Thread: Alum block?

So I've been using the DE my wife got me for Christmas and I'm having all kinds of irritation on my neck. This isn't a new thing since it has happened since my first ever shave.

So my question is this: is there an alum block recommended for sensitive skin? I read that it could help. I use Nivea sensitive skin aftershave but it doesn't do anything about the irritating bumps after the shave. Any input is greatly appreciated.

I use Alum, but I haven't suffered from the bumps you mention. I would say, get some and give it a try.

I don't believe there's any such thing as an alum for sensitive skin. Alum (aluminum sulfate) is an astringent which is derived from the latin meaning "to bind fast". It is used to quickly dry the skin, specifically to heal areas that are nicked or cut. Other forms of astringent are styptic pencils or witch hazel. I find witch hazel to be a little gentler than alum but I don't think either is necessarily for sensitive skin though if your bumps are caused by irritation/nicks one or the other might help. If you want to take a more gradual step into astringents, try witch hazel and see if that helps.

Alum is inexpensive enough to just try out and see if it helps. I used it as an aftershave astringent for months and finally gave it up because I thought it a little harsh. Be sure, though, if you try it to get the clear crystal alum made for aftershave use or even underarm deodorant use. The white powdery styptic pencil is for cuts and nicks only.

I'm not sure what type of DE your using. If it is adjustable, turn it down a bit so the blade has more of an angle to your skin. You want the blade to be on less of an angle to your skin. Also, which ever way you are moving the razor on your neck, change the direction a bit. If you now are shaving straight down on your neck, try a slight angle, IE: if you are shaving down from chin to Adams apple, try chin towards collar bone. A slight change in angle may allow the blade to cut the whiskers with less irritation.

The best thing I can tell you is that you want to eliminate the irritation from the shaving, not make it feel better after. Experimenting with your angles can really help.

Alum can help. I have tremendously sensitive skin and used to suffer from razor burn so bad I could only shave with disposables once a week. I suspect that it's your technique causing the irritation, but also if your using a glycerin based soap you could have a slight allergy. I know there are some EO/FO's in a couple of mammabears soaps that will just light up my face too. Lighten your touch, change blades more often, skip the atg pass for a little while and include the alum. After alum I rinse and use medicated witch hazel before an alcohol splash. I don't use balms because then I tend to get pimples no matter how good my shave. Hope you find a solution.

I also have very, very sensitive skin. But I've found that it al comes down to the combination of things you use or do.

Pre-shave, hot, cold, lotion etc.
Shaving cream, soap, gel etc.
Which DE, which blades, old blades, new blades
Alum compressed tick, or block
Aftershave balsem, gel, pafrume, nothing

Everything has it's part and influence.
I wash hot or use hot towel for prep,
Loads of creamy soap, massaging a lot
Shave with Merkur blades, 1 with grain, 1 against, 1 were it needs to cut left-overs
Then a quick wash with warm water to remove residue, then I get my ice cold alum block ( By Muhle ) out of the water ( cold water ) and rub it over my face gently.
Then some aftershave cream and I'm smooth as a baby's butt, and happy all day without any irritation

I us TOBS Jermyn shaving cream which is perfect for my lady-like skin
TOBS Jermyn after shave balsam, just a few drops leaves it perfect.

And I have a skin that gets red after using clippers/electric grooming ( don't know the English words for that )

Hope you have some help out of it.

+1 on the witch hazel. Go for an unscented version to avoid any irritation caused by scents.

I used to have the same problem with neck irritation, but now after a few months of DE shaving it's pretty much a thing of the past. What I found, mostly by trial and error was that good prep is essential, really get your whiskers soft. Blade choice is important, I found the sharpness of feather blades stopped all the tugging and pulling helped a lot. Blade choice is largely subjective though, so try a few and see what works for you. A good post shave balm is a must, I like the real shaving co balm, ridiculously cheap but really soothing once again YMMV. But for me the key is pressure. Just let the weight of the razor do the work and take your time. It's also worth spending a bit of time working out how your facial hairs grow and which direction the grain is then you can get your WTG, XTG and ATG passes worked out. With a bit of practice you will be getting BBS irritation free shaves consistantly. And probably get moaned at 'cos you've got a mountain of soaps,creams, balms and blades in the bathroom .

Is there any place local to get alum blocks? I never see them in my local drug stores.