Thread: Witchhazel as an aftershave?

Just wondering who out there uses witchhazel as a part of their daily shave routine. I usually throw a splash after applying an alum block, but before an aftershave. However I've heard many people say they use Witchhazel to replace a traditional aftershave.

Also, I find that applying it to irritated sensitive skin really reduces inflammation as it dries out the skin. But some have said it is not good to apply directly to irritated areas.

Appreciate any thoughts on this. Thanks.

That's pretty much all I use ----Dickinsons ---plain and simple and the Jasons Witchvera occasionally. I just want something that works and has little to no smell,


Justin

Same as Justin. I use Dickenson's and Jasons Witchvera. I don't know about applying it directly to irritated skin. I've not experienced any negative issues doing that but I've not heard one way or the other.

It is my only aftershave, too.

I believe witch hazel is traditionally used on inflamed hemroids -- that's some pretty irritated skin/whatever there. I don't know if witch hazel is necessarily drying to the skin or is it the alcohol typically used in witch hazel products. If you get a Thayers non-alcohol witch hazel product then I think it is all good. But for real men with rawhide for facial skin like me and Steve, a little alcohol is just something we laugh at .

Also they have witch hazel hydrosol ---which is just pure witch hazel and water.


Justin

Check that! Since witch hazel is a natural astringent it must has some drying properties of its own ---but to what degree I don't know ---

Justin

I like the scented Thayers witch hazels - I keep Lavender, Lemon and Rose on hand - they're so lightly scented, that any residual odour is usually gone by time the witch hazel dries on my face - plus, they have Aloe, and that's always good for minor irritations.

Some are alcohol free, and, for those days when I aspire to being as manly as Jaeger-dude (I know...I know...fat chance of ever even APPROACHING that level of manliness...but what is life without dreams?)(actually....let me clarify this right here....I DO NOT dream of Justin....I dream of being manly....got it?...ok...lets move on)...where was I...oh, yeah....some are alcohol free, and some have a bit of alcohol included, for that 'manly' sting. I likes 'em all.

..and I DON'T dream of Justin!

(...I dream about Jimbo...and Paris...)

-whatever

-Lou (cream-puff)

Originally Posted by scarface

I like the scented Thayers witch hazels - I keep Lavender, Lemon and Rose on hand - they're so lightly scented, that any residual odour is usually gone by time the witch hazel dries on my face - plus, they have Aloe, and that's always good for minor irritations.

Some are alcohol free, and, for those days when I aspire to being as manly as Jaeger-dude (I know...I know...fat chance of ever even APPROACHING that level of manliness...but what is life without dreams?)(actually....let me clarify this right here....I DO NOT dream of Justin....I dream of being manly....got it?...ok...lets move on)...where was I...oh, yeah....some are alcohol free, and some have a bit of alcohol included, for that 'manly' sting. I likes 'em all.

..and I DON'T dream of Justin!

(...I dream about Jimbo...and Paris...)

-whatever

-Lou (cream-puff)

Hell -- Lou go ahead and dream about me -- you won't be the first. I even dream about me sometimes but it's in a total platonic type of way --- but if you have your brain full of Jimbolina and Paris and Surrealistic Balls ---I understand ----

(I'm sending back all the designer potatoes you sent me -- take that buster)

Justin (no potatoes in Idaho --yeah right)

I use Thayers witchhazel then AS. Works for me.

Originally Posted by Firebox

I use Thayers witchhazel then AS. Works for me.

Same works for me....splash of Thayers then AS. Never tried Dickenson's, but I hear good things.

I rarely have a shave that doesn't use witch hazel. My usual routine is:
cold rinse > alum > wait/putter around for a minute or two > cold rinse > witch hazel > balm du jour (usually Coral Skin Food or a QED balm/conditioner).

Once in a while I'll go straight for the Clubman or Proraso splash and will follow with an unscented balm or Proraso balm respectively. Even then, I'll often use witch hazel before the splash.

It's way overkill but it feels great on the skin.