So I am new to wet shaving, and I just bought a shaving soap from poraso. My question is what I am doing wrong when my lather becomes flaky and starts to disappear?
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So I am new to wet shaving, and I just bought a shaving soap from poraso. My question is what I am doing wrong when my lather becomes flaky and starts to disappear?
Sounds like you need to add a bit more water when you are lathering.
Bob
Most likely your lather is drying too fast. You need more water as Bob said.
If you have hard water issues you may try bottled water. Either way I agree it's flaky cause it's to dry.
Try a different soap. [Not Williams]
This happens often with new guys. It happened to me.
I was not using enough soap and water. When I started to load the brush more I found adding water was easier to get correct. Stay at the soap or use a bit more cream and you can keep adding water until you get a good lather. With more soap more water and it seemed to me a bigger margin for error
I was also just learning how to shave so I was slow. I would deliberately take my time. Time on the face was drying out lather. Don't be afraid to re-lather mid pass. Or even do 1/2 your face at a time. I will still lather only parts of my face for touch ups. Why not do it for the shave.
Lastly try wetting your face before lathering. This will add some much needed water to your lather.
Good lather, good shaves
I just bought some Williams soap , It arrived today smelling pretty harsh. So what are the ups and downs of Williams soap ? Should I even try it ?Quote:
Originally Posted by 2Sharp
Sure try it if you like. It doesn't cost much. I could never get mine to lather and never did like the scent. You could bath your dog with it but he probably won't like it either. There are too many good soaps out there and not enough time to try them. [ Creme Brulee Glycerin Shave Soap Creme Brulee Glycerin Shave Soap [shvso95] - $1.00 : Mama Bears Soaps and Gift Shop , Mama Bears Shaving Soaps and Bath Products for the Discerning Gentleman and Lady ] bjQuote:
Originally Posted by razor720
I bought a puck of William's because it is iconic but can't bring myself to try it.Quote:
Originally Posted by razor720
I'd be the last to say that the current Williams puck shave soap is a great soap but if you can get it to lather it is a serviceable shave soap. After banging my head against the wall trying to raise a decent lather from it I finally did succeed. Was it worth the effort? Almost I'd say.
Try sprinkling some water on it then loading your brush and repeat that many times before you try making lather. Load it like you hate it and use more water than with any other soap. Good luck.
Bob
You can get a shaveable lather with Williams.
It takes longer to get ready and it uses a lot of water.
Normally, I do one or two brush dips face lathering but with Williams the norm is 4 or more
But, it can be done.
Gurra92,Quote:
Originally Posted by Gurra92
The proper water ratio with soaps or creams is essential to create moist lather. Load your brush well in the beginning, adjusting the water ratio in the process by dipping the tips of your brush into water. Be careful how much water you add, because too much will give you runny lather. Now to making lather.
Whether bowl lathering or face lathering, keep working your brush, drizzling a few drops of water in the bowl if bowl lathering, or dipping the tips of your brush in water if face lathering, until you get the perfect lather.
Sometimes you might have to moisten your lather during the shave with a little bit more water. There is nothing wrong with that. Creating great lather will take a little time, but you can master it. Also remember, each soap or cream will have its own characteristics and you must adjust your loading and lathering process accordingly.
I have been using a straight for about six weeks now, and I have only lathered my whole face once. Had the same results. I usually do quadrants now.
One thing I've noticed, is that if it's very dry where you live, whether through lack of humidity or everything with the potential to be liquid is frozen, your brush needs to have enough water to lather properly.
Most of the time, I can give my brush a good rinse under the tap and I'm off. With this very cold winter, and it being very dry in my house, I find soaking my brush for 5-10 minutes before I shave makes a world of difference, and of course the proper soap/cream ratio etc....
I have said on other threads about difficult soap that I wonder why you Would bother when there are plenty of good inexpensive soaps.
The flaky lather issue you are experiencing is most likely just that you are taking a long time to shave and that you arent using enough water.
I (currently) lather once, sort out my gear, then re lather just before I shave, this Gives me the opportunity to moisten my lather or thicken it as required, it also gives my beard a chance to soften up (though this is could well be psychological). I find this especially useful either with a new soap or if i haven't showered/ washed my face immediately prior. With soaps I am familiar with this is probably not really necessary.