Tips For Non Dominant Side?

So, I have a few shaves under my belt and things are going pretty good. Only one very minor nick, and that was because of a momentary loss of concentration.

What I've noticed, not surprisingly, is that I'm getting a much better shave on my left side (I'm left handed) When it comes to the right side, its not as close a shave.

Does anyone have any tips on how to practice or improve my skills with my non dominant hand?

I won't even mention the difficulty in getting a nice, close shave on my chin :)

You could shave more.... Or use a very dull blade and pretend you are shaving. For me, it was just a question of practice.

First off, what's the growth pattern on the right side?

If I shave down from my sideburn to my jaw line, its with the grain on both left and right side.

Some guys practice by using their non dominant hand to do activities they would usually do with their dominant, such as brushing teeth.

Please keep in mind that their are no rules to ambidexterous shaving, you don`t have to shave EXACTLY one half of your face with one hand and the rest with the other. Or for that matter, there`s no rule saying you have to shave ambidexterously at all. It`s all about what is comfortable for you.

Good points Ryan...

I tried using only my left hand, figuring it would be easier, but its actually harder because of the reduced visibility. What I'm finding is that I do the left side, my moustache area, about 2/3 of my neck and my chin with my left hand. The rest I have to do with my right hand so I can see what I'm doing.

That sounds more than reasonable, actually pretty close to what I do as well. Keep at it, I'm sure you'll get it down eventually.

Like I said, its coming along nicely. Much better than I thought. My wife is now at the point where she no longer feels like she has to be at home when I shave...just in case someone has to dial 911, and she's started rubbing my face right after I shave to give her opinion. Who knows, maybe if I get good at this I might get lucky more often :)

Mine used to rub my face after every shave too. I miss that.
When I first started shaving I learned to tie flies both directions, then I started dissecting ambidextrously. I don't know if they helped, but I'm sure they did.

I remember reading a post awhile ago about a user that went to an AOS (Art of Shaving) store to purchase a razor. He got a free lesson from the salesman. He showed him a technique that uses his dominant hand on his non-dominant side by having your dominant hand facing backwards, the back of the hand always faces your face. I've looked for a video describing this technique but can't find one yet.

I've tried shaving a few times like this but to no avail. Too many nicks, I can't quite control the blade yet. It's kind of a mental thing too, gotta be ready for it. So I shave with my right hand (I'm a lefty too!). Works great except for the right side of the adams apple.

Back to the backwards technique(for lack of a better description) I think you are supposed to hold the blade in your left hand with the tip pointing to your ear and the handle towards your nose and the blade towards your face. I think that is how it was described. I may be wrong but if I figure it out I'll post a video! Blood and all.

Maybe someone else has heard of this and can help out.

PS If all else fails try to shave in cold water. I've been shaving in cold water for a year and it's great. There are a few threads about that so check them out. Also as someone mentioned before don't forget to stretch and shave. Those are two things to try right away.

Practice...

I switch sides a couple of times.
It helps me relax the grip and use a
light touch.

I also am not bashful to grab a tossable or
double edge blade to finish the difficult bits,
if I "need" a perfect shave.

I am always tinkering with my lather and
my hones so some days things do not work out.
When that happens there is no shame in taking a step back.
That reminds me -- I have some old yellow handled
BiC tossables way back in the shave den that need
dusting.