What are some of your most essential items?

[ILikeASMR]

I've had short hair for a long time (dandruff sucks) but I decided to try shaving it smooth a couple of months ago and I really liked the result. All I did was use the exact same stuff that I use on my face (a new triple blade razor and some Barbasol.)

I'm overwhelmed with all the products I've seen on here and I can't really afford to go buying one of everything just to try. I've never used a pre-shave scrub, alum, a shaving brush, witch hazel?, after shave balm, lotion, moisturizer, exfoliates, special head/face soap, etc.


Over time, I'm sure I'll try all sorts of products but in the meantime, is there any way you can help me narrow down my shopping list a bit?

[buddha]

The pre-shave scrub can get pricey. You can get a different form of it by buying it in bar form. Some of the natural food markets carry it in that form. Probably $5-6 a bar which is the same as the paste but it lasts a lot longer. I got mine at a place called Trader Joe's in Illinois.

As far as the alum bar I read somewhere (in here, I think) that if you buy one of these things called a Thai Deodorant Stick you can rub that on a cut with the same effect. You can use styptic pencils, too, but they burn and leave a white residue.

I don't use a shaving brush so I can't really comment. Some of the guys in here are absolute believers. I might be, too, if I tried one for a while but I haven't done it.

Witch Hazel.....accept no substitutes. It's the real deal. I mix aloe gel and tea tree oil in mine in case I shave a little too close and get some razor burn. That's one thing I won't do without.

I don't use after shave balms or lotions except for a thing called Osage Rub. I get it on Amazon and I think it's great. I sometimes get an itchy scalp after shaving and the Osage Rub shuts it down quick. It has a menthol chill to it that feels great.

The other stuff, special soaps, moisturizers, etc, well, you just have to run an occasional experiment and let us know how it goes.

[Cave Dweller]

There are a lot of products out there, but I use a basic shaving cream (right now it is Barbasol) and a Gillette Fusion. My head gets shaved at the same time as my face.

Then a shower.

After, a once over with an astringent like Sea Breeze. When I first started, I applied an after shave balm until my skin got accustomed to it.  Now, however, that's it for me.

Oh, and welcome, ILikeASMR.  I did not see this was your first post.

[Mikekoz13]

For you guys using shaving stuff out of a can.... do yourself a favor and get some GOOD shave soap. I recommend Cella, Proraso, and RazoRock products but there are other great shave soaps out there.

Also, once you use a brush you will never be without one again. You can get a NICE brush for about $30.

As for products..... I love the Bee Bald products. It's a great line.

For an after shave I LOVE .... Clubman Pinaud. It's a classic old school scent that only costs about $8 for a bottle. Don't be put off by how inexpensive it is, it is great.

[xabydaddy]

Shave soap and brush, witch hazel and St. Ive's Apricot Scrub

[Plano]

I definitely second the St Ives Apricot Scrub (or a store brand similar).

Nivea Shave Gel (never cream as I have sensitive skin), triple blade Gillette Fusion Razor, Kiehl's Matte Finish Face Lotion (however I put it on my head, too, EXCELLENT stuff), I also use the Nivea cream in a tin on my face.

My skin is extremely nice and always get compliments on it, but it's because I take good care of it, and I do pay a little more at times.

I also use the Kiehl's "wake up" face wash in the shower. It's called "Facial Fuel", it's EXCELLENT.

Kiehl's is leaps and bounds better than most lines that I have experimented with, at least.
Semi expensive, but worth it.

[Sir Harry]

Welcome! I'm going to give you a short list of my sly essential items:

1. Shave Secret ($3.85 at WalMart)
2. Pack of Wilkinson DE blades ($1.76 at WalMart)
3. Witch Hazel (about $6)
4. Head Rub(free depending on how lucky you get )

Aside from number four, Sly can get pretty expensive if you keep experimenting....but it will be worth it once you find the right combination...Good luck!

[JustDoIt]

I used to get bad dandruff and it was really because I didn't know certain things.  This led to my hair thinning a lot on top.

Do not wash your hair with hot water!  Wash your head and hair with cold water and massage the scalp.  When I started using cold water then my scalp felt so much better.  I used to blast my head with hot water thinking I'd get rid of the dandruff.  I had no idea.  Once I asked a barber and that's when I finally got some helpful advice to only use cold water on your head.  I wish I knew it sooner.

[buddha]

1. Shave Secret ($3.85 at WalMart)

+1 

[Plano]

1. Shave Secret ($3.85 at WalMart)

+1 

Can you guys let me in on the "Shave secret"?

Kinda curious. Looking it up now, just wanted some user feedback

[mahaw90]

Badger brush, headslick, shave secret, headblade sport, Nivea post shave balm. Dollop of headslick on the brush, 7 drops of shave secret, add abit of water. Apply to head and then shave away. Awesome

[mahaw90]

[xabydaddy]

Oops, forgot about Shave Secret! I mix a few drops in with my shave soap.

[geeman]

alum bloc....awesome

[mahaw90]

Never used an alum block, what are the advantages of using one? I might get myself one.