I used alum for the first time.

[Derdonkderd]

I'm pretty new to this, and I just got an alum block. I like the stingy feeling (I have usedalcohol since I was a children, I don't feel complete without someburning). After I applied the alum, itmade my face a little red. This wentaway very shortly after I rinsed it off. Is that normal? Also, whenrinsing off the alum, should I be using cold / warm / or hot water? I used cold, because that seemed to make themost sense, but I figured I would ask anyway. Has anybody tried wetting the alum with isopropyl? Would that somehow be detrimental?

 

[Vlad]

Not sure about the redness, but I rinse with cold water. I don't think it matters. Why wet it with alcohol? I just use the wetness on my face before I dry off. Maybe that's what caused the redness? It can't hurt the alum, but I don't think it's necessary.

 

[Derdonkderd]

I didn't use alcohol to wet it, I just thought of that while I was typing, because I like to use acohol. Just thinking outside of the blocks (da-dum-dum)... The redness wasn't painful or anything, just really wondering if that is a typical response.

 

[Vlad]

I do a rinse, then alum, rinse, aftershave splash...I like the alcohol feel too.

 

[Derdonkderd]

So Vlad, (I work witha guy name Vlad, he is from Serbia. Its a great name.) Do you use colder or warmer water to rinse after the alum, and do you wet the alum? I guess I was thinking that maybe it would add a little antiseptic to the alum if I wetted it with alcohol. Maybe not... Sometimes I do aftershave in instead of alcohol, or both.

 

[Vlad]

alum is already antisceptic, and i think straight alcohol is too drying to the skin, and therefore irritating. i rinse with cold water. i generally do not need to wet the alum because my face is still wet from rinsing the lather.

 

[johnh]

Not really any need for the alchohol. Rinse - Alum then cold rinse if I use it.

 

[TGilly]

I rinse off with cold water, but I stopped using the Alum block on my face once I got witch hazel. It goes on much smoother in my opinion. I still use the alum to get a good grip on the safety razor but not as an aftershave.

 

[tommyguns]

i used to use a cold water splash before during and after if felt the best now I am an avid fan of which hazel. Hot water clean cold water rinse then a splash of the hazel and im on my way.

I dont really think there is any right way wrong way do what works for you thats the best way. As for the redness it might have to do with the alum because I my self used to get the red patches and flush face look after I shaved with some after shaves or the alum block I noticed.

 

[Alpine Dad]

So does anyone use alum and witch hazel? After my cold water rinse I apply the alum bar and let it dry while I clean up my shaving area/equipment. I then wipe the alum off with witch hazel, and once that dries (very, very quickly), I apply an aftershave cream or balm. Should I be doing only one or the other?

Cheers

 

[lowjax]

I have an Alum block, but haven't used it recently since I started using my Thayers. I am loving the Witch Hazel!!

When I do use my alum block, I wet it with water rub it on, then rinse it off with cold water.

 

[Slash McCoy]

The best use for the alum block is as a deoderant. It works MUCH better than all that scented crap and lasts all day.

 

[Direwolf]

I run the alum block under cold water then rub my face with it. I let that dry and then use Thayers or my aftershaves.

 

[celestino]

I rinse off with cold water, but I stopped using the Alum block on my face once I got witch hazel. It goes on much smoother in my opinion. I still use the alum to get a good grip on the safety razor but not as an aftershave.

+1

 

[LarryDarrell]

I rinse the soap off then rub the dry alum block over my wet face.
The degree of tingling and the smoothness of touch is how I judge my shave - little tingling and smooth feel is the goal.
I like the idea of rinsing off with witch-hazel, I will have to try that combination.

 

[tmurzz]

Still looking to purchase my first block.

 

[mvk]

I tried an alum block as I thought I might be missing out on something. However, I found that for me it does not add anything and just makes my shave take longer. I have five children, work full time, and am back to school full time also. So on the days I work, I keep my shave down to less than 10 minutes after my shower from start to finish. I really haven't had problems with nicks or weepers after my first three weeks of shaving. So I think I'll throw the block in my gym bag and use it as deodorant when I go to the gym. I'll stick with my quick shave and rinse followed by an application of Nivea for Men Revitalizing Lotion which I find soothing and contains a bit of sunblock. Now, on the days that I'm not working I slow down and really enjoy the process (+- 30 min), but I really don't have much use for the alum.