Thread: Lathering: How thick do you like it?

OK, so I just completed a nice Saturday evening shave, and pondered a new poll for the guys at SRP:

How thick do you like the lather on your face before shaving?

super thick moist uberlather baby!!

I voted for the 3-4mm option. Ideally I'd probably love the "santa" shave every time, but sometimes I just can't get that kind of lather going. I don't really do the whole über-lather thing though, so maybe I am missing out. Anyway, I think if the lather is tooooo thin, it just won't nearly be as comfortable a shave as you can get.

If I'm in a hurry- 1-2mm, if I'm enjoying- 3-4mm.

I am not going out of bed for less than 3-4 mm, but I am also a little young to already look like Santa... Yeah baby!

Initially, I lather my complete face. Then apply hot towels.At that point I only lather half my face and gradually apply the lather as I complete the shave.

That allows me to stretch my skin easier. If I should need a second pass (WTG) its generally with an addition of a watery layer of lather.

Most of all, I take my time and when I would lather my entire face, the lather would dry. Repeated applications tended to really dry out my skin,which during the winter months would require several applications of moisturizer throughout the day.

Different strokes for different folks.

I load the brush with soap and then throw a dab of cream in the bowl and whip up copious amounts of lather adding a dribble of hot water as needed. Get the 3 to 4 mm every time.

I've had some of my best shaves with a thin wet slippery coat of Colleen's soap.
for whatever reason I usually end up with a medium wet lather thick enough that my stubble is covered.

I guess it depends on the soap used. Some hold moisture better and therefore I can get by with a thin layer. Others I have tried dry out faster and need more.

Hmm, I am again humbled, both by the thickness of the lather reported and the reporter's ability to measure it on his face. I'm lucky if I can get some semi sudsy drool going and get enough of it from cup to face to start shaving.

Maybe I need a new brush. (Mr Vintage, did you note that?)