How to make perfect lather

How to make the Perfect Lather?

Good lather is one of the most important elements of traditional shaving. To make lather, you need a bowl, a shaving brush, and shaving soap or cream. The right shaving soap cleanses the natural oils from the hair, facilitating hair cutting. The lather also protects the skin during shaving as the blade glides across, cutting the hair.

Perfect lather is dense and fluffy, similar to whipped egg whites. The amount of water is key to the right consistency of the lather. Each soap/cream requires a different amount of water, so whenever you change the brand of soap, you need to experiment to find out how much water is needed. Aim for the lather to stay in the bowl when you turn the lathering bowl upside down.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Soak the shaving brush in hot tap water for a moment so that the bristles absorb the water. Shake off the excess water. Load the brush with shaving soap by swirling the brush against the soap for about half a minute. If you are using cream, place about a two-centimeter strip on the brush or at the bottom of the bowl.
2. Whip the brush in the bowl to lather for about a minute. Experienced lather makers can also create lather directly on the face without a bowl. If you enjoy warm lather, you can let the lathering bowl sit in warm water for a while.
3. Congratulate yourself on achieving perfect lather! Apply the lather to the area to be shaved with painting motions and enjoy the shave.