Recently I've seen a lot of debate regarding the use of the Alum Block.
For those who do not know, what exactly is the Alum Block?
"An Alum Block is a crystal-like stone that is moistened with cold water and gently rubbed over the entire face to act as an antiseptic for razor burn. It can also help to stop bleeding of nicks and cuts. So the Alum block, used after shaving, has excellent antiseptic properties and a styptic effect, closing the pores and leaving the skin silky soft."
This is something that most of us already now.
The real question seems to be: "How to properly use it?"
Essentially there are two slightly different ways.
One way is this:
1. After shaving apply a wet Alum Block all over your face;
2. Leave it on one or two minutes;
3. Rinse it off with cold water;
4. Apply your favorite aftershave balm or skin moisturizer.
The second way is this:
1. After shaving apply a wet Alum Block all over your face;
2. Leave it on your skin, WITHOUT rinsing it off;
3. Apply your favorite aftershave balm or skin moisturizer.
The two methods shown above have only one, huge difference: rinsing off the Alum or not.
That is the real question.
I have used both methods for years, and I like using both depending on which balm I apply after.
So, my conclusion is that, in my opinion, both techniques are correct.
Try both and see what you prefer or what works better for you.
Or do like me and enjoy using both methods!
P.S. If you go at www.gentlemans-shop.com, at the video section, there is a nice video on "how to properly shave".
At the end of this short film Robert Johnston, owner of The Gentleman's Shop and a Master Barber for 25 years, uses the Alum Block and, WITHOUT rinsing it off, puts a balm on his face.
For those who do not know, what exactly is the Alum Block?
"An Alum Block is a crystal-like stone that is moistened with cold water and gently rubbed over the entire face to act as an antiseptic for razor burn. It can also help to stop bleeding of nicks and cuts. So the Alum block, used after shaving, has excellent antiseptic properties and a styptic effect, closing the pores and leaving the skin silky soft."
This is something that most of us already now.
The real question seems to be: "How to properly use it?"
Essentially there are two slightly different ways.
One way is this:
1. After shaving apply a wet Alum Block all over your face;
2. Leave it on one or two minutes;
3. Rinse it off with cold water;
4. Apply your favorite aftershave balm or skin moisturizer.
The second way is this:
1. After shaving apply a wet Alum Block all over your face;
2. Leave it on your skin, WITHOUT rinsing it off;
3. Apply your favorite aftershave balm or skin moisturizer.
The two methods shown above have only one, huge difference: rinsing off the Alum or not.
That is the real question.
I have used both methods for years, and I like using both depending on which balm I apply after.
So, my conclusion is that, in my opinion, both techniques are correct.
Try both and see what you prefer or what works better for you.
Or do like me and enjoy using both methods!
P.S. If you go at www.gentlemans-shop.com, at the video section, there is a nice video on "how to properly shave".
At the end of this short film Robert Johnston, owner of The Gentleman's Shop and a Master Barber for 25 years, uses the Alum Block and, WITHOUT rinsing it off, puts a balm on his face.
I mean, paper doesn't uncut it. Styptic pencil does wonders though. Had to use it for this reason for the first time last night. Discovered my skin greatly prefers Feathers and Merkur Ueberrostfrei's over CVSs.
