How to get a Barber Shop Level Lather

[cranewarrior]

My dad used Barbasol, so I never saw the finer points of making a high quality lather from soap. I've been slowly experimenting using bath soap and lately shaving soaps and I see an improvement in my lather, but I would like to get the experiences you gentlemen are having every single morning.

Are there any recommended resources for learning? I know about the geofatboy videos on YouTube but was curious if there is a good B&B thread about it.

I have some Clubman Pinaud and Cella to play around with and some Vitos on the way.

 

[nemo]

curious if there is a good B&B thread about it.

You could start here --> My lathering technique with Italian soft soaps - https://www.badgerandblade.com/forum/threads/my-lathering-technique-with-italian-soft-soaps.199887/

Fondly called "the Marco Method"

 

[Guido75]

Many resources are available. Some of the best:

Foolproof Lather Method (TM) - any soap - any brush

I am a Lather Master! Not being braggadocious, just stating a fact. And you can be too! I'm here to teach you. No need for a Brotherhood of Lather Masters, every member of B&B should be a Lather Master. Unfortunately, with so many people who enjoy this activity so much, and the more OCD of us...

www.badgerandblade.com

My lathering technique with Italian soft soaps

Lately I've seen that some B&B members are having issues regarding how to create a good lather with Italian soft soaps. And I have personally received several PMs regarding this subject, with many asking me what kind of lathering technique I actually use. Here is a simple tutorial for new wet...

www.badgerandblade.com

And Al’s @AimlessWanderer Journal is an excellent resource too.

Good luck and enjoy the process!

Guido

 

[Albert V]

I've been slowly experimenting using bath soap and lately shaving soaps and I see an improvement in my lather…

Are there any recommended resources for learning? I know about the geofatboy videos on YouTube but was curious if there is a good B&B thread about it.

I have some Clubman Pinaud and Cella to play around with

Stop playing around with bath soap and practice with proper shave soap. One of the best/easiest to lather is Cella which you already own, so stick with that. For myself, when I use Cella (red) I pour a little warm water on top of the soap to let it bloom for a few minutes. Then pour the excess water out. Then remove my brush (Omega 10049 Boar) from its soak, let the water drip put, then swirl on top of the soap for a minute or so to load. Then move to a shave bowl to work up the lather. It may need to quickly dip the brush tips in water for a second or two, here and there as I work up a rich creamy lather. I recommend starting with a bowl instead of face lather to be able to see the progression of lather building. it can take lots of practice to get the hang of it (it did for me). Also, new/different soap require practice as each can be different. Sterling soap has a nice short youtube video which is perfect. No need to buy more soaps since you already have Cella and it is one of the easier ones to lather.

Here is a link to Sterling soap video on how to lather

 

[brucered]

Use More Product.

 

[blethenstrom]

Use More Product.

Load it like you hate it!

 

[brucered]

Load it like you hate it!

Or...Load it like you LOVE it.

If I hate something, I throw it out. If I love it, I indulge.

 

[Gamma]

The best resource is doing....and paying attention.
Work with one decent brush and one good shaving soap.
It's literally add-water-and-stir; so don't complicate it.
Water, soap, agitation, and goooooooo......

 

[Beefdrippings]

Do whatever works for you. Something that works for me is just using the tips of the brush to make the lather. I don’t have to mash the brush in the bowl like the YouTube “experts” but, if you do, try finishing it off with just the tips. You might find that it helps to get rid of the bubbles.

 

[PolishDawg]

The best resource is doing....and paying attention.
Work with one decent brush and one good shaving soap.
It's literally add-water-and-stir; so don't complicate it.
Water, soap, agitation, and goooooooo......

Its like asking how to cook pasta al dente...you get fifty different answers and nearly a civil war breaks out...

As you said wet brush, swirl around...

 

[Barbarian80]

Here's a good video (hot off the presses)

 

[blade08]

Making lather is not difficult. Just practice a few times when not shaving. Bowl, face or palm of hand are all fine. Don't overcomplicate it. It's just water and soap mixed until you get a slick substance for a razor to glide on.

 

[wimbouman]

Use More Product.

True. And a classic B&B statement.

 

[BrianP]

Remember, despite how many years and shaves, you're going to have good lather days and bad lather days. There's always the next shave to look forward to.

 

[Jay21]

Understand your water. If it’s hard, treat your water or choose a product that works with your water. This was my limiting factor.

 

[Tanuki]

Having just had barbershop lather copiously applied to the back of my neck when my barber cleaned me up with a shavette:

You need to buy a hot lather machine from a barber supply house and some of the special liquid soap for it. The lather will be hot, but very wet and no where near as airy as a bowl lather.

 

[DesertIguana]

U-tube is your friend on learning how to do stuff, but at some point you need do it until you get right.

 

[MrSpeedy]

Remember that you can always add more water, but you can't remove it.

 

[ErkRusselReserve]

Face lathering is boss- The Marco Method is great. A soft synthetic is good enough.

Also, hard water is the lather killer. If you have hard water, use bottled/filtered water.

 

[BigJ]

Use More Product.

+1! Yes indeed!!