Alum block? Talc?

[omegapd]

I hadn't seen mention of anyone using these two things with head shaving...does anyone?  I used the alum block today for the first time on my head. It feels pretty good. Maybe it, along with the witch hazel, will help get rid of these few pesky bumps that keep popping up.

I use talc everyday after I shave my face. Hadn't used it on the head, yet, though. It helps dry my face and for the most part, I don't need that on my head. For those guys who like the matte look, I would think talc would be the best thing for it, though.

[Mikekoz13]

If you're having problem bumps.... keep in mind that the talc MAY be clogging your pores and causing those bumps.

[R o b 6]

Thumbs up on the talc...Clubman is a great brand/scent!

[buddha]

Somebody else wrote about alum blocks 6 months or so ago. Nobody near me carries them and even on ebay they are muy expensive.....like $17 for 1 block. Unless I can find them a lot cheaper I'll probably just stick with styptic pencils.

[omegapd]

Somebody else wrote about alum blocks 6 months or so ago. Nobody near me carries them and even on ebay they are muy expensive.....like $17 for 1 block. Unless I can find them a lot cheaper I'll probably just stick with styptic pencils.

 Do you have a place near you that sells Crystal Deodorant sticks? That's the same thing as an alum block and only a few bucks. That's what I use. I wasn't spending the ridiculous amounts, either...

[buddha]

Somebody else wrote about alum blocks 6 months or so ago. Nobody near me carries them and even on ebay they are muy expensive.....like $17 for 1 block. Unless I can find them a lot cheaper I'll probably just stick with styptic pencils.

 Do you have a place near you that sells Crystal Deodorant sticks? That's the same thing as an alum block and only a few bucks. That's what I use. I wasn't spending the ridiculous amounts, either...

Are you talking about the Thai Deodorant Rock or Stick? I think GNC sells them, I can check at Wally's, too.

[omegapd]

I think the Thai brand is one too (the Crystal I mentioned above is a brand name also). If it says Potash Alum or Potassium Alum, that's what you need. Some are made of Ammonium Alum but that's supposed to sting more, from what I read.

[BReady]

Is talc similar to Goldbonds medicated power?  I have seen the Clubman brand but never really knew what it was.

[omegapd]

Is talc similar to Goldbonds medicated power?  I have seen the Clubman brand but never really knew what it was.

Basically, yeah. I use the Gold Bond in the green bucket when I have a nick or cut after shaving- but since it's not really made for the face, it's a bit rougher/coarse in feel than the Clubman. Some of the fancy talcs from the UK (like Taylors) are so soft it's unbelievable. Caswell Massey also makes some nice ones here in the US.

 Also, some brands have gone to cornstarch instead of real talc. They suck, IMO. It's supposed to be safer if you inhale a lot of it, though. 

[buddha]

OK, I went to GNC today and found 2 items there that I am going to try. They are both made by a company called "Naturally Fresh" and they are deodorants.
One is called a deodorant crystal and it is made from Ammonium Alum. It also has Aloe Vera in it so hopefully that helps with the reported stinging.
The other is a pump spray called Lavender Spray Mist. This is made from potassium alum so I'll find out what the sting quotient is when I compare the two. Lavender is said to be a natural stress reliever when smelled, like in a room scent or a candle/incense so I guess I'll find out about that as well.
In any case the stinging is not a big worry for me. As anybody who uses styptic pencils can attest those ba$tards burn like hell but the big pain for me is the white mark that they leave behind. They are effective, though, so I'll see how this new stuff stacks up.
I'll report back after the next bloodletting.

[omegapd]

Good deal, Buddha. Thanks for reporting back...

One thing though- the Alum doesn't stop nicks from bleeding. Think of it more like putting Neosporin on a cut. It'll help the cut heal and get rid of any bad stuff that may get in it- but you'll still need the styptic to stop the flow. Just give one of them a shot after a shave and see how it feels...no nicks or cuts needed. It's just a nice and refreshing feel. Make sure you do a good cold water rinse afterward too.