Hot towel service involves providing heated, damp towels for refreshment and cleansing. A hospitality amenity with roots in Japanese oshibori tradition.
Common Settings
Airlines: Business and first class (before meals, before landing)
Barbershops: Facial preparation before/after shaving
Spas: Part of facial and massage treatments
Restaurants: High-end establishments (particularly Asian cuisine)
Hotels: Premium room amenities
Benefits
- Cleansing (removes oil, dirt)
- Refreshing (particularly after travel)
- Relaxing (warmth soothes muscles)
- Opens pores (beneficial for shaving/skincare)
- Hospitable gesture (shows care for guest)
How It Works
Hot towels are typically:
- Small face towels or cloths
- Dampened with water (sometimes scented)
- Heated (towel warmer, steam cabinet, microwave)
- Presented rolled or folded
- Used briefly then collected
At Home
Create hot towels at home:
- Dampen a face cloth
- Roll tightly
- Microwave 20-30 seconds
- Test temperature before use
- Add essential oil drops for scent (optional)
Related Terms
- Oshibori - Japanese origin
- Towel warmer - Heating method