There is a reason "Shave Parlour" is part of the name. At Route 1 Barbershop & Shave Parlour on Lafayette Rd in Portsmouth, a shave is a full service with five distinct steps, a warm towel, and a barber who takes their time. Nobody is hurrying you out to seat the next customer.
Five Steps, No Shortcuts
Each shave follows the same order, and every step sets up the one after it.
- Lotion and massage. Your barber works a lotion into your face that helps guide the blade, and the massage relaxes the skin before anything sharp comes near it.
- Hot towel. Heat raises the hair follicles so the blade meets less resistance and the result is smoother.
- Lather and blade. A soapy lather goes on, and the hair comes off carefully.
- Cleanser. A facial cleanser is rubbed into the skin to encourage better blood flow.
- Cold towel. The final step closes the pores and leaves your face cool and tight.
Skip any of those and you have an ordinary shave. Keep all five and you have the reason people make the trip. As the shop puts it, "Our barbers are masters at skin revitalization for all skin types."
Why a Shop Shave Feels Different From Yours
Drugstore cartridges drag across skin that is dry or barely warm. The usual results are nicks, razor burn, and a face that never quite feels clean.
A barbershop shave changes the conditions before the blade arrives. Heat softens the hair. Massage loosens the skin. Lather gives the edge something to glide across.
Then the cold towel does a job no bathroom sink can.
The pace changes too. At home you shave standing at the mirror, watching the clock. Here you lean back, close your eyes, and let someone with trained hands handle it. You leave smooth, and you leave rested.
Who Handles Your Shave
Bay came to barbering after a career as a dental hygienist, and she is experienced in classic tapers, modern fades, and traditional razor shaves. Chad, the owner, is an NH Licensed Barber with over 6 years of experience and a retired Army veteran. You can read more about the barbers on our team before your visit..
Pair a Shave With Another Service
If your skin could use more attention, a men's facial runs about 45 minutes and adds cleansing massage creams and an astringent to tighten pores. If your hair is due as well, a skin fade finished with a straight razor or foil shaver gives you crisp lines up top to match a clean face below.
First time here? See everything Route 1 Barbershop & Shave Parlour offers in one place.
Hot Towel Shave FAQs
What is included in a hot towel shave?
Five steps: a lotion massage to guide the blade, a hot towel to raise the hair follicles, lather and a careful shave, a facial cleanser for blood flow, and a cold towel to close the pores.
Why does the hot towel come before the blade?
Heat raises the hair follicles and softens the hair, which lets the blade move more smoothly. It goes on after the lotion massage and before the lather.
What does the cold towel do?
It closes the pores. The cold towel is the last step, applied after the facial cleanser has been worked into the skin.
How is a shave different from a men's facial?
A shave removes hair with a blade. A men's facial takes around 45 minutes and focuses on the skin itself: face massage, hot towel service, cleansing massage creams, and an astringent to shrink pores.
Do I need an appointment for a shave?
Walk-ins are accepted for men's haircut services. For a shave, call (603) 431-4153 to book a time or ask about the day's schedule.
When is the shop open?
Monday through Thursday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Friday until 5:00 PM, and Saturday until 4:00 PM. The shop is closed Sunday and sits at 2800 Lafayette Rd, Unit #14, Portsmouth.