Sly Bald Guys Forum

Head Shaving, Grooming & Care => How To Protect Your Bald Head => Topic started by: Kevin G on December 30, 2012, 03:22:33 AM

Title: Witch Hazel and ClearHead
Post by: Kevin G on December 30, 2012, 03:22:33 AM
I have been using Witch Hazel since I started shaving my head.  I love the stuff and the way it makes my head feel.  Recently I have gotten ClearHead and really like it too.  It is definitely a keeper  O0.  I have been using the Witch Hazel right after my shave, then followed by ClearHead and finally a moisturizer.  Is it ok to use both?  Or should I use one or the other?  Also what about other after shaves.  I have always used Nivea's sensitive skin after shave which I really like.  But ClearHead is essentially an aftershave minus the moisturizer.  So should I only use one or the other?  I was just curious being that this is all newer to me.
Title: Re: Witch Hazel and ClearHead
Post by: Lynchy on December 30, 2012, 04:32:11 AM
I haven't used clearhead.....yet.

But IMO if its working and you happy keep doing what your doing.

I use an alum block and Witchhazel, it might be overkill but it works for me.

Re: other aftershaves there is literally thousands to choose from. I'm a big fan of Geo F Trumpers Skin Food.
Title: Re: Witch Hazel and ClearHead
Post by: valldo on January 02, 2013, 02:52:24 AM
I use Clearhead when I feel a little bit of razor burn, otherwise I apply Witch Hazel. Never both though as I finish with an Aloe Vera Gel or squeeze gel directly from a few Aloe plants i grow in the garden
Title: Re: Witch Hazel and ClearHead
Post by: Gary~ on January 02, 2013, 04:41:57 AM
I bought and tried some witch hazel for the first time ever the other day after reading about it on this forum. Interesting smell. doesn't cost much even though comes from US and is going to last for ages. Haven't put it on my scalp much but it's great on the face -- it seems to really smooth the skin without of course making it greasy. It's the viscosity of water. This place is making me a little girly I think.
Title: Re: Witch Hazel and ClearHead
Post by: Lynchy on January 02, 2013, 02:52:02 PM
I bought and tried some witch hazel for the first time ever the other day after reading about it on this forum. Interesting smell. doesn't cost much even though comes from US and is going to last for ages. Haven't put it on my scalp much but it's great on the face -- it seems to really smooth the skin without of course making it greasy. It's the viscosity of water. This place is making me a little girly I think.

Did you order your from the Internet Gary?

I use the TN Dickson from Woolies/Safeway....
Title: Re: Witch Hazel and ClearHead
Post by: mahaw90 on January 02, 2013, 02:53:26 PM
I keep it simple, ClearHead only.
Title: Re: Witch Hazel and ClearHead
Post by: VoodooSyxx on January 02, 2013, 03:36:06 PM
Sorry if it sounds stupid, but what exactly does witch hazel do for ya? I've seen mention of it several times around here but I don't know anything about it. Is it any different than just using plain old aftershave?
Title: Re: Witch Hazel and ClearHead
Post by: Gary~ on January 02, 2013, 04:06:46 PM

Did you order your from the Internet Gary?

I use the TN Dickson from Woolies/Safeway....


I also got it in Woolworths -- not the web. The TN Dickinson's is the only one that I could find. A bottle is going to last a long time -- good value.
Title: Re: Witch Hazel and ClearHead
Post by: Lynchy on January 02, 2013, 06:06:09 PM

Did you order your from the Internet Gary?

I use the TN Dickson from Woolies/Safeway....


I also got it in Woolworths -- not the web. The TN Dickinson's is the only one that I could find. A bottle is going to last a long time -- good value.
Yes its pretty long lasting stuff.
Im pretty tempted to try one of theese http://www.mensbiz.com.au/shop-by-brand/thayers-witch-hazel.html at some point. Price is a little high though.
Title: Re: Witch Hazel and ClearHead
Post by: Gary~ on January 02, 2013, 08:13:17 PM

Im pretty tempted to try one of theese http://www.mensbiz.com.au/shop-by-brand/thayers-witch-hazel.html at some point. Price is a little high though.


Hey, thanks for the link. I've bookmarked it and will do some research later to see what's in it if that info is available. I like the idea of no alcohol and it looks like really good stuff. Expensive, but free shipping and a pretty big bottle too. Probably last at least a year. And not expensive compared to what the ladies pay for their stuff.

Tried witch hazel on my skull today for the first time -- seems good. Not too sure about what the difference is between 'toner' and 'astringent' though. More research -- just as well I have nothing better to do -- too hot today anyway.
Title: Re: Witch Hazel and ClearHead
Post by: baldjoeg on January 02, 2013, 08:15:50 PM
I have used both witch hazel and clearhead after a shave. Witch hazel helps sooth any irrritation on the skin that I may have. Clearhead helps eliminate any bumps that may develop. I highly recommend using both products. I use witch hazel after a cold rinse of my head in cold water after a shave to close the pores. The cold rinse helps to eliminate bumps from developing on my head. I usually then use headblade glossy lube which gives the noggin the nice shinethat I like and keeps my head moisturized.
Title: Re: Witch Hazel and ClearHead
Post by: Gary~ on January 02, 2013, 08:18:11 PM
Sorry if it sounds stupid, but what exactly does witch hazel do for ya? I've seen mention of it several times around here but I don't know anything about it. Is it any different than just using plain old aftershave?

I've never use after shave so I don't know what it does. They reckon that it's a toner whatever that means. I can only say that by my direct observation it seems to make the skin smoother perhaps by reducing the pore size? It's the viscosity of water, dries in a few seconds and has an interesting bitter smell. They suggest you use it under after shave or moisturiser or whatever you use if anything.
Title: Re: Witch Hazel and ClearHead
Post by: Lynchy on January 02, 2013, 08:33:13 PM
Sorry if it sounds stupid, but what exactly does witch hazel do for ya? I've seen mention of it several times around here but I don't know anything about it. Is it any different than just using plain old aftershave?

I've never use after shave so I don't know what it does. They reckon that it's a toner whatever that means. I can only say that by my direct observation it seems to make the skin smoother perhaps by reducing the pore size? It's the viscosity of water, dries in a few seconds and has an interesting bitter smell. They suggest you use it under after shave or moisturiser or whatever you use if anything.
Yeah,

It’s an astringent, so it tightens the skin, which stops any little nicks or weepers you may have. And I’m pretty sure that it’s an antiseptic also which helps with bumps and ingrown.

I have been using it on my head since I first started shaving and started using it on the face too when I picked up the whole DE thing.

It’s well worth a look if you chasing something to replace aftershaves. Alum blocks are also pretty good IMO

Title: Re: Witch Hazel and ClearHead
Post by: Gary~ on January 02, 2013, 08:52:57 PM

Yeah,

It’s an astringent, so it tightens the skin, which stops any little nicks or weepers you may have. And I’m pretty sure that it’s an antiseptic also which helps with bumps and ingrown.

I have been using it on my head since I first started shaving and started using it on the face too when I picked up the whole DE thing.

It’s well worth a look if you chasing something to replace aftershaves. Alum blocks are also pretty good IMO



I'm a little bit intrigued by alum blocks because I have never heard of them until coming to this forum. I bought a styptic pencil which contracts blood vessels and is comprised of 98.6% aluminium sulfate which according to wikipedia is a type of alum. Then I note that the crystal deodorant that I use is 'mineral salts of ammonium alum'.

So I'm already using alum but what does it do when you put it on your scalp or face and what type of alum [chemical] is it? I also wonder if you could use this crystal deodorant stuff on cuts to stop bleeding if you don't have anything else?

Any concerns about using such a comparatively large amount of chemical daily? Or, is it pretty safe? Is the alum like a block of mineral or sort of fatty like soap?
Title: Re: Witch Hazel and ClearHead
Post by: VoodooSyxx on January 02, 2013, 10:09:51 PM
Sorry if it sounds stupid, but what exactly does witch hazel do for ya? I've seen mention of it several times around here but I don't know anything about it. Is it any different than just using plain old aftershave?

I've never use after shave so I don't know what it does. They reckon that it's a toner whatever that means. I can only say that by my direct observation it seems to make the skin smoother perhaps by reducing the pore size? It's the viscosity of water, dries in a few seconds and has an interesting bitter smell. They suggest you use it under after shave or moisturiser or whatever you use if anything.
Yeah,

It’s an astringent, so it tightens the skin, which stops any little nicks or weepers you may have. And I’m pretty sure that it’s an antiseptic also which helps with bumps and ingrown.

I have been using it on my head since I first started shaving and started using it on the face too when I picked up the whole DE thing.

It’s well worth a look if you chasing something to replace aftershaves. Alum blocks are also pretty good IMO



Ahh Thanks for explaining guys. Works for me, because I need a good astringent. Something else to look out for next time I go to the store.
Title: Re: Witch Hazel and ClearHead
Post by: Beardman on January 03, 2013, 12:29:26 AM
I bought and tried some witch hazel for the first time ever the other day after reading about it on this forum. Interesting smell. doesn't cost much even though comes from US and is going to last for ages. Haven't put it on my scalp much but it's great on the face -- it seems to really smooth the skin without of course making it greasy. It's the viscosity of water. This place is making me a little girly I think.

Did you order your from the Internet Gary?

I use the TN Dickson from Woolies/Safeway....

I was wondering if woolies stocked it... I must admit I never had a really good look last time I was in there
Title: Re: Witch Hazel and ClearHead
Post by: Lynchy on January 03, 2013, 02:31:40 AM

Yeah,

It’s an astringent, so it tightens the skin, which stops any little nicks or weepers you may have. And I’m pretty sure that it’s an antiseptic also which helps with bumps and ingrown.

I have been using it on my head since I first started shaving and started using it on the face too when I picked up the whole DE thing.

It’s well worth a look if you chasing something to replace aftershaves. Alum blocks are also pretty good IMO



I'm a little bit intrigued by alum blocks because I have never heard of them until coming to this forum. I bought a styptic pencil which contracts blood vessels and is comprised of 98.6% aluminium sulfate which according to wikipedia is a type of alum. Then I note that the crystal deodorant that I use is 'mineral salts of ammonium alum'.

So I'm already using alum but what does it do when you put it on your scalp or face and what type of alum [chemical] is it? I also wonder if you could use this crystal deodorant stuff on cuts to stop bleeding if you don't have anything else?

Any concerns about using such a comparatively large amount of chemical daily? Or, is it pretty safe? Is the alum like a block of mineral or sort of fatty like soap?

Literally it's like a rock of mineral. Such small amount is lost per use I doubt there is any adverse effects. It's like a mild styptic pencil, some general idea though. I rate it and wouldn't go without it now.

I do believe it is similar to the crystal deodorant but apparently there is some differences. Bestshave.net has some pretty cheap if you want to give it a whirl.
Title: Re: Witch Hazel and ClearHead
Post by: Lynchy on January 03, 2013, 02:33:07 AM
I bought and tried some witch hazel for the first time ever the other day after reading about it on this forum. Interesting smell. doesn't cost much even though comes from US and is going to last for ages. Haven't put it on my scalp much but it's great on the face -- it seems to really smooth the skin without of course making it greasy. It's the viscosity of water. This place is making me a little girly I think.

Did you order your from the Internet Gary?

I use the TN Dickson from Woolies/Safeway....

I was wondering if woolies stocked it... I must admit I never had a really good look last time I was in there

Yep, this is what it looks like http://www.dickinsonbrands.com/firstaid.htm
Title: Re: Witch Hazel and ClearHead
Post by: Beardman on January 03, 2013, 04:33:08 AM
Ahhh, thanks mate, I'll have to keep an eye out next time I'm in there...
Title: Re: Witch Hazel and ClearHead
Post by: Kevin G on January 04, 2013, 03:55:29 AM
I bought and tried some witch hazel for the first time ever the other day after reading about it on this forum. Interesting smell. doesn't cost much even though comes from US and is going to last for ages. Haven't put it on my scalp much but it's great on the face -- it seems to really smooth the skin without of course making it greasy. It's the viscosity of water. This place is making me a little girly I think.

Did you order your from the Internet Gary?

I use the TN Dickson from Woolies/Safeway....

I was wondering if woolies stocked it... I must admit I never had a really good look last time I was in there

Yep, this is what it looks like http://www.dickinsonbrands.com/firstaid.htm

Thats exactly the witch hazel I use.  Very good stuff.  I picked mine up in Wal-Mart.
Title: Re: Witch Hazel and ClearHead
Post by: Gary~ on January 04, 2013, 04:03:22 AM
I bought and tried some witch hazel for the first time ever the other day after reading about it on this forum. Interesting smell. doesn't cost much even though comes from US and is going to last for ages. Haven't put it on my scalp much but it's great on the face -- it seems to really smooth the skin without of course making it greasy. It's the viscosity of water. This place is making me a little girly I think.

Did you order your from the Internet Gary?

I use the TN Dickson from Woolies/Safeway....

I was wondering if woolies stocked it... I must admit I never had a really good look last time I was in there

Yep, this is what it looks like http://www.dickinsonbrands.com/firstaid.htm

Thats exactly the witch hazel I use.  Very good stuff.  I picked mine up in Wal-Mart.

Just out of interest -- how much did it cost in Wal-Mart. Here in Aus me it cost A$6.79.
Title: Re: Witch Hazel and ClearHead
Post by: baldjoeg on January 04, 2013, 04:14:39 PM
Witch Hazel is fairly cheap here in the U.S. I use it all the time and think it is great. It really helps sooth the skin after a shave.
Title: Re: Witch Hazel and ClearHead
Post by: VoodooSyxx on January 04, 2013, 04:36:14 PM
I bought a rather large bottle of the TN Dickson stuff at a Walgreens here in Austin, TX for $9.99. Seems to be working well and doesn't set my head on fire as much as aftershave so I can't complain.
Title: Re: Witch Hazel and ClearHead
Post by: Beardman on January 04, 2013, 09:05:58 PM
I bought a rather large bottle of the TN Dickson stuff at a Walgreens here in Austin, TX for $9.99. Seems to be working well and doesn't set my head on fire as much as aftershave so I can't complain.

I bet the missus can :P It's not alcohol based so that would be why it doesn't set your head ablaze.

I bought and tried some witch hazel for the first time ever the other day after reading about it on this forum. Interesting smell. doesn't cost much even though comes from US and is going to last for ages. Haven't put it on my scalp much but it's great on the face -- it seems to really smooth the skin without of course making it greasy. It's the viscosity of water. This place is making me a little girly I think.

Did you order your from the Internet Gary?

I use the TN Dickson from Woolies/Safeway....

I was wondering if woolies stocked it... I must admit I never had a really good look last time I was in there

Yep, this is what it looks like http://www.dickinsonbrands.com/firstaid.htm

Thats exactly the witch hazel I use.  Very good stuff.  I picked mine up in Wal-Mart.

Just out of interest -- how much did it cost in Wal-Mart. Here in Aus me it cost A$6.79.

That's a pretty fair price, I'll definitely pop in pay day and give it a burl!
Title: Re: Witch Hazel and ClearHead
Post by: Gary~ on January 04, 2013, 11:03:22 PM
Quote

I bet the missus can :P It's not alcohol based so that would be why it doesn't set your head ablaze.


The Dickinson's product that I have contains 14% alcohol as a preservative. I'm very happy with it and a bottle will last at least a year if I use it on my face and skull.

You can get others from the US [which is where witch hazel grows apparently] without the alcohol but perhaps the actives would degrade over time?


I bought a rather large bottle of the TN Dickson stuff at a Walgreens here in Austin, TX for $9.99.


That must be a pretty big bottle. The one I got was 240 mL or about 8 US fl oz. Was it 16 oz?

Fancy the US having their own fluid ounces -- what will they think of next.
Title: Re: Witch Hazel and ClearHead
Post by: VoodooSyxx on January 05, 2013, 01:52:21 AM
Quote

I bet the missus can :P It's not alcohol based so that would be why it doesn't set your head ablaze.


The Dickinson's product that I have contains 14% alcohol as a preservative. I'm very happy with it and a bottle will last at least a year if I use it on my face and skull.

You can get others from the US [which is where witch hazel grows apparently] without the alcohol but perhaps the actives would degrade over time?


I bought a rather large bottle of the TN Dickson stuff at a Walgreens here in Austin, TX for $9.99.


That must be a pretty big bottle. The one I got was 240 mL or about 8 US fl oz. Was it 16 oz?

Fancy the US having their own fluid ounces -- what will they think of next.

Yeah, this one does have some alcohol in it, so there is some burning. But nothing like good old Aqua Velva. That stuff is like napalm on the noggin.

Just checked and it's 16oz (473mL). I dunno. I don't pay attention to these things when shopping. Just saw it was the right stuff and 'big damn bottle' and grabbed it.  ;D
Title: Re: Witch Hazel and ClearHead
Post by: Kevin G on January 05, 2013, 02:09:43 AM
I bought and tried some witch hazel for the first time ever the other day after reading about it on this forum. Interesting smell. doesn't cost much even though comes from US and is going to last for ages. Haven't put it on my scalp much but it's great on the face -- it seems to really smooth the skin without of course making it greasy. It's the viscosity of water. This place is making me a little girly I think.

Did you order your from the Internet Gary?

I use the TN Dickson from Woolies/Safeway....

I was wondering if woolies stocked it... I must admit I never had a really good look last time I was in there

Yep, this is what it looks like http://www.dickinsonbrands.com/firstaid.htm

Thats exactly the witch hazel I use.  Very good stuff.  I picked mine up in Wal-Mart.

Just out of interest -- how much did it cost in Wal-Mart. Here in Aus me it cost A$6.79.

16 oz bottle in Wal-Mart for the TN Dickenson brand of witch hazel runs about $3.28 I believe.
Title: Re: Witch Hazel and ClearHead
Post by: Lynchy on January 05, 2013, 03:29:18 AM
.
. But nothing like good old Aqua Velva.

Very jealous, Aqua Velva and Pinaud Clubman etc aren't available in Aus! Would kill to get my hands on some lol

They are wet shaving staples.
Title: Re: Witch Hazel and ClearHead
Post by: jrcd654 on January 05, 2013, 03:43:43 AM
Haven't used either, but since my professional head shave at Eddie's Haircut and Shave in NYC, the barberette (Lora) turned me onto an Alum Block, which does the same thing as Witch Hazel and Clearhead. After shaving (face and head) I run the block under cold water and thne rub it all over the shaved areas. It closes the pores and will take care of any nicks and bumps. They can be expensive but they will last quite a while if properly cared for. Must be dried after use.
Title: Re: Witch Hazel and ClearHead
Post by: gardner179 on May 04, 2014, 04:53:39 PM
 as witchhazel is a astringent it not only tones the skin it helps reduse the chance of getting zits or spots on your head, if you are a headblade user like i am the last thing you need is a zit on the back of the old dome that you carnt see oh painfull. O0 O0 O0