hottowel

Hottowel, typically written as hot towel, refers to a towel that has been warmed for comfort, grooming, or spa use. It can be produced by electric towel warmers, heated cabinets, or by briefly immersing a towel in hot water and wringing it out. In professional settings, hot towels are often used to prepare the skin or hair for treatment, or to provide a relaxing finish.

Types and devices

Electric towel warmers are common in homes and salons. These devices, often wall-mounted or freestanding, keep towels at a safe, comfortable temperature using an integrated heating element. Central heating towel rails are installed in bathrooms, relying on the building’s heating system. Hot towel cabinets or warmers designed for salons store and heat multiple towels, sometimes with cycles to ensure towel availability and sanitization. Some practices use steam- or hot water–preheated towels for more rapid heating or specific spa protocols.

Uses

In barbering and facial treatments, hot towels are applied to soften facial hair, open pores, and cleanse the skin, typically followed by a cool towel to close pores. In spa and wellness settings, warm towels can aid muscle relaxation, comfort, and the preparatory stages of a treatment. At home, heated towel racks or warmers provide comfort after bathing and help towels dry more quickly while reducing mildew in damp bathrooms.

History

The use of warm towels in grooming and spa services has long-standing roots in barbering and spa traditions. Modern electric towel warmers and cabinets emerged in the 20th century, offering consistent temperature control, improved hygiene, and convenience for both consumers and professionals.

See also

Towel warmer; sauna; spa treatment; barbering.