Alum Block ?

[CryptoDave]

Do you wash/rinse off the Alum Block after you apply it?

I've read two techniques, both requiring a cold water rinse before the application of the Alum:

Technique 1: Apply the Alum Block and let it dry, then apply witch hazel, balm and after shave on top of the dried Alum.

Technique 2: Apply the Alum Block let it dry, then wash it off with cold water, then apply witch hazel, balm and after shave. I believe the theory here s that the Alum Block can act as an astringent and should be washed off after it dries.

What do you do?

Thanks

Dave

 

[FonGu]

Apply the alum and let it rest while I clean up my hardware. I then rinse with cold water and apply whatever AS I'm using that day.

 

[Porp]

Technique 2 is what I use. But I rarely use WH and balm, normally just AS.

 

[Petromalt]

I use it exactly as FonGu above mentioned. Not every shave though, just the ones where I might have gotten a little too good of a shave.

 

[VerbaVolant]

Do you wash/rinse off the Alum Block after you apply it?...

Yes, I do. It is my preference.

I rinse it off after I rinse the brush and bowl, so after about a minute.

...I've read two techniques, both requiring a cold water rinse before the application of the Alum...

Potassium Alum solubility in water dramatically increases with temperature (more than doubles at around 50 °C). I use cold water rinse before and after the alum since I like the invigorating effect of cold water and other benefits as well. Also don't want to waste the alum, nor apply too much on skin.

So my after the shave routine is cold water (temperature of cold water here is 6 °C) rinse, alum,cold water rinse, aftershave. I never mix witch hazel and aftershave lotion/balm. If I use witch hazel that's all I put on. This is just my preference and cannot say it is the best "technique", so I am open to suggestions as well.

 

[LMAN007]

After last stroke of the razor I do the following:
Rinse face and neck with cold water
Apply ALUM on face and neck, after all I use alum to find out the areas (burning sensation) that I might have gone over too many times with my razor, other than the astringent effect.
Clean up sink and what ever while face and neck drys, then splash cold water on face and neck, pat dry.
Apply whitch hazel,then one of my after shave splashes, followed by nivea post shave balm.
Works for me.

 

[bemiller]

Post shave for me is cold water rinse, alum, clean up sink area, rinse alum off, apply alcohol free witch hazel, let dry then either aloe moisturizing cream, AS splash or nothing if I'm using EDT

 

[DevilDog0402]

So my after the shave routine is cold water (temperature of cold water here is 6 °C) rinse, alum,cold water rinse, aftershave.

This

 

[Mick]

número dos para mí

 

[celestino]

i don't use it any more except for any cuts or nicks, but i just rinsed it after i used it and dry it off.

 

[Wingnut]

I don't use alum after every shave, but when I do I use technique #2.

 

[Mong.]

Something to consider is that everyone's skin is different, so we all have different levels of care required post-shave. On top of that, there are daily variations in our skin that relate to factors like diet, exposure to the elements, weather/temperature, etc. Keeping all that in mind, there really isn't a right answer in regards to how you use alum. Some days, alum followed by a cold water rinse and aftershave might be all you need. Other days, perhaps you will need a balm or lotion to soothe or rehydrate your skin. Some days, you won't need alum at all.

I used to use alum after every shave, but these days, I usually only use it if I've been a bit eager and scraped myself raw. I favor creams and soaps that moisturise well, and I found with experience that the alum strips my skin of that soft and supple feeling. In that circumstance, I will never use alum. Some days, I just chase the burn, so I'll use both alum and a fiery A/S. What I'm trying to say with this example is that you shouldn't get too bogged down in your routines, instead use the alum in a way that is both beneficial to your skin and complementary to the other products that you're using.

 

[gstarr1]

#2

 

[jtcoinflip]

I use number 2, although i rinse with warm water first and cold water after

 

[MFNEWYEARAMDG]

Apply, let rest, clean sink, rinse with cold water, dry with towel, witch hazel, aid dry, clean up everything else while this occurs... Finish with Shea butter.

 

[face]

Just got my first alum bar in the post today and the instructions on the box say leave it on ever so briefly then rinse with cold water. FYI.

 

[Heron]

I've done both and haven't noticed much difference between the two. Lately I've been rinsing between the alum and WH.

 

[llHermanll]

I personally like to cold water rinse - apply alum and let dry while I clean up - cold water rinse - aftershave splash -air dry and nivea balm after face has dried. Works like a charm and leaves my face feeling tight, smooth, and clean.

 

[Dharuma]

i don't use it any more except for any cuts or nicks, but i just rinsed it after i used it and dry it off.

This

 

[lvanarsdall]

I stopped using Alum for I was using Technique 1, and not pleased with the results. After reading Technique 2, I found it much better and will start using it again.