Don't quit on your lather too soon...

After about 2 1/2 years back into wet shaving, I have learned many things; many from the knowledgeable members of this and a few other forums. One very important part of the shaving equation is lather preparation. This thread is mostly intended for the newcomers, but perhaps there are those seasoned wet shavers that have of late neglected this aspect of lather preparation.

Don't quit on your lather, just because it looks ready!

These days there are many soaps on the market that seem to "explode" with fantastic lather. And just because the lather appears thick and rich, that doesn't mean it's necessarily hydrated sufficiently.

Water is your shave's best friend.

Do some experimenting. See how much water your lather can incorporate. You will be amazed.

More H2O=better slickness.

In my experience it also means a better post shave. Add it slowly; work the lather (bowl or face, it doesn't matter); add some more. Do this until you have added too much; then start again from the beginning and back off the water amount slightly. Take a look at Nathan's lathering videos. See how shiny his lather appears? That's because it is well-hydrated. Now he builds the lather on the puck, which works wonders for him and others. I choose to build it on my face. You may prefer the bowl. Try them all. Make your shaving experience the best it can be and don't be in a hurry. Your face will thank you for it.

Thanks for reading and have a great shave!

Excellent advice, Joseph!

Excellent advice, Joseph!  

Thank you Celestino!

Yes sir, great thread and wise advice.

There are so many reports of lackluster soaps that I know to be good if not even great performers [independent of YMMV of course] that are no doubt due to technique. Evidenced by the follow up posts some months later upon revisiting about how great they are!

Thanks for the thoughtful post primotenore.

Sage advice.

it would be cool to see a comparison video of a lather with too much water versus one that has too little water and then finally one that is perfect.

paging Merkur Man...

Yes sir, great thread and wise advice.

There are so many reports of lackluster soaps that I know to be good if not even great performers [independent of YMMV of course] that are no doubt due to technique. Evidenced by the follow up posts some months later upon revisiting about how great they are!

Thanks for the thoughtful post primotenore.

Sage advice.

Thank you. I hope it helps a few wet shavers.

I have noticed over the last few months that most soaps will handle much more water than I originally expected, it just needs to be introduced slowly.

Taking your time is key, I think...

Take your time loading. Load more than you think you need. I load until my brush is about 50% full of product.

Take your time adding water. I dip my brush in a mug of warm water and add moisture literally a drop or two at a time.

Build the lather slowly. It takes time to properly mix water and soap to create lather. Give up too soon and you might get thick lather, but it won't have proper slickness. Add water too quickly and it becomes a runny mess. Take your time in both adding water and building lather. The results will surprise you.

A great reminder, primotenore ! Thanks!

I have noticed over the last few months that most soaps will handle much more water than I originally expected, it just needs to be introduced slowly.

Taking your time is key, I think...

Take your time loading. Load more than you think you need. I load until my brush is about 50% full of product.

Take your time adding water. I dip my brush in a mug of warm water and add moisture literally a drop or two at a time.

Build the lather slowly. It takes time to properly mix water and soap to create lather. Give up too soon and you might get thick lather, but it won't have proper slickness. Add water too quickly and it becomes a runny mess. Take your time in both adding water and building lather. The results will surprise you.

A great reminder, primotenore ! Thanks!

Correct BadDad "slowly and surely" is the key to success.

These days there are many soaps on the market that seem to "explode" with fantastic lather. And just because the lather appears thick and rich, that doesn't mean it's necessarily hydrated sufficiently.

This!!! +1000000! It is absolutely astounding how much water most soaps can handle, and in my opinion proper hydration makes a significant difference in post-shave feel.