In the words of Jack Kemp, Pro American football player and politician, “winning is like shaving—you do it every day or you wind up looking like a bum.” If you’re going to be shaving every day, you may as well do it right. And by “right,” we mean without leaving little patches of white toilet paper on your face. What if we told you that there’s a way to get a good ol’ fashioned shave without ending up looking like you got your face mauled by a kitten? For a shave without leftover nick and scratch marks there’s a simple trick: a styptic pencil. Lean back and relax while we tell you more about this magical solution to your shaving needs.
How to Use a Styptic Pencil for Shaving
A styptic pencil is a hemostatic agent—that is, it stops bleeding. Styptics tend to take the form of highly-condensed white powder composed of anhydrous aluminum sulfate, which is the principal component that disables blood flow. The high ionic strength of the ingredients promotes flocculation of the blood, which helps the wound close faster. Styptic pencils are essentially just that: a styptic in the form of a stick, which usually comes in a tube or similar container. Styptic pencils used to be a standard part of shaving kits before safety razors were invented.
Though they are less common now than they once were, styptic pencils are seeing a surge in popularity—and for good reason. Styptic pencil uses are far and wide, and extend beyond just uses for wet shaving. For shaving, however, styptic pencils can’t be beat. They close shaving cuts within seconds, leaving your face scar and mark free.
If you’ve cut your lip or chin while wet shaving, don’t fret, and whatever you do, don’t reach for that toilet paper or gauze. You won’t need it, because using a styptic pencil is highly efficient, and remarkably easy. No, really, your dog could probably do it. To use, simply wet the tip of your styptic pencil with some cold water (yes, it’s necessary to wet the styptic pencil under cold water before applying). Then gently hold the tip of the styptic pencil directly against the wound. Hold for 5 seconds. The wound should stop bleeding nearly instantly. You’ll feel a small burn—this is just the styptic doing its job. If you find you’re still bleeding, feel free to apply the styptic pencil again. Once the wound has closed, you may find some powdery white residue left on your face. This is simply the remnants of the dry styptic stick. Just wash off with water and you’ll look good as new.
Other Uses for Styptic Pencils
You’ll be pleased to know that styptic pencils have many benefits outside of shaving. First of all, regardless of what you use them for, they are remarkably affordable and efficient. A single styptic pencil, which costs less than a sandwich, can last you for years, or even a lifetime. Just ask your grandfather; he’s probably been using the same styptic his entire life.
But shaving’s not all styptic pencils are good for. Styptic pencil uses are limited only by your imagination. In fact, styptic pencils are good for all minor cuts, scratches, nicks, etc., no matter where they are on your body. From blisters to cat scratches to anything else, a styptic pencil is the perfect solution. You can even use a styptic pencil on those gross pimples that won’t stop oozing once popped. Yeah, it’s gross, but it works, and is far better on your skin than any salicylic acid product. Just wet with water, dab onto the cut, scratch, blister, pimple, whatever, and viola! Bleeding stops nearly instantly and you can go on with your day without a second thought. “Is it safe?,” you may be asking, “Won’t it get infected?” Nope! Styptic pencils are a double-edged blade in the best possible way; not only do they stop bleeding; they disinfect as well!
Got pets? You can use your styptic pencil on them, too. Styptic pencils are commonly used by veterinarians as an accessory to nail clipping. It can be difficult to clip the claws of a fidgety dog or cat, and close cuts often result in minor bleeding. Having a styptic pencil on hand makes nail trimming much less messy and way more pleasant for both parties.
The Ideal Styptic Pencil
Unfortunately, since styptic pencils have fallen out of fashion, you may no longer be able to find one at your local drugstore. Thankfully, there is a smart solution, and it comes in the form of Glyder, the best styptic pencil on the market. Glyder’s styptic pencils are not only effective and discreet, but come in a retractable case so that your styptic pencil stays dry and doesn’t make a mess.