- Oct 21, 2002
For decades I have used aftershave balms, starting out with Proraso when that was the only one I could find in Australia. For me, wet or electric shaving would have been unimaginable without using a balm or a really rich splash lotion afterwards.
However, three months ago I started using an Alum block after wet shaving. And I didn't like it at all - my face seemed tight for hours afterwards. I even posted about my dislike at B&B. But I persevered, mainly because of all the nicks I was getting in my experiments with different razors, and how effective it was treating them. And now I'm hardly using any balms at all, instead just using the Alum block, and a few people have commented on how my skin is looking better.
The Block is applied to the wet face after shaving. Or, if you have dried your face, you can wet the block and then apply it to your face. At B&B, many rinse off the Alum after applying it, while others just leave it there like I do.
Main advantages of using a Block of Alum are,
1. It stops blood flowing from nicks, and
2. It gives little stings on the invisible nicks - where no blood is present - telling you how smooth your razor, blade and soap combination have been. A lot of stings tell you that all is not well, either with your equipment or your technique, and
3. On me, it doubles as a balm - I don't get flaky skin after shaving, the way I used to, and
4. It doubles as an effective, fragrance neutral, antiperspirant, when applied under armpits, and
5. A block lasts lasts for ages - after three months usage, I don't seem to have made an impression on my block, and
6. It can be bought dirt cheap if one looks around on Ebay.
Main disadvantages of using a Block of Alum are,
1. You have to leave it out to dry after usage, and
2. I have seen a suggestion that as it dries it may give off tiny amounts of sulphuric acid which tarnish metals in the vicinity (how true this is, I do not know), and
3. It has to be stored either in it's plastic container, or zip lock plastic bag when not in use.
4. It won't completely replace balms - I'd often put balm or moisturiser on my forehead - and it wouldn't be wise to do that with the Alum Block in summer, unless you like stingy eyes.
5. It is often ridiculously expensive when bought locally.
I bought six Ali Biyikli Alum blocks that weighed 70 grams each from a chap in Turkey on Ebay, for the grand total of $15, including registered mail postage. On the other hand, in a local shaving shop they were selling a tiny name brand Alum block for $18.
There are two types of Alum, the regular potassium one, and the cheaper ammonium one. The ammonium one stings a tiny bit more, but otherwise seems as effective to me.
As an aside, I gave one of my blocks to a female friend who religiously shaves under her arms, her legs, and other trickier parts of the anatomy. She reported back that the Alum was fabulous, stopping blood from cuts instantly, and making everything far more comfortable afterwards.
If one wet shaves, I'd think an Alum block is pretty much an essential accessory, if for no other reason than to be able to finely gauge how well one's equipment and technique are working.
What have your experiences been like?
Regards,
Renato
However, three months ago I started using an Alum block after wet shaving. And I didn't like it at all - my face seemed tight for hours afterwards. I even posted about my dislike at B&B. But I persevered, mainly because of all the nicks I was getting in my experiments with different razors, and how effective it was treating them. And now I'm hardly using any balms at all, instead just using the Alum block, and a few people have commented on how my skin is looking better.
The Block is applied to the wet face after shaving. Or, if you have dried your face, you can wet the block and then apply it to your face. At B&B, many rinse off the Alum after applying it, while others just leave it there like I do.
Main advantages of using a Block of Alum are,
1. It stops blood flowing from nicks, and
2. It gives little stings on the invisible nicks - where no blood is present - telling you how smooth your razor, blade and soap combination have been. A lot of stings tell you that all is not well, either with your equipment or your technique, and
3. On me, it doubles as a balm - I don't get flaky skin after shaving, the way I used to, and
4. It doubles as an effective, fragrance neutral, antiperspirant, when applied under armpits, and
5. A block lasts lasts for ages - after three months usage, I don't seem to have made an impression on my block, and
6. It can be bought dirt cheap if one looks around on Ebay.
Main disadvantages of using a Block of Alum are,
1. You have to leave it out to dry after usage, and
2. I have seen a suggestion that as it dries it may give off tiny amounts of sulphuric acid which tarnish metals in the vicinity (how true this is, I do not know), and
3. It has to be stored either in it's plastic container, or zip lock plastic bag when not in use.
4. It won't completely replace balms - I'd often put balm or moisturiser on my forehead - and it wouldn't be wise to do that with the Alum Block in summer, unless you like stingy eyes.
5. It is often ridiculously expensive when bought locally.
I bought six Ali Biyikli Alum blocks that weighed 70 grams each from a chap in Turkey on Ebay, for the grand total of $15, including registered mail postage. On the other hand, in a local shaving shop they were selling a tiny name brand Alum block for $18.
There are two types of Alum, the regular potassium one, and the cheaper ammonium one. The ammonium one stings a tiny bit more, but otherwise seems as effective to me.
As an aside, I gave one of my blocks to a female friend who religiously shaves under her arms, her legs, and other trickier parts of the anatomy. She reported back that the Alum was fabulous, stopping blood from cuts instantly, and making everything far more comfortable afterwards.
If one wet shaves, I'd think an Alum block is pretty much an essential accessory, if for no other reason than to be able to finely gauge how well one's equipment and technique are working.
What have your experiences been like?
Regards,
Renato
