Avoiding aftershave - a bad idea?

[andreas83]

I started to shave my head with a safety razor a few months ago.
Every time I got red rash after I shaved. I was sure that it was due to shaving, but I tried to ignore using any aftershave and guess what: no redness!
I have used aftershave products that are free of both perfume and alcohol but still got red rash.

Can you completely ignore use an aftershave or is it a bad idea?

 

[joshmv]

I'm not sure what the pro's will say, but I don't use any and haven't had any problems. I was actually about to make a post about that right now so you might check for it in a few minutes.

 

[BlackBard]

I started to shave my head with a safety razor a few months ago.
Every time I got red rash after I shaved. I was sure that it was due to shaving, but I tried to ignore using any aftershave and guess what: no redness!
I have used aftershave products that are free of both perfume and alcohol but still got red rash.

Can you completely ignore use an aftershave or is it a bad idea?

First, welcome to B&B. You have come to the right place for answers to shaving questions. Now my answers to yours, in order asked. Yes and No.

The purpose of aftershave (aside from scent) is to soothe the skin after shaving. If you get better results when you do not use aftershave, then you do not need to use it. This makes not using after shave a good idea.

Edit: Until about 10 years ago, I did not use any kind of aftershave. I just rinsed with cold water and was done. I must say, though, that witch hazel is great as an aftershave.

 

[jamesspo]

While I use AS splash most of the time, it's certainly not required for me. That of course brings up the question of why I use it . I guess I just like the way it make my face feel, and I like the smell of the aftershaves I use. For you, I think its a no-brainer to stop using it if it makes your face red. You might consider just a splash of witch hazel (the non-distilled variety that has no alcohol), if you'd like an astringent, just to see if that treats you better.

 

[london]

While I use AS splash most of the time, it's certainly not required for me. That of course brings up the question of why I use it . I guess I just like the way it make my face feel, and I like the smell of the aftershaves I use. For you, I think its a no-brainer to stop using it if it makes your face red. You might consider just a splash of witch hazel (the non-distilled variety that has no alcohol), if you'd like an astringent, just to see if that treats you better.

Try Theyers alcohol free toner with witch hazel and aloe vera it's very mild,soothing and great for razor burn and redness.

 

[ZackP]

Sounds like maybe just a moisturizer or balm would work for you. But, hey, if ya don't need it, ya don't need it!

 

[BennyVega]

It's all a matter of preference. I use a balm to help soothe and moisturize my skin. If I don't use it then my skin feels slightly itchy and irritated until the stubble starts to come through.

 

[Quintar]

first off it'd be helpful if you said which aftershave you are using.
You might be allergic to something in there besides fragrances, perhaps it has lanolin or a number of other irritants...
You might also consider going the other way. lots of people think alcohol is bad and think balms are better for your skin but that's not necessarily true. My face gets itchy and irritated if I use a balm but alcohol based splashes work fantastic and soothe my skin wonderfully. so maybe try an alcohol aftershave or plain witch hazel like others have mentioned.
or don't use any at all, it's not mandatory...

 

[Niles]

Some of us just finish up with a splash of cold water. (I usually finish with an aftershave splash).

 

[Teddyboy]

I started to shave my head with a safety razor a few months ago.
Every time I got red rash after I shaved. I was sure that it was due to shaving, but I tried to ignore using any aftershave and guess what: no redness!
I have used aftershave products that are free of both perfume and alcohol but still got red rash.

Can you completely ignore use an aftershave or is it a bad idea?

Have you tried Witch Hazel or an alcohol-free balm?

 

[johnh]

Cold water and if wanted Witch Hazel. AS is optional.

 

[PFP_Dad]

As others have said, AS is not necessary. Some morning I simply forget when I'm running late and don't remember until I get to the office. It's unfortunate because I like the smell and feeling, but I really don't notice any difference at all with my skin or shave.

 

[wquiles]

It might be that the particular AS simply does not agree with your skin, either alcohol, or some other "harsh" ingredient(s). I use Nivea Sensitive Post Shave Balm, (white glass container, alcohol-free), and it is soothing on the skin and never gives me any irritation/discomfort.

Will

 

[bvance554]

Sure you don't need to use it. I never used any until a couple years ago, but now I feel like I need it. I'm sure I wouldn't notice much of a difference if I didn't use it, but I don't think that will be happening any time soon

 

[JDTTO]

Depends, on your skin, product and shave.

When I have a gentle shave with a good moisturising (or non drying) soap or cream, I sometimes skip the AS but I generally have a smoother skin when I have used an AS.

I never use anything just for the scent.

 

[KipNoxzema]

Welcome to B&B. You're on the right track by avoiding the after shave with alcohol. Do what the others said and try one with witch hazel in it. I recommend a homemade batch, easily and cheaply made. It stops the stinging dead in its tracks.

 

[andreas83]

Thanks for your replies!

I'll try Witch Hazel and see if it makes any difference. I worry that the skin will become dry if I do not use anything at all after shaving.

Just to clarify my problem:
The red rash I get after using aftershave tends to be much less red after half an hour or so. This makes me wonder if it is simply natural that my head turns red when I rub around the head immediately after shaving. And it's always on the sides I turn red, never on top of the head and almost never the back of my head.

I think I have only used aftershave balm, including one containing Aloe Vera.

Someone mentioned trying something with alcohol. I tried it once but then I was red as a tomato.

 

[El-a-Menthol]

Sure you can, if it works for you.
Try alum and, indeed, try witch hazel.

 

[craig94yj]

Welcome to the B&B! I am also a head shaver and I like the AS balm. I was breaking out with AS splashes so I switched to the CVS brand of the Nivea for sensitive skin. I find it does a nice job of "cooling" the skin and the scent is very light. If the Witch Hazel doesn't work try the Nivea or CVS for sensitive skin. Good shaves to you!

 

[Go West Young Man]

Witchhazel IS an aftershave. It's not commercially packaged and branded as and aftershave, but it serves the exact same purpose as those that are.