A Beginner’s Guide to Choosing Your First Shaving Soap
A Beginner’s Guide to Choosing Your First Shaving Soap
Wet shaving can be a rewarding ritual, transforming a daily chore into a moment of indulgence. For those new to the hobby, selecting your first shaving soap can feel overwhelming. With terms like tallow vs. vegan and soap vs. cream floating around, it’s hard to know where to start. Let’s break it down so you can make an informed choice.
Soap vs. Cream: What's the Difference?
Shaving Soap: Traditional shaving soaps come in puck form and require a shaving brush and bowl to build a lather. They often offer a riche, long-lasting lather and provide a wonderful cushioning effect. Shaving soaps are ideal if you enjoy taking your time to perfect the process. I think there probably used to be a performance difference between soaps and creams, but, as far as I'm concerned, quality soaps, and quality creams both perform beautifully.
Shaving Cream: Creams are softer and can often be lathered more quickly some don't even require a brush! They also tend to be more forgiving with water ratios, so you’re less likely to mess up the lather (In my opinion). If you struggle to get a good lather, a cream might be a good option to consider.
Both options can deliver a great shave—it really boils down to your personal preference.
Tallow vs. Vegan: The Base Matters
The base of a shaving soap influences its performance and feel. Here’s how they compare:
Tallow-Based Soaps: Made with animal fats, tallow soaps are known for their luxurious lather and exceptional slickness. They often provide a creamy, stable lather that’s hard to beat. If you’re looking for an old-school shaving experience, Tallow is hard to beat. When in doubt, check for tallow. I've rarely come across a tallow-based soap that doesn't do the job.
A few of my personal favorite Tallow-Based soap makers:
Vegan Soaps: Crafted with plant-based oils like coconut, shea butter, or avocado, vegan soaps have come a long way in performance. They’re an excellent choice for those seeking cruelty-free or eco-friendly products, and many modern formulas rival tallow soaps in quality, however, some are absolutely terrible. If you're looking for tallow alternatives, I'd recommend buying from some of the more reputable brands.
A few of my personal favorite vegan soap makers:
Both types can provide excellent shaves, so feel free to experiment and see what works best for your skin and values.
Other Factors to Consider
- Scent: Shaving soaps come in a variety of fragrances, from classic barbershop to exotic blends. Start with something light and appealing to you
- Skin Sensitivity: If you have sensitive skin, look for unscented or hypoallergenic options to reduce irritation.
- Hard vs. Soft Soap: Hard pucks can last longer, while softer soaps (croaps) are easier to lather but may run out faster.
Tips for Beginners
- Invest in a Quality Brush: A good brush will help you get the most out of your soap.
- Learn the Lathering Technique: Practice building your lather to find the right water-to-soap ratio.
- Try Sample Sizes: Many brands offer sample packs, so you can test different options without committing to a full-size puck.
Choosing your first shaving soap is part of the adventure. Whether you prefer the simplicity of creams, the depth of tallow, or the ethics of vegan soaps, there’s something out there for everyone. Happy shaving!