Nicks and cuts. they happen to every shaver out there, be they professionals or beginners. The most important thing is to treat them correctly and as fast as possible. This Alum block by Edwin Jagger contains mineral salts which work as an antiseptic. In addition these minerals contract the skin and tighten pores. The alum block is a milder version of the alum stick and can be used on your entire face.

Hold the alum block under a cold running tap. Aterwards, gently rub the alum block over the entire face. When you’ve cut yourself you will feel a little sting. The rest of your skin will experience a cooling sensation which is nice when your skin is slightly irritated. The salt minerals will contract the skin and close pores so that the blood vessels will get closed off. After usage clean the block and store the block in a dry place. Avoid contact with glass and marble because the block may cause stains on the surface of these materials. 

How do you shave comfortably without irritating the skin? That is a question on the mind of many shavers. After a while of trial and error using different products and shaving techniques a person tends to develope a routine with which they achieve a comfortable shave. For some a comfortable shave is not too difficult to acquire. For some others shaving is regarded as a painfull necessity. This all depends on a person’s skin type and genetics. In this article we will try to guide you thru the shaving process using a safety razor. 

The first thing you want to look after is the sharpness of your blade. A dull blade will pull on the hairs instead of cutting them. This will cause major skin irritation and can be easily avoided. Before shaving be sure to heat up your blade by putting it in a sink filled with hot water. Preferrably use a parabens free shaving cream to be assured of a smooth shave without any allergic reactions. Link: (EU / UK).

Secondly, while shaving try to apply as little pressure on the blade as possible. One of the key features of a safety razor is a bit top heavy. This way the weight of the blade will do all the work without the user having to apply any extra pressure. As told earlier the sharpness of the blade is key to a smooth shave. To keep a blade sharp it’s advisable to change the blade on a regular basis and to dry them after use. The easiest way to do this is by padding them dry with a towel. Another more professional way is to dip them in alcohol and letting them dry naturally afterwards.

But how many passes do I need to get a good shave? I’m afraid that too many passes over the same spot will irritate my skin. These are questions/remarks we get a lot. It depends on the amount of facial hair to decide how many passes you should make before you have a smooth face again. Most times it’s enough to do two complete passes over the entirety of the face. When shaving a thick beard its advisable to first trim with a pair of scissors. On the first pass, always shave with the grain. This usually means shaving downward, but not always. When finished with the first pass apply a new layer of shaving cream. For a more closer shave the second pass will go against the grain. You have to be more carefull because this pass is the one that causes the most cuts and irritation. So take a little more time for this one, don’t rush it.

*If you really dislike to go against the grain its also an option to shave horizontally. Start your passes at the nose and from there go to the ears.

Third and last its key to rinse your face with warm water and apply a aftershave lotion. We like ones without alcohol because alcohol only dries out the skin instead of giving it the nutrition it actually needs after a shave. Link: (EU / UK)

As said in the beginning of this guide it’s important to keep trying to find the best way to get a clean and irritation free shave. Be sure to pick a method which give’s you the best shaving sensation.