Styptic: between passes?

[Liberty_2112]

My technique is slowly improving. On many shaves I get no nicks or weepers. That said, I'm far from perfect and they do occasionally happen. (Less now that I've pulled Feather blades out of my rotation.)

My question is this: if I get a nick or weeper on an early pass, should I apply the styptic between passes? Or wait until the end of the shave?

Also, should styptic be applied before or after the alum block?

For what it's worth, I am a cold water shaver. This has also helped reduce nicks, weepers and irritation.

Thanks!

 

[rockviper]

If it's a nice slice, I'll use my styptic at the end of the pass. I do find that most small nicks and weepers "self heal" by the end of my shave or only need a little help form the alum block.

 

[Rockminer]

I will wait until the end, even after I use the WH. If it's bleeding, at that point, I go to the styptic. ( wet, run the tip through water )

 

[Redstickjohn]

Why do you need a styptic pencil if you have an alum block?

 

[Liberty_2112]

Why do you need a styptic pencil if you have an alum block?

That is a great question. It seems to me like the styptic has more stopping power on nicks, while the alum block is better at weepers.

Am I dumb to use both?

 

[Rockminer]

I just use WH and a styptic. Haven't touched the stypitic in a while though.

 

[cb91710]

I will wait until the end, even after I use the WH. If it's bleeding, at that point, I go to the styptic. ( wet, run the tip through water )

This.
The cold water rinse will often stop them if they haven't stopped by then.
If they're still bleeding after the alum block (which I rarely use), then I'll move to the Proraso styptic gel (much better than the pencil).

 

[Liberty_2112]

This.
The cold water rinse will often stop them if they haven't stopped by then.
If they're still bleeding after the alum block (which I rarely use), then I'll move to the Proraso styptic gel (much better than the pencil).

Interesting. I've never used the Proraso styptic gel. I do enjoy Proraso products. Thanks!

 

[celestino]

If it's a nice slice, I'll use my styptic at the end of the pass. I do find that most small nicks and weepers "self heal" by the end of my shave or only need a little help form the alum block.

+1 Although i just use alum and no styptic.

 

[72plymsatellite]

i wait until im done shaving. if its still bleeding after 3 passes, a cold water splash, and a witch hazel splash then i use the styptic. luckily i dont have to pull it out that often. only on my off days when i seem to suck at shaving for some reason or i have an ingrown hair that i hit and bleeds forever.

 

[seattleshaver]

I don't use an alum block. I do use the styptic as soon as I nick myself.

 

[dcobranchi]

Why do you need a styptic pencil if you have an alum block?

They are two different chemicals. The styptic is usually ammonium alum and better at stopping bleeding. The block is usually potassium alum and is less harsh.

 

[OldGreyGuy]

Interesting. I've never used the Proraso styptic gel. I do enjoy Proraso products. Thanks!

It is very good and less messy than a styptic pencil. Just a small smear works very well.

 

[vreddy2000]

My question is this: if I get a nick or weeper on an early pass, should I apply the styptic between passes? Or wait until the end of the shave?

wait until end of shave

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/325055-If-you-guys-Thought-You-Had-a-Bad-Shave!

 

[Bk124tt]

I absolutely use my styptic if and when the nick or weeper happens. If it's a bleeder,why not stop it right away so you can enjoy the rest of your pass?

 

[Mick]

If you use a styptic (or alum) during your shave make sure you rinse thoroughly before applying more lather. Nothing is a better lather killer than styptic or alum that has not been rinsed off.

Whether to use it during a shave is your call. If you feel you need to, then use it. As mentioned most minor nicks and weepers will close up with a cold water rinse.

 

[Liberty_2112]

If you use a styptic (or alum) during your shave make sure you rinse thoroughly before applying more lather. Nothing is a better lather killer than styptic or alum that has not been rinsed off.

Whether to use it during a shave is your call. If you feel you need to, then use it. As mentioned most minor nicks and weepers will close up with a cold water rinse.

Very helpful! Thanks.

 

[takeshi]

Why do you need a styptic pencil if you have an alum block?

Two entirely different things. As stated above, alum tends to work for weepers but styptic stops the bigger cuts better in my experience. Also, it's difficult to apply styptic to your face in the same was as alum given the size and shape of the stick. This is discussed in a number of threads on the two.
https://www.google.com/search?q=sty...acd42b79784999&bpcl=40096503&biw=1920&bih=995

 

[Toothpick]

I apply everything at the end of the shave. i dont use alum tho. or WH (yet). if i get a weeper on the first pass i just wait till the end. same with a cut. i've never cut myself bad enough to have to stop my process to use a styptic pencil (knock on wood). after the cold water rinse and AS if im still bleeding i'll use the styptic. then i usually go back and check for the white marks it leaves on my face. that annoys me the most.

 

[Snidely]

I wait till all is done. Shave, cold rinse, AS. Then, if a nick still wants to bleed I break off a styptic match and touch it up. Does anybody else use styptic matches. I find them a great product.