You nicked yourself. Here are the 4 methods to stop the bleed, ranked from worst (toilet paper) to best (styptic powder).
The 4 ways people try to stop a shaving cut
Toilet paper / tissue, alcohol-based aftershave, cold water, and styptic powder. Only one of them is engineered for the job.
Why toilet paper is the worst option
It works through pressure and absorption — but it takes 5–15 minutes, leaves bits stuck to the dried blood, and often re-opens the cut when you peel it off. You've all done it. Stop doing it.
Why aftershave isn't the right tool
Aftershave is an antiseptic with mild astringent properties. It'll slow the bleed via the alcohol, but it stings disproportionately for how much it actually helps. It's a routine step, not a first-aid step.
Why cold water doesn't cut it
Cold causes vasoconstriction, which mildly slows bleeding. But it's slow, you have to stand at the sink, and the moment you walk away the cut re-opens.
Why styptic powder wins
Potassium alum constricts the vessels at the cut site through a mild astringent reaction. The cut closes in under 10 seconds. That's why barbers have used it since the 1800s.
The complete recovery sequence
Splash water → dip a damp finger or swab in styptic powder → press on cut for 5–10 seconds → wipe clean → aftershave or balm 30 seconds later. Total time: about 45 seconds.
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