How To Use Alum Block For Shaving And More

Alum block is the original aftershave essential. It is a staple in quintessential barbershops of the past, helping prevent razor bumps, burns and stop a nick or significant cut from bleeding. Yet, not many people know how to use alum blocks for their post-shave needs and more.

One natural old-timer in the skincare realm is alum block. It has anti-inflammatory properties that help neutralize the acid in your pores, while its antibacterial quality attacks bacteria that cause acne breakouts, making it also a natural toner alternative. It has been and continues to be a favorite among many shaving aficionados and pros to use after shaving and prevent razor bumps and irritation or to calm down redness when achieving the best barber shave at home.

Today, you will learn more about this crystal skincare wonder and how using aftershaves like these can turn your shaving game up a notch.

In this article:

• What is an Alum Block?
• How to Use an Alum Block?
• Alum Block for Sensitive Skin
• Aftershave Essentials

What is an Alum Block?

Alum block is a classic shaving item that helps make your shaving experience free of nicks, cuts, and bleeding.

As a young boy, shaving never seemed more enticing than ever, especially with big old dad and pops wielding a sharp razor on their beards so graciously as if it was nothing. But when it was time for you to try it out, reality sure outweighed your expectations. Shaving is not as luxurious and as easy as how the adults make it look.

Chances are, you had your fair share of razor nicks and even major cuts. At one point (or two) in your shaving journey, you had made a bloody mess that you would usually cover up with bits of paper towels or band-aids. Too bad for you. It would help if you had used an alum block instead and stopped the bleeding without a conspicuous mark on your face.

Alum block is a small portion of the mineral potassium alum. It has excellent natural antiseptic, astringent, and antibacterial properties, making it an all-around essential for disinfecting needs and for everyone’s shaving routine.

Thanks to its versatility, people have been using it as an aftershave and more for hundreds of years. In some parts of the world, alum blocks are the best natural deodorant and an old wives’ secret to lighter underarms.

For shaving, alum block’s astringent properties help stop razor cuts and nicks from bleeding by contracting the blood vessels. Those prone to having razor burns can soothe their skin using an alum block because it helps reduce redness and inflammation, disinfecting it, and prevent razor bumps.

How to Use an Alum Block?

Using an alum block is relatively straightforward. It all depends on what you are using it for. Hence below is a list of different uses of alum block:

Alum Block for Aftershave 

As an aftershave, alum blocks help you avoid skin irritations that you typically get post-shave.

Many men often wonder why they continue to have post-shave skin irritations even when shaving as close to the skin as possible. The problem is most men often overlook using an aftershave. Instead, they just shave, wash, and go.

Before tonics, colognes, and other aftershave products came into the picture; alum blocks have been catering to men and women’s post-shave needs.

Here is how to use alum block as an aftershave:

1. Refresh your face with cold water
   
   Before shaving, it would be best to prep your skin and steam it by putting a warm towel over your face for a few minutes. But after shaving, you will need to use cold water to rinse off the leftover lather and other shaving debris. The cold water helps constrict the blood vessels around any open wounds, reducing the amount of bleeding and freshening your skin, preparing it for the alum block.
   
   
2. Wet the alum block
   
   Now that your face feels fresh, you will have to wet the alum block first. Do not rub a dry alum block on your face as its surface can be a bit abrasive, which can further irritate or cut your skin, increasing your risk of razor burn and infected razor bumps.
   
   
3. Apply it on your face
   
   When you finish making your alum block moist enough, it will glide smoothly on top of your skin. Rub it over the area you shaved, and do it gently and carefully. Please do not rush the process, as the goal is to soothe your skin and not disturb it more.
   
   
4. Let it sit
   
   If you genuinely want to get the most out of the post-shave benefits of alum blocks, you will have to be patient. Let it sit on your face until dry. It will give enough time to have its antibacterial, astringent, and anti-inflammatory properties get to work to soothe your skin and prevent whatever bleeding that cropped up.
   
   
5. Wash it off
   
   You can leave the alum block to dry and call it a day. It will undoubtedly stop the bleeding on any cut, but you will sport a white cast on your face. So, if you shave in the morning and need to go out, it would be best to wash it off once completely dry. Then, apply an aftershave balm.

Alum Block as a Natural Deodorant 

Alum deodorants are now common products that can be found in many drugstores.

Ask anyone in their golden years or anyone older than you what their secret to having smooth and odor-free underarms is, and they will most likely say alum block. This crystal has long been a favorite traditional and natural deodorant for decades! It is natural, scent-free, alcohol-free, and works well.

The best time to apply an alum block on your underarms is after taking a shower. Hence, it is only wise to keep it inside the bathroom for easy access. To use it as a deodorant, you will have to wet its surface; pat your armpits damp; rub it over gently. It is as simple as that.

Alum Block for Skin Lightening