Thread: Using The Alum Block

I started straight shaving in Oct. 2010. I purchased an alum block as part of my start up kit. I use it from time to time if I get a few knicks. Otherwise I tend not to use it. As a matter of fact I used it tonight; I got two knicks. What I'd like to know is should I wash it off with cold water after treating my face with it or just leave it on and then apply a balm before my face dries thoroughly; which is what I did tonight?

_Larry

Originally Posted by lfloyd

I started straight shaving in Oct. 2010. I purchased an alum block as part of my start up kit. I use it from time to time if I get a few knicks. Otherwise I tend not to use it. As a matter of fact I used it tonight; I got two knicks. What I'd like to know is should I wash it off with cold water after treating my face with it or just leave it on and then apply a balm before my face dries throughly; which is what I did tonight?

_Larry

It is your choice.
For me the alum drys my skin too much so
after 20 min I rinse it off. Alum comes in
two common types but both tend to have a deodorant
antiperspirant effect. Your face will tell
you yes or no.

Also alum tastes bad...

I agree, you can leave it on or rinse it off. I don't agree with application though. I prefer to put the alum on my face, not in my face.

Whenever I use Alum, I just let it sit till dry.
Which usually takes just a minute or two.
Then I rinse with cold water and apply a moisturizer of some sort.

Thanks. I also agree with the taste assessment.

Originally Posted by lfloyd

I started straight shaving in Oct. 2010. I purchased an alum block as part of my start up kit. I use it from time to time if I get a few knicks. Otherwise I tend not to use it. As a matter of fact I used it tonight; I got two knicks. What I'd like to know is should I wash it off with cold water after treating my face with it or just leave it on and then apply a balm before my face dries throughly; which is what I did tonight?

_Larry

Better to rinse your face with cold water after the alum is applied.

Hello Larry:

After the shave I rinse with tepid water, run the alum under cold water and apply it to my face, and about a minute or so later rinse it off with cold water.

Regards,

Obie

I do a warm water rinse to get the rest of the lather off, cold water on the alum block then rub it all over my face, clean up my shaving mess, then rinse with cold water, and apply AS. Seems to work well for me this way.

I use it after every shave right before Witch Hazel. I usually rinse it off with cold water but not always...it's really whatever floats your boat

When I used it I used to just apply the alum and then apply skin food right afterwards, but I found the alum far too drying so I stopped using it.

It does taste bad, but it works a treat on mouth ulcers, clears them right up! So does styptic pencil.

Dont ask me how I found that out...