Witch hazel

[Wishoot]

I've been using it for years and love it.

Dickinson's typically gets used to dilute some of my stronger AS splashes.

Thayers is used when I shave in the evening and want a mild scent that doesn't linger very long

 

[RayClem]

My skin won't tolerate alcohol based aftershaves. Thus, I use witch hazel. I use either Dickenson's or generic store brands; they are very similar. I wet my hands, add a few drops of witch hazel and apply it to my face. If I get a good shave, the witch hazel application will be uneventful. If I get any sting, I know something went wrong with my shave.

 

[BobbyB]

I use witch hazel to clean residual soap from my face, and buff off any stubble the alcohol in it raises up.

 

[fast shaver]

I use the generic Witch Hazel & it works great at soothing my skin after a shave.

 

[Shaun asleep]

I've never used it, never felt I need ANOTHER product in my shaving routine. I use pre-shave, soap, alum if needed, aftershave and/or a balm. I'm cool with that. No need to add witch hazel.
I have read that the tannines dry out the skin, which in turn causes rash or acne. Not something I'm willing to pay for.

 

[FarmerTan]

What I recall about it (and it goes back some years) is that I tried a plain version and the rose scented Thayer's. The scent for both was quite off putting. But whattayagonnado? There are those who don't like the scent of Arko either...

I do love rose.... Thayers might get me to open my wallet for that one...

 

[CCS]

I do love rose.... Thayers might get me to open my wallet for that one...

I love rose too. I use T&H Rose shaving cream and GFT Coral skin food. What I didn't care for was Thayer's idea of rose witch hazel.

 

[Star_Wahl_Clipper_Treker]

I realize that scents are heavily subjective, as we all perceive scents differently, based on personal taste. Having said that however, what is everyone's opinion, on what brand they think, makes the best smelling witch hazel solutions? Cause we know Thayer's is not the only brand out there, there is also Humphrey's for example. Who do people feel makes the best smelling witch hazel's?

 

[BanjoCowboyMartaTobes]

50/50 split Thayers and any of my more alcohol strong aftershaves has been a game changer for my mug. Balm to follow makes for almost as good looking face as @FarmerTan’s!

 

[musicman1951]

I use it as an aftershave, before moisturiser. Astringent, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory. My skin likes it, and so do I.

As do I. But I use Thayer's toner with aloe and no alcohol. I've been using it for at least 5 years. I suppose the short answer is that it works for me.

 

[fast shaver]

I do love rose.... Thayers might get me to open my wallet for that one...

Please DO NOT open your wallet as there is most likely harmful Critters lurking in there.!

 

[FarmerTan]

Please DO NOT open your wallet as there is most likely harmful Critters lurking in there.!

I have managed to grow some REALLY big moths in my wallet by being the last guy to reach for the check at restaurant all these years!

 

[FarmerTan]

I love rose too. I use T&H Rose shaving cream and GFT Coral skin food. What I didn't care for was Thayer's idea of rose witch hazel.

Ah.... Thanks for the heads up my friend!

It is amazing to me just how bad some folks can mess up my favorite scents!

 

[CCS]

Ah.... Thanks for the heads up my friend!

It is amazing to me just how bad some folks can mess up my favorite scents!

Doesn't mean you won't like it. Based on the responses in this thread, I'm definitely in the minority.

 

[FarmerTan]

Doesn't mean you won't like it. Based on the responses in this thread, I'm definitely in the minority.

Well, if I can slip it past the lovely War Department, my next purchase will be a bar of Yardley Rose soap.... I'm thinking of mixing some up with Arko, and maybe Yardley Lavender and Arko too!

 

[Star_Wahl_Clipper_Treker]

Well, if I can slip it past the lovely War Department, my next purchase will be a bar of Yardley Rose soap.... I'm thinking of mixing some up with Arko, and maybe Yardley Lavender and Arko too!

Hi Dave!

Since you like rose scents, and all that flowery goodness, might I recommend Stirling's Queen Of Hearts bar and shave soap? Its a real hit with the ladies, and may make your handsome face smell too good for the war department to resist.

They also have a body butter, for the ladies who like their skin supremely smooth all the time...

 

[Star_Wahl_Clipper_Treker]

Based on the responses in this thread, I'm definitely in the minority.

Don't feel too bad about that, not everyone is gonna be into what everybody else is. Don't forget, we traditional wet shavers are only among the 1%. 99% of folks consider wet shaving a chore they would rather not do. Your still part of the club, even though you don't like Witch Hazel, and thats OK.

 

[NorthernSoul]

I sometimes use Thayers Aftershave Blam w/ aloe. Feels nice...

 

[Mr. Shavington]

While I enjoy splashing on witch hazel after a shave, for the feeling, I do tend to question whether any sort of post-shave astringent is necessary or useful. I know it is the received wisdom and I was always told to use an aftershave, but there is nothing but soap everywhere throughout the shave and I have never heard of anybody actually getting an infection from a shaving nick or a weeper. I wonder if this idea is just a hand-down from the days people shaved with straight razors, when they might get proper cuts and the water was not necessarily clean.

 

[CCS]

While I enjoy splashing on witch hazel after a shave, for the feeling, I do tend to question whether any sort of post-shave astringent is necessary or useful. I know it is the received wisdom and I was always told to use an aftershave, but there is nothing but soap everywhere throughout the shave and I have never heard of anybody actually getting an infection from a shaving nick or a weeper. I wonder if this idea is just a hand-down from the days people shaved with straight razors, when they might get proper cuts and the water was not necessarily clean.

I think there's wisdom in what you say. I have no real idea why I continue to use alum after almost every shave. Probably habit and who doesn't like rubbing salt into their own wounds?