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

After 25 years of shaving (first with a Norelco that lasted 4 years, then a variety of Gillette cartridge razors) I switched to DE, SE, and Injector.
Soon to be using a straight.
I discovered witch hazel last year and now I use it after every shave. I apply about a half cap full and let it dry before using AS. I'd hate to be without it.

I use the cheap Dickinson's Witch Hazel that I pick up at CVS. After rinsing with warm water I splash with the Witch Hazel without drying in between.

I haven't experienced any of the burning sensation except when I cut myself - which is often. The smell is not great, but doesn't linger very long. No tightness either nor dryness.

One of these days I will take the plunge and buy some of the Thayers stuff, but I have more than 4/5th of a bottle left and being the frugal bastard that I am I don't think it'll be for a while.

I began wet shaving using an alum block as an astringent. Now I use witch hazel almost exclusively. Its a great astringent.

My favorite is Thayers Original, but have used Dickinson's as well. The Dickinson's is a lot cheaper than Thayers, but smells terrible imho.

Originally Posted by jhenry

I began wet shaving using an alum block as an astringent. Now I use witch hazel almost exclusively. Its a great astringent.

My favorite is Thayers Original, but have used Dickinson's as well. The Dickinson's is a lot cheaper than Thayers, but smells terrible imho.

I agree on the horrible scent of the Dickinson's, but Thayers is almost impossible to find here in western Canada.

True! Dickinsons has a nasty smell, but it doesn't linger long. Only astringent I've used for a long time, never tried any of the boutique ones as yet.

I use Dickinsons i dont have a problem with the smell at all kinda like it!!! The price sure is right and a 16 oz bottle will last a long time for sure!!

i bought some witch hazel at CVS..... it works fine.... but the smell could knock a buzzard off a gut wagon.....

ufff.... i bought a alum block... now i am happy...