Thread: problems

ok, I am hoping that you guys can help me out. I CANNOT make good lather anymore. I've been shaving with a straight razor for about 4 months now, and for about the first 3 i was fine, But now, every time I try and make lather it dries out super fast and isn't very thick. My soap bar is starting to curl around the inside edges of the cup, so im guessing that it's starting to dry out, could that be a reason?

every time i shave I shower first, soak my brush in my bowl while doing so, and strop before I shower. I condition my beard in the shower, then right after getting out i pour out my bowl and leave about a teaspoon of water in the bowl. I swirl my brush in my soap cup for 5 to 7 seconds, then begin to build lather for 1 to 2 minutes. I apply to my face out of the bowl to find that imy lather is drying within 30 seconds! I have tried more water, but any more and it gets way too runny. Is it possible that there is a large content of hard water coming out of my tap too?

IMPORTANT: I have also just moved approximately a month and a half ago, which is about when my lather started drying fast, which is why im guessing it's hard water content.

Please help... I love this hobby ad would like to continue, but I cannot if I can't find a solution to this problem.

I find that my soap lathers can sometimes be a bit dry. I add more water and give them some extra time and this seems to have helped a lot. I have also taken to adding a few drops of glycerin to my lathering bowl (you could also put a drop or two on your brush if face lathering). This helps a lot. You can usually buy glycerin at local drug stores.

It will be a bit of a hasstle, but you can try and buy some deionised water from the super market, boil that in a jug and try using that. If your lather returns to its former glory you know it is the hardness of the water. Best of luck!

thanks for the tip sweeney, i'll try that.

jd, thanks for the tip. Ive heard of people adding glycerin, so I'm thinking I might try that.

Your lack of lather could be hard water. When we moved into our new house we had hard water nad souldn't get lather from bar soap. we got a water softener and was told lathering would not be a problem and to use half the quantity in the laundry. Use bottled water to see if there is an difference.

Originally Posted by fieldbarren

I swirl my brush in my soap cup for 5 to 7 seconds, .

Here is your problem IMO, too little product. Try loading your brush for 30 seconds.

Originally Posted by Blix

Here is your problem IMO, too little product. Try loading your brush for 30 seconds.

Good advise.
Try your method with cream a few times and compare the lather.

Originally Posted by Blix

Here is your problem IMO, too little product. Try loading your brush for 30 seconds.

+1

Unless you use a steel brush you will never get to load your brush enough with just 5-7 sec.

I think with typical soaps I load the brush for at least 20 seconds. For MWF 30 or more.