Beard Grooming 101: The Relevance of Hot Towels for Shaving

Grooming is necessary for everyone because it makes a great impression on whoever we meet. Unkempt and messy hair looks unprofessional enough, but it doesn't just apply to head hair, especially for men, because they also need to take care of their beards. To look clean, the easiest way is to shave it off.

Shaving a beard is pretty straightforward, but it's a serious endeavour because you need to prepare and plan to get the desired result. Shaving could be as easy as applying shaving cream and gliding your razor on your face, but some men prefer using a hot towel because it's a better way to shave. Not many men know how a hot towel shave works, so we'll discuss the details in this article.

How Hot Towel Shaves Work

A hot towel shave is performed by moistening the towel with water and applying it to the face. The heat and moisture in the towel help relax the face, allowing the skin and facial hair to be more flexible and easier to shave. But before you pull out the towel, it's essential to prep the face first. You need to do the following:

Step 1: Prep with a Facial Wash

Wash your face with a facial cleanser because it removes dirt, oil, and makeup that could hinder the shaving process. Apply it to your face and neck, and then rinse it clean.

After that, pat your face dry with a towel. Some hot towel shaves call for dampness, but if you have dehydrated skin, it's essential not to get the skin too moist to avoid potential irritation.

Step 2: Get the Towel Ready

Prep the towel by using a heated towel warmer. If you don't have one, you can boil water and place your towel in it. You'll know it's ready when the towel is hot and moist.

Step 3: Apply the Towel

After warming the towel, grab a part of the towel with your non-dominant hand, then place it over your face. Leave the towel for a few minutes to let the heat penetrate the skin.

Step 4: Start Shaving

Once the towel is applied, you can start shaving. Shave in the direction of your hair growth, beginning on the chin area, then move to the rest of the face.

Be careful not to apply too much pressure when shaving because it can cause irritation and razor burns. Apply minimal pressure and let the razor glide smoothly on your skin.

The Benefits of a Hot Towel Shave

If you decide to get a hot towel shave, here are the benefits you'll reap:

Opens Your Pores

Exfoliating your face by cleansing and shaving will open your clogged pores, allowing them to breathe and cleanse the toxins that can cause acne, blackheads, and other skin conditions.

It also exposes your skin and gives it a breath of fresh air because it removes the hair that can block the pores. If you're prone to developing acne and other skin irritations, a hot towel shave will restore your skin's natural balance.

Softens Your Skin

The heat from the hot towel will soften the skin, making it easier for the razor to glide easily on the face, so there will be less friction.

Prevents Razor Burns

Hot towel shaves keep your skin from burning after shaving because the heat in the towel will make your skin flexible. Furthermore, the steam from the towel can also help relax blood vessels, which helps prevent acne and other skin conditions.

Peak Relaxation

A hot towel shave is relaxing because it helps ease tension on the face. It's perfect for men who experience tension in the face area and are prone to developing headaches and migraines.

Is It for You?

Hot towel shaves are more of a luxury than a necessity, so you don't need to make them part of your weekly routine if you feel it's not for you. However, it's an excellent remedy for those with sensitive skin or who need an easy way to get rid of their beards. You can shave your face or head with a hot towel, but if you decide to apply it to your head hair, ensure that you don't use too much heat, or it might burn your skin.

Conclusion

A hot towel shave is an excellent way to keep your face smooth and clean. It's a more relaxing and comfortable way to shave because it helps combat problems like razor burns and other skin conditions. If you haven't tried a hot towel shave, you shouldn't shy from trying it.

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