Why the hot towel shave still matters

The oldest service on our menu is still the one guests ask for most.

A hot towel shave takes around 45 minutes, and every one of them does something. The first hot towel opens the pores and softens the beard. The pre-shave oil protects the skin. The lather, worked in with a brush, lifts every hair so the razor can glide rather than drag.

It is the closest shave you will ever have, and the most relaxing.

A straight razor cuts cleaner than any cartridge, so there is less pulling and less irritation. Two passes, with and then across the grain, leave the skin smooth without being raw.

We finish with a cold towel to close the pores and a light balm. Most guests fall asleep at least once. We take that as a compliment.