Printable View
So...true confession. I have never used an alum block post shave. I know some guys still use one but it seems this shaving habit is not common. As I understand it, an alum block post shave serves as an antiseptic, astringent, styptic. I also understand it stings like heck if you have razor burn....so it can act as a barometer for your shave.
So...do you use an alum block post shave? If so, why?
You be right with your assessment.
I used to use it but stopped a few years ago. I felt it unnecessary.
Each & every shave, for the reasons you mentioned. It does not sting that much.
Never have used one. I don't see the need. How long my aftershave sting lasts tells me if I messed up an area. If I nick, I do use a styptic pencil, and there is no sting quite like it, that I've experienced :rofl2:
Each and every shave as well. Tightens/tones up the skin way better than shaving alone.
The sting is good..
Been using one for years after each and every shave.
I totally agree that it tightens and tones the skin.
The sting kinda serves as barometer telling you how well you shaved and how sharp the razor is.
I think I'd miss it at this point.
Pete <:-}
Yup, every shave for the reasons you mentioned. This 63 year old sagging face needs all the tightening it can get. Is it necessary, probably not.
Bob
Every shave. For all the reasons as well as because it keeps my head from getting greasy.
I don't always use a particular type of soap, a shaving brush, a straight or DE razor, or pre or aftershave. Alum is probably the only "must" in my shaving routine.
Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk
Just about every shave unless I'm in a hurry. Every barber shave I've had the barber has used it too. I don't feel much sting either even with my usual 4 pass shave.
Been using one after every shave for about the last year and can't say I would give it up. Does what everyone has already said. I enjoy the face feel after its settled down. I feel for me at lest that it's helped with bumps and such on my neck as well.
Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk
You know that is a good point about greasy/oily skin conditions. I always had trouble with pimples and such with my oily skin until I started using alum post shave. Never had smoother skin in my life than after using alum for a while. Too bad I found that out at age 60.Quote:
Originally Posted by Raulski
Bob
Funny that you brought this up. I used alum yesterday for the first time in a while because I felt like my shave was a little rough. The lather wasn't perfect and I was having a problem keeping the angle right with a 9/16 razor that I don't use very often. I usually use Witch Hazel before I apply aftershave lotion, and I think it has a lot of the same properties as the alum block. I turned out that the alum really toned up my skin more than the WH. I liked the feel and should probably use it more often. Like Bob, my 59 year old skin needs all the help it can get.
I like using Alum after the shave. I find it refreshing and toning to the face. Since I dropped my pre-shave routine long ago I do Alum instead and find it to be more useful in my routine. I also enjoy the tradition as part of wet shaving usage. It was used widely back in the day and for me that's good enough to keep using it. A traditional wet shaving product, what more can I say.
Well there goes another few bucks....I guess I "need" one because my face could use a "tightening :rofl2:
I picked up an alum block when I started shaving with a straight. Used it religiously for 6 months or so. I now use it very rarely post shave. I use it daily as a deodorant though. It works fine for me. It is not an antiperspirant, but I don't really need that either. I broke out the stypic pencil for the first time in months this morning though...
The first time I used an alum Block I didn't know that I was supposed to rinse it. After shaving and using it I rode to work wearing my full face motorcycle helmet. After getting to work I took my helmet off to find my face bright red and puffy. I washed my face but it stayed red all day. It calmed down that night and was good after that. A few days later I tried it again and rinsed it off. It worked well enough. About a week later I rode the motorcycle again on a day that I didn't use alum. I took off my helmet to reveal a bright red puffy face from the alum that transferred to the cheekpads in my helmet. This was all when I was new to wet shaving and it helped with razor burn. I eventually discovered Proraso pre/post shave balm and used that instead. I no longer use either as I don't find it necessary for my routine.
I use it occasionally but not on a regular basis. Mostly use Thayers as an astringent post shave but sometimes if I was in a hurry with the DE razor I will use it.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk
Use an Alum block after almost every shave and as a deodorant. REally helps keep my face clear (I have fairly oily skin and it helps with the pimples).
one ordered and on the way. Thanks guys for feeding my AD..:aargh:Quote:
Originally Posted by Haroldg48
I've been using Alum after every shave since I started DE & SR8 shaving 1 year ago. Also found out that a local Indian grocery store sells it for $2 AUD instead of the $20 - $35 online...less expensive when you drop and shatter them.
Nope.
Never have. Just clear cold water, occasionally, an after shave.
BeJay. I'm surprised that it irritates your skin. I guess I shouldn't be surprised as everyone's skin is different, but it has just the opposite effect on me. I've never had an irritation using alum (& i used to get an angry red rash all over my neck in my pre-alum days.
Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk
I used to use one, but it dried my skin out and irritated it too.