Thread: Lathering Issues

Good evening all,

I started straight shaving yesterday and so far have put in two good shaves. My technique for shaving has been working fairly well overall, but I am really having a problem making a good lather. I can certainly make enough of it and get it whipped up, but when it is applied, it is overly thin and dries up on my face within minutes, before I can even use it. The dried part even flaked off and flew around when I went over it again with the brush. I did find today that a lighter touch in the bowl left a nicer residue in the bowl (closer to the videos I have seen so far), but even when it was creating nice tips of cream on the brush, it went on a bit thin. Has anyone run through this problem early on, and what could I try to improve it? I've tried both a cream of generally high-regard and cream-soap combo, so it is doubtful that is my issue. I am also using a badger silvertip, so we know that isn't the problem either. The water temp I can get isn't exceedingly hot, but it is somewhat warm.

Thanks for your insight,

-Wolf

Carefully squeeze your brush dry. Work soap/cream into the brush. Add drops of water occasionally. When the brush is fully loaded, either lather in a bowl, or on your face. Building lather can take up to two minutes. What you are looking for is microfoam (think high quality cappuccino or meringue). I would strongly recommend that you get your lather right before you attempt any further shaves. Watery or dry lather will ruin your shave more reliably than a dull razor will.

Regards,
Robin

Is there any good way to tell if you need to add some more water, or is it all a visual cue?

The proof is in the ... lather. Really, microfoam like on a good cappuccino is the best comparison I can come up with. The lather should be moist but not wet. Or dry. Just right, if you know what I mean

Dry, thin lather is a sure sign of not getting enough soap on your brush.

As already suggested, use a soaked, squeezed brush on the puck and really load the brush til you have a thick creamy paste on there.

Then you can build that into lather in a bowl, adding drops of water as you go, or on your face, dabbing the brush in the sink to add water.

You want it dense, creamy and moist, so that when it goes on it doesn't look sudsy and thin, or so thick you can't spread it - think a happy medium between cake frosting and watery yoghurt. Soft peaks forming on the brush is a fair guide you're about there. Everyone has different water and products, so use vids as a guide, not a guru.

The best way to practice, is practice. You don't need to shave to practice lathering, and soap is cheap.

Another problem can also be that yer slow

It is a common problem when starting out, but is really simple to solve, lather 1/2 or even 1/4 of yer face at a time, BUT still work on getting the lather better too.. Eventually the lather improves, and so does your shaving technique, and it all comes together at the same time...

OH yeah in answer to the "prep" question, yes the lather should sit on your beard to prep it, you do that by lathering, then stropping your razor, then rinsing, then re-lathering for the shave....

Probably the best demostration of lather making IMHO is Jockeys' video. I been cup and brushing for 30 years and I learned a ton just watching this short clip. Even if you don't go the full route of making warm uber lather it still demos using the brush and adding water.

Hope this helps.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2w3JRmActHE