Skip alum and apply Witch Hazel instead? Or both?

[haagiboy]

I have recently bought some Witch Hazel and recieved it by airmail some days ago.
And after what I've read, it does the same job as an alum block. But is it overkill to use both? Alum first, wash off with cold water, apply witch hazel, let it dry, then apply ASB? Too much?

And I have always used alum block, since day 1, and I was wondering if I should not use it for a week, and see if something changes.

I read somewhere on b&b that there is such a thing as to overalum. Is it really?

My shaves are getting better and better, and after acquiring a slim my shaves have been consistently excellent! No matter what soap or cream I use, excellent!
Guess I owe it to my gillette platinum blades
they have been the best blades in my 38c, 11c, futur, and now, my slim which I prefer over any of the other mentioned razors.

I even tried the Arko shavestick today and facelathered for the first time!

 

[ackvil]

I stopped using alum and now only use WH. If I get a cut - which is rare - I use a styptic pencil and then WH.

For me, alum dried my face too much so I stopped using it.

 

[Hex]

I stopped using alum and now only use WH. If I get a cut - which is rare - I use a styptic pencil and then WH.

For me, alum dried my face too much so I stopped using it.

+1

Ditto, exactly what I do.

 

[haagiboy]

Hmm... Maybe I should give my alum block some rest for a couple of weeks, and just use Witch Hazel instead and see how it goes

 

[maxman]

Same goes for me. Alum irritates my skin.
Now I only use Thayer's Alcohol free WH.

 

[cnnc97]

I occasionally use both. Sometimes I skip the Alum and go straight to the WH.

 

[haagiboy]

Hmm, seems like alum isn't as popular as I thought!

I will definetly skip alum for atleast a week and see if anything changes :

 

[jtb]

I use alum if I've had an irratating shave that I feel will leave a rash, but otherwise it's just the WH.

 

[The Nid Hog]

I don't use either--it's aftershave splashes for me. I think that it's all a matter of personal preference. As long as you and your face are enjoying it, do it however you like.

 

[steven1979]

I like the Thayers WH a lot. I have the lavender. It's alcohol free and has aloe in it so it's great for the skin. Then I apply moisturizer. Great combo.

 

[texasshaver78]

I use just plain witch hazel as found at the local walmart , it does a great job . I have tried alum but i prefer WH over it

 

[Catalin]

I used to use alum. Then I switched to Thayers WH. Now I alternate with AS splash. You need to find what works for you.

 

[M80]

Alum forever!

 

[Triple Beam]

I use just plain witch hazel as found at the local walmart , it does a great job . I have tried alum but i prefer WH over it

I just buy the generic WH as well -- I slap it on before my shave to help soften my beard a bit, face lather, shave, rinse with cold, slap on WH again, and apply a balm. Seems to work well for me.

I may order some Thayer's next time I need something, but I can't find it local. I am happy with the generic stuff, so I don't feel a strong need to deviate from it.

 

[aleman1949]

I use alum after every shave. If I want to impress SWMBO I use a scented AS. Otherwise plain old WH.

 

[sanuginz]

i don't use either--it's aftershave splashes for me. I think that it's all a matter of personal preference. As long as you and your face are enjoying it, do it however you like.

+1

 

[Lusitano]

I only use witch hazel, and occasional a styptic pencil in case of a small cut.

 

[franstjohn]

I don't use either. I do use an AS balm after shaving and an AS splash on occasion.

 

[RazorbackFan]

I use both every time. Works well for me.

 

[oversaturn]

I stopped using alum and now only use WH. If I get a cut - which is rare - I use a styptic pencil and then WH.

For me, alum dried my face too much so I stopped using it.

+1
My experience is just the same.