There are many wet shaving products today, available in different flavors, in different shapes and with different properties. These products include: shaving soap, shaving cream, foam and shaving gel.
Today we will talk about the oldest shaving product for a man, namely, consider shaving soap, its history, properties and how they, after all, shave.
The history of shaving soap
The oldest soap recipe that scientists managed to recognize is a mixture of oil and ash, which was used by the Sumerians. For over 5,000 years, the basic principle of soap making has remained essentially the same. A mixture of oils and fats is mixed with lye to create a soap base that lathers well.
Shaving soap first appeared in the 14th century and was extremely popular until the outbreak of the First World War. At the time, shaving cream became extremely popular. However, until today, the use of shaving soap is considered traditional wet shaving. Any self-respecting barbershop will use shaving soap when you are considering shaving with them.
Barbershops prefer shaving soap to all other shaving products
Quality shaving soap
Okay, we're keeping the fact that shaving soap is the best traditional shaving product, but what makes it great?
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A quality shaving soap contains high levels of fat (vegetable or animal) and glycerin. The latter, obtained from vegetable oil, is essential because glycerin serves as a moisturizer that is held on the face and moisturizes it. Glycerin also has an effective emollient effect because it softens the skin and leaves it smooth and ready to shave. In turn, the fat content is also important. It provides the necessary lubrication and protection for the skin while shaving so that the blade glides over the skin without irritating it.
Goat milk shaving soap
With all of the above in mind, when choosing a shaving soap, look for a soap that has a high fat content (30% to 50% by weight). Pay attention to the ingredients, not the packaging. Quite often, manufacturers produce regular shower soap in the same packaging and shape as traditional shaving soap. Shower soap will not provide protection while shaving and can leave skin irritated.
A good shaving soap is usually triple grind, this increases the lather and produces a high-quality dense lather, leaving the skin extremely smooth. For example, shaving soap from the English company D.R. Harris, just triple grind. It foams exceptionally well and can rightfully be considered a reference classic.
The oldest German shaving soap manufacturer 'Klar' has gone further. The soap of this family business is ground 5 times! As a result, the soap is even denser and more concentrated for excellent lather.
How to use shaving soap
In order to make shaving soap foam you will need: shaving soap, a shaving brush and a bowl. It is enough to put the soap in a bowl and whip the foam to be applied to the face with a moistened shaving brush. However, to prepare a good shaving foam, follow these steps:
- Pre-wet the shaving brush with a stream of mild hot water, or place it in a filled sink with water for 1 minute. It is recommended to use a natural bristle shaving brush, ideally a badger one. Unlike synthetic bristles, the badger shaving brush naturally softens and absorbs water like a sponge.
- Make sure the shaving brush has absorbed enough hot water. This is because the warm foam and shaving brush will directly touch your stubble and face. Therefore, a poorly moistened or cold shaving brush can cause irritation.
- Place the soap in a bowl and begin to beat the lather in a circular motion. Large bubbles will appear at first, but they will gradually decrease until they disappear from view. After 25-35 seconds, you should have a thick and warm shaving foam.
Properly prepared foam should not drip from the shaving brush
- Apply warm lather to your face with a shaving brush and spread evenly in circular motions, massaging your face. Doing this will soften the stubble and lift it up, allowing the hair to be shaved close to the base of the hair. The longer you shake the shaving soap with a shaving brush, the smoother and more comfortable shave will be.
- If the lather feels too 'dry', dampen a little shaving brush and continue to apply the lather to your face.
- After shaving, leave the soap to air dry.
Difference between shaving soap and cream
If you are wondering what the difference is between shaving soap and cream, then there are a couple of significant differences. By using shaving cream, you will spend a little less time creating lather. At the same time, shaving cream will be used up faster than soap, which means you will buy it more often. It turns out that using shaving soap is cheaper, all other things being equal.
By the way, shaving cream can be made at home.
What shaving soap to buy
Today on the market (in a global sense) there is a huge number of proposals from both domestic and foreign manufacturers of shaving soap. According to its properties, the soap is made for different types of skin and with different additional properties. For example, Proraso Shaving Soap with Green Tea and Oats is ideal for sensitive skin. Shaving soap from the Russian company TRIUS is enriched with oils of orange, lemon, mint and eucalyptus for proper nourishment and care of the facial skin.
Determine your skin type and choose a shaving soap that won't irritate or burn your skin after shaving. The rest of the components only indirectly affect shaving and can be neglected.
Finally
This is the first in a series of information on men's shaving and the culture of classic wet shaving. Next, we will look at other shaving products, compare the quality of shaving with a T-razor and modern razors with 3 or even 5 blades. Let's find out how shaving brushes differ and why some of them can cost more than one hundred dollars. Until next time! As always, your comments are welcome.
