Thread: When to use an Astringent?

When d oyou normally use a astringent, such as Witch Hazel, before you shave as part of the prep or after?

I currently don't use it, but have seen it on many people's list of how they either prep or finish off a shave.

Thanks

I use witch hazel after I shave.

Originally Posted by MasterRolf

I use witch hazel after I shave.

What is the benefit of doing it after you shave?

Tones skin, closes your pores and generally feels good. It's a natural, sting-free aftershave. Read the label carefully, some WH has alcohol added to it. Some are scented, too, which is a nice addition.

Witch Hazel is a mild local anesthetic and vasoconstrictor and thus reduces irritation, inflammation, and erythema following a painful shave.

And yeah, it closes the pores which is important for those who can’t wait for that to happen naturally after a hot shave.

Simper circa,
LG Roy

I was told once that Witch Hazel helps the hair stand up striaghter so it should be used prior to a shave to get a closer shave. Is it ok to use Withc hazel twice, once before na once after?

chrbia1,

As an astringent, witch hazel has the potential to cause whiskers to stand up (piloerection). To what degree and duration only experimentation will tell.

Those who claim to get good shaves by using cold water/lather may be experiencing the same phenomenon.

Witch hazel is fairly benign stuff and unless you have a unique sensitivity to it, there is probably no harm in using it early and often.

LG Roy

Library Guy,

Thanks for your help. I will try it tomorrow and see if it helps in my most difficult area( under the chin).

I use witch hazel after my shave.

Hello, chrbia1:

I use astringents always after the shave. Ordinarily I rely on an application of alum block, my favorite, but occasionally I reach for the witch hazel.

With alum block, I wash off the lather after the shave with facial soap and warm water, apply alum block (run the block under cold water), leaving it on my Hollywood face for about a minute or so, and then rinse with cold water. Aftershave balm and aftershave lotion follow.

With witch hazel, I wash off the lather with facial soap and warm water, rinse with cold water, apply witch hazel, and then follow with aftershave balm and aftershave lotion.

Oh, joy of joys.

Regards,
Obie