Post Shave

Does anyone use Witch Hazel and/or Alum after shaving? I find that the Alum block leaves a white residue on my face, Do you rinse it off afterwards, Can I use Witch Hazel after Alum? I find myself wiping off the Alum residue with a pad soaked in Witch Hazel. Am I wasting the Alum.

I've never used an alum block, but finish each post-shave rinse by running an ice cube over my face and neck and then splashing with witch hazel. The ice and witch hazel do a very good job of closing pores and most small nicks or abrasions.

If my shave was comfortable, I'm left with very comfortable skin. If the shave was rough, I'll still have a "tight skin" feeling and some sensitivity after the ice and witch hazel.

Thanks, I'm trying to figure out the Alum block. I've heard if you use it cold, it's a good toner, if you use it with Hot water, it'll help close nicks. In any case,when you use it, It may sting depending on your shave, but it leaves a residue on your face. Maybe once applied, you reap it's results right away and rinsing after is fine. I like the Ice idea. I'll give it a try,
Thanks again, Rich

I use witch hazel when my wife is getting a migraine - no scent. I use the alum block after I have butchered my self. A cold water rinse and alum block shuts all those little bleeders down...:cry:

I've used the Alum block to stop bleeders, Hot water to stop bleeding, Cold water for toning. It's just sometimes, it leaves residue on my face. I'll leave it on for a minute or so, then hit it with Witch Hazel. My girlfriend absolutely hates the smell of Witch Hazel.

I use both an alum block and witch hazel after every shave. I absolutely love the results. I don't get much (any) razor burn these days, but with this combo, the razor burn I might get doesn't even stand a chance. I'm not sure how it would fair against severe razor burn, though.

I do the following:

-Warm water rinse
-Cold water rinse
-Run the alum under cold water for a second, then rub it all over my face (areas it stings I was a little rough on... ideally there should be no stinging if you were really careful and shaved very well)
-Let the alum and water sit on my face for about a mintue while I do some cleaning up.
-Cold water rinse the alum off
-Pat my face dry with a towel
-Apply witch hazel with just my hands
-Finish cleaning and let the witch hazel "dry" to a semi-tacky feeling
-Get dressed
-Without wiping off the witch hazel or anything, apply ASB, after shave milk, or aftershave splash of my choice.

Works perfect for me!

FWIW I've never noticed a white residue at all with the alum. I'm using the alum block that mama bear sells. I was just thinking again today how well this thing works. I'd pay $50 if that's what it cost for these things - I couldn't go without it!

I do a hot water rinse.
Alum.
Wash the brush, razor, bowl.
Cold water rinse.
Pat dry.
Witch hazel splashed on with my hands.
Moisturise.
Works for me. I don't leave the alum on. It leaves my skin feeling too tight & it's done it's job.

I do a cool water rinse.
Alum.
Pat dry.
Aftershave lotion.
Wash the brush, razor, bowl.
Admire my shave.
Moisturize with balm.
I haven't experienced any residue from my alum. That sucker stings like heck but i love what it does.
Dannyr:medvl:

OK, So I'm not the only one that does the Witch Hazel after the Alum.....I do love what the Alum does though....