Growing a mustache sounds easy, but trust me, it’s not always smooth. When I first tried, I got patchy growth, uneven sides, and no clue how to shape it. I kept wondering why my mustache didn’t look like those cool ones I saw online or in movies. It made me feel frustrated and unsure if I should keep going.
But then I learned a few simple tricks. I started using the right products, changed some habits, and followed a basic grooming routine. Slowly, my mustache started to grow thicker and look way better.
If you’re facing the same struggles, don’t worry. Just keep reading, I’m sharing 10 easy tips to grow and style a mustache like a pro.
What is Mustache Growth?
Before we dive into the tips, let’s talk a little about how your mustache grows. Just like the hair on your head, facial hair goes through growth cycles. These cycles include a growth phase (anagen), a resting phase (catagen), and a shedding phase (telogen). The length of your anagen phase determines how long your hair can grow. For some, it’s long, leading to thick, luscious mustaches. For others, it’s shorter, meaning their mustache might not reach epic lengths.
Genetics play a huge role in how quickly and thickly your mustache grows. You might notice your mustache hair is different from your beard hair – sometimes coarser, sometimes finer. This is completely normal! Understanding your own hair’s natural tendencies will help you set realistic expectations and choose the best style for you. Remember, every mustache journey is unique.
The Growth Phase: Patience and Care
The first and most important step in how to grow a mustache is simply letting it grow. This might sound obvious, but it’s often the hardest part! The initial few weeks can be awkward, itchy, and might make you want to reach for the trimmer. Resist this urge!
Tip 1: Embrace the Awkward Stage – Patience is Key
When you first decide to grow a mustache, you’ll go through what many call the “awkward stage.” This is when your mustache is just starting to fill in, looking a bit patchy or scraggly. It might feel itchy, and you might be tempted to trim it or even shave it off. My advice? Don’t! This stage is temporary.
For most men, it takes at least 4-6 weeks to see significant growth, and often 3-6 months to get enough length and density to really start styling. Think of it as a commitment. The longer you let it grow undisturbed, the fuller and more impressive your mustache will become. This initial period is crucial for setting a strong foundation.
“A great mustache isn’t grown in a day; it’s a testament to patience and perseverance.”
Tip 2: Don’t Trim Too Early – Let it Fill In
This tip goes hand-in-hand with patience. Many aspiring mustache growers make the mistake of trimming too soon. You might see some hairs growing longer than others, or they might look uneven. Your instinct might be to “even it out.” However, by trimming too early, you’re constantly resetting the growth cycle and preventing your mustache from reaching its full potential.
I recommend waiting at least 2-3 months before even thinking about a serious trim or shape. During this time, let every single hair grow. You need to see how thick it naturally gets and where it tends to grow, which will inform your future styling choices. This initial “no-trim” period allows the mustache to gain the necessary bulk and length required for most styles.
Tip 3: Nourish From Within – Healthy Body, Healthy Hair
Your body’s overall health directly impacts your hair growth, and that includes your mustache! To encourage strong, healthy mustache growth, focus on a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals.
- Protein: Hair is made of protein, so make sure you’re getting enough from sources like lean meats, eggs, beans, and nuts.
- Biotin: Often linked to hair health, biotin (Vitamin B7) can be found in foods like eggs, avocados, and nuts. Some people opt for biotin supplements, but always consult a doctor first.
- Vitamins A, C, and E: These vitamins support cell growth and blood circulation, which are vital for hair follicles.
- Minerals: Zinc and iron are important for hair tissue growth and repair.
- Hydration: Drink plenty of water! Dehydration can lead to dry, brittle hair.
Think of it this way: what’s good for your body is good for your mustache. A healthy lifestyle not only promotes better hair growth but also contributes to your overall well-being. If you’re concerned about hair health in general, you might find some useful insights in articles like Say Goodbye to Hair Loss: How to Prevent Balding Effectively or Hair Loss Solutions: 8 Tips for Healthier, Fuller Hair. While those focus on scalp hair, many of the principles apply to facial hair, too!
Tip 4: Keep It Clean – Proper Hygiene is Essential
Just like the hair on your head, your mustache needs to be kept clean. It can collect food particles, dirt, and oils throughout the day. Regular washing prevents skin irritation and keeps your mustache looking and feeling fresh.
- Wash Daily: Use a gentle facial cleanser or a dedicated beard/mustache wash. Don’t use harsh bar soap, as it can strip natural oils.
- Condition Regularly: A good beard conditioner or a light hair conditioner can soften the hair, making it less prone to tangles and easier to manage. This also helps with itchiness, especially in the early stages.
- Moisturize the Skin Beneath: The skin under your mustache needs attention, too. Use a light moisturizer or beard oil to keep it hydrated. This prevents dryness, flakiness, and the dreaded “mustache dandruff.” If you experience itchiness or flakiness, it could be a sign of underlying skin issues. You might find our article on Dandruff Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments helpful, as many of the principles apply to facial hair and skin, too.
Tip 5: Train Your Mustache – Brushing and Combing
Once your mustache starts gaining some length, it’s time to start training it. Mustache hairs can grow in different directions, sometimes straight out, sometimes curling down. Regular brushing and combing can help direct the hairs and make them lie flatter, giving a neater appearance.
- Use a Small Comb or Brush: A dedicated mustache comb or a small, fine-toothed comb is ideal. A boar bristle brush can also help distribute natural oils and products.
- Brush Downwards or Sideways: Gently comb or brush your mustache in the direction you want it to grow. This helps train the hairs and can prevent them from curling into your mouth.
- Consistency is Key: Do this daily, especially after washing and applying any products. Over time, your mustache will learn to behave!
Tip 6: Hands Off! – Avoid Excessive Touching
It’s tempting to constantly touch, twist, or stroke your growing mustache. However, excessive touching can transfer oils and dirt from your hands to your mustache, potentially leading to breakouts or irritation. It can also pull out hairs or damage them, slowing down your growth progress.
Try to be mindful of how often you touch your mustache. Reserve touching for styling and applying products. Let it do its thing!
Styling Your Mustache: Mastering the Art
Once you’ve got some decent length and density, it’s time for the fun part: styling! This is where your mustache truly comes to life and becomes a reflection of your personal style.
Tip 7: Know Your Face Shape and Hair Type
Not every mustache style suits everyone. Understanding your face shape and the natural texture of your hair will help you choose a style that looks best on you.
Face Shape:
- Oval: Lucky you! Most mustache styles will look great on an oval face.
- Round: A mustache with some angles or a more defined shape can add length and definition. Think handlebar or a Chevron.
- Square: Softer, rounder styles can balance strong jawlines. Consider a Walrus or a natural style.
- Long/Rectangular: A wider, fuller mustache can add width to your face.
- Triangle/Heart: A medium-sized, balanced mustache can complement your features.
Hair Type:
- Straight: Easier to style into neat, defined shapes.
- Wavy/Curly: Might require more product (like wax) to hold its shape, but can offer great natural volume for fuller styles.
- Coarse/Thick: Excellent for bold, prominent styles.
- Fine/Sparse: Might be better suited for shorter, cleaner styles like a Pencil or a natural look.
Experimentation is part of the fun, but starting with an understanding of what generally works for your features can save you some trial and error.
Tip 8: The Art of Trimming and Shaping
Once your mustache has sufficient length (remember Tip 2!), you can start shaping it. This is where you define the edges and create your chosen style.
Invest in Quality Tools:
- Mustache Scissors: Small, sharp scissors are essential for precise trimming, especially around the lip line and for stray hairs.
- Beard Trimmer with Guards: A good electric trimmer with various guard lengths is great for maintaining overall length and shaping the top edge.
Trimming the Lip Line: This is often the first trim you’ll do. Use scissors to carefully trim any hairs that hang over your upper lip and get into your mouth. You want a clean line just above your lip.
Shaping the Top Edge: Decide how wide you want your mustache to be. Will it extend to the corners of your mouth, or slightly beyond? Use your trimmer (without a guard for precision, or a small guard for length) to define the upper edge.
Defining the Style: Once you have the basic length and lip line, you can start shaping it into your desired style (more on styles below!). This might involve tapering the ends, creating a curl, or maintaining a uniform length.
Pro Tip: Always trim when your mustache is dry. Wet hair is longer, so you might accidentally cut off more than you intend.
Tip 9: Product Power – Using Wax, Balm, and Oil
To truly style and maintain your mustache, you’ll need the right products.
- Mustache Wax: This is your primary styling tool for holding shape, especially for styles like the Handlebar or Imperial. Wax provides a strong hold and often a slight sheen.
- How to Use Wax: Scrape a small amount (pea-sized) with your thumbnail, rub it between your thumb and index finger to warm it up, then apply evenly through your mustache, shaping as you go.
- Mustache/Beard Balm: A balm offers a lighter hold than wax and also provides conditioning benefits. It’s great for taming flyaways, adding softness, and light shaping.
- Mustache/Beard Oil: This is primarily for conditioning the hair and the skin underneath. It helps prevent dryness, itchiness and adds a healthy shine without hold. Use it daily, especially after washing.
Choosing the right products depends on your hair type and the style you’re aiming for. Don’t be afraid to experiment to find what works best for you.
Tip 10: Regular Maintenance and Professional Help
Growing and styling a mustache isn’t a one-and-done deal. It requires ongoing care and maintenance to keep it looking its best.
- Daily Routine: Apply oil or balm daily to keep it conditioned. Use wax as needed for styling. Comb or brush it to keep it neat.
- Regular Trims: Once you’ve achieved your desired length and style, regular trims are necessary to maintain the shape and remove split ends. How often depends on your hair growth, but typically every 1-3 weeks.
- Don’t Underestimate Your Barber: While you can do a lot of maintenance yourself, a professional barber can be an invaluable asset. They can give you a precise initial shape, offer advice on products and styling, and fix any styling mishaps. They have the expertise to see your face shape and hair growth patterns in a way you can’t. Think of it as an investment in your look!
“A great barber isn’t just about a haircut; they’re your partner in crafting your signature style.”
This is why I always recommend visiting a barber. It’s more than just a trim; it’s an experience and an opportunity for expert advice. You can learn more about this in articles like Why Visiting a Barbershop is More Than Just a Haircut and Why Every Man Needs a Great Barber: Unlocking the Power of the Perfect Cut. They can guide you through the intricacies of facial hair styling.
Common Mustache Styles
To give you some inspiration, here are a few popular mustache styles you might consider, depending on your growth and preference:
| Style Name | Description | Best For | Maintenance Level |
| Natural/Chevron | A full, thick mustache that covers the entire area between the nose and the upper lip. Often extends slightly over the lip. | Men with naturally thick, dense mustache growth. | Low to Medium |
| Handlebar | Long mustache with curled-up ends, often requiring significant length and wax to maintain the iconic “handlebar” shape. | Those with patience and hair that can grow long enough to curl. | High |
| Pencil | A thin, narrow line of mustache just above the upper lip. Very neat and precise. | Men with fine facial hair or those who prefer a minimalist look. | Medium to High |
| Walrus | A very thick, bushy mustache that often hangs over the mouth and can obscure the upper lip. Requires significant length and density. | Men with extremely thick facial hair and a desire for a bold statement. | Medium |
| Dali | A very thin, upward-curling mustache with sharply pointed ends, inspired by the surrealist painter Salvador Dalí. Requires strong wax. | Artistic types with fine, trainable hair. | High |
| Imperial | Similar to the Handlebar but typically thicker and often styled upwards from the corners of the mouth, not necessarily curled. | Those with good upper lip growth and a preference for a grander style. | High |
Choosing a style is a personal journey. You might start with a natural look and gradually work towards a more intricate one as your mustache grows and you get more comfortable with styling.
Maintaining Your Masterpiece
Once you’ve achieved your desired mustache, the work doesn’t stop! Ongoing maintenance is key to keeping it looking sharp and healthy.
- Daily Brushing/Combing: This helps to keep the hairs aligned and prevents tangles. It also distributes natural oils and any products you’ve applied.
- Regular Washing and Conditioning: Don’t skip this. A clean mustache is a healthy mustache. Use lukewarm water and gentle products.
- Moisturize the Skin: Remember the skin underneath! A few drops of beard oil rubbed into the skin will prevent dryness, flakiness, and itchiness.
- Spot Trimming: Keep an eye out for rogue hairs or split ends. Use your mustache scissors for precise snips.
- Product Application: Reapply wax or balm as needed throughout the day, especially if you’re eating or drinking.
When to Seek Professional Help
Even if you’re a DIY enthusiast, there are times when a professional touch is invaluable:
- First Shape-Up: For your very first shaping, a barber can ensure your mustache is symmetrical and perfectly complements your face.
- Style Change: If you want to switch from one style to another (e.g., from a natural Chevron to a Handlebar), a barber can guide the transition.
- Troubleshooting: If you’re experiencing persistent itchiness, ingrown hairs, or can’t get your mustache to behave, a barber can offer expert advice and solutions.
- Special Occasions: For weddings, important events, or photoshoots, a professional trim and style can make all the difference.
Remember, barbers are experts in facial hair. They can offer personalized advice on products, styling techniques, and even how to deal with common issues. Don’t hesitate to book an appointment!
Conclusion
Growing a mustache is more than just growing hair; it’s a journey of patience, self-care, and personal expression. From the initial awkward fuzz to a magnificent, well-groomed ‘stache, every stage has its unique challenges and rewards. By following these 10 growth and style tips, you’re well on your way to achieving a mustache that not only looks great but also makes you feel confident and distinguished.
So, are you ready to embark on this fantastic facial hair adventure? With dedication, the right tools, and a little help from the pros, you’ll be sporting a mustache that turns heads and makes a statement. Go forth and grow, my friend! Your perfect mustache awaits.
