Watch more How to Shave videos: http://www.howcast.com/videos/511447-How-to-Do-a-Hot-Towel-Shave-at-Home-Shaving-Tips How to use a hot towel. At home when you're using a hot towel, what you're trying to do is achieve the same thing that we do in the shop. What it is, is that run the hot towel under hot water and then you ring it out. Put it on your skin where the beard is, where you're going to shave. The purpose of the hot towel is to soften the beard, so that you can get a closer shave and also open the pores. What I'm doing is preparing him for the hot towel shave. The first step of a shave, of course, is putting the hot towel. What the hot towel is going to do, it's going to soften the beard, open the pores up, so you get a closer shave with less irritation. You want to make sure the towel is not scalding hot, but warm. Make sure the whole beard area is covered, mustache, and at the neck area. You're going to let it sit for about a minute. That's how you use a hot towel for a shave.