Alum Question

**Razorburne** · 04-20-2008, 08:57 PM

I have yet to use alum, but I am seriously considering it.

It sounds that it is great in soothing the skin and reduing razor burn, but I have to ask, what is the "burn" like?

I exclusively use alcohol-free ASBs b/c I don't much care for the burn I get from alcohol based splashes (i.e., Skin Bracer)....so, my question is what the sensation from the alum is like? Is it like an alcohol based splash, or does it not feel so intense?

I am trying to rap my head around something that would fight razor burn, but in my mind, would burn like heck....hopefully I'm wrong, b/c I want to like it.

Any info would be great.

**JayKay** · 04-20-2008, 08:58 PM

Sort of like styptic, but not as bad. Your a man, you can handle it, right?

**Razorburne** · 04-20-2008, 09:06 PM

questionable.....

**giammi** · 04-21-2008, 01:44 AM

It burns a little bit but in my case less and shorter than a aftershave or a styptic pencil.

I recommend it - the advantages exceed the pain.

**Daves** · 04-21-2008, 03:58 AM

Alum does burn but not that much. I use it still a bit. However if you want to know the real truth all you really need to do is cover your face with a washcloth soaked in cold water. It's not sexy but it works just as well.

DaveS

**mmccrary** · 04-21-2008, 07:07 AM

I really enjoy using alum and do so daily. I would say that it is really more of a sting than a burn; definitely less burn than an a/s splash and it only stings were you roughed yourself up and even then only mildly and short lived. Then again, I like the burn so my view may be skewed.

**SmoovD** · 04-21-2008, 07:10 AM

I use alum and like it. It really closes the pores but the sting can work into a burn after a hot shave. If you think you may have some burn I would skip the alum.

**jkh** · 04-21-2008, 09:47 AM

I use alum after each shave. If I shaved "correctly" (i.e., correct blade angle, correct pressure, good lather, etc) then I find that the alum block does not sting or burn, instead it, with cold water, does a nice job of closing my pores. However, if I have a bad/hot/overly aggressive shave then I find the alum will sting and/or burn.

Moral of the story: Alum rules and it will also let you know how well you shaved

**Chapel** · 04-21-2008, 12:45 PM

Originally Posted by jkh

Moral of the story: Alum rules and it will also let you know how well you shaved

+1, I use it on my face and head post shave. I love that tightening sensation

**MooingLizard** · 04-21-2008, 01:17 PM

For me alum was more of a (somewhat uncomfortable) tightening feeling. I'm currently using my alum stick as it was intended- for deodorant.

**cleancut** · 04-21-2008, 01:18 PM

It "tingles" a little bit but not nearly as bad as a good alcohol AS. The tingle is also offset by the cold water yoiu apply to the block before rubbing it on your face. Actually it's quite refreshing after a hot lather shave. No need to spend a lot on Alum either, I got mine for less than $2 at tumbula.com

**forrestd** · 04-21-2008, 01:22 PM

Originally Posted by cleancut

It "tingles" a little bit but not nearly as bad as a good alcohol AS. The tingle is also offset by the cold water yoiu apply to the block before rubbing it on your face. Actually it's quite refreshing after a hot lather shave. No need to spend a lot on Alum either, I got mine for less than $2 at tumbula.com

I think you meant Tulumba.com.

**cleancut** · 04-21-2008, 07:36 PM

Opps

**htownmmm** · 04-21-2008, 08:55 PM

It depends on your shave-if your technique was right, then you won't feel anything from the alum. However, if you tore your face up, you will get a mild and brief sensation over those areas that aren't happy.

alum is great for closing the pores and tightening the skin post shave.

marty

**thevelvet** · 04-21-2008, 10:12 PM

The burn is just like using tend skin after a rough shave. But if its a not so rough shave, it only burns slightly worse than alcohol based AS.

**Perfect_shave** · 04-22-2008, 11:05 AM

I use an alum block after every shave and i love it. It only stings when you have been too agressive with your technique and shows you where you were too agressive. I like it because it tells me if my technique is good and where my problem areas are. It also closes pores, disinfects and constricts blood vessels(stopping little bleeds) and soothes slightly.

**Lynchmeister** · 04-23-2008, 06:00 AM

I say definitely try it, but for me personally, alum is a prime example of the law of diminishing returns. The mess, time, and effort necessary heavily outweigh any benefits I receive from it.