Why is it called Aftershave Aftershave?

Well, obviously it’s because it was originally designed to be used after shaving. But why has it become so popular with men, even if they don’t shave?

Originally, the aftershave would come in the form of a large bottle of antiseptic to disinfect the faces of men who had shaved at a barber shop. The antiseptic would clean any cuts caused by the act of shaving. Even with today’s super safe razors with bars and guards etc, men still cut themselves every day. The aftershave lotion would also act to close open pores, also protecting them from infection.

One side effect of alcohol in old-school aftershave was that it smelled like antiseptic and was also made from an unsophisticated chemical that left a burning sensation on the skin. This effect is graphically depicted by Macaulay Culkin in the original Home Alone movie when he slaps some of his father’s aftershave.

One of the criticisms this aftershave style received was that it would cause men’s skin to become dry and appear flaky. To combat this, aftershave makers have created non-alcoholic based aftershaves like silicone that actively repair the skin. Another tactic of aftershave manufacturers is to offer a separate moisturizer from the aftershave that would be used as part of a shaving ritual that includes prepping the skin, shaving, and finishing with a moisturizer or “aftershave gel,” such as it is known sometimes.

Now the thing is, there are so many aftershave lotions out there that the fact that they were originally designed to be used after shave has all but been lost. Modern aftershave lotions are sold and marketed in the same way as perfumes. This may be due to a new “modern man” roaming the earth without the trappings of 1960s style stereotypes hanging over their heads. Gone are the days when men smelled like ‘Old Spice’ because it was the only aftershave on offer. Now there are countless fragrances for men on par with any Hugo Boss perfume or any fragrance for women.

Basically men now like to smell good too. It’s not just women who like to smell nice and look good. The modern man can easily have as many cosmetics, soaps and scents as women without running out of town. Next on the man’s agenda … bring back the hats!