A as in Aufschäumen

Aufschäumen means to lather up, which is the first step for any shave. What you need: shaving brush and shaving soap or shaving cream. Lathering is necessary to soften the beard. Beard hair is actually as stubborn as copper wire of the same thickness. Barbers are well aware that the secret to a good shave is a good lather. Softened hair is easier to cut, because the blade does not pull at it, which can cause inflammation.Llathering also softens the skin and opens the pores, so the beard hair becomes longer, and so can be cut much closer. The soap or cream should be applied to the face in a slow circular motion. This stimulates and cleans both skin and beard – something that regular shaving foam or gel does not do.