Hemostatic Pencil or Alum Block Which Of The Two Should I Take And Why.

Differences between Alum block and Hemostatic Pencil.

The traditional shave offers you a deeper shave, with comfort and countless combinations of quality products, reducing irritation. The end result is infinitely more satisfying with a traditional shaver than disposable plastic razors.

Traditional shaving, however, requires calm and time to achieve the ultimate desired result.

Whether you are a professional or a novice shaver, you are sure to cut yourself occasionally. A little more if you are a beginner. You need to take steps to minimize accidents during shaving.

The results of a hasty shave without proper skin preparation result in small or even more several cuts on its surface during shaving.

 You may have a bad shape or your DE safety razor, or your classic Shavette may be too aggressive for your skin, or even the blades of your safety razor may be too sharp.

 But even when you seek to minimize cuts, you need to be prepared for when they will happen. To stop the bleeding from shaving, many turn to hemostatic shaving pencils or the alum block commonly alum block.

What is the alum block and how is it different from hemostatic sticks?

There are 2 types of alum block.

One type is (the most common and recommended) with potassium and the other with ammonium.

What is an Alum Block made of?

When you first hear it, you probably wonder what it is. Without confusing you with scientific terminology, it's just a natural alum made from alum. Alum is a chemical compound known as aluminum potassium sulfate (potassium alum).

Alum block is a crystal which when applied to the skin after shaving provides relief from razor burn and exhibits astringent properties. 

The alum block helps to close tiny abrasions during shaving as it tightens the pores of the skin with a single pass.

It is intended to provide soothing action to the skin after shaving and has antimicrobial properties that help protect the skin during shaving. In addition, it is a coagulant that speeds up the blood clotting process, which helps to stop bleeding quickly.

But other than that, its use can help you determine if your shave was excellent or needs some improvement. How? 

If you get a great shave without any irritation, you'll probably feel a slight tingling sensation, and if you get a shave full of cuts and irritation, you'll feel the alum block marks more strongly on those specific areas of your skin, which rings a bell about which spots to watch out for next time.

Alum blocks are used after every shave. In fact, they should play an important role in your post-shave routine.

They are large and easily applied to the face and neck. And apart from treating small nicks and cuts, they also kill bacteria and soothe irritation from the shaving blade.

Try some of the top alum blocks from HairMaker.Gr collection.

• Alum Stone Osma Tradition 100gr
• Alum Bloc Osma 75gr
• The Bluebeards Revenge Alum Block 75gr
• Proraso Alum Block Post Shave Stone 100gr
• 444 Alum Hemostatic Styptic Block 100gr
• Omega Alum Stick 60gr

How to use an alum Block.

Even if you have never heard of an alum block before, using it is amazingly simple.

• After shaving, rinse the area with cold water.
• Make sure there is no soap or shaving cream on the skin.
• Wet your alum block with cold water.
• Some even choose to soak their alum block in cold water before using it.
• Gently apply the alum block on the skin.
• You may feel a tingling, stinging or burning sensation, especially if you have cuts or irritation of your skin from shaving or from misuse of a traditional shaving blade.
• Let the alum block sit on your skin for 15 to 20 seconds. The tiny crystals left on your skin will dry quickly and you can either rinse them off or apply your aftershave.
• After 15 to 20 seconds, rinse your skin with cold water.
• Apply moisturizer or aftershave.
• After using the alum block, wipe it off or let it dry before storing it.
• If you have soaked your block before using it, consider leaving it on a safe surface to dry completely before the next use.
• Do not rub it to dry because it will wear out faster.

Hemostatic pencil.

The hemostatic pencil is designed for small and large cuts that may be made due to a hasty shave or by mishandling your traditional razor.

While Alum Blocks are made of aluminum potassium sulfate, hemostatic pencils are made of plain aluminum sulfate.

Because of this, hemostatic pencils are louder than Alum blocks. Given their strength, most razors prefer to use them only on small or large cuts, just be prepared for the <burning> that follows.

The hemostatic pencil can be used in deeper cuts as it helps in immediate blood clotting and has the effect of quickly sealing a wound and preventing bleeding, unlike the alum block which as explained above, offers protection against small abrasions and a strong antimicrobial action.

How to use a hemostatic pencil.

Before you start treating any cuts after shaving, make sure you wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water or an antibacterial hand gel.

• Wet the tip of the pencil (necessary for it to work properly).
• Squeeze the tip of the hemostatic pencil directly after shaving at the cutting point.
• Hold for 5 seconds or until the bleeding stops.
• After application, do not rush to rinse the white residue as you may reopen the cut.
• If the bleeding does not stop, repeat.

Benefits of using a hemostatic pencil.

• Stops bleeding in seconds
• Ideal for shaving cuts.
• Lasts for many applications

Check some of the best Hemostatic pencils, sticks, gels from HairMaker.Gr collection

• Hemostatic Shaving Stick Crayon 10g
• Hemostatic Gel Proraso 10ml
• Hemostatic Shaving Stick  FNX Barber
• Hemostatic Pinaud Clubman Styptic Pencil 9gr
• Hemostatic Pencil 444 10gr
• Hemostatic Shaving Pencil OSMA 12g

Applying a hemostatic pencil stings a little (To understand that it works!) And unlike the alum block, you do not rinse immediately.

In addition to being an easy-to-use shaving product, the hemostatic pencil is effective in stopping bleeding and helping to protect against infection.

You can also check out Proraso's hemostatic gel here

In conclusion, hemostatic pencil vs alum block.

The alum block can give a refreshing feeling after a traditional shave and offers relief from the burning of the razor, has astringent properties and immediately inclines small cuts.

On the other hand, the use of hemostatic pencils is more targeted and they are made to stop bleeding from small but also more serious cuts.

The alum blocks are odorless and leave no visible residue. Therefore, you can choose not to rinse the alum block and no one will notice. But on the other hand, hemostatic pencils leave a white residue. You should rinse it after the cut has thickened.

In any case, the use of the alum block and the hemostatic pencil is extremely necessary (it is good to have both in your shaving kit) whether it is someone who is taking his first steps in the traditional shave or it is an initiated shaver with enough experience in traditional shavers