Thread: Witch hazel as pre-shave treatment?

Today I skipped my morning shower, having showered before bead last night (I had done a bunch of yard work and didn't want to go to bed covered in grass clippings and sweat). Just as an experiment, I wet my face with witch hazel, rather than water, and let it soak for a minute or two before putting on my pre-shave oil. Then I shaved as normal.

It seemed like I got less irritation on my neck and jawline than I usually do with non-showered shaves, but it could just be placebo.

Has anyone else tried or use WH as a pre-shave, rather than or in addition to post shave?

Not yet but will tomorrow morning. Why not?

Haven't tried it but I know to never go out and mow the yard and work up a sweat AFTER shaving. Learned that the hard way. Ha.

Originally Posted by Gasman

Haven't tried it but I know to never go out and mow the yard and work up a sweat AFTER shaving. Learned that the hard way. Ha.

Ha,, Yeh Honey I Cant Do Nothing For The Next 6 Hrs,, Man Must Enjoy His Shave, Ha,, Ty

It happened to me a couple of days ago. I washed my beard and face, just to untangle and refresh it a bit. Afterwards, i massaged some of the WH on the hair just because of the smell and the moisture, and it felt softer than ever before. Tried shaving couple of minutes later , being curious as I am. It did wonders.

I haven't tried this, but I never shower directly before a shave. I did at first because of all the advice I read. Then just like you one day I had to forgo the shower and the shave seemed better.

I think for me, whilst the shower did indeed soften the hair it seemed to also make my skin more prone to irritation from the shave.

Now I don't use a pre-shave or anything else I just splash water on my face whilst washing it and then lather up and go. It really seems to work for me. Also showering the night before allows me to sleep in for an extra few minutes which is always a bonus.

The thing with this hobby is to just keep trying different things. What works for one may not necessarily work for another.

Having read this post though I might have to go and get some witch hazel and give that a try.