Thread: Lather Lost in Bristles

Lately I've been doing a three pass shave as opposed to a two pass shave and have noticed that it's rather difficult to coax the third passes lather out of the bristles of my badger brush.

The first initial lather produces nice thick lather, and usually the second produces a decent enough coat, but when it comes to the third pass, most of the lather seems to be quite stuck in the bristles.

Anyone else experienced this? Is it a technique issue, or is this pretty normal?

Thanks in advance,

Cheers,

Landis

Hi Landis,
I'd have to say it's most likely technique. I always have enough lather left over for another pass (or three ) but on the occasion that I run a bit low, I usually put a tablespoon of water in the bowl and out pops plenty more lather. BTW, a few questions to your setup are in order to be of any help to you.
Do you use cream or soap (is it milled or glycerine?) and what brand?
Do you use a bowl or face-lather?
Boar or Badger?
Tend to use a lot of water when whipping up the bubbles or like it drier?
Do you use pre-shave oil? If so, this can be a lather killer if too much is used.

I've used both milled and glyserine soaps and find the glyserine soap to build a better lather. As stated by the third pass if it's drying out a touch I'll dribble some water in there and whip away a few secs to build it back up. I'm also a bit of a lather hound and build quite a bit. Easy enough for 3 passes but rarely need to go more than 2.

I don't use pre shave oils or anything for that mater so I can't add anything there.

If you have the ability, and time, experiment by mixing up various amounts of water and whipping action. Sometimes just a little tweek in one direction can have a profound change

just gotta load that brush up. lately i have been using crema de barber and seems to work well but i too end up making more than i need

You didn't say what soap or cream you use. personally I usually have enough lather left over to shave a marine platoon. I would either try another soap or alter your technique.

I've been using great soaps, just got a tub of Tabac, I have some honeybee spa soaps, and I've got some Proraso creams and soaps.

I also face lather, if that helps any, and I'm using a silvertip badger brush.

It's not that there's no lather left when I go to slap on the third pass, it's just that it seems to be hard go coax out of the brush. If I squeeze the brush out, all this wonderful lather pops out. I'm thinking it may just be I'm building it a little dry.

I'm a face latherer and use a relatively small brush (Saville row 3118...which has a, you guessed it, 18mm knot). I'm never for want of lather for a 3 pass shave and when I build a lather properly, I've got enough for 4 passes and then some.

As it was said before...load that brush.

Before you do your prep, dribble some hot water on the top of your soap. Let that sit while you strop, wash or shower or whatever. At the same time, let your brush soak in hot water. When you go to make your lather, give your brush a gentle shake, but don't shake it fully dry. Then work that soap (don't pour off the water that's already on there), with enough water...I'm finding 25-30 "swirls" should do it. If you hold the brush with two or three fingers on the bristles, it will be a little stiffer and pick up more soap.

Also... if you find that your brush is having trouble holding water (that doesn't read well..heheh), wash it with some shampoo.

Originally Posted by BBSWANNABE

......it may just be I'm building it a little dry.

Sounds like it could be the biggest problem. Add a few drops on the subsequent latherings and see if that helps.

I build lather on face too and have had this happen to me. I think the reason was not loading the brush enough, and also not working the lather as long as necessary.

Obviously, combinations of soap, creal, water, etc - vary for different products, and sometimes you need to play around to get it right

Good luck
Ivo