# PIVOTING RAZOR HEADS EXPLAINED _Published: 2026-11-07_ [SMARTSHAVE](https://smartshave.co.uk/) [Razors](https://smartshave.co.uk/#products)[Starter Kit](https://smartshave.co.uk/student-discount/)[Blog](https://smartshave.co.uk/) Razor Guide · Pivoting Head PIVOTING RAZOR HEADS EXPLAINED The small hinge that helps a razor follow your face. Here is what it does and who it helps. By **SmartShave Editorial**  ·  5 min read  ·  Updated 13 December 2026 1 hinge lets the head tilt 3 tricky zones jaw, chin, neck £9.99 starter kit with a pivoting head 1 fresh blade still matters most **Short answer:** a pivoting razor head is a head that tilts as you shave so the blades follow the curves of your face. It can help keep the blade at a steady angle around the jaw, chin and neck, which many people find more comfortable. It does not replace a fresh blade or good technique. Faces are not flat. A head that tilts can follow the curves of your jaw, chin and neck, which helps keep the blades in contact with your skin. ## Pivoting head vs fixed head Feature Pivoting head Fixed head Follows contours Tilts to follow the face Stays at one angle Jaw, chin and neck Often easier Needs more wrist control Technique needed Still light pressure and with the grain Still light pressure and with the grain SmartShave Starter kit has a pivoting action head Not applicable ## Who benefits most #### ✓ Often helpful for - Jawline and chin - The neck - Shaving your head - Anyone who finds curves tricky #### ✗ Not a replacement for - A fresh blade - Warm water and lather - Light pressure - Shaving with the grain ## How to get the most from it 1 **Let it pivot** Use light pressure and let the head tilt rather than forcing it. Action: Do not press. 2 **Keep the blade fresh** A worn cartridge tugs regardless of head type. See [how often to change your blade](https://smartshave.co.uk/how-often-to-change-your-blade/). Action: Change weekly. 3 **Use short strokes on curves** Especially on the neck and jaw. See [how to shave your neck](https://smartshave.co.uk/how-to-shave-your-neck-without-irritation/) and [how to shave your head](https://smartshave.co.uk/how-to-shave-your-head-without-irritation/). Action: Short strokes. ![SmartShave starter kit razor with pivoting action head](https://smartshave.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/6.png) Starter kit Try the Pivoting Head for £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=what-is-a-pivoting-razor-head&utm_content=mid-3blade)[5-blade kit: £9.99](https://smartshave.co.uk/checkout-page-bb3/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=what-is-a-pivoting-razor-head&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 ★★★★★ “The quality is fantastic and more importantly a comfortable shave with no irritation” Paul · Trustpilot · August 2021 ★★★★★ “Such a smooth shave, will definitely be getting more” Michelle · Trustpilot · September 2019 Rated 4.5/5 from 15 reviews. [Read them all on Trustpilot](https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/smartshave.co.uk). ## Frequently asked questions What is a pivoting razor head? A head that tilts as you shave so the blades follow the curves of your face. Is a pivoting head better than a fixed head? Many people find it more comfortable around the jaw, chin and neck. Technique and a fresh blade still matter most. Does a pivoting head prevent cuts? It can help keep the blade at a steady angle, but light pressure, lather and a fresh blade matter more. Do SmartShave razors have a pivoting head? Yes. The starter kit has a pivoting action head and costs £9.99. How often should I change the cartridge? About once a week. → The Verdict A hinge helps. Technique still rules. A pivoting head makes curves easier, but a fresh blade, lather and light pressure do the real work. #### 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=what-is-a-pivoting-razor-head&utm_content=sidebar) Pivot Tips - Light pressure - Let it tilt - Short strokes on curves - Fresh blade weekly 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 Your Neck - 3-Blade vs 5-Blade - How to Shave Properly ### Follow the curves. Get a £9.99 SmartShave starter kit, 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=what-is-a-pivoting-razor-head&utm_content=footer-3blade)[5-blade kit: £9.99](https://smartshave.co.uk/checkout-page-bb3/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=what-is-a-pivoting-razor-head&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)