HOLY COW! Witch Hazel for the win - definitely!

[WilliamIam]

Okay, so I shaved this morning like usual, but I added witch hazel before my first lather and after my xtg pass.

WOW. I got BBS almost everywhere. I'm not sure if it was due to the witch hazel's effects on my skin directly, or if it made my skin less sensitive to the blade. I was able to tolerate a higher blade angle without wincing through every inch, and it made a HUGE difference. I went from 60 grit in most places to BBS in most.

I don't know if the WH is cheating, but I sure don't think so.

Good thing it's so cheap though, that's about 3 handfuls of witch hazel a day, including my followup.

Happy shaves!
William

 

[brianw]

Nothing is cheating if it works for you... congrats

 

[dpmtherrien]

Interesting, and worth a try. I always use WH after my shave, but before and during? I'll try it.

 

[dpm802]

I've been using the Before/After trick for a few months now ... it does make a difference.

I dry my face after washing, then apply the WH. BTW, I apply it to my whole face, including the forehead and especially across the nose and under the eyes, and then swipe some around the back of my neck and up over behind the ears. It really helps everything feel clean and refreshed, and the toning qualities do wonders for the bags under the eyes.

I let it air-dry while I putter around with prepping the gear, then I'll re-wet my face before I put on the lather.

The second coat goes on after a warm rinse and cold splash, let it air-dry, apply ASL, let it dry, then ASB.

 

[SiBurning]

Great when you try dumb stuff and it works. Any specific version?

 

[dpm802]

Great when you try dumb stuff and it works. Any specific version?

I use Thayer's ... I'm just finishing off my first bottle of Lavender (a 2nd one is standing by,) and I also use their Cucumber version. Both give great results.

 

[SiBurning]

I use Thayer's ... I'm just finishing off my first bottle of Lavender (a 2nd one is standing by,) and I also use their Cucumber version. Both give great results.

I was wondering whether some of the other ingredients had an effect. I have the Thayers with aloe vera and without alcohol.

 

[PigKnappster]

Ive been using WH after my shaves with good results, so now Im gonna have to step it up a notch and try it preshave as well, thanks.

 

[Zot!]

After applying Witch Hazel at the end of my shave, sometimes I feel an area with stubble. I will make a touchup with the razor without applying lather as the WH is lubricating. This seems to work well for me.

 

[ShaveRunner]

According to America Undercover on HBO, beauty pageant contests have been putting Preparation H ("aka overpriced WH") under their eyes for years to reduce the bags. The shave trick seems great though, I'll have to try it.

 

[Techie]

I have been using Thayers after I shave and absolutely love the stuff. This morning I used it after I got out of the shower and let it dry. Wet my face and started my usual routine. I got the best shave I have ever had! I now have a new routine. Thanks