# LEFT-HANDED SHAVING: DOES IT CHANGE ANYTHING? _Published: 2026-11-12_ [SMARTSHAVE](https://smartshave.co.uk/) [Razors](https://smartshave.co.uk/#products)[Subscribe](https://smartshave.co.uk/student-discount/)[Blog](https://smartshave.co.uk/) Technique · Left-Handers LEFT-HANDED SHAVING Most shaving advice is written for right-handers. Here’s what actually changes, and what doesn’t. By **SmartShave Editorial**  ·  5 min read · Shaving Technique Same grain, any hand hair grows the same way whichever hand you use 3 things to get right mirror the advice, know your grain, take care on the far side 4 SmartShave models SB3 and CB3 (3-blade), GG5 and BB5 (5-blade) £9.99 starter kit includes a premium handle and a cartridge 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 Razor Cartridge Razors Work in Either Hand Cartridge razors are generally designed to be used by either hand, so you shouldn’t need a special left-handed one. Advice Guides Are Written for Right-Handers Instructions like “start on the left cheek” simply need mirroring. The principle is the same, only the side differs. Mirror The Reflection Can Confuse Working from a reflection already reverses things, which can make it harder to judge which way you’re moving. Control The Far Cheek Feels Awkward The cheek furthest from your shaving hand is often the hardest to reach, whichever hand you use. ## Three Things to Get Right 1 **Mirror the Instructions** 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. 2 **Learn Your Grain** 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](https://smartshave.co.uk/how-to-shave-properly/). Action: Feel the direction of growth first. 3 **Slow Down on the Far Side** 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 Step 1 **Pick a side** Choose the cheek that feels most natural to start with, and use the same order every time. Step 2 **Prep** Wash with warm water and apply shaving cream or gel. See [wet vs dry shaving](https://smartshave.co.uk/wet-vs-dry-shaving/). Step 3 **Shave with the grain** Use short, light strokes in the direction of growth, rinsing the blade often. Step 4 **Check both sides** 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](https://smartshave.co.uk/pivoting-razor-heads-explained/). ![SmartShave starter kit razor with pivoting action head](https://smartshave.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/6.png) Starter kit A Razor for Either Hand: £9.99 - Premium handle with a quality rubber grip - Pivoting action head - Strip with vitamin E and aloe - Free UK delivery [3-blade kit: £9.99](https://smartshave.co.uk/checkout-page-cb3/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=left-handed-shaving&utm_content=mid-3blade)[5-blade kit: £9.99](https://smartshave.co.uk/checkout-page-bb3/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=left-handed-shaving&utm_content=mid-5blade) One handle and one cartridge. Change, delay or cancel any time. ## What customers say ★★★★★ “Excellent product, handle has a real weighty and quality feel” Jonathan T. · Trustpilot · March 2026 ★★★★★ “My now razor of choice” Damion O. · Trustpilot · February 2025 ★★★★★ “Very good quality yet reasonably priced” Chrissy · Trustpilot · November 2020 Rated 4.5/5 from 15 reviews. [Read them all on Trustpilot](https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/smartshave.co.uk). ## Frequently asked questions Do I need a left-handed razor? No. Cartridge razors are generally designed to work in either hand, so a standard one is fine. Which cheek should I start on? Whichever feels most natural. What matters is using the same order each time and going with the grain. Why does one side feel harder to shave? 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. Can I try SmartShave without a long commitment? Yes. Start with the £9.99 starter kit, which includes a premium handle. You can change, delay or cancel at any time for free. → The Verdict Same rules, mirrored hands. Left-handed shaving isn’t a different skill. Mirror the advice, learn your grain, and take it slowly on the far cheek. #### A Simple Way to Get Set Up SmartShave’s starter kit is £9.99: a premium handle and a cartridge, delivered free in the UK. [Get the Starter Kit](https://smartshave.co.uk/student-discount/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=left-handed-shaving&utm_content=sidebar) Left-Hander Checklist - Mirror the advice - Same order every time - Shave with the grain - Stretch skin on the far cheek - Check both sides SmartShave Plans - Starter Kit: £9.99 - 3-blade monthly: £24.99 - 5-blade monthly: £24.99 - Free UK delivery · Cancel anytime Keep Reading - How to Shave Properly - Pivoting Razor Heads Explained - Wet vs Dry Shaving Rated 4.5/5 See what customers say on [Trustpilot](https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/smartshave.co.uk). ### Either hand. Get a £9.99 SmartShave starter kit with a premium handle, delivered free in the UK. Change, delay or cancel any time. [3-blade kit: £9.99](https://smartshave.co.uk/checkout-page-cb3/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=left-handed-shaving&utm_content=footer-3blade)[5-blade kit: £9.99](https://smartshave.co.uk/checkout-page-bb3/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=left-handed-shaving&utm_content=footer-5blade) © 2026 [SmartShave UK](https://smartshave.co.uk/)  ·  Starter Kit £9.99  ·  Monthly from £24.99  ·  Free UK Delivery  ·  Questions? [hello@smartshave.co.uk](mailto:hello@smartshave.co.uk)