In another recent thread, people are saying how they get years from a alum bar. I was raised with styptic pencils which may go 6 months or so. I guess I have a question about what is the difference between alum bars and styptic pencils. Any input is appreciated.
Alum Bar v Styptic Pencil
- Thread starter Shutterbug57
- Start date
I use alum on my whole after every shave for antiseptic and skin tightening properties. It can also stop bleeding on very insignificant cuts. Styptic pencils are for spot treatment of cuts that are bleeding more profusely.
They are identical chemically, albeit a significant size difference. I think it's preference. Personally I cannot use alum as I negatively react, however, a stypic pencil makes a lot more sense on the rare event that I cut myself.
I have both. I used to use the styptic for travel (much smaller), but I like my alum block better....don't really know why.
On the rare times that I get a cut I use the styptic, but I use a liquid styptic that's available at most barber shops. I'll use the alum block as a nice antiseptic wash for my face, but not right after I shave as it causes my face to break out if I use it right after my shave. A couple of hours later it works really nice.
I used to use alum all over as aftershave but now it's replaced my styptic pencil as a spot treatment for bleeding.
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