How to Use an Alum Block

Co-authored by Woody Lovell

Last Updated: October 6, 2024 Approved

Alum blocks are made of natural potassium alum, a material found on rocks in areas of weather and oxidation which has antiseptic and astringent qualities. Alum blocks are used by many for healing minor nicks and cuts from shaving. Another popular use is as an aftershave treatment. It can help fight razor burn, improve skin tone, prevent ache, and kill germs.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Woody Lovell
Professional Barber

Expert Interview. 28 January 2020.} Alum blocks are typically small, rock like blocks which look clear to milky. They can last for up to two years, even with daily use.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Using an Alum Block as an Aftershave Treatment

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1
Purchase an alum block. Alum blocks are becoming more common in the US. You can now find them at many drugstores and beauty supply stores. If you're not sure where to look, ask an employee.^{[2]
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- You can also purchase an alum block online. Typically, they cost around $20. Many people consider this a good investment, as an alum block can last for years.
- Make sure to purchase a block that is pure alum. You do not want additional ingredients.
2
Wet face with cold water. After you shave, you need to prepare to use the alum block. This means getting your face (or legs) wet. Splashing your face with cold water helps close pores and allows the block to easily glide over your face.
- Alum blocks are most effective as a post-wet shave product.
- Make sure to thoroughly rinse all of the soap or shaving cream from your face.
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3
Wet the alum block in cold water. This will further make it easier for the block to glide over your face. Simply run the stone back and forth under the faucet. Make sure the entire surface is wet.^{[3]
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- Some people like to soak the alum block in ice water before use. Beware: this can increase the tingling feeling you will feel during use.
4
Glide alum block across face. Rub the block onto the areas of your skin that you’ve shaved. You can also apply the block to other areas of your face or body. ^{[4]
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Expert Source

Woody Lovell
Professional Barber

Expert Interview. 28 January 2020.}
- You can expect to feel a little bit of tightness and perhaps some tingling. Don't worry, this is normal.
- While most people just use alum block on the face, you can apply it elsewhere on your body. For example, you could rub it on your legs after shaving.
5
Evaluate your shave. If you’re new to shaving the block can be a good indicator of areas where you might want to improve your shaving technique. The alum block has a tingling or stinging feeling so areas where the stinging are high usually indicates that too much pressure is being applied in that area with the blade. Take care to be more gentle on those areas next time.^{[5]
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- Rinse off with cold water and pat face dry with towel.
- Some people prefer to skip the rinse and just leave the alum on the face. You'll continue to feel the tightness for a few hours, but it shouldn't be uncomfortable.
6
Dry your alum block. It is essential that you allow your alum block to dry completely before putting it away. Your block won't be effective anymore if you put it away wet.^{[6]
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- It can take several hours for your block to dry. Try leaving it on the counter to air dry while you are at work.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Finding Other Uses for an Alum Block

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1
Use an alum block to heal a small cut. Wet the area of the cut with cold water. This will wash the blood away from the cut. Typically, an alum block is used to help heal a small nick that results from shaving. Wetting the area can also help you remove shaving cream residue.^{[7]
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Expert Source

Woody Lovell
Professional Barber

Expert Interview. 28 January 2020.}
- Alum blocks can also be used for other small cuts. It is safe enough to use on children.
- If your child suffers a minor cut, you can apply the alum cut to that area, the same way you would use it on the face.
- Don't forget to dab the alum block in cold water before use.
2
Apply the block to the area of the cut. Apply the block with light pressure and hold for 20 – 30 seconds or until bleeding stops. You might experience a slight sting at first but that’s the indication that your cut is being sealed. The alum block acts as a coagulant to stop bleeding.^{[8]
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- Remove the alum block from the skin if the tingling begins to feel too intense or uncomfortable.
- Wash face (or other body part) with cold water to close pores and wash away any residue from the alum block.
- Don't forget to let your block dry before putting it away.
3
Try alum deodorant. Some people use alum as an alternative to typical deodorants. This might be a good alternative if you are looking to avoid spraying or rubbing chemicals on your body.
- Talk to your doctor before trying an alum (or "crystal") antiperspirant. Some health care providers feel that it might be linked to diseases such as breast cancer. While the research is inconclusive, it is important to be aware of this possibility.

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Question

Can I soften hard water with alum?

Zora Degrandpre, ND
Natural Health Doctor
Dr. Zora Degrandpre is a Natural Health Doctor and Licensed Naturopathic Physician in Vancouver, Washington. She is a grant reviewer for the National Institutes of Health and the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. She received her ND from the National College of Natural Medicine in 2007.

Zora Degrandpre, ND

Natural Health Doctor

Expert Answer

Yes, alum can be used to soften hard water. It will remove some of the dissolved minerals.

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Question

Do we dry off the block when done?

Zora Degrandpre, ND
Natural Health Doctor
Dr. Zora Degrandpre is a Natural Health Doctor and Licensed Naturopathic Physician in Vancouver, Washington. She is a grant reviewer for the National Institutes of Health and the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. She received her ND from the National College of Natural Medicine in 2007.

Zora Degrandpre, ND

Natural Health Doctor

Expert Answer

Yes. Let the alum block air dry when you are done using it, and then it will be ready for the next time.

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Can I use the alum for vaginal tightening?

Community Answer

Don't do it. It only tightens for about 30 minutes and can cause yeast infections.

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Tips

Stop using if you feel any pain.

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Make sure to buy a block that is 100% alum.

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Remember that slight tingling and tightness are normal.

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