Use a sharp, clean razor—a dull blade will undo our good work
Long Term:
Consider making a professional shave a regular part of your routine—once a month can make a significant difference
Hot Towel Shave vs. At-Home Shaving
AspectAt HomeHot Towel Shave at Pair of ShearsTime3–5 minutes, rushed30–45 minutes, relaxedToolsCartridge razor, canned foamStraight razor, hot lather, premium productsSkillYour tired handsProfessional with thousands of shaves experiencePrepSplash of waterMultiple hot towels, pre-shave oilResultGood enoughThe closest shave you've ever hadExperienceChoreRitual
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How often should I get a hot towel shave?
For maintenance, once a month is a great rhythm. For special occasions, book as needed. Some guys come in every 2–3 weeks as a regular treat.
2. Will a hot towel shave last longer than shaving at home?
Yes. Because the straight razor cuts so cleanly, the hair takes longer to regrow to a noticeable length. Most men stay smoother for 24–48 hours longer than with a cartridge razor.
3. Is a hot towel shave safe for sensitive skin?
Yes—and often better than shaving yourself. We use gentle products and can adjust our technique (lighter pressure, fewer passes) for sensitive skin. Many clients with sensitive skin find professional shaves cause less irritation than their at-home routine.
4. Does a hot towel shave hurt?
Not at all. You'll feel the blade, but it shouldn't hurt. The prep work (hot towels, oil, lather) softens everything so the razor glides. If you feel tugging or discomfort, tell us—we'll adjust.
5. What's the difference between a hot towel shave and a regular barber shave?
The hot towels are what make it special. Some barbers offer a basic shave without the towels—just lather and a razor. The hot towels open pores, soften the beard, and add the relaxation element that makes the experience.
6. Can I get a hot towel shave if I have a beard?
Yes—but we'll be shaving around it, not removing it. We offer neck clean-ups and cheek line definition as part of beard maintenance. The hot towel process is still deeply relaxing.
7. How much does a hot towel shave cost at Pair of Shears?
Our Classic Hot Towel Shave is €[Price]. The Executive Package (haircut + shave) is €[Price]. We'll confirm pricing when you book.
8. Is a straight razor sanitary?
Absolutely. We use disposable blades that are changed between every client. Nothing that touches your skin is reused. Hygiene is non-negotiable.
9. What if I fall asleep?
Then we've done our job. Falling asleep in the chair is a compliment—it means you're relaxed enough to let go. We'll wake you gently when we're done.
10. Can I get a hot towel shave if I have acne or active breakouts?
We generally recommend waiting until breakouts have healed. Shaving over active acne can spread bacteria and cause further irritation. If you have a few spots, we can work around them.
Experience the Ultimate Shave
There are things you do because you have to. And there are things you do because they make you feel alive. A hot towel shave is the second kind.
It's not about efficiency. It's not about getting it over with. It's about taking 45 minutes for yourself. About lying back in a comfortable chair while someone who has dedicated their craft to this work takes care of you. About walking out looking like a million euros and feeling even better.
At Pair of Shears Barbers, we've kept this tradition alive because we believe in it. We believe that every man deserves to experience a proper hot towel shave at least once. And we believe that once you have, you'll be back.
You've been shaving yourself long enough. Let someone else take care of you for a change.
Book your hot towel shave at Pair of Shears Barbers today. Your face—and your soul—will thank you.