Alum really works!

[JdB]

Yesterday I witnessed the closing-capabilities of Alum: I got three small nicks on my throat because I was not paying attention while shaving. After 4 passes and the cold-water rinse I wetted a piece of Alum and rubbed it over my face and throat. I rubbed the Alum (gently) over the three little wounds and they stopped bleeding instantly! They just closed! Like a door!

Alum works! It stings also, especially when you rub it in an open wound. But this was the first time I really noticed the power of Alum.

Just wanted to share this observation with you Gentlemen.

 

[richmondesi]

Yes it does work. In addition to stopping weepers, it also reduces the irritation from razor burn. I don't always use it, but when I do, I am always pleased.

Also, when you've had a really nice shave, it doesn't sting... That's a good way to gauge your progress.

 

[Angus Young]

Yesterday I witnessed the closing-capabilities of Alum: I got three small nicks on my throat because I was not paying attention while shaving. After 4 passes and the cold-water rinse I wetted a piece of Alum and rubbed it over my face and throat. I rubbed the Alum (gently) over the three little wounds and they stopped bleeding instantly! They just closed! Like a door!

Alum works! It stings also, especially when you rub it in an open wound. But this was the first time I really noticed the power of Alum.

Just wanted to share this observation with you Gentlemen.

Alum is amazing stuff. It also helps with insect stings/bites. Everyone should have some alum at home.

 

[andrew98]

I apparently need some alum. What's the best kind (best value)? I saw a cube of alum at QED. I would also keep it on a piece of slate.

-Andy

 

[Buck47]

I apparently need some alum. What's the best kind (best value)? I saw a cube of alum at QED. I would also keep it on a piece of slate.

-Andy

I buy many shaving items form Appelton Barber Supply:

http://www.appletonbarbersupply.com/store/shopexd.asp?id=396&bc=no

Alum block $4.60 Plus shipping


Hope this helps. Regards: john

 

[andrew98]

I buy many shaving items form Appelton Barber Supply:

http://www.appletonbarbersupply.com/store/shopexd.asp?id=396&bc=no

Alum block $4.60 Plus shipping


Hope this helps. Regards: john

Great! Thanks.

-Andy

 

[Arctic]

I just got back from a trip to my local Hindu market. I was hoping to find some Godrej rounds, but instead just picked up two different kinds of alum blocks for $1.99 each! They seem to have every Godrej product but the shaving soap... The alum blocks are Janata and Manoj brands. They're a bit rough looking, texture like a brick. Its a real man who rubs one of these on his face, for sure. Im definately glad I checked there though.

 

[MWS]

Love it. Started using it about two weeks ago. Not only after shaves, but in the evening's as well.

A great way to freshen up and tighten the skin all day long.

 

[Kamamuri]

I apparently need some alum. What's the best kind (best value)? I saw a cube of alum at QED. I would also keep it on a piece of slate.

-Andy

Dear andrew98, don't doubt it for a second. For me it's a terrific shaving tool and a incredible deodorant. Indispensable. How to use properly:

- For shaving: After the shave and the cold water rinse, you have to wet the alum in cold water and apply the wet Alum (gently) over all the shaving area. Wait some minutes, just to feel out? (grammar dude) the itch. Then wash your face twice with cold water, dry softly and apply your favorite After shave. Perfect.

-Like deodorant: Dry yours armpits, wet the alum in cold water and apply gently the wet Alum. Lets air-dry and apply your favorite deodorant or cologne. It's amazing; at the end of the day smell your shirt and you'll see.

 

[billyjeff2]

+1. I use it once or twice a week, especially when my skin gets a bit chapped or razor burned. Momma Bear sells it on her website, as do others. I didn't expect to like it as much as I did. Only caveat: if, like me, you use Proraso pre/post after shaving, you can't use it after applying alum. Something about alum makes its consistency change. However, you can use Proraso aftershave lotion.

 

[JdB]

I just got back from a trip to my local Hindu market. I was hoping to find some Godrej rounds, but instead just picked up two different kinds of alum blocks for $1.99 each! They seem to have every Godrej product but the shaving soap... The alum blocks are Janata and Manoj brands. They're a bit rough looking, texture like a brick. Its a real man who rubs one of these on his face, for sure. Im definately glad I checked there though.

If you do not want to rub sharp bricks of Alum over your (irritated and bloody ) skin, you could soak some pieces of brick in a small layer of cold water for a minute or so and than soak a small soft cloth in this solution. Use the cloth!

 

[The Knize]

Alum seems to do wonders for me after shaving. I used to use a stick of Thai Crystal which was just fine. But I just got a block from an Indian Grocery for $2.25 or so and I prefer that shape. It is easier to apply, putting the large flat surface on my face. The block I got was very smooth.

I left it on for a few minutes and then rinse off with bay rum or witch hazel.

 

[BroJohn]

I apparently need some alum. What's the best kind (best value)? I saw a cube of alum at QED. I would also keep it on a piece of slate.

-Andy

Check this.

Order some Arko shave stuff while you're there.

-- John Gehman

 

[njpaddy]

Mama Bear has an alum block but I forgot to put it in my cart when I ordered on Friday. It'll be a good excuse to place another order with her.

40+ years ago they used to sell tins of alum powder at the drug store for shaving cuts. Just dip a wet fingertip in and put some on the nick or make a nice thick paste for those really deep cuts. I've still got some from back then and still using it.

 

[diamondtim]

I just got back from a trip to my local Hindu market. I was hoping to find some Godrej rounds, but instead just picked up two different kinds of alum blocks for $1.99 each! They seem to have every Godrej product but the shaving soap... The alum blocks are Janata and Manoj brands. They're a bit rough looking, texture like a brick. Its a real man who rubs one of these on his face, for sure. Im definately glad I checked there though.

Just bought a block of Janata at the Little India grocery for $0.99! I'll try it for that price.

Check out you local, small Indian grocery store.

 

[Son]

They're a bit rough looking, texture like a brick. Its a real man who rubs one of these on his face, for sure.

As you use it, alum block will get smooth after a while, no matter how rough it is at first.

 

[TonyGold]

Chemists shops used to stock a thing called a 'Styptic Pencil' which was a small bar of Aluminium Sulphate (ie Alum) contained in a plastic holder. It looked like a small lipstick holder. The instructions were to apply the tip of the pencil to a cut or nick caused by, as they put it, 'improper shaving practices'. It stopped the weep almost instantaneously. It also stung a lot. I seem to remember from somewhere that alum has a huge affinity for iron. Could be that it reacts and forms a clot with the iron in the blood issuing from the cut. As far as rubbing blocks of it on your face before, during or after shaving seems to me to be a trifle masochistic. Still if it gives you pleasure who am I to question your actions.

 

[Mike Schutz]

Having an Alum block is one of those things that should be a 'must have' in the house. It's good for minor cuts, as a deoderant, insect bites and who knows what else. It's like band-aids, duct tape, a single edge blade, assorted screw drivers and a hammer. Salt and pepper and on and on. A household isn't complete without it.

 

[mdunn]

i just got some alum for the first time.

was having a shave that wasnt great - the edge on the straight wasnt quite there - alum took care of what felt like some pretty nasty burn

 

[JeffM]

Styptic pencils use alum as TonyGold states above. Our Wal-Mart has Clubman Pinaud styptic pencils for $.99. They sting (work) well on nicks and such. Just lightly wet the tip. One pencil will go a long way unless you rub your whole face as some do with alum blocks. I prefer witch hazel as a mild splash after hitting any hot spots with the pencil.