Is Witch Hazel effective as an aftershave?
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I use Thayer's WH products as well, for about 2 years...often I will use just that and nothing else (no balm, no nothing)...it does a great job for me all by itself; as far as your health is concerned, I'm not sure what you are afraid would happen to you, but in the last 2 years I haven't had any infections from nicks or anything of the like. No other illnesses to speak of - i think I had a cold for 4 days...pretty good track record!
Yes, witch hazel works fine as an AS. I usually use an AS or ASB, but sometimes just some Thayer's is all I need.
I use Dickensons all the time as an AS when I don't want a scent. (or before my scented AS to sooth my skin.)
In answer to your question. Absolutely!
Have used Dickensons for a while and its just as effective as an AS splash IMO.
I usually use both the WH and a splash of AS for the scent..
Have used Dickensons for a while and its just as effective as an AS splash IMO.
I usually use both the WH and a splash of AS for the scent..
I use thayer's rose pedal and I absolutely love it and the scent. I wait till it dries and then use another type of aftershave selection ie. gillette sensitive or what have you.
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I'm worried the alcohol might not be adequate per se - I've always used my OS after my WH. I can now bring less stuff with me when I travel.
Oh and, thanks for everyone's responses!
Following a shave, I use:
1. Thayer's Witch Hazel with Aloe;
2. Jason Aloe Vera Gel;
3. MenScience Moisturizer.
1. Thayer's Witch Hazel with Aloe;
2. Jason Aloe Vera Gel;
3. MenScience Moisturizer.
The disinfectant attribute of the alcohol content in after shaves is questioned by many authorities. Due to it's low percentage (30%-50% wheras percentages higher than 70% would be needed) it's not as effective as it mght feel like.
Use witch hazel and don't share your razor.
Use witch hazel and don't share your razor.
Absolutly, you don't NEED the burn...
The days of needing alcohol to sterilize your skin after a shave are long gone - due to better personal hygiene, no sharing of brushes/blades at the barber, reduced infectious diseases in the environment, etc. There's the rare report of a minor infection, and even rarer reports of staph from razor, but those fall into the "1 in a million" category.
Enjoying the alcohol sting, however, is a whole other question.
Enjoying the alcohol sting, however, is a whole other question.
I believe the Witch Hazel extract itself is anti-septic (I'm assuming the OP was concerned about this?)
As a night shaver on my work days I use Dickerson as an aftershave.
Great for the skin.
Great for the skin.
We're not talking about disinfecting surgical instruments before use on the next patient!
Certainly 30% alcohol provides more protection against possible infection than a 0% alcohol cold water rinse.
I was talking about this with a co-worker this evening. Can someone point to a discussion on what exactly Witch Hazel does? What is the difference between a splash and a balm AS? What is AS supposed to do? Other than disinfecting? I understand the smell aspect, but what else is it supposed to do? And what are the tradeoffs between splash and balm. I use WH my wife happened to have around and Nivea aftershave, but I couldn't explain to him why I did so. He is looking into buying an AS that comes in a balm and a splash, but I couldn't give him any real advice. Thanks!
Some related info that might answer some of your questions
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=145868
My understanding of WH is that it is an astringent. It tightens the skin and closes up the pores PDQ. All that hot water and lather works to open your pores up -- witch hazel slams them shut. This allows you to apply post shave skin treatments to the surface of your skin without filling your pores with them.
It''ll also shut down minor bleeding from nicks.
Cheers,
Ian
It''ll also shut down minor bleeding from nicks.
Cheers,
Ian
Witch Hazel is excellent for use as an aftershave.
For years, and I mean years, that was all I used for work before I retired. I just wanted something that would provide an astringent for my skin. I worked almost exclusively with just other men, and didn't need to smell all sweet and stuff.
For years, and I mean years, that was all I used for work before I retired. I just wanted something that would provide an astringent for my skin. I worked almost exclusively with just other men, and didn't need to smell all sweet and stuff.
FWIW, I have been a licensed Barber in Florida for more years than I care to remember (I'm in my 50's) and witch hazel has ALWAYS been a part of every professional shave I have done. Scented AS was optional and at the customer's discretion. Most of the other Barbers I have known have done likewise. I also used to teach Barbering and we would do the same at the Barber college.
For me, it ain't a shave without the witch hazel (and, IMHO, that means Dickensons!)
) and witch hazel has ALWAYS been a part of every professional shave I have done. Scented AS was optional and at the customer's discretion. Most of the other Barbers I have known have done likewise. I also used to teach Barbering and we would do the same at the Barber college.For me, it ain't a shave without the witch hazel (and, IMHO, that means Dickensons!)
More than half my shaves I use WH as an aftershave exclusively. I add peppermint and lavender for an added scent and cooling sensation. If I had a bad shave, I'll also use balm. If I want a different scent, I'll wash the WH off after a few minutes and apply an aftershave or cologne. But typically WH is all I need, and I almost always use it for every shave.
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