Does alum work for you?

[D/E Bob]

When I first joined this forum about 4 months ago I was constantly reading about all the virtues of Alum, and so I ordered some.

On the rare occasion that I get a nick or a weeper, I have moistened it with warm water as per the instructions, applied it, and it doesn't do a damn thing for me (except a slight sting). Then I go to a Styptic Pencil and the problem is over 1,2,3! What gives? So many of you guys swear by this stuff, yet it is useless for me. What am I missing here??

Regards,
D/E Bob

 

[life2short1971]

I use the alum block to get a grip so I can pull skin while shaving. I have the experience you do in terms of nicks and weepers.

 

[DaveNJ74]

I also was constantly seeing post about alum this and alum that so I went out and I bought a block from Art of Shaving. One video on Youtube instructs the wet shaver to vigorously rub the alum block over the freshly shaven face... so I did just that.
Ouch.....
Now I just use it for a nick here and there.

 

[M80]

I love my alum block, i do a rub with it after every shave.

 

[BigTex_21]

I love using my alum. For weepers you have to hold it on the spot for quite some time for it to really do anything and it only seems to work for the smaller weepers. I also love using it after the shave because it tells me how good of a job I did with my technique. If it burns like hell then I know my angle or pressure was wrong, if I hardly feel a sting then I know I did a good job that time. It's also very helpful to get a grip on a wet razor and to move your skin around. I find it to be very helpful and would never be without it, but as always YMMV.

 

[natchez]

I use the alum block to get a grip so I can pull skin while shaving. I have the experience you do in terms of nicks and weepers.

I use alum on my fingers to get a grip to stretch skin while shaving, and as an astringent with cold water after a cold rinse. Styptic for nicks and weepers for me. I let the alum stay on my face while I strop my straight- about ~45 seconds- then rinse it off. Then I apply some Thayer's WH and let it dry while I clean up. After that, whatever AS or ASB I am in mood for. I have had very good results, my complexion has improved dramatically with this approach- YMMV.

BTW, if you are shaving well it should not really sting at all. If it is stinging you have been burned- twice

 

[life2short1971]

My face feels like it is swelling up for a little while after I use it especially the skin that faces south around my jaw line.

 

[xjrob85]

Alum didn't do anything for me either. Didn't stop cuts, didn't sooth, only took away the slippery feel which I rather like. I don't use it.

 

[TMH478]

it works great on my knicks, but does no justice on anything larger. It also helps calm irritated skin. All in all, I can appreciate the stuff.

 

[mftoms59]

When I first joined this forum about 4 months ago I was constantly reading about all the virtues of Alum, and so I ordered some.

On the rare occasion that I get a nick or a weeper, I have moistened it with warm water as per the instructions, applied it, and it doesn't do a damn thing for me (except a slight sting). Then I go to a Styptic Pencil and the problem is over 1,2,3! What gives? So many of you guys swear by this stuff, yet it is useless for me. What am I missing here??

Regards,
D/E Bob

I use cold water on my alum for nicks and weepers, one lite rub and hold it on the spot for 3~5 seconds , it work for me. I also do an after shave pass, again using cold water on a damp face, leave for 3~5 minutes( wile cleaning up), rinse with cold water and apply AS( Catalyst or Tabac) with a pea size mound of 444 ASB .

 

[SpartanFan]

I use alum on my fingers to get a grip to stretch skin while shaving, and as an astringent with cold water after a cold rinse. Styptic for nicks and weepers for me. I let the alum stay on my face while I strop my straight- about ~45 seconds- then rinse it off. Then I apply some Thayer's WH and let it dry while I clean up. After that, whatever AS or ASB I am in mood for. I have had very good results, my complexion has improved dramatically with this approach- YMMV.

BTW, if you are shaving well it should not really sting at all. If it is stinging you have been burned- twice

+1 my experience as well

 

[Popeyeguy]

I love the stuff myself. Face feels fantastic after I use it. I don't think it was made for bigger cuts, thats what a styptic pencil is for. Stick with it, it should get better for you. Good luck!!

 

[rigpindude]

I was getting some redness around the neck area after shaving that even ASB wasn't soothing but once I introduced a full face rub with alum after my cold rinse, the problem went away. I use a Crystal deodorant stick; same stuff as the alum bars but in a neater and easier to apply format. Works for me.

 

[Mike'sWorld]

I use an alum deodorant bar after every shave. Lafe's, I think is the brand. Feels great. If it really stings, you've got a problem with your shave technique. It doesn't help with cuts or nicks, that's what a styptic pencil is for. They are two different products.

 

[D/E Bob]

Thanks for the quick response guys. For the most part, I am not alone with my Alum experience. I thought I was doing something wrong and it's nice to know I'm not nuts!

Regards,
D/E Bob

 

[Frosty]

I think it's effective but I just don't like the way it dries out the skin (or at least that's what it feels like). I now apply Trumpers skin food instead and then follow up with a moisturiser

 

[nstenberg]

I couldn't do without my alum block.

 

[Wil Dorenbos]

I also was constantly seeing post about alum this and alum that so I went out and I bought a block from Art of Shaving. One video on Youtube instructs the wet shaver to vigorously rub the alum block over the freshly shaven face...

That is what I do after every shave

 

[BCatl]

I was getting some redness around the neck area after shaving that even ASB wasn't soothing but once I introduced a full face rub with alum after my cold rinse, the problem went away. I use a Crystal deodorant stick; same stuff as the alum bars but in a neater and easier to apply format. Works for me.

+1 It's what I use as well. I have to take a break from AS splashes and balms sometimes and since I had the Crystal brand handy I just lightly apply after shaving. Does not irritate my face.

 

[MaritimeFanatic]

I have had a rather critical view of alum blocks for quite some time. I must say that this opinion, however, was simply from my own ignorance. A friend finally convinced me to try it, and I have to say that it is wonderful. A light rub all over the face after a cold water rinse made my face tighten up and smooth out.

The real difference I found was the hour after shaving. During this time I find that my face feels very sensitive and a little tender. In guess it is that fresh layer of skin out in in open for the first time. the alum block soothed my face face and made it feel much less sensitive. BBS + no "exposed" feeling = Total Awesomeness. I will be keeping it!

P.S.: I think that a styptic pencil is just a more concentrated version - hence it working better for nicks/weepers.