One of the best parts of getting a shave at the barber is the hot towel. However, there’s no need to go to the barbershop to get a perfect shave and it’s rather easy to make your own hot towel at home.
So if you want to make a hot towel at home, get yourself a dry towel, apply an essential oil onto it while it’s still dry, put it under hot water (or tapid water and then in a microwave) and there you have it. Your very own DIY hot towel. Now apply it to your face before the shave.
For those of you who like a more detailed step by step guide. Here you go:
Step 1 – Get a Towel
Simple enough. Grab a towel from around the house, preferably a rather small one. A wash cloth will also work and some people prefer it – really, any towel will do.
Step 2 – Pick an Essential Oil
Essential Oils are used by barbers to make the towel more relaxing for the customer.
It’s not completely necessary, but is definitely preferred. You can pick whatever scent you like the best, but some suggestions of common scents for hot towels are lavender and eucalyptus.
My personal favorite is the Imperial Pre-shave oil.
Step 3 – Apply the Oil to your Towel
It’s important to apply the oil to the towel while it is dry. All you need is a couple of small drops around the towel for a great and refreshing smell.
Step 4 – Heat Your Towel
There are several different methods you can use for heating your towel:
- Running the towel under hot water. This method can be good if your faucet pumps out steaming hot water, but if it doesn’t, you might want to try another method.
- Microwave it. Run your towel under the faucet and ring it out until it is just a little damp. Then, throw it in the microwave for about thirty seconds and that’s it. You have a hot towel ready to go!
- Using hot water from the teapot. If your faucet water doesn’t get hot enough and you don’t want to use the microwave method, this could be the right method for you. Also, this step lets you also boil some additional water that you can use for your morning tea or coffee.
Step 5 – Apply to Face
Finally, apply your hot towel to your face, sit back…and enjoy!
