Thread: Witch Hazel....Where have you been?

2 things to add here: First, just a word on: Humphrey's Alcohol free. I swear by it.

Second: Alcohol free!!! If you have a drying issue, do without the alcohol.

That's it for me!!!

Happy shaving,

M

picked up some Thayer's original witch hazel from whole foods a few days ago. i feel that my skin is softer post-shave now. i think it's making a difference but it does seem to make my AS balm sting a little. i don't mind it, but some might.

Originally Posted by Str8Edge

I just finished a very nice hump day shave. I usually finish with a splash of cold water then some nivea sensitive balm. After hearing many wet shavers talk about how they love witch hazel I bought a bottle an splashed some on before my AS balm. Holy hell! Why have I waited so long to use it? It had a slight burn at first then mellowed nicely. I dont know if it does anything for nicks but I didnt even need my sacred styptic. Just wanna say to any guys that haven't used it or maybe given upon it, to get a bottle. And to anybody who has more post shave advice I'd greatly appreciate it.

I love the stuff I finish up each shave with a bit and have even taken to using it after I wash my face before I go to bed.

I use mine in the morning, to reduce the bags under my eyes, bloomin' fantastic stuff. Even got my little sister using it for her face, seems to have reduced the acne spots and its a cheap skinn toner as well

regards Alex

if you keep an empty shaving cream tub you can presoak cotton pads in witch hazel and keep them in the tub in the fridge for extra cooling effect.

Originally Posted by bombay

if you keep an empty shaving cream tub you can presoak cotton pads in witch hazel and keep them in the tub in the fridge for extra cooling effect.

Love it!!!!!

When you are making your own aftershave you could even put some WH in the mixture. It calms it down and gives it a nutruing feeling I think.

Scent aside, what is the "performance" difference between Witch Hazel and an Alum Block? I use an Alum block and never tried Witch Hazel. Not interested in using both really so I'm wondering if one is a suitable replacement of the other.

Originally Posted by porridgeorange

So all the talk of Witch Hazel got me thinking I should give it a shot. So I went to the local CVS and picked some up. I believe it was Dickinson's All Natural. It's 86% Witch Hazel Extract, 14% Alcohol (???). I have to say I like it quite a bit. I had just had a great shave: about as close to BBS as I've gotten with a DE w/Merkur blade(I use a late 40's Super Speed when my straight is out for honing and like to mix up my blades just for kicks). Cold water rinse and a splash of the Witch Hazel and it was magic (witchcraft?). None of the burn the OP mentioned. Just a cool refreshing feeling! I didn't get much of a scent just a slight woodiness. Good stuff!

Is Thayer's significantly better that the stuff I tried? If so, where can I get some!

-Ben

Whole Foods Markets carries Thayer's Witch Hazel, it costs about $ 10 when not on sale.There are a number of them in the Boston area. I like it because it does not have a harsh witch hazel odor and comes in several scents. Buying local is good when I need only one bottle and do not want to wait and pay for shipping.

HTH

I use the Alum for nics while shaving then after I rinse off and put witch hazel as an anti septic while I get ready then use after shave.