Thread: Natural hair brushes and runny lather

This morning I had a better lather due to using more soap than I use with the Syntex. My theory now is that somehow the soap actually works as a detergent on natural hairs, thereby losing some of its lather creating capacity. The same you have when washing up: the amount of suds deminishes considerably with every greasy pan you clean.

@ Spendur: I have had a similar experience with much more expensive pure badger brushes as well.

Most will tell you the more you use a brush the better lather it produces kind of like a break-in period.

I think you just have to play with the soap water combination and maybe the soap you are using. Once you get it down right you'll be getting great lather.

Hi Kees
Badger brush usually must first break in, it is normal for a badger brush the first 5 or 6 does not work properly or as expected.
Its differed in my opinion also, what kind of soap you use. Not one brand soap works the same as another brand, I think each soap has a different approach. The one needs more water the other less.(the same whit a brush i think)

I usually do this: soak my brush, I let it drip, I not shake him off.
load the brush with soap (make sure you brush loaded with enough soap, this is important)
Lather up and add more water if necessary. some dups at a time is enough.
have fun and give your new badger brush a chance.

Hi Rolf, thanks for your reply. Runny lather again this morning. Last couple of days used the Syntex again: much better lather. Maybe natural hair brushes are not the thing for me.

I used your Laumez razor this morning again: it really is one of my favourites ATM. I hope the one you bought with the money you raised by selling some stuff off lived up to your expectations.

Originally Posted by Kees

Hi Rolf, thanks for your reply. Runny lather again this morning. Last couple of days used the Syntex again: much better lather. Maybe natural hair brushes are not the thing for me.

I used your Laumez razor this morning again: it really is one of my favourites ATM. I hope the one you bought with the money you raised by selling some stuff off lived up to your expectations.

I had this same problem with my FS.Silvertip lasted one month before he went right to work.
maybe he needs more time, not give up.
I got a tip from a friend ,"Place the brush in warm water for a while ,before you use it."(Felt that it worked for me and my brush)


Nice to hear that the Laumez do his job well, the razor I bought from the sold stuff , that meets my requirements and shaves fantastic.
Will take a post picture soon. (Lately not had much time for photos)

Unless I missed it you didn't say what soap or cream you are using. That may be the key here.

Arko soap, Proraso cream.

Originally Posted by Kees

Arko soap, Proraso cream.

I might suggest as an experiment you pick up some MWF or maybe an English soap like Trumpers or Harris. It might open up a whole new world to you. If you avoid the fancy dishes they aren't that costly.

Arko is a great soap, but I find that it is a lot more sensitive to water level than, say, Cella. Poraso cream or soap, otoh are pretty forgiving, so it may just be the brush. I will agree with the previous poster that a boar/badger hybrid brush, especially from a less than well respected brush maker, is probably not a "fair" test of natural hair shaving brushes.