The Ultimate Guide to Using a Shave Bar and Brush for a Superior Shaving Experience

Introduction

Several years ago, to eliminate yet another single-use container, I bought a shave soap and horsehair shave brush. It worked great and was soon making my own shaving soap. I knew I had to take the lather and cushion to a new level to persuade my son to give up his can of shaving cream. The dual lye shave bar was born and another shaver converted.
Aerosol shaving cream cans are harmful to the environment due to the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and propellants like butane or propane, which contribute to smog and greenhouse gases. They create excessive waste in landfills, and although recyclable, they are frequently disposed of incorrectly.
If you're new to using a shave soap bar, I think these guidelines may help you to have a satisfying experience while doing your part to protect our environment.

A shave bar, a dual lye shave bar in particular, is formulated to provide a robust, dense, long lasting, nourishing lather. My dual lye shave bars are made with 40% sodium hydroxide (makes a solid soap) and 60% potassium hydroxide (makes a liquid soap) which makes the bar softer and more water soluble in order to create that big lather.
I know many women who use the shave soap directly on their skin and they love it. I choose to use a horsehair brush because it feels good, and for me, creates the lather that I like. I use a horse hair brush, which is made from the routine mane and tail trimming of Spanish horses. No animals are harmed in the process. I encourage you to do your homework, especially if you're considering a boar hair brush.
Using shave bars and brushes leaves your skin feeling nourished, soft, clean, and smooth. Plus, this method eliminates the use of about 12 cans of shave cream per man per year!

I usually shave after my shower, as do many men I've spoken to. Its an easy way to start your shave with softened stubble. If you're not bathing prior to your shave, just moisten the area with a warm, wet wash cloth.
If time allows (maybe while bathing?), let the shave brush sit in warm water to hydrate the bristles.

When you're ready to shave, add a little warm water to the shave soap bowl or what ever is holding your soap. Swirl the tips of the shave brush around and around on the soap building lather. If need be, add a little more water as you go. There are so many factors at play but the basic idea is to keep swirling in the bowl until all of the brush tips are well coated with lather.
With the loaded brush, use circular motions on your face to continue to build lather, evenly distribute that lather, and soften the hair.
Building that lather takes time, but trust me, it's worth it for both you and the planet.

It is important to shave in the direction of hair growth to protect skin and avoid ingrown hairs.

Rinse your skin with cool water to close pores and soothe skin.
Rinse and shake water out of the shave brush and put it in a stand to hang or just set it on end and allow to dry.
Pour excess water out of soap bowl and let it dry in the bowl. If using the soap directly on skin and not using a bowl, set the soap on a soap dish that will keep it out of standing water.

a chemical free (none of the lye is left in the soap once it's made) shave bar that feels and smells great while keeping nasty chemicals out of our air and soil.
Almost every community has a soap maker. I encourage you to support them if they make what you want. It lessens our carbon foot print and shipping is expensive.
I chose to make this shave soap with lard for several reasons:
1. In person I can buy lard from a local, woman owned business committed to humane and sustainable practices.
2. Their heritage pigs are not raised for their fat; it is a by product and therefore less goes to waste.
3. Lard makes a beautifully gentle soap with a silky smooth lather.
What we do matters. I know it's so frustrating for those of us who have been fighting for our planet for so long while destruction on such a massive scale moves so fast. I still chose to make a difference where I can and I hope you do to!