Thread: Alum or Witch Hazel?

Originally Posted by Hirlau

I use them both, every shave for 3 years. Alum first,,,5 minutes,,,,dab off with a wet cloth,,,then heavy witch hazel,,,,let dry,,,,,,then aftershave.

That is what I used to do also but then dropped the witch hazel to simplify things.

Bob

Nice thing about the alum block is that it will give you a localized read of where the problem areas are. Neither witch hazel nor aftershave will do this, as the pain there is immediately spread overall. My suggestion for starters is to stick with an alum block to aftershave combination. If you are against aftershave for its alcohol content or for its perfume-like smell, then use Thayer's non-alcohol witch hazel formulation instead of the alum block and aftershave.

Originally Posted by Birnando

Yup, that's what I do

Ditto......plus in a pinch Alum makes a good deoderant if you haven't any.

In my limited experience, alum is more painful than witch hazel, I only now use alum for grip, rub a bit on your fingers and your grip on wet skin improves, I am never going to run out.

Ditto on that as well.

Sometimes I use both after a shave, the alum block first, rinse, then I splash on some Thayers and let it dry while I brush my teeth. I don't really know what the alum does, but it feels good. If you pass by an Indian (asian type) grocery store, you can likely pick up an alum block for $1-$2. So far, it looks like mine is going to outlast me.

I'm voting for alum all the way. For all the reasons mentioned. I also shave my head daily & the alum stops my scalp from getting oily all day. I think if I'd known of alum when I was an oily faced teen I'd have applied it to my entire face; nose, forehead, the lot.

I use both every shave. First alum, rinse, then witch hazel.

Ran into these last weekend. I had made my own from the blossoms in the past but this concoction was made with the whole plant. I was told that the alcohol was added to improve shelf live and as a preservative.

Appreciate the replys, guess I'll be getting an alum block and use it before the Thayers. In the past I shaved as a chore now I really enjoy pampering myself, now shave cause I want to, also got some Burts Bees balm and like that a lot.