How long does a hot towel shave take?

About 30–45 minutes for the full experience — prep, two hot towels, two razor passes, and aftercare. Plan for closer to an hour if you are pairing it with a haircut.

Is a straight razor shave better than shaving at home?

Yes — and it is not close. Hot towels open the pores, the lather penetrates deeper, and a straight razor cuts hair more cleanly than a multi-blade cartridge. Less irritation, closer result.

Can I book a hot towel shave with a haircut?

Yes. The hair + shave combo is one of our most-booked appointments — plan for 75–90 minutes total.

Is a hot towel shave good for sensitive skin?

Yes, when done by a professional. Your barber will adjust the pressure, skip the against-the-grain pass if needed, and use a calming aftershave. Tell your barber if you have sensitive or reactive skin.

How much does a hot towel shave cost at Detroit Barbers?

Hot towel shaves start at $45. Pair it with a haircut or beard trim for a discount on the combo.

How often should I get a hot towel shave?

Most clients book one for special occasions or every 2–4 weeks as part of a grooming routine. There is no wrong cadence.

Hot Towel Shave in Metro Detroit

The traditional barbershop straight-razor shave — full prep, hot towels, lather, and aftercare — at Detroit Barber Co.

4.9 RatingStarting at $45+

BOOK NOW ALL 8 LOCATIONS

A hot towel shave is the oldest service in the barbershop — and at Detroit Barbers, it is also one of the most requested. The full experience takes 30 to 45 minutes and runs through every step the traditional barbershop shave was built around: consultation, skin prep, hot towels to open the pores, two passes of warm lather, a careful straight-razor shave, and aftercare to close everything back down. No clipper guard, no electric razor, no shortcuts.

Done right, a hot towel shave is closer than anything you can do at home. The barber works with the grain on the first pass and across or against the grain on the second, depending on how your skin tolerates it. The hot towels soften the hair before the blade ever touches your face, which is why a barbershop shave leaves your skin smoother and far less irritated than a rushed shave in front of the bathroom mirror.

Book it on its own when you want to slow down, or pair it with a haircut or beard trim for the full Detroit Barbers experience. Available across all eight of our Metro Detroit shops.

What This Service Includes

Skin Consultation

Your barber checks your skin type, sensitivity, and grain pattern before the blade comes out. Sensitive skin gets a different approach than a thicker beard.

Skin Prep & Pre-Shave Oil

Cleanser and pre-shave oil to soften the hair and protect the skin before the lather goes on.

Hot Towel Wrap

A hot towel is wrapped around your face to open the pores and lift the hair. This is the step you can not replicate at home.

Warm Lather Application

Traditional warm shave cream applied with a brush — better penetration, better lift, better glide.

Straight-Razor Shave

Two passes with a straight razor — with the grain, then across or against, depending on skin tolerance. The closest shave you can get.

Cool Towel & Aftercare

Cool towel to close the pores, aftershave balm to soothe, and a final check to make sure the shave is even from every angle.

Who This Service Is Best For

Men who want a closer, smoother shave than they can get at home
Grooms and groomsmen the week of a wedding
Special occasions: photos, big meetings, milestone events
Men who want a relaxing, slow grooming service — not just a haircut
Beard cleanup when you want a perfectly defined neckline and cheek line
First-timers who have always been curious about the traditional barbershop shave

What to Expect at Detroit Barbers

STEP 1
Recline & Relax
The chair tilts back. You will be reclined for the entire service — most clients close their eyes and unplug.
STEP 2
Prep & First Hot Towel
Cleanser, pre-shave oil, then a hot towel wrapped around your face for 60–90 seconds to soften the hair.
STEP 3
Lather & First Pass
Warm lather applied with a brush, then the first straight-razor pass with the grain.
STEP 4
Second Pass, Cool Towel, Aftercare
A second pass for closeness, a cool towel to close the pores, and a soothing aftershave balm to finish.