Thread: Alum blocks,aftershaves and styptic pencils

If I use an alum block do I still need to use an aftershave? I know that a styptic pencil is for closing a cut, but can an alum block do that also? How many of these products do I need?

Originally Posted by Alex7

If I use an alum block do I still need to use an aftershave? I know that a styptic pencil is for closing a cut, but can an alum block do that also? How many of these products do I need?

You can use an alum block after your shave and it will take care of minor weepers and cuts. It also is slightly antiseptic and will tighten your skin a bit too. If you use it be sure and thoroughly rinse your face afterwards.

For more major lacerations a styptic pencil is more useful. They are cheap and handy to have around just in case.

Up to you whether you use either an alum block or an aftershave or both. Personally I use both and have a styptic pencil handy too.

Bob

Originally Posted by BobH

You can use an alum block after your shave and it will take care of minor weepers and cuts. It also is slightly antiseptic and will tighten your skin a bit too. If you use it be sure and thoroughly rinse your face afterwards.

For more major lacerations a styptic pencil is more useful. They are cheap and handy to have around just in case.

Up to you whether you use either an alum block or an aftershave or both. Personally I use both and have a styptic pencil handy too.

Bob

What do i use first? The alum block or the aftershave?

Originally Posted by Alex7

What do i use first? The alum block or the aftershave?

Alum block on a wet face, let sit a few minutes and rinse face thoroughly with water. The apply your aftershave to your dry face.

I would keep in mind that both the alum block and the aftershave will sting your face if you messed up the shave by irritating your skin. The more irritated you have made your skin the more sting there is. They are a good barometer of how well you are doing with your technique and how good your edge is.

You could by pass both the alum block and aftershave and go with an aftershave balm. The key word being "balm" designed to sooth irritated skin. Something like Nivea Extreme Comfort is very good and easily available.

Bob

Keep at it long enough,the day will come when you will not use alum Blocks or steptics

Originally Posted by pixelfixed

Keep at it long enough,the day will come when you will not use alum Blocks or steptics

Yea, you get tired of the stinging after awhile. Like if banging your head against the wall hurts the solution is to stop banging your head against the wall.

Bob

I echo what BobH said; my method is to use the alum followed by aftershave (the styptic rarely comes into play). I use the alum because I like how it tightens my skin, and for its antiseptic properties. Aftershave is used as a conditioner and a fragrance.

Get some strong aftershave "with lots of alcohol splash on" that way you can take a drink of it for pain, and then bite down on the block of alum. Then continue shaving ! LOL

Originally Posted by pixelfixed

Keep at it long enough,the day will come when you will not use alum Blocks or steptics

By then he will have advanced in age to the point of having crocodile skin and have one foot in the grave like many of us here.

Har har.

I have an alum block, but I rarely use it. I just go with witch hazel and then aftershave or a balm.
The styptic pencil is nice to have when you need it. Especially if you pop your earlobe or nose - or a finger!