Thread: Do you use an alum block after shaving?

Yes, the key is to wash it off after applying it for 30 seconds or so....

Bought one at a local outdoor market for less than a dollar. Never had any luck with it, though. Doesn't burn much at all, but it causes a whole lot of redness and itching that persists for a while. Did the same even when I tried it without shaving. Seems almost like an allergic reaction.

Might be that there's something else in this brand that's bothering me, and that I wouldn't have the same experience with other varieties. FWIW, this was a very traditional barbershop Turkish alum block being sold alongside Arko creams and whatnot. Here's a picture of it:



(mine had only the red sticker, not the white one)

Gentlemen,

In an earlier post in this thread I noted I use alum block occasionally. Since then I am back to using it after every shave.

Following the shave, I rinse with warm water and apply the wet alum block. After the cleanup, I rinse the alum off with warm water, splash on cold water and pat my Hollywood face dry. A little witch hazel, followed by aftershave balm and finally an aftershave ends this delightful daily pleasure.

During the day, I refresh the face with several applications of witch hazel followed by aftershave. Gentlemen, there is nothing like being clean shaven and smelling good.

Also, I am always ready in case Brad Pitt is unavailable and Hollywood turns to me to fill in.

Regards,

Obie

Just got mine and followed the directions on the back of the package.
I don't think the stinging sensation is any harsher then after shave (AKA..Splash). It's not something I'm used to doing, seems weird to be rubbing a block on my face after shaving, but I'll stick with it for now. I do like the tightening feeling, which is something I get, inconsistently, with after shaves.

Gentlemen,

Much useful information has been passed around on the merits of using an alum block after the shave. I myself have had a contentious relationship with the product, using it for a while then retiring it. Now once again I have started using it regularly.

I have seen several brands of alum block offered by various vendors. The only one I have used is Classic Shaving's; therefore, I am unqualified to offer opinions on the others available. I would like to try another brand as well.

Or does a specific brand ultimately make any difference in the overall quality of the alum block? Perhaps some of you gentlemen can offer educated opinions on the different brands available. Thanks.

Regards,

Obie

Gentlemen moderators, mentors and administrators,

I meant to put this item in a new thread, but obviously I did something wrong. It's not unusually for me, of course, to get lost in the intricacies of these computing machine thingies.

Perhaps someone would be kind to put this under a new thread.

Regards,

Computing machine thingie whiz,

Obie

Originally Posted by northpaw

Bought one at a local outdoor market for less than a dollar. Never had any luck with it, though. Doesn't burn much at all, but it causes a whole lot of redness and itching that persists for a while. Did the same even when I tried it without shaving. Seems almost like an allergic reaction.

Might be that there's something else in this brand that's bothering me, and that I wouldn't have the same experience with other varieties. FWIW, this was a very traditional barbershop Turkish alum block being sold alongside Arko creams and whatnot. Here's a picture of it:



(mine had only the red sticker, not the white one)

I've used these and another brand as well, these seem to have some inclusions and seem less pure to me. It also starts out a whole lot rougher than the better ones. It does smooth out with use (or exposure to running water) but it isn't pleasant for the first few uses.

I also use my alum as deodorant, as it is the same stuff as the crystal deodorants you see just usually less expensive in the shaving shops.

I use one after every shave as well. They are amazing.

I use it everyday. Cold splash then the alum and wash it off with a Aftershave Astringent. Then follow with a balm. Great for the skin. I will say there are different quality Alums. You want one pure and hypo Allergenic.

I didn't understand the purpose of the alum block until reading this thread. I am assuming it's an either or thing? Either the styptic pen or the alum block?

I wonder if one is better than the other. I've had the pen, even before starting to SR shave, as the Mach 3's tended to chew up my face.