SHAVING
Most shaving advice is written for right-handers. Here’s what actually changes, and what doesn’t.
Read a shaving guide and it will almost always tell you to start on one particular cheek, work in a particular direction and hold the razor a particular way, all written with a right hand in mind. If you’re left-handed, it can feel like you’re following a mirror image. The good news is that very little really changes.
What Left-Handers Notice
Cartridge razors are generally designed to be used by either hand, so you shouldn’t need a special left-handed one.
Instructions like “start on the left cheek” simply need mirroring. The principle is the same, only the side differs.
Working from a reflection already reverses things, which can make it harder to judge which way you’re moving.
The cheek furthest from your shaving hand is often the hardest to reach, whichever hand you use.
Three Things to Get Right
If a guide says start on one side, start on the opposite one if that feels more natural. What matters is a steady, consistent order, so you don’t miss areas.
Action: Pick a side and stick to it.Hair grows in the same direction whichever hand holds the razor, so the rule of shaving with the grain on the first pass doesn’t change. See how to shave properly.
Action: Feel the direction of growth first.Use your free hand to gently stretch the skin, and keep strokes short and light on the cheek that’s harder to reach.
Action: Stretch skin, short strokes.A Simple Left-Handed Routine
Choose the cheek that feels most natural to start with, and use the same order every time.
Wash with warm water and apply shaving cream or gel. See wet vs dry shaving.
Use short, light strokes in the direction of growth, rinsing the blade often.
Compare left and right in good light, then rinse with cool water and moisturise.
Left-Handed Mistakes vs the Better Way
✗ The Common Mistakes
- Copying a right-handed guide word for word
- Changing order every day
- Pressing on the far cheek
- Not checking both sides
- Buying a “left-handed” razor you don’t need
✓ The Better Way
- Mirroring the advice to suit you
- Using the same order each time
- Short, light strokes on the far cheek
- Checking both sides in good light
- Using a standard cartridge razor
A pivoting head helps the blade follow your face from either hand. See our guide to pivoting razor heads.
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Frequently asked questions
No. Cartridge razors are generally designed to work in either hand, so a standard one is fine.
Whichever feels most natural. What matters is using the same order each time and going with the grain.
It’s usually the cheek furthest from your shaving hand, where the angle is awkward. Stretch the skin with your free hand and use short, light strokes.
Yes. Start with the £9.99 starter kit, which includes a premium handle. You can change, delay or cancel at any time for free.
Left-handed shaving isn’t a different skill. Mirror the advice, learn your grain, and take it slowly on the far cheek.