Does everything in this video make for a better shave?

[Brassplyer]

I ran across this elaborate shave at a barber in Ireland - is some of what they're doing fluffy extras for the sake of "the experience" or does it all genuinely make for a superior shave? What does running the towel across his forehead do?

 

[silverlifter]

I've had hot towel shaves, and they are great. Not better than stepping out of a hot shower and shaving yourself, but a pretty good approximation if you have just walked in off the street. The rest of the stuff is just being pampered. It feels good because you are just lying there and someone else is doing all the work.

But no, it does not make for a better shave and, if your baber is sporting a full beard, I would expect that it is likely to be far inferior to what you can do yourself.

 

[Brassplyer]

I've had hot towel shaves, and they are great. Not better than stepping out of a hot shower and shaving yourself, but a pretty good approximation if you have just walked in off the street. The rest of the stuff is just being pampered. It feels good because you are just lying there and someone else is doing all the work.

But no, it does not make for a better shave and, if your baber is sporting a full beard, I would expect that it is likely to be far inferior to what you can do yourself.

I notice he's using a shavette not a bona fide straight razor, I assume it's a less hassle way to have a consistently sharp razor.

 

[silverlifter]

I notice he's using a shavette not a bona fide straight razor, I assume it's a less hassle way to have a consistently sharp razor.

It's pretty common for barbers to only have shavettes. In the 1980s, at the height of the AIDS epidemic, many governments mandated replaceable blades.

But yes, it means our bearded friend doesn't need to know how to hone a razor.

 

[Beefdrippings]

In Italy straights are illegal. Have to use a shavette. Which makes no sense. A blade you can wipe off then put in barbacide. A brush on the other hand could potentially hold blood in it much more than a blade.

Anyway, part of the reason for a hot towel would be to clean your face and soften the hairs. Something a shower at home accomplishes. It’s really quite enjoyable. I’ve had a few hot towel shaves in Italy and it’s a great experience.