The "Bloom" is back baby...

Following up on my "Don't quit on your lather too soon" thread https://damnfineshave.com/thread-don-t-q...r-too-soon I am returning to my practice of "blooming" all of my soaps whilst showering. Now, this thread is not about the terminology, seeing that there are members that quite simply abhor the term "Bloom", so let's save that discussion for another thread---if at all
I had abandoned the presoaking of my soaps for over a year now, believing that I was achieving the same quality lather without it. After really working to sufficiently hydrate my lather, it became readily apparent to me that the process was unnecessarily tedious. Especially the process of transferring enough (read: a lot) of soap onto my brush. So, with the exception of my creams, I am now a devoted "Bloomer". My soaps are now far easier to load, and I am able to really achieve a well-hydrated, shiny and slick lather; from my hardest soaps (MWF, Klar Kabinett, C&S) to my softer soaps (MW, Krampert's, MdC).
Whether or not you like the word, there's no doubt that the blooming of your soap will significantly improve your lather, and by proxy, your shave.
Thanks for reading.

I'm also a devoted "Bloomer". Completely agree with your assessment. Why not get a head start on hydrating your lather?

I also agree Primo. Like you, I abandoned the practice for a while for no apparent reason. I don't remember making the conscious decision, it just kinda happened. In the last couple months though, I have returned to blooming and have noticed a significant bump in the quality of my lathers and the ease of getting there.

Congratulations, Joseph!

I would have a hard time 'blooming' my shave-sticks, though.

Congratulations, Joseph!

I would have a hard time 'blooming' my shave-sticks, though.  

I understand. I have a difficult time using my shave sticks. If my face is too wet, not enough soap is transferred. If my face/stick is too dry, the result is too sticky. I will not be replacing my shave sticks. Clearly my friend, you're much more successful with shave sticks than I.  

I'm a bloomer too. With softer soaps I basically just pour water on top and dump right off, while with harder soaps I leave the water on for a couple minutes. I find it easier to load more soap and I don't have to start with a wet brush. I soak my brushes, then ring out and shake a few times to where they are only damp. This process allows me to load the hardest soaps with either synthetic or Silvertip badger.

I'm a bloomer too. With softer soaps I basically just pour water on top and dump right off, while with harder soaps I leave the water on for a couple minutes. I find it easier to load more soap and I don't have to start with a wet brush. I soak my brushes, then ring out and shake a few times to where they are only damp. This process allows me to load the hardest soaps with either synthetic or Silvertip badger.

Agree. Brush is soaked and pretty much all water shaken out. I save the "Bloom water" however à la Merkur Man and use it to really get that lather super-wet.

My question when it comes to blooming (which I don't do) is if done enough times, do certain ingredients in the soap leach out more easily, faster, etc. that in time the actual make up of the soap has completely changed?  Not sure if I am explaining myself clearly.

Congratulations, Joseph!

I would have a hard time 'blooming' my shave-sticks, though.  

Congratulations, Joseph!

I would have a hard time 'blooming' my shave-sticks, though.  

I understand. I have a difficult time using my shave sticks. If my face is too wet, not enough soap is transferred. If my face/stick is too dry, the result is too sticky. I will not be replacing my shave sticks. Clearly my friend, you're much more successful with shave sticks than I.  

Upside down in a cup!

Congratulations, Joseph!

I would have a hard time 'blooming' my shave-sticks, though.  

Congratulations, Joseph!

I would have a hard time 'blooming' my shave-sticks, though.  

I understand. I have a difficult time using my shave sticks. If my face is too wet, not enough soap is transferred. If my face/stick is too dry, the result is too sticky. I will not be replacing my shave sticks. Clearly my friend, you're much more successful with shave sticks than I.  

Upside down in a cup!

Good idea!