Has anyone seen styptic pencils or similar items for stopping bleeding of nicks from shaving? Or anywhere to buy alum (same function)?
I saw them in Breeze on the cosmetics floor. A concession called Burt’s Bees or somesuch thing. They wanted about NT$7,000,000,000,000 (or something like that) for one.
so either way, I bleed to death
if you shave properly, there should be no cuts (ok maybe the odd one about once every three months).
first off you have to get the thought that shaving is a chore out of your mind and think of it as an ancient art form. relax and don’t be rushed and you will have better shave.
next, have the proper tools and materials. Sharp blade and good shaving cream/ shaving oil. My choice is Gilette Mach 3 blades they are really good, but you have to make sure you change the blade if it is starting to drag and pull on your skin… sharp blade is so important. Next, throw away your $100 NT shaving cream and do yourself and your skin a favour and treat yourself to a more professional brand: Biotherm Homme (available at Sogo), Art of Shaving, Mont Source, California North are brands that come highly recommended. Also, if you feel your beard is really thick, you can also try a pre-shave oil to help soften the follicle for a close smooth shave.
the third key to a good shave is to either shave in the shower, or immediately after you have taken one. the steam and warm-hot water softens the hair follicle, opens the pore and lifts the follice for a clean smooth shave. what ever you do, do NOT use cold water. remember to always wash the face first before shaving using a non-soap based cleanser. any dirt or oil will impede smooth razor action and cause irritation that could lead to cuts, ingrown hairs, or razor burn.
fourth, use smooth even strokes and don’t be ram the razor down your skin (try not to go over the same spot twice or you may irritate the skin and cause cuts to oocur). also, shave with the grain not against, wtach how your hair follicle grows and shave in that direction (reason why a shaving oil is better than shaving cream, because you can actually see what you are shaving). if you really must have the closest shave ever then shave once with the grain, clean the face and reapply shaving cream then go against the grain (only do this maximum of once a week aka hot date only.)
now another important part, when you have finished shaving close up the pores by splashing cold water on your face. if you do have a cut try using a styptic pencil, but if you do not have one use bottled water instead of tap water. i have heard of people that have had their cuts infected and it might be due to taipei’s poor water quality.
after this shaving regiment is complete, apply an after shave. try to look for one that is low on alcohol or uses witch hazel. alcohol dries out the skin and the body is faced to produce more sebum, thus cuasing pimples or oily skin.
finally, apply moisturizer to your skin (again non-alcoholic based), it makes you feel good, look healthier and will help to prevent skin damage (such as wrinkles) in the future.
i hope this helps you. so far i have been in taiwan for almost a year and only have had 2 cuts… both due to sloppy shaving.
do yourself a favour and treat yourself to a barber shave… awesome!
have fun and make shaving an art!
::kenny::
Don’t do it! It’s the same shit (alum) that gives you Alzheimer’s.
Kenny is right - a good badger brush and soap will make you feel right civilized in the morning
does anyone know where to get a proper badger hair shaving brush here in taipei?
Finally 
got styptic pencils at a relatively reasonable price via eBay, from www.makeupbymail.co.uk. Two pounds (GBP) each, plus postage. The seller goes by mountbrook14 on eBay. Recommended.
Body Shop. They’re only NT6,000,000.
Or L’Occident. Cheap at NT$5,000,007.
Damn, that’s a nice price.
On Jenai Road close to Kung Fu there is a new store opened called Taylor’s of Bond Street or something silly like that. It sells all the shaving gear you’ll ever need.
Would that be 光復 Guangfu?
It would be. I saw all the paraphernalia through the window there today. You’ll be in heaven.