Thread: Lathering On My Hollywood Face

Gentlemen,

For years I had lathered directly onto my Hollywood face. I would shake much of the water out of the brush, load it with cream or soap, sometimes combining both, and then lather by adding a little water at a time to the brush to create a luxurious foam. The method worked well for me, especially since I felt it aided beard preparation.

For a time after I bought my Georgetown scuttle, I used it to keep the brush warm. Then I thought I would experiment and also make lather in the scuttle. That worked well, too, because the Georgetown has a big enough bowl for creating lather. Although, as I understand it, the main purpose of the scuttle is to keep the brush warm. Not that variation is outlawed.

Since I shave at the gym most weekdays, I continued to stick to tradition and lather directly onto the face, reserving scuttle lathering for the weekend shaving at home.

This morning I finally decided to return to my old ways and lather directly onto my Hollywood face. Not that I found anything wrong with making lather in the scuttle. No, of course not. Many gentlemen prefer that method of lathering, while others opt for lathering directly onto the face.

I felt something missing in my shaving ritual when not lathering directly onto the face.

No way is better than another; rather, it is a matter of preference. The world of straight razor and wet shaving is peppered with personal preferences and idiosyncrasy. That adds even more enjoyment to the art and craft of gentlemen shaving.

For me, I like the feel of the warm, lather-rich shaving brush sweeping across my face in circular patterns. The practice gives me a sense of comfort. I don't know why. Somethings I prefer not to question, but, rather, enjoy for what they are and for what they do. Thus lathering on the face: I just like it more than lathering in the scuttle.

Any thoughts, gentlemen?

Regards,

Obie

Originally Posted by Obie

Somethings I prefer not to question, but, rather, enjoy for what they are and for what they do.
Obie

Well said. As a general rule, I also lather on my face (my head too, for that matter). A short, wide Mikasa coffee cup on a mug warmer keeps the brush nice and toasty.

I've always been a bowl latherer (well, I've had a scuttle for the vast majority of the time I've been shaving), but I still take some time to work the lather onto/into my face with the brush. It doesn't really develop the lather anymore, but it doesn't hurt anything, either. I actually think it may help, since helps the lather really get onto my skin and beard.

What the #@&% is a Hollywood face?

Obie,

I always enjoy reading your posts as your vernacular speaks to me in the most enjoyable way. I have always been a bowl lather-er for these months of learning straights, however after hearing your testimony, i think i shall give face lathering a try. How do you find it best to alter the amount of water content in your lather?

What the #@&% is a Hollywood face?

By "Hollywood", he means to say that his face is perfect in every way (As if to describe the persona who live in the city of Hollywood, California). In addition, the use of sarcasm is used to convey humor-- as if to say "Well, you see, i wash my extremely gorgeous imperfect face every morning.", an outlandish statement that only the most pompous could say with a straight face.

-Jax

My dear Jax,

Bless your heart for such kind words. I appreciate that very much.

I dip the tip of the brush as needed in the hot water that still remains in the scuttle bowl and continue lathering in circular motion.

Little by little you can see the soap or cream has swelled into a rich and creamy lather on the face. Then I empty the scuttle completely and only refill the tank to keep my brush warm. After that it's time to start shaving.

Lathering directly onto the face also gives me a sense of having my face caressed by an angle with fragrant breath. Who would not welcome that every morning?

That's when I know my face has reached that elegant level reserved for Hollywood stars. So your perception of my "Hollywood Face" is right on the mark. You are quite perceptive. That's an admirable trait by a gentleman.

Many thanks again.

Regards,

Obie

I bowl lather untill I have lather that is just a little dry, then I finish on my wet face. Best of both worlds!

Obie,

I am still in the "experimentation" phase as far as how I whip up my lather.

When I first started, I had no brush, so I resorted to picking up a puck of shave soap from Walmart, and whipping it up as best I could in between my hands, then smearing it on my face.

Then I picked up a VDH brush, and would load the brush, then whip up the lather in the palm of my hand.

After reading a thread on here, I picked up my "redneck" scuttle, and dabbled with whipping up my suds in that.

Most recently I have been "face lathering." Other than the first, no brush method, all the others seem to work well for me. I will have to "make the rounds" at least once more before I decide on the method that I enjoy the most.

I do have to say that hand and face lathering are my favorites. The scuttle is great, don't get me wrong, but there's something about feeling those brush hairs quickly whip across my skin that I enjoy.

I also enjoy your posts Obie, and thank you for sharing the experiences of a class act gentleman!

I use a george town scuttle. I love the feeling of warm lather being applied to my face. It is very relaxing!

My dear Rob,

Thank you for the kind words. I love writing the posts, especially knowing I am in the company of gentlemen.

What's more, I am grateful for reading posts by other SRP members: I learn so much. Some of these gentlemen astonish me with the extent of their knowledge and experience in traditional and straight razor shaving.

Best to experiment with what works for individual shaver. Having used brush and soap for years, far longer than I have shaved with a straight razor or double edge, I experimented extensively before settling on making lather on the face rather than in a mug or scuttle. Still, I don't think we stop experimenting. Human nature calls for trying things out.

Obviously no method is the ultimate for shavers collectively, since traditional shaving is more an individual art rather than painting by numbers. The best method is that which is best for the individual shaver. For me, lathering directly onto the face is best.

With wet shaving and straight razors, experimentation is not only crucial, but it also adds to the enjoyment of the art.

Regards,

Obie