Thread: this question might sound stupid............

this question might sound stupid but could there such a thing a face thats TOO wet? i ask this because i would splash my face with water after a pass then relather but the lather would run down my face. or is it because the lather is too thin?

I think you need thicker lather. I build lather on my face though, so it's different than just applying lather to it.

I am a firm believer in wetter is better,,,,

I splash then lather, and yes I get a few runners, if you are going to go with this sytle of prep, just adjust your lather to a little thicker mixture, and really work it into the beard using circular brush strokes....

Originally Posted by dappa12

this question might sound stupid but could there such a thing a face thats TOO wet? i ask this because i would splash my face with water after a pass then relather but the lather would run down my face. or is it because the lather is too thin?

Hey, I've asked dumber questions then that. I would say it is because the lather is too thin or runny. If you're doing it in a bowl spend a bit more time whisking it until it is firmer or try less water in the bowl or brush and see how it goes.

I believe that the water on your face will normally just be enough to replace what has evaporated from the brush between passes, at least that is true for me - I keep the brush in a warmed bowl.

It sounds like your lather is borderline suds. If you keep adding water and mixing, the lather will suddenly break down. It may be tempting to add as much water as you can to approach that magic point without crossing the line, but that is not said to be the optimum balance. You get the best lather and lubrication before that point. Try using more soap and making the lather a little bit drier than you are used to and see how it goes.

Originally Posted by dappa12

this question might sound stupid but

Nope. Not here on SRP. Read and ask away...

Wet is wet.

I wish I was more like you. I tend to be too dry.

Lather plopped onto a face with water running off is going to ….run off too. Get your lather whipped up in it’s bowl. I too think wetter is better. I go right up to but not including the point where it drips off your brush or runs down your chest as you scramble to shave before it sluffs off your face.

Good question. I splash hot water on my face between passes before I re-lather. That water runs down my face, especially from my moustache. However, the lather doesn't run. Whip up your lather until it is the consistency of whipped cream. It's easier to add water to your lather than the reverse, so add water sparingly.

If you re-lather without the water splash, do you get runners? If yes, it's your lather. Try less water.

Also note that everyone has their own preference, from wet to dry, like Goldilocks. So don't be afraid to experiment and find out what works for you.