Building a rich, skin protecting lather is arguably one of the most important things in wet shaving. This guide will touch on all elemtents of lathering- from Shaving Cream vs Shaving Soap, to tools needed, and the proper technique.
BUILDING LATHER 101
ALL ABOUT SHAVING CREAM
Shaving Creams are what most reach for before blade meets skin. They carry a soft, whipped consistency and are generally easy to use with minimal effort. High quality shaving creams are packaged in squeezable tubes or tubs.
When shopping for a Shaving Cream, consider these popular ingredients:
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Glycerin
This ingredient is key to provide cushion between skin and blade while guaranteeing smooth glide. Glycerin also softens skin once applied and works to hydrate. This ingredient is perfect for all skin types.
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Coconut Oil
Coconut Oil is favored by those with sensitive, razor burn prone skin. It provides supreme hydration by creating a barrier between skin and drying agents without compromising smooth glide.
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Eucalyptus and Menthol
Both ingredients do more that just provide a classic minty scent- they are both natural astringents. They naturally fight acne and irritation causing bacteria, making them ideal for those with especially sensitive or razor burn prone skin.
We do not recommend aerosol shaving creams as they tend to be formulated with excess sky drying ingredients, leading to irritation.
TOOLS FOR LATHERING SHAVING CREAM
LUXURY SHAVING CREAM
Formulated with Glycerin and Coconut Acid, our luxurious shaving cream is essential to a close and comfortable shave.
PB12 SHAVING BRUSH
Outfitted with vegan, badger-free bristles and a high-grade solid resin handle, this shaving brush presents a quality tool for lathering soaps and creams.
OPTIONAL: SHAVING BOWL
Using a shaving bowl to lather shaving cream will give a more full bodied result and keep unused product clean.
HOW TO LATHER: SHAVING CREAM
This method requires a Shaving Brush and will mention the use of a Shaving Bowl.
1. DAMPEN YOUR BRUSH
Start by wetting your shaving brush bristles under warm water. A few flicks of the wrist over the sink will rid excess water, leaving bristles damp and primed for loading shaving cream.
2. TAKE A DIP
Dip the bristle tips of your shaving brush into the shaving cream jar. If using a seperate shaving bowl, one light two-finger scoop is generally enough shaving cream to add.
3. LOAD YOUR BRUSH
Using a gentle swirl motion, pick up enough shaving cream to cover the area to be shaved. A teaspoon of warm water can aide in activating lather when using a seperate shaving bowl.
4. LATHER THAT HANDSOME FACE
Apply loaded brush to skin using upward stokes. This will lift hair from the skin, allowing shaving cream to soften hair and properly prep skin for shaving.
HOW TO LATHER: SHAVING CREAM
This method requires a Shaving Brush and will mention the use of a Shaving Bowl.
1. DAMPEN YOUR BRUSH
Start by wetting your shaving brush bristles under warm water. A few flicks of the wrist over the sink will rid excess water, leaving bristles damp and primed for loading shaving cream.
2. TAKE A DIP
Dip the bristle tips of your shaving brush into the shaving cream jar. If using a seperate shaving bowl, one light two-finger scoop is generally enough shaving cream to add.
3. LOAD THE BRUSH
Using a gentle swirl motion, pick up enough shaving cream to cover the area to be shaved. A teaspoon of warm water can aide in activating lather when using a seperate shaving bowl.
4. LATHER THAT HANDSOME FACE
Apply loaded brush to skin using upward stokes. This will lift hair from the skin, allowing shaving cream to soften hair and properly prep skin for shaving.
ALL ABOUT SHAVING SOAP
Shaving Soaps have a reputation for being “old school”, but this hard, puck style shaving lubricant is still a favorite amongst the wet shaving community. They require a little more effort to achieve a skin nourishing lather, but it’s well worth the effort.
When choosing a Shaving Soap, you’ll likely run into these terms or types:
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Tallow Based
Tallow soaps are formulated with high levels of animal sourced fat. They are favored for their supreme moisturizing and nourishing abilities. It easily provides the lubrication needed to avoid irritation through producing thick lather with ease.
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Glycerin Based
Glycerin based soaps are an animal-free alternative to Tallow soaps. High quality Glycerin based soaps are created with vegitable oil complimented by other natural ingredients. Its performance is similar to that of Tallow- easy to lather, cushions skin, and moisturizes.
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"Hybrid" Soaps
Some maufacturers offer "Shaving Soaps" that are packaged in a jar and are not pressed into a puck style- Instead they carry a consistency more similar to shaving creams. They will contain lower concentrations of Tallow and/or Glycerin, and have higher concentrations of plant-based Stearic Acid.
TOOLS FOR LATHERING SHAVING SOAP
LUXURY SHAVING SOAP
Formulated with Glycerin and Seasame Oil, our classic puck style shaving soap delivers effortless glide while nourishing skin.
CERAMIC BOWL with LID & SHAVE SOAP
A shaving bowl is essential to lathering your shaving soap and for proper storage. Our ceramic shaving bowl retains heat and the lid allows you to keep soap clean when not in use.
PB2 SHAVING BRUSH
Outfitted with vegan, badger free bristles and a high-grade solid resin handle, this shaving brush presents a quality tool for lathering soaps and creams to properly prep skin.
HOW TO LATHER: SHAVING SOAP
This method requires a Shaving Brush and Shaving Bowl.
1. HYDRATE YOUR SOAP & BRUSH
Saturate the bristles of your shaving brush according to your bristle type. Add a few drops of warm water directly to the top the soap puck. Hard-to-the-touch soaps may require more or warmer water.
2. START BUILDING
Work the shaving brush over the top of the shaving soap in a clockwise motion. As you work, a thick lather should begin to form. We estimate about 30 rotations does the trick.
3. LATHER THAT HANDSOME FACE
Apply loaded brush to skin using upward stokes. This will lift hair from the skin, allowing shaving cream to soften hair and properly prep skin for shaving.
4. PROPERLY STORE SOAP
Once routine is complete, be sure soap puck is stored in area with sufficient air flow. This allows the puck to dry allowing for a longer life. A lid will keep the soap sanitary and dust-free between shaves.
HOW TO LATHER: SHAVING SOAP
This method requires a Shaving Brush and Shaving Bowl.
1. HYDRATE YOUR SOAP & BRUSH
Saturate the bristles of your shaving brush according to your bristle type. Add a few drops of warm water directly to the top the soap puck. Hard-to-the-touch soaps may require more or warmer water.
2. START BUILDING
Work the shaving brush over the top of the shaving soap in a clockwise motion. As you work, a thick lather should begin to form. We estimate about 30 rotations does the trick.
3. LATHER THAT HANDSOME FACE
Apply loaded brush to skin using upward stokes. This will lift hair from the skin, allowing shaving cream to soften hair and properly prep skin for shaving.
4. PROPERLY STORE SOAP
Once routine is complete, be sure soap puck is stored in area with sufficient air flow. This allows the puck to dry allowing for a longer life. A lid will keep the soap sanitary and dust-free between shaves.
Royal Shave Barber Towel, Blue
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Royal Shave Safety Razor and Brush Stand, Polished Chrome
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Royal Shave Shaving Soap Puck Refill, Lemon Sandalwood, 3.5 oz
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