Let's be honest, growing a mustache can be... interesting. From the patchy stages to the food-catching incidents, we've all been there. Maybe you've admired a well-styled mustache or wondered if you could pull off the look.
This guide is your roadmap to mustache success, with tips and tricks to navigate the journey and achieve the style that's right for you.
Whether you dream of a classic chevron, a bold handlebar, or something unique, we'll cover the essentials of growth, styling, and maintenance.
The Mustache Mindset
Your Growth Potential
Genetics plays a powerful role, in determining how much testosterone your body produces and its conversion to DHT, the hormone vital for facial hair growth.
Your genes also dictate the number of hair follicles in your mustache area and how sensitive they are to androgens.
Beyond genetics, your hair type matters. Coarse or thick hair creates a naturally fuller-looking mustache, while finer hair may need more time to become substantial. The direction your hair grows (straight, curly, etc.) will also influence the final look.
Additionally, age (due to peak testosterone), overall health, and ethnicity can all contribute to your mustache's growth potential.
Face Shape Considerations
While there's no single "right" mustache for each face shape, understanding the proportions of your face can help you pick a style that balances and enhances your features.
● Oval Face Shape: You've hit the mustache lottery! Oval faces are considered the most versatile, letting you experiment with a wide range of styles.
● Square Face Shape: Bold, structured mustache styles can work wonders in complementing your well-defined jawline. Try a chevron mustache to accentuate your cheekbones, or opt for a thicker handlebar style with slightly tapered ends.
● Round Face Shape: Aim for styles that add some length and definition. A Horseshoe mustache can help elongate the face. Alternatively, keep a narrower mustache and add a vertical element like a soul patch or a carefully styled goatee.
● Heart-Shaped Face Shape: Look for styles that add some width to the lower part of your face. Fuller mustache styles like a handlebar or a chevron can help balance out a narrower chin.
● Long/Rectangular Face Shape: Styles that add width and avoid further elongating the face are ideal.
Setting Realistic Goals
Start by assessing your natural facial hair growth patterns. Do you have fast, dense growth, or is your hair finer and slower to fill in?
This will give you a baseline for your expectations. Next, visualize your desired mustache style. Do you dream of a bold handlebar or a classic chevron?
Some styles will naturally take longer to achieve depending on your hair thickness and growth rate. Be patient and consistent with grooming, and avoid comparing yourself to others – everyone's facial hair journey is unique.
Set small, achievable goals along the way, celebrating minor victories to keep you motivated. With time, dedication, and a realistic perspective, you can cultivate the mustache of your dreams.
Understanding Mustache Growth
The journey to a magnificent mustache is a transformative one. It takes a bit of grit, some healthy habits, and the right techniques to achieve the style you want. Here's your essential guide:
Resisting the Urge to Trim
During the initial growth phase, your main task is to simply let it grow. While shaping the edges can prevent your budding mustache from interfering with eating, resist the temptation to trim or style prematurely.
Allow individual mustache hairs to reach their full potential before determining your desired shape and style. This initial growth will lay the foundation for whatever mustache you desire.
Nourishing Your Growth
While external care is important, what you put into your body matters too. A healthy diet rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals supports healthy hair growth across your entire body.
Key nutrients for hair health include:
● Protein: Found in meats, eggs, and legumes, protein provides the building blocks for strong hair
● Biotin (Vitamin B7): Biotin plays a role in keratin production, a key protein in hair
● Iron: Helps transport oxygen to hair follicles, found in red meats and leafy greens
● Zinc: This mineral aids in hair growth and repair, present in nuts, seeds, and meat
● Vitamin C and Vitamin E: These antioxidants fight follicle-damaging free radicals; fruits and vegetables are excellent sources
Note: While supplements can be considered, consulting a doctor is always wise before adding them to your routine.
The "Awkward Phase" Survival Guide
Growing a mustache can, at times, feel like a test of your willpower. Here's how to navigate those challenging moments:
● Dealing with patchiness: Don't despair; everyone's hair grows at different rates. Focus on maintaining the hair you do have and eventually, the gaps might fill in.
● Combatting itchiness: It's normal for new growth to feel a little itchy. A small amount of beard oil can help hydrate your skin and soften those new hairs.
● Managing comments: Be prepared for some remarks along the way. A good-humored response or a simple shrug-off is often the best approach. Own your style!
The Art of Mustache Styling
Mustache Essentials
To keep your mustache looking its best, invest in a few tools for mustache grooming. A fine-toothed mustache comb is crucial for detangling, shaping, and evenly distributing beard oils.
Small scissors designed for facial hair will help with the precise trimming of stray hairs. Even if you're aiming for a longer mustache, a beard trimmer with various guards is useful for managing your overall beard growth (if you have one) and cleaning up your neckline.
For styles needing hold, like a handlebar, a quality mustache wax made with nourishing ingredients will help you shape and tame those hairs.
Best Products for Styling a Mustache
SHOP: Death Grip Mustache Wax
For those seeking a mustache wax that lives up to its name, look no further than The Vintage Grooming Co.'s Death Grip Mustache Wax. This wax is a favorite among handlebar enthusiasts and anyone who struggles with unruly facial hair.
Death Grip promises to hold your mustache in place for 8+ hours, even in hot or cold weather. This makes it ideal for all-day wear, whether you're braving the elements or simply want a style that won't budge.
Despite its impressive hold, Death Grip is crafted with all-natural ingredients. The base is beeswax, a natural styling agent that provides hold and definition without harmful chemicals.
Additionally, ingredients like lanolin and jojoba oil help to nourish your mustache hairs and the skin underneath.
Who is it For?
Death Grip is perfect for those with:
- ● A Thick or coarse mustache hair
- ● A desire for a handlebar or other elaborate mustache style
- ● Active lifestyles where your mustache needs to stay put
Specifications
|
Feature |
Specification |
|
Hold Strength |
Extra Strong |
|
Shine |
None (Matte Finish) |
|
Scent |
Unscented |
|
Key Ingredients |
Beeswax, Lanolin, Jojoba Oil |
|
Size |
1 oz Tin |
The Death Grip Mustache Wax is a powerful tool for achieving and maintaining your desired mustache style.
Its all-natural ingredients and long-lasting hold make it a popular choice for serious mustachioed gentlemen. However, if you're looking for a lighter hold or a scented product, Death Grip might not be the best option.
SHOP: Honor Initiative Mustache Wax
Honor Initiative's Medium Hold Mustache Wax strikes a perfect balance between easy styling and reliable hold.
It's designed to tame your mustache without feeling stiff or unnatural, making it a great choice for everyday styles and a variety of mustache types.
The Benefits of Medium Hold
- ● Versatility: Works for a wide range of styles, from classic chevrons to more elaborate looks.
- ● Natural Appearance: Keeps your mustache shaped without an overly waxy or stiff look.
- ● Comfort: Feels lightweight and won't weigh your mustache down.
Honor Initiative understands that a great mustache starts with healthy hair. That's why our Medium Hold Mustache Wax goes beyond simply styling. It's formulated with vitamin-rich ingredients to support your mustache and the skin underneath.
Beeswax provides the foundation for natural hold and definition, while additions like shea butter deeply moisturize and jojoba oil help balance oil production.
Essential oils can be carefully selected to not only add a subtle scent but also offer potential benefits for hair and skin health. Honor Initiative believes that a well-styled mustache and healthy facial hair go hand-in-hand.
Specifications
|
Feature |
Specification |
|
Hold Strength |
Medium |
|
Shine |
Low to Medium |
|
Scent |
Both Scented & Unscented |
|
Key Ingredients |
Beeswax, Lanolin, Shea) Butter, Vitamin E |
|
Size |
.3 oz / 8 ml |
Who Will Love It
Honor Initiative Medium Hold Mustache Wax is ideal for:
- ● Everyday wear and versatile styling.
- ● Those who want control without sacrificing a natural look.
- ● Mustache enthusiasts with various hair types.
SHOP: Fisticuffs Serious Hold Mustache Wax
Fisticuffs Strong Hold Mustache Wax is a staple in the mustache grooming world, known for its reliable medium-strong hold and subtle scent. It's a versatile choice for a variety of mustache styles and hair types.
This wax offers a step up in hold compared to a medium formula, making it ideal for:
- ● Achieving styles that need more structure, like a handlebar (though it might not be as strong as a dedicated handlebar wax)
- ● Mustaches that need to stay in place for extended periods
Moreover, it boasts a light, natural scent that won't overpower. It's a great choice for those who prefer a fragrance-free experience or a very subtle hint of freshness.
Grave Before Shave's Fisticuffs line is well-respected for good reason. Their mustache wax balances effective hold with ease of use and a focus on quality ingredients.
Specifications
|
Feature |
Specification |
|
Hold Strength |
Medium-Strong |
|
Shine |
Low to Medium |
|
Scent |
Subtle, Natural |
|
Key Ingredients |
Beeswax, Lanolin, Coconut Oil (Check official sources for the most up-to-date ingredient list) |
|
Size |
1 oz Tin |
Who it's Best For?
Fisticuffs Strong Hold Mustache Wax is a great pick if you:
- ● Want a reliable hold without an overly stiff or heavy feel
- ● Prefer a subtle or scent-free wax option
- ● Have a variety of mustache styles you like to experiment with
Popular Mustache Styles: A Guide to Iconic Looks
1. The Chevron: Timeless and Versatile
A classic mustache style - thick, wide, covering the top lip, and often angled downwards at the edges.
How-to: Allow your mustache to grow out above the lip line, then focus on trimming the bottom edge to maintain the chevron shape.
Best for: A great all-rounder, particularly flattering on oval, square, or round face shapes.
2. The Handlebar: A Statement Piece
Notable for its curled ends, the handlebar can range from a subtle curl to a more dramatic style whereas a petite handlebar mustache requires significant length for extravagant upward twists.
How-to: Train with wax, twisting and curling the longer ends upwards as your mustache grows.
Best for: Elongates the face, making it a good choice for long or rectangular faces. Works with oval faces too!
3. The Walrus: Full and Untamed
A thick, bushy mustache that boldly hangs down over the lips.
How-to: This one emphasizes natural growth! Trim only for comfort or to make eating less messy.
Best for: Those with larger features and a personality to match its boldness.
4. The English: Refined and Elegant
Imagine a longer, narrower mustache with the tips extending straight out to the sides.
How-to: Focus on length rather than fullness. Use wax to shape and maintain those meticulously styled ends.
Best for: Elongates the face, suiting oval or heart-shaped faces well.
5. The Pencil: Slim and Sophisticated
The classic pencil mustache features a thin, carefully trimmed line that follows the natural contour of your upper lip.
How-to: Requires regular maintenance with precise trimming to preserve the defined line.
Best for: Offsets round or square face shapes. If you have very fair hair, the contrast might not be enough for this style to stand out.
6. The Freestyle: Your Unique Expression
The sky's the limit! Think outside the box, combining classic elements or creating entirely original shapes.
How-to: Experiment with different lengths, thicknesses, and styling techniques.
Best for: The adventurous mustache wearer who wants a truly one-of-a-kind look.
Choosing the Right Mustache Style
Don't forget other interesting options like the Hungarian mustache (large, bushy, and bold) or the Painter's Brush mustache (full with blunt, straight ends). Here's how to narrow it down:
- ● Face Shape: Remember the basics – some styles flatter round faces, while others elongate long faces.
- ● Hair Type Thick, coarse hair lends itself to many styles, while finer hair might need extra length.
- ● Personality: Do you have the confidence to carry off a dramatic handlebar or a quirky Freestyle mustache?
- ● Maintenance: Consider the time and effort you're willing to invest in daily styling.
The most important rule: The best mustache is the one that makes you feel confident and expresses your unique style!
Mustache Care 101
A great mustache isn't merely about growth, it's about dedication to care and styling. From maintaining that perfect shape to keeping your facial hair healthy, this guide covers the essentials to keep your mustache looking its finest.
Wash
Your mustache deserves the same attention as the hair on your head! Maintain cleanliness and health by washing your mustache with a gentle beard shampoo or cleanser 2-3 times a week. Increase the frequency if you use heavy styling products or encounter daily grime.
Lather the shampoo in your hands first, then massage it gently into your mustache and the skin underneath, followed by a thorough rinse. For longer mustaches or those prone to dryness, a beard conditioner can help soften hairs and prevent uncomfortable itchiness.
Style
Mustache wax is the key to achieving and maintaining your desired shape. Start with a pea-sized amount and warm it between your fingers to soften it. Distribute the wax evenly throughout your mustache, using a mustache comb to work it down to the skin.
Now, shape and style as desired, whether that's twisting handlebar ends, taming flyaways, or sculpting your chosen look. Remember, it's always easier to add more wax than to remove excess.
Nourish
A few drops of beard oil, especially during those early growth stages when itching is common, will make a world of difference. Oils rich in jojoba or argan oil deeply hydrate your mustache and the skin underneath, promoting healthy growth and combating dryness.
For longer or more unruly mustaches, consider beard balms. Formulated with a blend of oils and ingredients like beeswax, they provide a light hold for shaping while offering similar nourishing benefits.
Regular Trimming
Trimming keeps your mustache in shape, but precision is key to avoiding disaster. Invest in small, sharp scissors specifically designed for facial hair, and a fine-toothed mustache comb. Start by trimming only stray hairs or those obviously out of place.
When trimming over your top lip, use the comb as a guide to catch overly long hairs that might protrude. The major shaping of your mustache style is best done slowly, over several sessions to avoid any regrets.
Final Thoughts
Growing and styling a mustache is an act of self-expression, whether you rock just a mustache or a full beard.
It takes experimentation, a bit of boldness, and the right techniques to achieve your ideal look. Don't be afraid to try different styles until you find what makes you feel most confident.
Embrace the journey, learn from the occasional mishaps, and always remember, that the perfect facial hair is the one that reflects your unique personality.
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