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I'm new at this but really enjoying SR shaving, for post treatment, is there a difference in using an Alum block or Witch Hazel? Picked up some Thayers alcohol free and like that a lot, I assume alum block does the same thing, but we know what assume does.
Lots of guys use Alum, but I never really saw a need for it, given proper technique & good aftershave.
I use witch hazel, and then an aftershave of my choice. Only use alum if I'm nicked, which I haven't yet in my 7 SR shaves :D
Alum is a great skin toner and even if your technique and aftershave is perfect I find that it is one of the earliest indicators that your blade is coming due for a refresh.
I splash on witch hazel after shaving and a cold water rinse, but have not tried alum. Based on what I have read in past posts, alum and witch hazel do the same thing.
I have easily closed up minor nicks and cuts with my Dickason's witch hazel. I also use Thayer's once in a while, which is also a great skin toner.
I'm with 'grouper on this one... Post shave, I rinse with cold water and rub my alum block on my face and neck. Then, I start cleaning up and when I'm finished, I use my hot towel (now soaked in cold water) to rinse/wipe the alum from my face. A splash of my aftershave of choice for that day and a tiny bit of Nivea Post Shave Balm for my neck (super sensitive skin there) and I'm right as rain.
The alum does several things:
1. It's an astringent, so it tightens up your skin and helps prevent "weepers" after a shave.
2. It has antibacterial properties, so you're disinfecting your face post shave (always a plus).
3. It is a coagulent, so will help stop minor nicks and cuts from bleeding (different from #1 above).
Witch Hazel has more use as an astringent, however, the little bit of alcohol found in most brands of Witch Hazel takes care of the antibacterial needs post shave. Most commercial aftershaves take care of this as well, since their alcohol content is fairly high (hence the burn).
The short answer to which one to use is whatever works best for your face (YMMV). You can use one, the other or both if your skin will tolerate it.
Yea, Alum is a great skin toner and has a mild antiseptic quality. It will also deal with minor nicks and cuts. I don't think witch hazel has as strong a toner quality but is also mildly antiseptic and will help with minor cuts/nicks. The advantage of alum for an old fart like me is the toning part and it takes up less room in the shelf, lasts longer than a bottle of witch hazel and is easier to travel with on aircraft, no possibility of leakage or security restrictions as on liquids. Either will do the job.
I think using alum has eliminated some skin problems I had too. Alum can also do double duty as a antiperspirant making it handy when traveling a lightly as possible.
Bob
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.
Yup, that's what I do:)Quote:
Originally Posted by Hirlau
Both are reasonably affordable. The best way to determine your preference is to test both!
I actually like both and use them separately or together before AS or in lieu of AS. I also use my Alum as deodorant and after a shower I will use it on my feet!
I have come to the conclusion after testing this theory for two months that my feet stay dry and pretty much odorless using Alum. I like wearing open footwear here (Vegas) in the summer and using my hands to apply alum to wet feet and toes has proven beneficial over the days when I haven't.
Alum cuts the burn of aftershaves also so you can enjoy your aftershave without that crazy sting some of them have.
That is what I used to do also but then dropped the witch hazel to simplify things.Quote:
Originally Posted by Hirlau
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.
Ditto......plus in a pinch Alum makes a good deoderant if you haven't any.Quote:
Originally Posted by Birnando
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.Attachment 135152Attachment 135153Attachment 135154Attachment 135155
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.
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by Raulski
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.
I do the same exact thingQuote:
Originally Posted by Hirlau
I use both too...but after reading some of the comments on here maybe I just use Alum alone.Quote:
Originally Posted by Hirlau
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 :chapeau
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? :hmmm:
Mike
http://i.imgur.com/hNSemWY.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/tMkVbCN.jpg
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.
And this Gentleman is why we do not want to lose our knowledge of the old ways...little tidbits of info like this are easily lost....Quote:
Originally Posted by crouton976
Totally agreeQuote:
Originally Posted by Nightblade
Going to mirror a lot of what has already been said. Use the alum block after my third / touch up pass. Clean up the sink and my shaving gear. Then rinse off alum and do my teeth routine. Dry off and apply Witch Hazel to entire face. I have had "bad" skin since I was a teenager. The combination of using a straight, alum, and WH has made a noticable difference.
Just a note. You probably already know, but I didn't for quite some time. There is a difference between using an Alum block and a Stypic (sp?) pencil. Both contian a form of Alum and help stop weepers... however the Stypic pencil stings MUCH more.
I like my Alum block, I like my Alum block, I like my Alum block, I like my alum block. Did I say I liked my Alum block?
First time I used it was a revelation. I have sensitive skin, especially neck. Always some razor burn, even with a DE. Rub face and neck completely, waited 30 -40 seconds and used a cold washcloth followed by a choice of the minute of an after shave, cream or balm of some kind, or if going out in the hot sun a 30+ SPF sunscreen. No burn, no swearing, no looking in the mirror and thinking what a schmuck I am for putting myself through this torture, I need to go back to my full beard (what would my dermatologist say when he can't easily see where to freeze spots off?). Witch hazel, which I have used and like, just doesn't do the same for me that my Alum block does. (I keep capitalizing Alum. Must be careful, next step is all caps and that raises it the level of a deity.)
I love the joy of testing and finding out what works and doesn't work.
As I mentioned before, I use witch hazel. After reading these posts I decided to get some Shavex alum. I've been using the alum alone for 2 weeks now post my cold water rinse, but no WH. From what I see, compared to WH, the alum is easy to apply, does a slightly better job at closing minor cuts, and stings a bit more on the cut/nipped areas. I'll keep using the alum to see how long it lasts me, but I don't see any major reason for me to switch from WH to alum, or use both.
