AluM
If an accident occurs
If you get a few cuts in the beginning, this is perfectly normal as neither your skin nor you are used to the razor or shavette. So there's nothing to worry about. There are alum sticks and alum blocks.
Alum is produced by treating the rock bauxite with sulphuric acid and potassium sulphate and is known to have a miraculous blood-stopping effect. And it works - quickly! When it is applied to the wound, the blood vessels contract and the bleeding stops without forming an actual scab. The price you have to pay is a real sting worthy of the name when the alum is applied - but if you want to be nice, you have to suffer the pain. The alum also disinfects the wound so you don't risk introducing bacteria, which is important because your skin has just been exposed to sharp tools. Two birds with one stone.
Alum is known to have a miraculous blood-stopping effect.
The easiest form of alum to use is the alum stick, but it is also available in blocks, which many people prefer as the pins are fragile and can be easily broken if you are too rough.
The alum should be moistened with water before being applied to the wound. You will now notice a slight stinging sensation, but this is just a sign that it's working - the stinging is temporary and worth putting up with. Leave the alum on the wound for a few minutes until it's solidified - if you've applied too much, a thin white crust will form, which you simply rub off with warm water once it's solidified. You can now rinse your face again and dab it clean. Always finish with cold water.
That's it! Better than walking around for an hour with bloody bits of paper on your face and looking like a road accident, right?
