So after spending a bunch of time watching youtube videos and practicing over and over and obsessing over making it look like everybody says it should etc. I've come to the conclusion that there really isn't a "Propper Lather" within reason, as long as the person is getting a comfortable shave does it really matter? For some people its barely swiping a couple watery passes with a brush on their face. Others like the frosty the snow man look. Usually how mine turns out is its not very thick on the face, but it is dense and slick, while i've always wanted to get the nice thick layer that everybody else had, I got to thinking, I have really comfortable shaves, I believe i'm making the best lather I can with my water situation, does it really matter? I see a lot of people getting really jumpy on videos of people shaving. Just food for thought.
"Propper Lather?
- Thread starter OneBadBadger
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It's yet another YMMV thing. I can get mounds of thick lather but I'd rather not — a prefer a slicker and less voluminous concoction.
I prefer a well hydrated thick lather that I apply in a thin coat. I see no reason to have lather that's 2 inches off your face. Just me though.
- Thread starter
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That's me. Mine is thin to wear you but is still dense and slick. I'd like it to be a hair more dense. I just have issues with applying to the face. Could just be I have hard water.
I have relitively hard water where I'm at. I just whip a batch and spread it on my face. As long as the stubble has been well coated, I'm happy. I don't need my brush to look like an ice cream cone with whipped cream topping. 
I've come to the conclusion that the lather you see in advertising is akin to the pretty girls and exciting night-life you see in automobile and beer ads. Life belies the inducements. Ain't no way you're ever going to look like the fellow on the Cella kilogram package.
I somehow end up with a more soapy lather than an actual lather. I think my poor technique and the water in my apartment makes for crappy lathering.
When I'm done face lathering and ready to shave, I can see some of my skin colour beneath the lather. I don't pile it on super thick, as only the stuff between the blade and my skin is what counts. As always, YMMV.
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Use less water! Shake out the brush before loading and make sure your bowl is dry... U can alway add water later.
Most of those vids are total overkill.
Hard water - bad! soft water - good! If your soap is made with animal fat - good! Try distilled water if you are obsessed with a lather that is like cream pie. If you are getting a good shave, what's the problem.............................JR
If it's too watery shake out the brush a bit and hit the soap for 30 - 40 more secondes, or add more cream.
I find that thick lather sits on the face and doesn't do much for the shave. The best lathers seem to be thin and wet.
You're right. There is no propper lather. However, lather that works for you is proper lather.
Seriously, though, it's a YMMV matter. As for how lather looks, it's commonly mentioned in discussions here that looks really don't matter much unless you're taking photos.
