+1 to all the advice give here already. I'd just add two things: You have to really load the soap, get a lot into the brush (it may seem like a ridiculous amount) before lathering. That will really help with the lather. As to the itchiness, there is a chance that you may have a skin sensitivity/allergy to T&H soap. Their soap is quite highly scented and has a fair amount of preservatives, these can cause some people issues. I personally have skin difficulties when using their 1805 cream.