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I know this is a silly question and has probably been answered a thousand times, but for some reason my lather is drying up on my face during the shave. Am I taking too long? Is my mug too hot? I've been mixing it this way for a while and never really had much of a problem, I would just add more lather to my face. It stays frothy in the mug throughout the shave, but once on my face it seems to dry up and flake off after a bit? It's strange and can't get uncomfortable... Any ideas?
Sound like you are making your lather too thick, add more water.. What soap are you using?
Using C.O. Bigelow (proraso) shave cream, it works well. I would say that the lather consistency is that of normal canned cream, so I figured that was right, have I been confused?Quote:
Originally Posted by Blix
It's most likely a combination of lather that's too dry and taking a while to shave. The first issue is easy to solve, just add a bit more water while making your lather, just be sure to do it slowly so it doesn't become too wet. As for the second issue, shave faster..... :D
I've had best results by getting the cream to be a bit wetter than canned goo. Soft peaks, not stiff peaks like the goo
I will definitely try for softer peaks, maybe Ive been shaking out my brush more than usual. So am I looking for a frothy milk consistency as a guideline?Quote:
Originally Posted by Bronc
I haven't used Proraso in a while, but I remember it as being extremely forgiving with regards to the water to cream ratio. I would guess that you are currestly on the dryer side, and I'd agree with trying a bit more water. When you are making the lather, try adding in a few drops at a time, and stop if it gets too runny.
I also use the CO Biglow and have had this issue. Add a little bit more water, and try lathering your face in sections as you shave; IE right cheek as you shave right cheek, then left, chin, and so on and so forth. Just make sure as you do it to lather across the jaw line because when you stretch your skin you'll get fairly low on the neck. I do it this way so it doesn't dry out, since I take a very long time to shave.
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Devilpup
thanks for the tip, i already lather in sections for this reason. I'm wondering if dry skin has anything to do with it as well. I'm currently stationed in the New Orleans area, working in the sun the majority of the time, so the dry skin is inevitable. I will definitely add more water this morning when i give it a shave, and i'll keep everyone updated as to the results.Quote:
Originally Posted by Devilpup
I too made this mistake with my Proraso soap, not enough water. Today after reading this I added much more water and it made a big difference, much more lather and it didn't dry up as fast as it used to. Next step for me will be to figure out how it looks and behaves when I add too much water.
Just apply more lather as/if it begins to dry.Quote:
Originally Posted by joshb1000
You are not taking too long because it takes what it takes.
Your mug is not too hot if you like you lather hot.
Dribble some water in the mug or on the brush and
refresh the lather then apply more to your face
and give your self a light face latherin and continue
the shave.
On occasion I just play with my lather and see
how much additional water I can add one spoonfull
at a time and working it with the brush. I am constantly
astounded how much water the lather can take and
how smooth and silky it can get with a bit of extra
work. So when you are done shaving tinker a
bit with the lather left in your mug before you rinse
it all down the drain.
Always, have fun.
I added more water for a softer peak... lather lasted longer, not as thick as i would like, but it also didnt dry out as fast, which was exactly what i wanted. For anyone else with this issue, i realized if you have a brush that retains a decent amount of water, dont shake it out much. Use the water in the brush as your water additive. If you need more add a couple drops. I still had the same great shave as always just now i didnt have to worry about as much drag due to a dry face. Thanks for all the help fellas!
josh on that note I recently got a Truefitt and Hill badger brush with the cream and balm kit for around $30 USD and it's been working great. I like the CO Biglow cream better YMMV.
Check out mantic59's video "The Art of Lathering". Big help
May I also suggest adding more water, but add it to the back end of the brush, near the knot. Give the brush the slightest flick/shake to move the water down the hair shaft and into the lather at the end of the brush. This is my method for dry lather. YMMV. Good luck
proraso was the first cream i used and i never seemed to have a problem with it. if it seems too dry either add more water to your face before lathering or dip the tips of your brush in some water and continue to lather until you have soft peaks coming off the brush.