Info about homemade aftershave for your head

[Be4everbald]

    I have been hearing about a homemade after shave using tree tea oil, aloe, and witch hazel.  I've been looking for the formulation for this with no luck.  I can't believe that it would just be as simple as three equal parts all mixed together.  Any help would be great!

[greatnessinc]

In my experience if you're looking to get a lotion type consistency you need to use more aloe than the other ingredients. If you don't already have one it's a good idea to get an eye dropper.

[buddha]

That would be me.

Pretty simple recipe. I start with a bottle of witch hazel, the brand isn't so important but I like to stay with the majors like Dickinson's. To this I add pure aloe vera gel until the mixture gets just a nectar thick consistency. Thicker than water but not as thick as Mrs. Butterworth's. Then I add pure tea tree oil until I can smell it in the mixture. Usually this is about 50 drops. The bottles I get have kind of a dropper-cap so the seperate eye dropper is not needed. Make sure you get real tea tree oil, not just the essence. The essence is only a scent and has no medicinal qualities.

As for the tea tree oil I use a brand called Now Foods. This can be gotten at most health food stores but it's cheaper at an online place called iHerb. Use reward code YON336 if you order from them, it'll get you another 5 or 10% off. I order all my supplements from them because after $50 or so they automatically give you free shipping. They also carry aloe gel but anything you can get in most pharmacies or health food stores is probably just as good. Don't get it with any scents or additives.

Hope that helps.

[Be4everbald]

That would be me.

Pretty simple recipe. I start with a bottle of witch hazel, the brand isn't so important but I like to stay with the majors like Dickinson's. To this I add pure aloe vera gel until the mixture gets just a nectar thick consistency. Thicker than water but not as thick as Mrs. Butterworth's. Then I add pure tea tree oil until I can smell it in the mixture. Usually this is about 50 drops. The bottles I get have kind of a dropper-cap so the seperate eye dropper is not needed. Make sure you get real tea tree oil, not just the essence. The essence is only a scent and has no medicinal qualities.

As for the tea tree oil I use a brand called Now Foods. This can be gotten at most health food stores but it's cheaper at an online place called iHerb. Use reward code YON336 if you order from them, it'll get you


another 5 or 10% off. I order all my supplements from them because after $50 or so they automatically give you free shipping. They also carry aloe gel but anything you can get in most pharmacies or health food stores is probably just as good. Don't get it with any scents or additives.

Hope that helps.

Thank you!  I will try this very soon.

[reddog]

Mixed up a batch today, so far I like it, has a nice shine and is not greasy. Can't wait to try it on my head this weekend when I return to sly after growing hair for a month! Cleaned and lubed the clippers today, and bought new razor blades, bump patrol, and tea tree oil.

[geeman]

I've just ordered the ingredients, looking forward to making it

[Timmer]

In my essential oils class we were told to use no more than 5 drops of Tea Tree Oil to any pint of carrier (witch hazel, etc.).  Having read this though, I think I'll give Budda's way a try. 

[FoiledAgain]

You can use other essential oils as well for both fragrance and and/or anti-bacterial properties. Lavender, rosemary and clove essential oils also have anti-bacterial properties. I like to combine equal parts lavender, rosemary and peppermint essential oils. It gives a nice fragrance, is anti-bacterial and the peppermint provides that stimulating cool feeling without the tea tree oil smell.

I would think 50 drops of essential oil is too much. For a standard container of witch hazel, I would think 25 drops of essential oils would be more than enough. I would start with less as you can always add more later if you feel it is not enough. On the other hand, if you use too much essential oil, you can always add more witch hazel and aloe juice.

[buddha]

I like that Peppermint Oil idea. I think I'm gonna try that on my next batch.

As far as the 50 drops of Tea Tree Oil that's just where I settled after a few trial and errors. I tried it with less and was not satisfied. When I went higher than 50 the scent was a bit much. So I just settled in at 50.

[reddog]

I've been using Buddha's formula for a while now. I love it, and I also use it all over after a shower. My s/o wants to try it as she said my skin is softer than hers now! Thanks again Mr Buddha, for the info.

[buddha]

A pleasure. Thank you for your kind words.