Does anyone else have trouble getting good lather with this? I find that it produces lots of lather, but it tends to be low-quality. I might be overwatering it, but I am using about what I use for Proraso (the other cream that I have) and so I'm not sure. Do you find that you need to hold off on the water, or use extra product, or anything like that?
Art of Shaving Unscented question
- Thread starter justinp
- Start date
I only have the sandalwood cream, but my technique for that is:
Start with a squeezed out and shaken (once) badger (EJ BBB). Swirl the tips in the tub - I don't actually use that much product.
Turn hot water on so only the smallest stream pours out.
Wet hand, and wet brush - less than one second on brush
Swirl vigorously on hand - until there are no large bubbles, and cream is relatively thick.
Add water, swirl, repeat - about 3 or 4 times.
I test the consistency at each step, looking for:
No large bubbles
Stiff peaks
Lather has a bit of a sheen to it (no longer looks dry)
After the lather has a sheen to it, I usually add a bit more water, finish swirling, then lather up and shave.
That's just what works for me - hope that helps in some way.
Start with a squeezed out and shaken (once) badger (EJ BBB). Swirl the tips in the tub - I don't actually use that much product.
Turn hot water on so only the smallest stream pours out.
Wet hand, and wet brush - less than one second on brush
Swirl vigorously on hand - until there are no large bubbles, and cream is relatively thick.
Add water, swirl, repeat - about 3 or 4 times.
I test the consistency at each step, looking for:
No large bubbles
Stiff peaks
Lather has a bit of a sheen to it (no longer looks dry)
After the lather has a sheen to it, I usually add a bit more water, finish swirling, then lather up and shave.
That's just what works for me - hope that helps in some way.
Proraso is a bit of a water hog compared with many other creams. Try adjusting the water ratio. Start dry and add water very gradually. You should be able to get a really good lather from AoS.
I guess that's a simpler way to put it
To sum up my routine:
I slowly add water, and make sure it's all fully incorporated before adding more water.
- Thread starter
- #5
Well thanks!
I went from Proraso to AoS sandalwood creme. I found that I had to use more cream, maybe because I was used to using more water from Proraso usage. I think you just need to change your ratios, AoS should be really easy to get great lather from. Is the lather thin and dries out easily? Then use more product or less water. Really I think there's a point where you can't use less water and you just have to use more cream or soap or whatnot. Just like how you have to break some eggs to make a cake, I feel like you have to use more product than you need to make great lather, then just discard the mountain of leftover lather when you are done.
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- Thread starter
- #7
seems to be the consensus that proraso is a bit denser/requires more water? interesting... maybe b/c the AOS is designed to be usable brushless?
Or because Proraso is so thick they label it a "soap" in some cases....
I have several of the AoS creams, and they all produce excellent lather, including Unscented. As others have said, experiement with the water ratio, you should be able to find the sweet spot.
