Wow, thank you. I’m 26 and purchased my first alum block of my life - I never even knew that they existed till I bought a shaving kit. Thank you so much for your tutorial! Will be trying it out tomorrow morning on my face.
I'm 26 as well and just learned about proper shaving and this Alum block! Never really grew facial hair then out of nowhere every day I have to shave:/
@@danieltolan8443 Never go for alcohols. That's the worst thing you could put on your face. It's extreme drying and strips away all the oils that is essentially a terrible idea even for people with oily skin. Just rub some alum and rise it, afterwards put on some moisturizer. A lightweight if you have an oily skin. I implore you to go over to r/wicked_edge for other helpful tips and advises that would definitely up your wet shaving game. If you fancy having healthy skin, jump on to r/SkincareAddiction and build yourself a good skincare starter kit with no more than 3-4 products - all for under $50 that could last you for months - and let your skin thank you for tending to it.
Thanks very informative. I usually just use it when I cut myself. I use alum pencil but I'm considering using a block for problem areas and razor burn.
Hi Michael just wanted you to know I like your vedios I been wet shaving for three years now and you showing me a lot about shaving keep them coming buddy I got like three of them superlite slant razor I love it
@@mfreedberg What’s your opinion on using the alum block first, then using witch hazel, and then an aftershave lotion? I’ve seen a couple of people recommend those three items.
I prefer to think of the burn as punishment for using bad technique. I don't rinse it off and its just fine on my skin. Also, I have problems with deodorants irritating my skin, and alum is a GREAT deodorant. It won't stop you from sweating, but it keeps you from having BO. Talc and alum work really well.
+Michael Justice Interesting, because (at least on the face) lots of people find it very drying if left on. I have not yet used it as a deodorant, but it clearly works for many. Loving the burn, eh?
I'm not saying this to be gross, but ill say it in case others with the same problem see this. I've tried every deodorant known to man, even prescription stuff from the Doc. On my armpits it'll start out as a rash, then ill get these weeping sores, and eventually ill even start peeling BAD! There's something in most deodorants that I'm allergic to. Alum is the only thing so far that's worked really good for me. I have naturally oily skin, so that's probably why I don't get dried out. I wouldn't say I like the burn, but it makes me focus on my technique.
Can women use this on their “sensitive” areas? Like a bikini line shave? Or underarms? We usually deal with some irrigation/razor burn “down there”. Or would you not suggest using this? Would it be too painful?
Hello.. I'm relatively new to DE Shaving.. plz guide me.. I have access to both the alum n witch hazel.. does tht make sense to use both post Shave.? If not then which one should be preferred before Post shave Balm..?
Mandeep, you can use all three. Alum first, rinse with cold water, then the witch hazel, let that dry for a minute or two, then apply the balm. Only use the alum if you feel it's working for you; if it is too drying, skip it!
Yes I tried for a while to get one of the German Bakelite slant razor but it was hard to get then I found out about the superlite slant that's made after the German Bakelite and bought three of them been trying to shave with shavettes but it always bite me somewhere
+Michael Mclelland the original Bakelite Slant is only to be had via buy/sell/trade now, but the Fine Superlite Slant is a fantastic and worthy alternative.
What's the purpose of after shave? I though an Alum block was kind of like an aftershave already? What's your take on Alum vs. Witch Hazel? And Instead of after shave can I use an Alum block and after a nice moisturizer for men?
Yes, I use a good AS balm or non alcohol splash to moisturize my face after the alum. You can just use alum as an AS but it's main purpose is an antiseptic for the face, an astringent if you will
counkev You can use any combination that works for you. The alum is pretty drying, so you might find that your favorite AS is too much on top of the alum, but that you benefit from following up with a balm in either case. I do not use witch hazel straight up, but it is in a number of aftershaves I use and I think it does a great job with cooling and healing. The key is to find a combination that works for you, because in the end it is your shave that matters to you...all this is just guidelines and advice, not a rulebook or the law. Experiment and see what ends being the best combo for you!
Just remember it can be quite drying, your skin will feel really tight. Don't leave it on for too long before you rinse it off! PS - cold water rinse feels really good!!
+Andrew Stanton The alum is really quite different, you use it to close up any tiny nicks or weepers and to "tighten" the skin a bit. Then, once you rinse off the alum, apply your favorite aftershave balm to moisturize.
I am an Indian... I use alum daily. But I have different way... I move alum block in temperate water to get solution. And splash on face. It gives me little irritation. I do not use any after shave lotions bur I use turmeric creme, which is easily available in India. I don't get uneasy irritations throughout the day even if I perspire. Thank You. Cost me ₹ 10/- per block =1/10 th of US Dollar.
Hello! Alum can be very drying if you leave it on for too long, so you should try it to see how your facial skin deals with extended exposure. I would recommend rinsing off the alum before applying the aftershave splash and balm.
+Alex yes, sure, but you might find that the combination of alum followed by toner is too much for your skin, in which case try each one on its own and see if one is better than the other. Either way, you can follow up with aftershave balm or moisturizer, but no need for both... Pick whichever one works the best for you.
As you know, there are many forms of "aluminum" and the kind most commonly found in alum is considered harmless, and certainly in the quantities used when applying a thin layer of alum to your skin as a post shave treatment - especially when you consider that you are leaving it on for a very short time before rinsing your face. I do still use it, not often, but when I look forward to the feel of the alum after my shave, and when I do, I enjoy it!!
Personally I leave alum on. I usually razor burn myself a lot. My technique is god awful. With a straight razor it’s damn near deadly 🤣 but seriously I have to leave it on or apply it like two or three times because it just seems to help me more in that department.
it gets slippery when wet, but when you rub it on your fingers and then hold something like your razor, the alum will prevent your fingers from slipping. Give it a try and see for yourself!
Wow, thank you. I’m 26 and purchased my first alum block of my life - I never even knew that they existed till I bought a shaving kit. Thank you so much for your tutorial! Will be trying it out tomorrow morning on my face.
Are they worth it or should I stick with alcohol
@@danieltolan8443 id go with the block! Less harsh than Straight up alcohol on your face.
I'm 26 as well and just learned about proper shaving and this Alum block! Never really grew facial hair then out of nowhere every day I have to shave:/
@@danieltolan8443 Never go for alcohols. That's the worst thing you could put on your face. It's extreme drying and strips away all the oils that is essentially a terrible idea even for people with oily skin. Just rub some alum and rise it, afterwards put on some moisturizer. A lightweight if you have an oily skin. I implore you to go over to r/wicked_edge for other helpful tips and advises that would definitely up your wet shaving game. If you fancy having healthy skin, jump on to r/SkincareAddiction and build yourself a good skincare starter kit with no more than 3-4 products - all for under $50 that could last you for months - and let your skin thank you for tending to it.
I bought my first alum block at 18.. back in 2002 😄
As usual, very well articulated and very helpful.
Well, I try :-)
Thanks!
Styptic is powdered alum mixed with idk what, but its much more concentrated and you wouldn't want it all over your face because its much stronger.
Thanks very informative.
I usually just use it when I cut myself. I use alum pencil but I'm considering using a block for problem areas and razor burn.
I ordered a Alum block and I should get it on Monday, can’t wait to try it!
And? What do you think?
@@mfreedberg I use it every time I shave. Highly recommend. It stops any cuts or bleeding immediately!
Hi Michael just wanted you to know I like your vedios I been wet shaving for three years now and you showing me a lot about shaving keep them coming buddy I got like three of them superlite slant razor I love it
+Michael Mclelland glad to hear you are enjoying the videos! Three Superlite Slants? Should last you a lifetime!
Simple and sweet! Dr. Basu( India)❤️
Excellent video! Thank you very much!
You are welcome!
@@mfreedberg What’s your opinion on using the alum block first, then using witch hazel, and then an aftershave lotion? I’ve seen a couple of people recommend those three items.
Can you use face moisturizer after you wash off the alum
Absolutely
I prefer to think of the burn as punishment for using bad technique. I don't rinse it off and its just fine on my skin. Also, I have problems with deodorants irritating my skin, and alum is a GREAT deodorant. It won't stop you from sweating, but it keeps you from having BO. Talc and alum work really well.
+Michael Justice Interesting, because (at least on the face) lots of people find it very drying if left on. I have not yet used it as a deodorant, but it clearly works for many.
Loving the burn, eh?
I'm not saying this to be gross, but ill say it in case others with the same problem see this. I've tried every deodorant known to man, even prescription stuff from the Doc. On my armpits it'll start out as a rash, then ill get these weeping sores, and eventually ill even start peeling BAD! There's something in most deodorants that I'm allergic to. Alum is the only thing so far that's worked really good for me.
I have naturally oily skin, so that's probably why I don't get dried out. I wouldn't say I like the burn, but it makes me focus on my technique.
Thanks again. This was easy and helpful.
Nice video. Thanks for this
Thank you! Will try your way see how I get on.
That’s great video I’m new to razor shave
I hope things are going well!
Thanks for the explanation.
Very helpful 👍
No worries, glad to help!
Thanks a ton for this tutorial , straight to the point
-Sincearly, a women who shaves ...
You are very welcome, glad to hear it helped!
Can women use this on their “sensitive” areas? Like a bikini line shave? Or underarms? We usually deal with some irrigation/razor burn “down there”. Or would you not suggest using this? Would it be too painful?
Great tutorial! Thank's micheal 👍
Is the alum stone in the ethnic food spice section the same thing?
Hello.. I'm relatively new to DE Shaving.. plz guide me.. I have access to both the alum n witch hazel.. does tht make sense to use both post Shave.? If not then which one should be preferred before Post shave Balm..?
Mandeep, you can use all three. Alum first, rinse with cold water, then the witch hazel, let that dry for a minute or two, then apply the balm. Only use the alum if you feel it's working for you; if it is too drying, skip it!
@@mfreedberg thnk u
It is also good for feminine hygiene in the nether region. It actually shrinks and tightens that region.
What do you mean tightens it?
Is this the same one used as a deodorant
Yeah i would think so, its the same principle you using it for.
Yes, you could use it as a deodorant, and in that case you leave the alum on rather than rinsing it off, UNLESS you get irritation.
:D good to see you agan! :D
Hey Michael have you tried the daune shavette from atalian barber yet it's a safety razor on a strait razor body you can get it on amazon
Can we leave the alum on face without washing for the whole day or night? Is it ok?
Hey Michael do you still use shavette and strait razor sometimes
Yes I tried for a while to get one of the German Bakelite slant razor but it was hard to get then I found out about the superlite slant that's made after the German Bakelite and bought three of them been trying to shave with shavettes but it always bite me somewhere
+Michael Mclelland the original Bakelite Slant is only to be had via buy/sell/trade now, but the Fine Superlite Slant is a fantastic and worthy alternative.
I usually leave the alum set in for up to in before I rinse. I use the time to clean up my shaving area
What's the purpose of after shave? I though an Alum block was kind of like an aftershave already? What's your take on Alum vs. Witch Hazel? And Instead of after shave can I use an Alum block and after a nice moisturizer for men?
Yes, I use a good AS balm or non alcohol splash to moisturize my face after the alum. You can just use alum as an AS but it's main purpose is an antiseptic for the face, an astringent if you will
counkev You can use any combination that works for you. The alum is pretty drying, so you might find that your favorite AS is too much on top of the alum, but that you benefit from following up with a balm in either case. I do not use witch hazel straight up, but it is in a number of aftershaves I use and I think it does a great job with cooling and healing.
The key is to find a combination that works for you, because in the end it is your shave that matters to you...all this is just guidelines and advice, not a rulebook or the law. Experiment and see what ends being the best combo for you!
Just had my first alum shave. Not sure if the anti-inflammatory effect is worth The drying. Witch hazel for life
I hear it’s good to let it air dry then put it away. To make it last longer don’t put in case wet.
Thank you!
Fleetingdays, you are welcome, thanks for watching!
I will get this block also to help me out. Shave then cuts. This will come in handy
Just remember it can be quite drying, your skin will feel really tight. Don't leave it on for too long before you rinse it off!
PS - cold water rinse feels really good!!
So its just exactly the same as an aftershave balm, or does the same thing?
+Andrew Stanton The alum is really quite different, you use it to close up any tiny nicks or weepers and to "tighten" the skin a bit. Then, once you rinse off the alum, apply your favorite aftershave balm to moisturize.
not a fan of alum blocks. irritates my face and doesn't stop weepers from bleeding. ymmv
I'm curious what potentially happens if you don't rinse the alum off after applying it?
Just going to dry out your face a little, no real harm done.
My skin does not react well if I leave it on too long, but others have no issues with leaving it on overnight -- try it and see what happens!
I am an Indian... I use alum daily. But I have different way... I move alum block in temperate water to get solution. And splash on face. It gives me little irritation. I do not use any after shave lotions bur I use turmeric creme, which is easily available in India. I don't get uneasy irritations throughout the day even if I perspire. Thank You. Cost me ₹ 10/- per block =1/10 th of US Dollar.
There are in fact some aftershaves that include alum, which works much as you describe.
Turmeric creme, which specific one?
I am 18 year old. I just shaved my head fully to regrow it bcz my barbrr told to apply alum aftef shavd to get good hair.
Any results
What if I don't rinse off the alum (post shaving) from my face & apply the aftershave balm/cream directly over it ? Please answer
Hello!
Alum can be very drying if you leave it on for too long, so you should try it to see how your facial skin deals with extended exposure.
I would recommend rinsing off the alum before applying the aftershave splash and balm.
If you leave alum on it will stop your skin from actually absorbing any moisturiser/ balm and it will go sort of rubbery instead of creamy
Can I use alum, rinse it, toner, aftershave balm, moisturizer?
+Alex yes, sure, but you might find that the combination of alum followed by toner is too much for your skin, in which case try each one on its own and see if one is better than the other.
Either way, you can follow up with aftershave balm or moisturizer, but no need for both... Pick whichever one works the best for you.
Thanks Michael.
hey michael are you still using alum block, from what i read there is aluminium in alum block
As you know, there are many forms of "aluminum" and the kind most commonly found in alum is considered harmless, and certainly in the quantities used when applying a thin layer of alum to your skin as a post shave treatment - especially when you consider that you are leaving it on for a very short time before rinsing your face.
I do still use it, not often, but when I look forward to the feel of the alum after my shave, and when I do, I enjoy it!!
Michael Freedberg i didnt know that, thanks for answer
Personally I leave alum on. I usually razor burn myself a lot. My technique is god awful. With a straight razor it’s damn near deadly 🤣 but seriously I have to leave it on or apply it like two or three times because it just seems to help me more in that department.
wait...you say it gets slippery when wet, then you immediately suggest to rub it on your hands to hold a slippery razor handle. huh?
it gets slippery when wet, but when you rub it on your fingers and then hold something like your razor, the alum will prevent your fingers from slipping. Give it a try and see for yourself!
Thx !!
You are very welcome, hope that helped!
@@mfreedberg yes sir ! Thx again
Thanks.
+Drakeweir Welcome!
Thank you.
Is this leo messi father ?
+Kilo Mafiotu Yes, and thanks for noticing!
🤣😂🤣😂🤣
Alum rocks
You put the lotion on the skin.
AFTER you rinse the alum off, and yes, you are supposed to rinse the alum off :-)
Handsome
Well, I am not one to turn down a compliment, so thank you!
handsome face ✔
Thanks!