These days, men are revisiting the shaving techniques of barbers of old. All that stuff your grandpa used to shave is back en vogue, because sometimes classic (i.e. time tested) is better.
Styptic pencils, used treat shaving nicks and cuts, and are a perfect example of tradition trumping technology. Styptic pencils are fast, efficient, and easy to use. Your grandpa knew this. Don’t have one yet? Read on to learn what you’re missing
What is a Styptic Pencil?
A styptic pencil an antihemorrhagic agent—something that stops bleeding— used to treat small wounds and cuts on the face. The main ingredient in styptic pencils is anhydrous aluminum sulfate; a scary-sounding but perfectly safe agent that restricts blood flow, allowing a cut to close quickly.
Stypic pencils are essentially short medicated sticks that used to be standard fare in men’s shaving kits. The stypic pencil is applied directly to the bleeding site, working within seconds to constrict the blood flow. The usefulness of hemostatic agents is well known in the veterinary field and emergency medicine. Best of all, they’re cheap, highly efficient, and last a lifetime.
How to Apply a Styptic Pencil
Step 1) Understand one thing: toilet paper is for losers. It doesn’t close the wound, and it looks dumb. But how to apply a styptic pencil?
Step 2) Wet the tip of your styptic pencil with cold water. Keep in mind that moistening the styptic pencil is necessary for it to work properly.
Step 3) Press the tip of your styptic pencil directly onto your cut. Hold the pencil to your cut for 5 seconds or so, until the bleeding stops. If the bleeding doesn’t stop after 30 seconds, apply the styptic pencil for 5 more seconds. You might feel a slight sting but trust us, it’s worth it.
The styptic pencil may leave a bit of white residue behind on your face. Simply wash this off with water and you’re good to go!