How to Lather an Old-Fashioned Shave

Create an old-fashioned lather with a few shaving tools.

For many people, lathering up for a shave the old-fashioned way produces a soothing, custom, shaving experience. Not only can you control the amount of lather you use while shaving but you also have control over the scent of your lather and the creaminess. However, unlike more modern lathering products, lathering an old-fashioned shave requires lathering tools and pucks or tubes of soap. Once you learn the techniques of an old-fashioned lather, you can customize your routine.

Things You'll Need

• Ceramic mug or bowl
• Lather brush
• Soap puck or tube

Instructions

1. Plug your sink with your sink stopper. Turn on the water and let it run until it runs hot. Fill a mug or small bowl with the water. Place the mug or bowl in the middle of the sink. Fill up the sink until the mug or bowl is almost completely submerged. Leave the mug in the water for 15 minutes or until it is almost completely cooled.

2. Submerge your lather brush in the water. Completely saturate the bristles. Leave the brush in the water with the mug or bowl.

3. Empty the water out of your mug or bowl. Place your puck of soap in the mug or bowl. Squeeze a dime-size amount of soap into the mug or bowl if you use squeeze soap.

4. Add 1 tbsp. of hot water on top of the soap.

5. Remove your bristle brush from the water. Shake the brush out a few times over the sink. Grasp the bristles between your forefinger and thumb. Gently squeeze out any excess water from the bristles.

6. Place the bristles of your brush on top of your puck or dollop of soap. Gently press down on the brush and move it vigorously over the soap. Change the direction of your circles every 15 seconds. Continue until you begin developing a lather.

7. Touch the lather with your finger. Apply a few sprinkles of water to the soap if the lather is flaky or not creamy enough.

Tips & Warnings

• Remove any excess lather from your mug or bowl. Let your damp soap puck air dry in the mug and then store away. For squeeze soaps, clean out the mug. Keep your lather brush clean between uses. Rinse the brush out and let it air dry once you finish shaving. Try lathering your soap in the palm of your hand by wetting your brush, squeezing a small amount of soap on your hand and moving the brush around over top of the soap in a circular motion. Try a variety of soaps until you feel comfortable with a certain type. Some people prefer puck soaps while others prefer squeeze soaps.

• Always check the ingredients of your shave soaps before applying to your face. If you change brands, look at the ingredients as they may not be the same as your previous soap. Fragrant soaps may contain ingredients that cause irritation.

References

• How to Use Shaving Soap: How to Use Shaving Soap
• FTM Resource Guide: All About Shaving

Resources

• Classic Shaving: Great Shaving Lather, Fast and Easy