I'm currently using Vitalis, which I thoroughly enjoy, but I wanted to branch out a little and try some higher end hair tonics that perform just as well if not better, AND have a better scent.
Wanted: Hair tonic suggestions.
- Thread starter Labowski
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I don't know that you would call it higher end, but of all the hair tonics I have my favorite would be Jeris Hair Tonic. It smells great and performs well. I use the Pinaud hair tonics for aftershaves.
I've been using Jack Dean Eau De Portugal and I really like it. The scent is orange peel citrus and it holds my hair well without being greasy.
My second favorite is Pashana Blue Orchid Friction Lotion. The scent remind me of a more refined version of Tres Flores and it too leaves my hair looking good.
I also have a bottle of D.R. Harris Eau de Portugal, without oil, that I use from time to time. The scent is more lemony than the Jack Dean Eau De Portugal and it has a bit of menthol, it's great in the summer.
When I want to use an unscented hair tonic I reach for Lucido Hair Tonic.
My second favorite is Pashana Blue Orchid Friction Lotion. The scent remind me of a more refined version of Tres Flores and it too leaves my hair looking good.
I also have a bottle of D.R. Harris Eau de Portugal, without oil, that I use from time to time. The scent is more lemony than the Jack Dean Eau De Portugal and it has a bit of menthol, it's great in the summer.
When I want to use an unscented hair tonic I reach for Lucido Hair Tonic.
I understand breaking away from Vitalis. Tonics, as a rule, will be fairly inexpensive as their usage is rather limited - I think. Like Patrickthebassbash said, Jeris is a good one. It is made both with and without oil. I use the one with oil as the other offers me very little. Another one - with an interesting scent - is Wildroot. It's still sold rather widely. It is fairly strong in the hold department so go slow if you've never used it. Another rather strong one - scent and hold - is Tres Flores. It's not at all expensive so if you don't care for it, it's not a big expenditure. There are a number of English ones which I found to be a bit on the weak side and more oriented to scents. You can find a number of them on-line by searching a bit.
I recently started using Lucky Tiger 3 Purpose Hair Tonic. My barber used it on me and I liked it, so I picked up a bottle from WCS. Not expensive at all and has good hold and scent.
http://www.westcoastshaving.com/Lucky-Tiger-Three-Purpose-Hair-Tonic-16oz_p_1200.html
http://www.westcoastshaving.com/Lucky-Tiger-Three-Purpose-Hair-Tonic-16oz_p_1200.html
Lucky Tiger & Wildroot smell good and work fine on short hair styles.
Lucky Tiger is fine and gave me a decent hold but the fragrance may or may not agree with you.
Recently, I've been dampening my hair with Clubman Eau de Portugal Hair Tonic (which has a nice scent but
zero holding power, IMHO) and then massaging in a few drops of Mystic Waters hair oil, which provides a nice,
non-greasy hold, and then combing through.
I guess you could get a similar result with D R Harris Eau de Portugal with Oil Hair Tonic, which probably would be
considered a "high end" alternative.
Have fun experimenting!!
Recently, I've been dampening my hair with Clubman Eau de Portugal Hair Tonic (which has a nice scent but
zero holding power, IMHO) and then massaging in a few drops of Mystic Waters hair oil, which provides a nice,
non-greasy hold, and then combing through.
I guess you could get a similar result with D R Harris Eau de Portugal with Oil Hair Tonic, which probably would be
considered a "high end" alternative.
Have fun experimenting!!
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- #8
All awesome suggestions! Thanks for the input fellas!
+1 on Jeris. With oils in winter and without in summer.
Try making your own. I use jojaba oil and distilled water. If you want a scent get some essential oils. mix the jojaba and essential oils (a few drops of E.O.) i add a couple of drops of alcohol to break it down a tad. Add distilled water and put it in a spray bottle. Shake it up good before spraying in your hair.
Just a thought if you wanted to try making your own!!!
This one i have in the pic is made with patchouli, teatree, and sweet orange essential oils... I call the scent king kong!
Just a thought if you wanted to try making your own!!!
This one i have in the pic is made with patchouli, teatree, and sweet orange essential oils... I call the scent king kong!
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I can also recommend Pinaud Clubman Hair tonic. Smells just like the classic aftershave scent. Also Osage Rub. Very refreshing.
I use Lucky Tiger right now, but D.R. Harris tonics are really awesome as well.
I am currently using Pinaud Eau de Portugal but agree that there isn't much holding power. This Jack Dean Eau de Portugal has me all sorts of curious. If you didn't know, Jack Dean is the rebranded name for Pashana in the US because of some trademark law.
I used a bottle Pinaud Eau de Quinine. A real strange scent!
I used it with pomade, so I didn't need any hold from it.
I used it with pomade, so I didn't need any hold from it.
I've found that Hair liquids are better (for me). They tend to hold a bit better than tonics. If you're hair is thinner and more manageable I'd go with a tonic. If it's thicker and unruly, go with a liquid.
I love Mandom Hair Tonic and Liquid
I love Mandom Hair Tonic and Liquid
Have heard Pashana was embroiled in a trademark struggle but was unaware it sells under another name in the U.S.;
thanks for that info!
p.s., just noticed that the U.K. Pashana hair tonics, including the Eau de Portugal, are sold by QED; five plus oz. for
$ 12.95. If you hadn't piqued , I wouldn't have done the search, so thanks again!
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I have been doing the same thing but with some propylene glycol that gives me a much better hold! Of course my scents are different as well.
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- #18
Excuse my ignorance, but what is the difference between the two? I have thick/coarse hair and so far Vitalis provides pretty decent hold for my side part/comb over style. I'm a little hesitant to try the tonics (or liquids i guess) with oil. I don't want to have greasy hair.
Try Jeri's without oil.
Do you think it needs a little alcohol as well? I'm about to try something like this recipe as well, but not sure if adding some form of de-natured alcohol will have any added benefit(s).I have been doing the same thing but with some propylene glycol that gives me a much better hold! Of course my scents are different as well.
