Someone learn me on an Alum Bloc

**Rez90** · 02-24-2011, 07:41 AM

I've never heard of it...used it....know anything about it.

But my skin is a disaster and although DE shaving has changed my entire perspective on shaving altogether....i still bleed in 4 out of 5 shaves.

Is this my answer to help my weepers?

**Hawkeyeted** · 02-24-2011, 07:49 AM

Most weepers are a result of too much pressure. However, nicks do happen. You may want to first visit your technique to see if you can get an improvement.

That said, the Alum block (potassium aluminium sulfate) is a blood coagulate. It's used to help with sealing up those nicks and cuts. Wet it down and rub it on your face. After a few minutes, you can wash it off.

**Rez90** · 02-24-2011, 07:50 AM

Originally Posted by Hawkeyeted

Most weepers are a result of too much pressure. However, nicks do happen. You may want to first visit your technique to see if you can get an improvement.

That said, the Alum block (potassium aluminium sulfate) is a blood coagulate. It's used to help with sealing up those nicks and cuts. Wet it down and rub it on your face. After a few minutes, you can wash it off.

I'm pretty sure my technique is good. My problem is that my face (neck especially) isn't smooth no matter what due to many ingrown hair/irratation issue's so when i use a feather it's bound to happen.

**Hawkeyeted** · 02-24-2011, 08:05 AM

Originally Posted by Rez90

I'm pretty sure my technique is good. My problem is that my face (neck especially) isn't smooth no matter what due to many ingrown hair/irratation issue's so when i use a feather it's bound to happen.

If you're getting irritation on your neck, you're either using too much pressure, or an incorrect angle. (I think I just responded with this in another of your posts.)

Ingrowns are identified by little puss marks, and a result of the hair growing back into the skin. DE's "shouldn't" be doing that, as they are know for cutting skin level, unlike multiblade systems.

99% of the issues folks have with DE is pressure or angle, or both. DE's don't pivot like cartridges, so you need to be always mindful of where the blade is. The blade should feel like it never touches the skin. You will know its working when you hear the audible sound of the blade "singing" as it snaps the hair shaft off, without any irritation.

**steven1979** · 02-24-2011, 08:16 AM

Just to add a little, I was having bad problems with my neck, especially with certain blades. I was doing everything right or so I thought. What I discovered was that I wasn't lathering the soap properly and I was getting irritation on my neck from the razor pulling a little. Just a thought, for what it's worth. I've been add it for almost six months and I am still learning all the time.

**Drewser** · 02-24-2011, 08:23 AM

How close does your hair grow to your skin on your neck and are you shaving against the grain there? If the hair grows close to the skin (like mine), try a three-pass shave on the neck- WTG, and two XTG in opposite directions. That should give at least a SAS, more often DFS. The ATG pass might be cutting too close for how your skin grows. Look around for other information on ingrowns, too. Pay close attention to the direction of your hair growth, too, and make sure your passes are in the intended direction (WTG, XTG, etc) everywhere.
Good luck!

**Jim1968** · 02-24-2011, 08:32 AM

Originally Posted by Hawkeyeted

That said, the Alum block (potassium aluminium sulfate) is a blood coagulate. It's used to help with sealing up those nicks and cuts. Wet it down and rub it on your face. After a few minutes, you can wash it off.

I much prefer the Alum Block to a styptic pencil.

**maxman** · 02-24-2011, 08:57 AM

Alum irriates my skin. Beware, it doesn't work for everyone.
On the other hand, if you use a straight, it's good for making your fingers tacky so you can stretch your skin.

**texaninkc** · 02-24-2011, 08:58 AM

i did a search on your threads and you've also posted a thread where you're having trouble with your soap and hard water. loading your soap for 5-10 seconds is not enough. I'm going to take a wild guess and say that your lather is the problem. a really good lather really helps me prevent getting some nicks. if i do a crap job with my prep, and that means getting some good lather as well as what i do to my face before hand, it's a guarantee that i will get nicks. focus on those aspects of your shave more. that and improved technique. it all slowly starts coming together and sounds like you're close to finding the sweet spot. it will help with those ingrowns too.

**Hawkeyeted** · 02-24-2011, 11:38 AM

Originally Posted by Jim1968

I much prefer the Alum Block to a styptic pencil.

Me too. The pencil stings like FIRE!

**commanderkeen** · 02-24-2011, 12:16 PM

A little bit more on the alum.

It is also a natural antiseptic, which means it kills bacteria. Great stuff, can be used as a deoderant. I think it has helped with my acne a bit, but one can never be sure what is helping the acne.

**bogey97** · 02-24-2011, 02:46 PM

Alum will help stop the weepers, but I don't think it will really help prevent them.

Have you tried a blade sampler? Some blades (especially Feathers) just tear up my face. YMMV.

**bowlturner** · 02-24-2011, 03:33 PM

I use both the Alum and the styptic. Alum alone will not stop bleeding as well as the styptic will. I use the alum less and less, and seem to gravitate to witch hazel more often now days.

IMO the alum will not do much for your neck at this point. The advice on shaving WTG, XTG,blade angle, no pressure, and making a good slick lather are likely the solution for that area. Also, pull the skin to the right, and left, of your Adams Apple when shaving there, if that is area you are having the greatest trouble.