Alum Block

[Bit2]

I use it sparingly as I also use a styptic pencil as well, if needed.
Both must be used wet and face rinsed afterwards.

John

[KennD]

I use my alum block after rinsing off the residual lather from my face and if I see that I have some cuts or nicks. I've found that it kinda works on the small nicks, but blood keeps coming out if I've really cut myself. After applying, I'll clean my shaving equipment off and then rinse my face again before applying moisturizer.

[soapbox]

This question appears from time to time, and I enlarged the Alum article on the wiki today. Please help improve the wiki -- go take a look, offer feedback, make corrections, or add helpful information!

[lvsc10]

Very good article on Wiki. Congrats!

[BobCochran]

Originally Posted by soapbox

This question appears from time to time, and I enlarged the Alum article on the wiki today. Please help improve the wiki -- go take a look, offer feedback, make corrections, or add helpful information!

I edited it a bit to add headings to the text and add a final section about keeping it away from children. I still remember the time my daughter, as a very small child, clambered up on the kitchen counter and got her hands on some RIT clothing dye. That was my second scariest lifetime experience. --Bob

[soapbox]

Originally Posted by BobCochran

I edited it a bit to add headings to the text and add a final section about keeping it away from children. I still remember the time my daughter, as a very small child, clambered up on the kitchen counter and got her hands on some RIT clothing dye. That was my second scariest lifetime experience. --Bob

Outstanding edit, Bob. Thank you very much! And yes, good to include safety concerns in the wiki too.

[perlslacker]

Originally Posted by Luc

I used one for a while and stopped using it since I moved to splashs AS...

I've been wondering about this. The functions that alum blocks and splash aftershaves serve (close pores, disinfect, ease razor burn, tone, wake you the f*$k up) are the same; are they substitutes for one another? Is using both redundant?

[inkwell]

i just recently got an alum block from wcs shaving and worked it into my routine...and i have noticed a definite reduction in the redness after a shave and bumps....i have only used it for like three shaves so far and im just applying it to my face post shave, waiting for a few minutes then applying AS...i am a believer so far, glad i got one.

[Hughies_online]

Rub in on your face after the final rinse in cold water after shaving.

[allumedirocca]

Originally Posted by wedwards

After I shave, I will;

1. Wash and dry my face
2. Wet my face a little with water from my hands
3. Rub the alum block over the wet bit of my face
4. Pack up all my stuff (usually a couple mins, during which time you will start ot feel the alum doing its thing and your face becoming a little itchy).
5. Rinse face with water and dry face
6. Apply whatever balm / skin food / etc you prefer
7. Apply after shave / cologne etc

I have found the combination of alum and a balm are the single best things for quickly dealing with any razor burn / redness etc (especially on my neck when I go to town occasionally on the stupid neck hair under my jawline).

This is pretty much my routine as well.

[O.G.]

The Alum block is amazing, it critiques your technique for you by the amount of burn left over and it tightens the face like a toner. Many rub the cold water wetted alum block on the shaven area then they let it dry while they clean up and then rinse there face off. I have had to modify the technique because some irritation would return when I rinsed/splashed my face off with cold water. To modify the tech. I now use a face towell/wash clothe in the south that has been wetted with cold water and I gently wipe away the alum. It leaves a small amount of alum behind and hydrates my face so that my AS balm or splash doesnt have to overcome all the water on my face.

[karzbi]

after rinsing off remnants of lather with warm water, splash face with cold, run block over wet face.

if you're bleeding, apply with less water to deposit higher alum to the affected area.

At this point, I usually let some time pass brushing my teeth, applying deodorant (not to face), getting socks on, etc. this allows the alum to seal and the blood to clot on weepers or knicks.

After about 5 mins, rinse face again with cold, apply AS

for serious nicks or cuts (sometimes, your mind does wander), I find a bit of styptic pencil is required to seal the cut. I basically leave it on until I park my car at work. Dont forget to remove before heading into the office!

[Ru4scuba?]

Originally Posted by Luc

I used one for a while and stopped using it since I moved to splashs AS...

Same as Luc here...although now that I think about it, maybe I'll break it out and give it another whirl tomorrow.

[pauls51]

Stupid question;

Whats the difference b/w Witch Hazel and an Alum block? aren't they essentially the same - to ease razor burn, bumps, ingrowns etc???

[soapbox]

Originally Posted by pauls51

Whats the difference b/w Witch Hazel and an Alum block? aren't they essentially the same - to ease razor burn, bumps, ingrowns etc???

Yes, mostly. Both are astringent. If the witch hazel contains alcohol, both are antiseptic. Witch hazel is more soothing and irritation-reducing, in my experience, while alum stings more but does a better job of closing up small bleeders and tightening the skin.

I don't think either will do much against razor bumps / ingrowns, since it's unlikely that you'd get an ingrown so soon after shaving that alum or witch hazel would be much help. But I could be wrong about this (I am decidedly not a dermatologist).

I like 'em both. I'm more consistent with using witch hazel than an alum block, but I'm never without an alum block.

[a2o]

I purchased an alum block with my starter kit, but I have never used it because I've been satisfied with the results I get from using witch hazel post shave. Would there be any possible benefits of using the alum block with witch hazel or would that just be overkill?