Thread: Alum or Witch Hazel?

Originally Posted by Raulski

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.

Well we all know of the multitude of uses for alum(more than merely shaving applications)and given that in more underdeveloped areas of the world it is still a commom sundry item , I think we can understand and assume that back in the day it was the all purpose toiletry item yes. a little bottle of smellgood,a razor,soap,toothpowder and brush and a block of alum and you were good for the duration.

Less is more.

I don't use alum or witch hazel unless I need it. Most of the time I rinse with cold water and I am done. With a fresh DE or SR blade I may get some minor nicks in multiple locations and use the alum block or pencil to seal them up. Occasionally, I may push a blade that should go back to the stones and get some irritation. I liberally apply my witch hazel to prevent redness and diminish discomfort. Using these astringents after every shave seems like overkill to me.

Less is more.

I dont use alum anymore. If I get irritated which is almost never, I do an ice cube face rub. Feels great and relieves irrtation immediately. I do use Jojoba oil after shaving every day.

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.

I do the same exact thing

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.

I use both too...but after reading some of the comments on here maybe I just use Alum alone.

Both as I have stated earlier have their uses. Alum, antiseptic, deodorant, styptic .... Witch Hazel, cleanser, anti-inflammatory , mild astringent cleanser, I keep both but for traveling I would take my alum block even before Atershave. It is a necessary staple in my Dopp kit whereas witch hazel is more of a home medicine cabinet staple for me. it's good for sore muscles and varicose veins for us older dudes but there are many other uses as well. Witch-hazel - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

I use both Alum and Witch hazel. I did not see where anyone mentioned that Alum is also useful in helping to improve grip for your razor or stretch your skin. Rub your fingertips on the Alum throughout the shave. It’s like a baseball pitcher using rosin to improve their grip!.
Mike

You are correct sir...it is an excellent gripper as well.

I see now where edhewitt mentioned this as well. I always keep my OSMA Bloc next to the sink while shaving. It's cheap and lasts a long time. I never noticed before but the carton says to apply prior to shaving if you use an electric razor, (I know, heresy). Maybe it stiffens the whiskers?
Mike

Probably it just tightens the skin to make the hairs stand up, allowing the electric razor to cut them closer to the skin. Kinda like 'Lectric Shave does.