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So how do I prevent my lather from going from lubricant to adhesive within a minute or two? I use Van Der Hagen deluxe because it produces such a nice lather, but it seems to dry very quickly out here in the desert. Should I add a little propylene glycol? Butter my face with vaseline?
Dip the very tip of your brush in some water and reapply. Not sure if that is the best answer, but it works for me.
J.
likely the problems that you are experiencing are the result of not finding the peak of the soap. In your case, I would say that the lather is too dry. Van der Hagen is a glycerin based soap so it should not benefit from adding more glycerin or propylene glycol. I also do not think that applying vaseline to your face would solve the problem, it will reduce the performance of the soap significantly if anything, plus it may make shaving really dangerous too if you stretch. You may find this thread useful: http://straightrazorpalace.com/shavi...oap-cream.html
Al raz.
sounds like your lather is too dry like alraz said. i'd suggest using more water. happy shaving.
If you are lathering on the soap puck in the bowl, try after loading soap from the puck into the brush, switching to a different bowl. Add a few drops of water to the mix in the separate bowl. See if that helps. I'm betting the problem is the soap to water ratio is too soapy.
Youre lather is too dry i would say. I still have issues (newbie) getting a decent lather with my col conk soap. Just got some tabac in the mail today that im looking forward to.
I wouldnt suggest dipping your brush in the water though, that may add too much water to the mix. Instead, after loading your brush...simply put a few drops of water in. Do this slowly and meticulously until the lather starts to develop peaks.
If you add too much water you need to add more soap, but if you dont add enough water you can always add a bit more...little by little. This will save you soap in the long run
I build the lather on my face and quickly flick the brush under slowly running water as needed. I try to find that place where the lather is creamy enough to allow the brush to move through it (in other words, the brush doesn't push the lather aside), but not so loose it runs.
Jordan
Not enough water in the mix. Just like others have said, dip the brush in water and lather up more adding the H20. My lather will disappear shortly after applying if there is not enough water in the lathering process.
Pabster
I would say that adding a little more glycerine to your soap won't be a problem. I sftem add some extra glycerine to mine. Also, I find that if I make my lather in the same mug that my soap is in, that in the long run I add more soap than needed and my lather dries out, so I second the notion to build you lather in a seperate container.
It's much easier to regulate the ratio of soap, or cream to water if done in a seperate bowl. Obviously it can be done in the same bowl as the soap, many do it this way, but while you still have your training wheels on I'd go with the easier method.
My recommendation is a little experimentation. Does creams do the same thing in your area? Have you tried several different brands of soaps? Do they all do the same thing?
Try adding about a teaspoon of water to your mug and load your brush with shaving soap and than a small dab of shaving cream. You will notice a consistency similar to cool-whip after about a minute and a half of mixing in the mug. I would also wash your face with warm water and a glycerine soap just before applying the lather. Depending on your speed of shaving you might need to reapply shaving soap during the shave. Good luck.
Lewis
Quote:
Originally Posted by jfreaksho
Yep, thats what I do as well.
What I do is I put some very hot water in a cup and soak the brush, and a teaspoon of hot water on the soap as well (helps to soften the soap), while I`m in the shower. Then I lather up and start shaving, usually with my right cheek, but when I get to the next bit of my face I dip the loaded brush into the cup of hot water and re-lather the bits I havent shaved yet. This stops the lather drying out or becoming too thick. The added benefit of this is when I get to the problem areas ('tache and chin area, which I do last) these bits have been lathered at least 3 times and the stubble is good and soft which makes shaving that much easier..! :hmmm: