Alum block = MAGIC!

I recently started shaving with a straight again, and even after getting a sharp razor and developing a decent technique I was having terrible trouble with ingrown hairs, especially in the area right below my lower lip. A few hours after shaving my chin would be a mass of white bumps, and some would get infected and painful. They're even worse when I use a conventional razor or an electric, which is part of what drove me to try a straight. I saw a few suggestions for ingrown hair sufferers to try an alum block and all I can saw is WOW! This thing stopped them dead! I've shaved three times now using the block as a pre and post-shave with exactly one tiny little white bump. That includes the upper chin area that I previously couldn't even shave, instead I'd just hit with a beard trimmer. I even shaved two days in a row, which has made the problem twice as bad every other time I've tried it. It's really like night and day. If anyone else is having similar trouble, an alum block is worth it's weight in gold. I got mine from Mama Bear soaps (she makes some awesome soap as well, I love the sandalwood). Now I can finally look forward to shaving instead of dreading it. :)

wow!, I didnt know an alum block was good for this. I also have always had the dreadful problem of all of the little white bumps usually from the corners of my mouth down to my chin and sometimes under my lower lip. I will have to order an alum and see how it works.

btw, how exactly do you use it for pre and post shave?

Ty

Just wet it and rub it all over your face beforehand, then do the same thing again afterwards. Leave it on for a minute or so (I just leave it on while cleaning my razor, brush, and bowl) then rinse it off. That's all. Kiss those ugly bumps goodbye!

Where did you get yours? I can't find them on normal drugstore websites...

Charles at QED makes a great one. It is in a stick. Best I have tried. I do not have a bump problem but love using one.

forgive my ignorance... but what is QED?

I see Classic Shaving sells a large alum block. It seems like a good buy for the size and price. Thoughts?

And this is something used both before AND after, or just after? It it closes the pores, wouldn't that be counterproductive before hand? I thought the reason for shaving after a shower was that the pores were open and one could get a closer shave. Just wondering as this is definitely something I need to invest in.

I get mine at my local GNC store. Its sold as a natural deodorant. Works great!

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Originally Posted by bbshriver

forgive my ignorance... but what is QED?

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http://www.qedusa.com/

His name is Charles great guy. He is doing our SRP Soap. One problem his site sucks and he knows it. But it gets so much talk it is almost a cult following so he will probably never change it. Most he sell sis not even on the site. Give him a call or email his service is top notch.

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Originally Posted by Doc

I get mine at my local GNC store. Its sold as a natural deodorant. Works great!

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Doc,
I did a quick search on GNC's website, but none of the deodorants I saw there said anything about containing alum or consisting of alum. I have a feeling the folks at the local GNC will just give me a WTF look if I ask them about it. Which product do you buy there, exactly?

I use something called naturally fresh deodorant crystal. it says natural mineral salts / potassium alum and aloe Vera fragrance free and no harmful aluminums. Works great for me. comes in a roll on container.

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Originally Posted by Roadrunner

They're even worse when I use a conventional razor or an electric, which is part of what drove me to try a straight.

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I'm in exactly the same boat. Thanks for posting, I'll have to give the alum block a shot too.

I just ordered 5 alum blocks for $1.79 each. I will report if they are OK or not when I try one. http://www.tulumba.com/storeitem.asp?ic=BB547960UD875

bj

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Originally Posted by Lunchbox16

I see Classic Shaving sells a large alum block. It seems like a good buy for the size and price. Thoughts?

And this is something used both before AND after, or just after? It it closes the pores, wouldn't that be counterproductive before hand? I thought the reason for shaving after a shower was that the pores were open and one could get a closer shave. Just wondering as this is definitely something I need to invest in.

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Their block is nice and big... works great!!

By the way I've been using my "Deodorant crystal" For well over a year as both aftershave treatment and deodorant and its is still well over half there. These are a excellent value.

I have been using one of the mini alum crystal sticks from GNC, I think it is like 1-2 dollars...has been working great and I really like the tight, dry feeling it gives once it dries. After 10-20 min I rinse and apply an after shave.

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Originally Posted by Wildtim

By the way I've been using my "Deodorant crystal" For well over a year as both aftershave treatment and deodorant and its is still well over half there. These are a excellent value.

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You sir, take being a man to a whole new level...:bow

I tried the whole alum aftershave thing again....it really roughens my face up. I'm not going to try anymore.

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Originally Posted by adickerson0

You sir, take being a man to a whole new level...:bow

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If you haven't tried the "crystal" deodorants you really should. They kill the odor without blocking your pores or exposing you to a bunch of chemicals. They also don't smell like cheap perfume so your scent of choice (be it aftershave or cologne or body powder) can really shine through.

I'm also allergic to many perfumes and the ingredient that makes antiperspirant do what it does. So my deodorant selection is pretty limited but this really does the trick

+1 on the crystal deodorant (I think the one I use is actually called Crystal Stick or some such). Made the switch almost a year ago and man, what a difference. It actually prevents the stinky microorganisms from growing instead of just covering up the smell. I think I'd use a separate one for my face tho...:D

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Originally Posted by Lunchbox16

I see Classic Shaving sells a large alum block. It seems like a good buy for the size and price. Thoughts?

And this is something used both before AND after, or just after? It it closes the pores, wouldn't that be counterproductive before hand? I thought the reason for shaving after a shower was that the pores were open and one could get a closer shave. Just wondering as this is definitely something I need to invest in.

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That is where I got mine. I bought their brand. I love it I use it most days. Tightens the skin right up.

OK guys, don't you see the logical end of where this conversation is leading?

Once we are done shaving our faces, we should continue on to the armpits! Then slather face & pits with alum block.

Smooth, and odor free all day long!

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Originally Posted by Seraphim

OK guys, don't you see the logical end of where this conversation is leading?

Once we are done shaving our faces, we should continue on to the armpits! Then slather face & pits with alum block.

Smooth, and odor free all day long!

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Yeah, go ahead and give it a shot!




:w

Forgive the ignorance here, but I don't have a really good understanding of what an "alum block" is. How, specifically, is it used?

what is alum? is there any difference in quality of brands? ive always just put it nics. does a good atershave balm get rid of the need for alum or should i be using bolth?:eek:

I had never heard of using an Alum bar pre shave so I decided to try it on one side of my face today...bad idea.

I lathered up the non alum side of my face, no problem. When I went to lather the other side it would not lather at all. When I put the brush back in my bowl, it killed all the lather in the bowl and brush all together. I was using TGQ leatherneck cream. I had to completely wash my face off and rinse my brush and bowl and start over.

I still like using it post shave, but I'll never use it pre again.

Yep, alum, styptic etc. will do that to any kind of soap or lather. I believe when people use it as a pre-shave they rinse it off first before applying lather. Otherwise it's unworkable. The alum should pull the skin tight and make your beard stand up more (so the theory goes). Why not try it again, but make sure you rinse off first?

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Originally Posted by majurey

Yep, alum, styptic etc. will do that to any kind of soap or lather. I believe when people use it as a pre-shave they rinse it off first before applying lather. Otherwise it's unworkable. The alum should pull the skin tight and make your beard stand up more (so the theory goes). Why not try it again, but make sure you rinse off first?

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I'm going to give this technique a try using the crystal deodorant. One more item to add to the shopping list. Thanks for everyone's input.

-Pary

I flip flop during winter and all other seasons with Alum and Witch Hazel products. Winter is very drying in Canada so I use some moisture added aftershave or cream.... As noted, both need to be throughly washed off if you pre-shave with them. Or they will kill your lather. I use lather in my hand, very (small amount) to wash off the alum or witch hazel after a good warm water rinse. It's a quick indicator that it's all gone if the later on your hand a face doesn't disappear immediately.

Kind regards,

Is it just a block of alum or is there something else to it?

Em's place in Oregon has several size blocs at reasonable prices.

She also makes great products and; quick shipping.

This does seem to work pretty well, and you cant beat the price at GNC ($1.06 or so). Gotta love that AOS charges $15 for it - thats a hell of a markup.
oh I would skip your upper lip when using an Alum Block - this stuff tastes AWFUL :cry:

I actually really dislike the alum block. It gives me irritation where I normally wouldn't get it. I threw mine away. . . :td