I just got an alum block.... now what?

[shmeegs]

Me and the wife always swap a "pre x-mas" gift and I told her I wanted an alum block. I got it but now I am so confused on what to do with the damn thing. I have seen people use it after their shaves and leave the "residue" on and just put their aftershave over it. Should you rinse it off or leave it on? Is it used in place of an aftershave splash or in conjunction with your aftershave? What do you do with it after your use it? Do you leave it out to airdry? Should you put it back in its case?


Thanks for all your help guys!

[Poneill272]

I'm curious about this as well.

[the_edski]

you can leave it on, but it might gum up your AS or balm or lotion. Rinse it off your face with cold water and pat dry and continue your AS routine. Dry the block well so there isn't any residue to leave sharp edges and you can leave it out or put it back in the case. Some people use alum in place of AS, but its really a personal preference thing

[Wingnut]

1) I usually apply the alum block to a wet face, after rinsing with warm water (to rinse off the lather) and then cold (refreshing!). I wet the block slightly and then rub for about 30 sec-1 minute. I then rinse the alum off (I tried leaving it on, but it made my face itch), apply witch hazel and then my AS or cologne.

2) After I'm done with the block, I dry it on a towel and put it back in its case. Excess water will make the alum disappear in a very short time.

[itsmedave]

I use it, then use Witch Hazel, then let it dry and bit and wipe off the excess, then apply Balm and AS. Alum is a very good teaching tool as well. When it stings, it means you used too much pressure in that spot. I think my RazoRock Alum has helped me improve my shaving technique more than it's healed nicks.

[duderdo]

Me and the wife always swap a "pre x-mas" gift and I told her I wanted an alum block. I got it but now I am so confused on what to do with the damn thing. I have seen people use it after their shaves and leave the "residue" on and just put their aftershave over it. Should you rinse it off or leave it on? Is it used in place of an aftershave splash or in conjunction with your aftershave? What do you do with it after your use it? Do you leave it out to airdry? Should you put it back in its case?


Thanks for all your help guys!

After I've rinsed off any soap residue on my face with cold water, I wet the block and rub it over my face liberally. I've found going over the same area with a few swirls rather than just once works best, as although it does burn if you have irritation, making sure you've used enough will help relieve burn in the long run.

I leave mine on while I'm rinsing my other gear, usually 15-20 seconds, and then rinse it off. More than 10 seconds seems best, up until it dries completely, at which point it becomes very uncomfortable. Make sure you dry it off otherwise it kinda "melts", and can form sharp points when it dries.

[KC0ZRV]

1) I usually apply the alum block to a wet face, after rinsing with warm water (to rinse off the lather) and then cold (refreshing!). I wet the block slightly and then rub for about 30 sec-1 minute. I then rinse the alum off (I tried leaving it on, but it made my face itch), apply witch hazel and then my AS or cologne.

2) After I'm done with the block, I dry it on a towel and put it back in its case. Excess water will make the alum disappear in a very short time.

+1

[Bigsurprise]

Alum block is used as an astringent, so it can replace your after shave splash. Once it sits on your skin for several moments, it's job is complete and you can wash the excess off. The longer you leave it on your face, the more you will feel your skin tighten.

[Grips]

I use it like duderdo does. Put it on and leave it while I rinse my razor, brush and lather bowl.Then rinse it off with cool water. I can't leave it on or my skin gets way too tight. I also agree about it telling you how your shave was. Whenever I think the shave turned out a little rough, sure enough, the alum confirms it.

[CaptStatic]

After I've rinsed off any soap residue on my face with cold water, I wet the block and rub it over my face liberally. I've found going over the same area with a few swirls rather than just once works best, as although it does burn if you have irritation, making sure you've used enough will help relieve burn in the long run.

I leave mine on while I'm rinsing my other gear, usually 15-20 seconds, and then rinse it off. More than 10 seconds seems best, up until it dries completely, at which point it becomes very uncomfortable. Make sure you dry it off otherwise it kinda "melts", and can form sharp points when it dries.

+ 2

Chris

[intheshaw]

+3

[BZiel]

For me, it's moisten, a few swirls on the face, give it about 30 seconds to dry off on my face, and then AS.

I've never dried an alum block, and my last one from AOS lasted 7 years 7 months and 12 days...no sharp edges or anything like that.

[paco664]

it rubs the alum on its skin....

it does this when its told or it gets the stypic again..... :001_tt2:

[Mad Man]

Hot rinse
Alum pass
Clean lather bowl, brush, razor, dry alum block and put away
Cold rinse
After shave
Wipe down basin and police up the area
Walk out 10 feet tall.

[diphy]

I use it like duderdo does. Put it on and leave it while I rinse my razor, brush and lather bowl.Then rinse it off with cool water. I also agree about it telling you how your shave was. Whenever I think the shave turned out a little rough, sure enough, the alum confirms it.

+1
I sometimes skip aftershave