Thread: Alum block

What's an alum block ??

Is it the same as a styptic pencil?

It's a crystal, similar concept to a styptic pencil but its a lot harder and lasts longer. Also the effect is not as strong as a styptic pencil.

You use it after you've shaved and it closes the pores, reduces reddening, and stops very small nicks and weepers. I don't use mine very often now, I prefer Proraso a/s splash which does the same kind of thing but has other things in it to make your skin feel good afterwards. With the alum block I think you're supposed to use a moisuriser or skin food afterwards.

Originally Posted by Iwan

It's a crystal, similar concept to a styptic pencil but its a lot harder and lasts longer. Also the effect is not as strong as a styptic pencil.

You use it after you've shaved and it closes the pores, reduces reddening, and stops very small nicks and weepers. I don't use mine very often now, I prefer Proraso a/s splash which does the same kind of thing but has other things in it to make your skin feel good afterwards. With the alum block I think you're supposed to use a moisuriser or skin food afterwards.

Thanks

Have you tried the Proraso a/s milk? I'm tempted to try it.

Originally Posted by northpole

Thanks

Have you tried the Proraso a/s milk? I'm tempted to try it.

Yes it's very good, but it's not really a toner or astringant like an alum block or an alcohol based a/s. I use Proraso a/s splash immediately after shaving to close the pores and tone the skin, and then I sometimes use the milk later in the day if my skin is feeling a little dry - though not always.

Proraso a/s splash is quite hard to get in the UK, but you can buy it on Ebay at a very reasonable price.

100ml
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Proraso-Afters...QQcmdZViewItem

400ml
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Proraso-Afters...QQcmdZViewItem

Actually the alum block is the mineral alum, very pure. The septic is part alum but contains other things to stop bleeding. Very different purposes.The purpose of the alum block is to tone up the skin after shaving and it helps close up the pores. I find it softens the skin also. I always use it after shaving and then use witchhazel followed by an aftershave.

alum block is made out of the same stuff that the pencils are generally.

Besides, unless you really slice yourself open witch-hazel is more than sufficient

I bought an alum block. I haven't used it yet. What is the proper technique for using it?

Also a bit

First time I heard of alum was over 6 years ago when my first daughter was born. The obstetrician told me to get some Alum at the drugstore to made the hemorrhoids go away after they arose giving birth.
IT WORKED EXCELLENT!
After that I learned that it was also used to stop bleeding when shaving. So I bought this big crystal of alum... and this same crystal workes great until today for stopping any smal (or bigger) cut that I've "deliverd" to my face in the last years.

Michel

Originally Posted by rase

I bought an alum block. I haven't used it yet. What is the proper technique for using it?

Dab a bit of water in the spot you're going to shove against the cut then work that part into the cut. Some people just press right onto the without working it and hold it for 10 to 20 seconds or so.

I'm sure everyone has their own technique but that's a general way.

I am new to straight shaving and using the Alum blocks but I have found the following method to work well for me.

Finish your shave, warm rinse to clean pores and cold rinse to close them.

Leave your face wet and cold, rinse your alum block briefly under cold water and then apply to the face using a gentle circular motion on the shaved area of your face.

Let your face dry naturally, dont dry it out straight away. Let nature do its thing, it only takes a couple of minutes. If you need to dry quickly, then lightly dab your face a couple of times to speed things up but try and avoid rubbing your face dry as it can cause uneccessary discomfort.

By now, the astringent quality in the alum will be taking effect, and depending on how much irritation or razor burn you have, and how sensitive your skin is, you will nonetheless be feeling some degree of "tightening" of the skin.

This is the alum blocks astringent quality coming into play, and it is now toning your skin. From what I understand, it should be noted that it can be a little painful for some guys who have particularly sensitive skin, or who have a few nicks/cuts, or have shave burn.

I find that when I have a good shave, with no irritation, cuts or razor burn etc, that when I apply the alum block, the "tightening" phase is almost reduced to nothing .. it is barely noticeable. This I suppose could be used as some guage as to how good a shave you have had, at least in some basic fashion.

I love the alum block, but I do not use it every time I shave, and you don't have to either. Some swear by it and use it every day, some use it once in a while like me. The choice is yours

Sometimes when I use the alum block, I cold rinse again a few minutes after my final cold rinse, and then rub in a little proraso green pre/post shave cream, and then apply a moisturiser of choice, for me TAGMSC a/s milk, or Trumpers Coral Skin Food and then some a/s or cologne before I head out.

I hope that helps and whatever you do, have fun