Lather problems

[bcasey]

Hey, I'm a newbie to Wet Shaving (been using a DE razor for 2 weeks) and I'm obviously doing something wrong. I work up the lather (Taylor's Avacado) with my Col Conk badger hair brush, spread it on my face and neck, and by the time I'm done with my face, the lather on my neck seems dry, and the blade pulls rather than glides. I end up with nicks and razor burn. I know the logical answer would be "add more water, newbie!" yet it seems I get my lather to the point that it looks nice and thick, self-supporting (can turn the mug on it's side and it doesn't move) yet if I add a little more water it starts sliding down my neck rather than staying in place. Obviously this isn't the ideal thickness either, as it certainly won't support any whiskers this way.
Is the problem with my lathering method, or is this simply a case of trying a different blade or razor (currently using a fresh Merkur in a Parker TTO model). Then again, maybe it's just me, although I do try to keep the angle correct and apply no pressure- Help!

[petercle]

Well it could be the blade, am still a new be myslef, but have you tried lathering it directly to your face, i use to have a problem with lathering in a bowl, and i got tired if it because it would be try in some spot, which would give me nick, so one day i just applied it to my face and WOW rich creamy lather, so maybe you can give that a try, Also one thing i do suggest it try a sample pack from WCS.com When i tried new blades I found out that Merkur blades just suck for me(my opinion of course)
hope that help,
good luck

[mwhals]

I would still say you need more water. Just barely dipping the end of the brush in some water can be enough extra water to get it right. Even though you are trying more water, you might be adding too much. When you find that you added too much, try putting just a tiny bit more cream on your brush to fix the problem. When I say tiny, I mean extremely tiny.

Mark

[zeeslaughter]

The actual water to cream ratio i didnt understand until about 4 and a half months into wetshaving. It really is amazing that the more water you add, the fluffier and thicker the cream gets. I would suggest building the lather in your hand a couple of times. It will give you a good feel of what the lather is supposed to feel like. Go for a nice, wet lather that doesnt slide. Once you have it, wipe the cream off your hand onto your face and then use the brush the rest of the way.

[Verderer]

What sort of prep work do you do on your face before applying the lather?

[HoratioCaine]

You've got a couple variables that might be causing problems, but one thing is fairly certain: if the lather is drying out, that has nothing to do with your blade. Any lather can dry out if left on your face long enough, and if you're still learning DE technique, your shaves may be taking a very long time (mine certainly did back when I was new to it). If your lather is good at the start, but dry at the end, it sounds like it's drying out. Producing a wetter lather at the start may not be the answer; it's definitely not the answer if it's so wet that it's runny. Simply taking a moment here and there during your shave to rework the lather on your face with your brush might help rehydrate it.

[djh]

You've got a couple variables that might be causing problems, but one thing is fairly certain: if the lather is drying out, that has nothing to do with your blade. Any lather can dry out if left on your face long enough, and if you're still learning DE technique, your shaves may be taking a very long time (mine certainly did back when I was new to it). If your lather is good at the start, but dry at the end, it sounds like it's drying out. Producing a wetter lather at the start may not be the answer; it's definitely not the answer if it's so wet that it's runny. Simply taking a moment here and there during your shave to rework the lather on your face with your brush might help rehydrate it.

I think that we have the nail on the head here. Why not try just lathering one side of your face to start with? When you have finished shaving that side, you can easily add fresh lather to the other half.

[gaj90027]

I think that we have the nail on the head here. Why not try just lathering one side of your face to start with? When you have finished shaving that side, you can easily add fresh lather to the other half.

+1 I had to do this when learning to use a straight razor.

[figaro_black]

I did experience that with my Bodyshop shaving cream a while back. It would feel all thick, slippery and nice and look smooth and shiny but it would dry out on my face. Adding more water did not seem to work, since I got the same results as you, runny lather with suds in it. However water was the answer. I don't know how long you whip? The first times I was tempted to believe I had a good, finished lather when it became bubble free, thick and cream like However, I have to add water to that lather until it almost becomes runny again and then whip, whip and whip some more before getting a firm but wet lather. It is quite amazing, how much water I can add to my Bodyshop cream and still get a nice lather in the end. Of course, if you cannot get a lather from the suds again then water is not the answer but it can't hurt to try.

[troy1979]

try some brushless creams for a few weeks. it takes a while to get the hang of it.

[colacowboy]

Your ratio may be a little off. The other solution is to just keep reapplying the lather. I personally like to reapply often because the lather in my scuttle is warm.