What to Expect from a Traditional Hot Towel Wet Shave with Facial

By Luxury Barbers London | Men's Grooming Products | Truefitt & Hill | Published: 2026-10-24

Category: Product Reviews

Discover the step-by-step process of a traditional hot towel wet shave and facial at Truefitt & Hill, including what happens during each stage and how to prepare for a luxury grooming experience.

Quick answer

A traditional hot towel wet shave with facial at Truefitt & Hill is a multi-step treatment that combines hot towel therapy, straight-razor shaving, and skincare—designed to give you a close, comfortable shave while caring for your skin and moustache.

Why choose a traditional hot towel wet shave over a regular shave

A hot towel wet shave softens the beard and opens pores, reducing irritation and allowing a closer shave than what you can achieve at home with a cartridge razor. The facial component adds exfoliation, extraction, and moisturising steps that a standard barber shave does not include.

This treatment is especially suited for men with sensitive skin or those who grow a moustache and want it trimmed precisely by a professional. The entire experience takes about 45–60 minutes, so it works well as a self-care ritual or a gift for someone who appreciates traditional grooming.

What the treatment includes beyond the shave

The Truefitt & Hill Traditional Hot Towel Wet Shave, Facial & Moustache Trim voucher covers hot towel therapy, a straight-razor shave, skin exfoliation, cleansing, extraction, toning, and moisturising. The barber also shapes and trims your moustache to your preference.

Because the service is a gift voucher, the recipient can book at their convenience. The price of USD 88.80 (compared to USD 120.00) reflects the premium nature of the treatment and the expertise of Truefitt & Hill barbers.

Step-by-step: What happens during a traditional hot towel wet shave with facial

1. Consultation and preparation: The barber discusses your skin type, beard growth, and moustache style preferences. They then apply a pre-shave oil or cream to soften the hair. Common mistake: not communicating your skin sensitivity. Speak up if you have razor bumps or allergies.
2. Hot towel application: A steamed towel is placed over your face for a few minutes to open pores and soften the beard further. This step is repeated between passes. Checkpoint: the towel should feel warm, not burning. Tell the barber if it is too hot.
3. Straight-razor shave: Using a sharp straight razor, the barber shaves with the grain first, then across or against it for a closer result. Each pass is followed by a fresh hot towel. Common mistake: expecting a single pass. A quality wet shave uses multiple passes for smoothness without irritation.
4. Facial exfoliation and extraction: A gentle scrub exfoliates dead skin cells, followed by manual extraction of blackheads or clogged pores around the nose and chin. Checkpoint: extraction can cause temporary redness. This is normal and subsides within an hour.
5. Cleansing and toning: A cleanser removes remaining oil and debris, then a toner balances the skin's pH and tightens pores. Common mistake: skipping toner at home. It helps prevent ingrown hairs after a close shave.
6. Moustache trim and shaping: The barber trims your moustache to your desired length and shape, using scissors or a trimmer for precision. Checkpoint: bring a reference photo if you have a specific style in mind. The barber can advise on what suits your face shape.
7. Moisturising and aftercare advice: A lightweight moisturiser is applied to soothe the skin. The barber recommends products for daily care, such as a post-shave balm or beard oil. Common mistake: applying heavy products right after a shave. Stick to non-comedogenic moisturisers for the first 24 hours.

Product details

Traditional Hot Towel Wet Shave, Facial & Moustache Trim: This treatment includes hot towel therapy, a traditional shave with a straight razor, skin exfoliation, cleansing, extraction, toning, and moisturising, plus a moustache trim. You get a complete skincare routine in one session, not just a shave, making it ideal for someone who wants both grooming and skin health.
Traditional Hot Towel Wet Shave, Facial & Moustache Trim