If you are thinking about how to grow a mustache or are already growing out your mustache then you are in the right place. Here you can find a step by step guide on how to grow a mustache grow and look great doing it.

The mustache has always been a staple in men’s fashion, but its popularity has greatly increased in recent years. It is a sign of manliness, elegance, and of power. Men both young and old, across social and economic backgrounds all enjoy wearing a mustache. But, how to grow a mustache? This is a common question men have when first starting.

Growing it Out

It may sound counter-intuitive, but unless you like the look of peach fuzz above your lip then most men find it more comforting to first grow out their beards. Thankfully stubble beards are in style, so you’ll have an easier time blending in during this awkward stage of your proto-mustache.

 

Now Shave

Eventually the hair above your lip will reach about a half an inch. Don’t be surprised if this takes several weeks, as the average man’s facial hair only grows at a rate of about 1/2 inch per month.

Once you get to this point, it’s time to shave everything except your mustache.

Start by tracing your thumb and index finger from the corner of lips straight out. This marks a horizontal line across your face, and represents the bottom of your mustache. Do not shave above this line.

To avoid getting confused try skipping the shaving cream on your mustache. Not only would it be wasteful, but you’re likely to fall into the habit of shaving your entire face if you lather up everywhere.

Some men may find a straight-edge guide – like those found in various templates – but with practice you’ll find you need it less and less.

 

Different Types of Mustaches

As you prepare to start your facial hair journey, consider the wide array of mustache styles available to you. With countless options to choose from, selecting the perfect mustache style can feel overwhelming.

Fear not, as we’ll guide you through the most popular mustache styles, ensuring you find the one that resonates with your personality and taste.

Chevron

This is the typical mustache worn by Freddie Mercury or Tom Selleck, for example. It is characterized by looking like an inverted “V”. It is a bushy mustache that is approximately 1 centimeter wider than the mouth. It is a very simple mustache to achieve and its maintenance is also easy. It can be retouched or maintained with scissors.

For more information about this essential mustache style, read our complete guide to the chevron mustache.

 

Lampshade

The lampshade mustache, often linked with seasoned individuals, is a classic style frequently sported by police or military personnel. To achieve this distinguished look, ensure the mustache doesn’t extend past your upper lip’s edge, stays below the lower part of your nose, and doesn’t allow the hair to touch your upper lip.

For a step-by-step guide on cultivating the perfect lampshade mustache, check out our comprehensive article on how to grow a lampshade mustache.

With patience and proper grooming, you’ll soon be sporting a suave, commanding mustache that will turn heads!

 

Walrus

Some of the famous people who have worn a Walrus mustache are Albert Einstein and Teddy Roosevelt. In order to get this mustache first let it grow freely and do not trim it for a long time. In order to get this style, you have to wait at least 6 months. It is a chinstrap that wraps around the upper lip and in some cases also covers the lower lip. Not all men can have this type of mustache because of its long length.

 

Pencil

The pencil mustache is a sleek style, consisting of a thin strip of hair tracing the upper lip. While once popular, it is now a less common choice. Famous individuals such as George Clooney, Eddie Murphy, and Brad Pitt sported this style for Inglorious Bastards. The likes of John Waters and Clark Gable also donned this dapper ‘stache. To maintain it, frequent shaving of the top line is required, sometimes as often as four or five times per week, for maximum impact.

 

Parted Pencil

Is a mustache style made famous by stars of Hollywood’s golden age such as Douglas Fairbanks, Errol Flynn, Clark Gable and others. It was a synonym of swashbuckling heroes or also of the gentlemen of thieves of the 30s and 40s. It was an accessory worn by many discerning gentlemen who wanted to demonstrate sophistication and elegance. It is a style that requires an everyday routine to maintain the shape. This mustache needs a thick but short growth. A parted pencil can be achieved after two weeks of growth. However, it is recommended to establish it after one month. The longer the mustache is allowed to grow, the denser it is likely to become.

 

Painter’s Brush

If you’re looking for a mustache style that exudes both ruggedness and sophistication, the painter’s brush mustache might be just what you need. This distinct style is characterized by its pronounced thickness and length on the sides that extend beyond the mouth. The overall look is similar to that of a paintbrush, hence the name.

Unlike other mustache styles that require daily trimming and upkeep, the painter’s brush mustache is relatively low-maintenance and can be left to grow naturally with occasional trimming along the upper lip to maintain its horizontal line.

If you’re interested in learning more about this unique mustache style, including how to achieve it, check out our full guide to painter’s brush mustache.

 

Toothbrush

It is the famous mustache that Charlie Chaplin has used. It is a stubby mustache shaved on both sides. It has to have the approximate width of the nose. While once very popular, the toothbrush mustache has fallen out of favor due to it being the same style of mustache worn by Adolf Hitler.

 

Handlebar

Are you ready to turn heads and spark conversations? The handlebar mustache is your ticket to instant admiration. Picture the iconic handlebars of a bicycle: a sturdy center that gradually narrows before the ends curl upward. That’s the essence of this dashing style.

To achieve the perfect handlebar mustache, you’ll need some special waxes to tame and shape your facial hair. Celebrated figures like Greg Berzinsky, William Howard, and Daniel Day Lewis have all donned this timeless look. Interestingly, the style experienced a resurgence in 2010, thanks to the hipster crowd.

Bear in mind that the handlebar mustache demands dedication; meticulous styling and maintenance are crucial to keep it looking impeccable. Despite this, the end result is undeniably striking.

Want to learn even more? Don’t miss our in-depth article on handlebar mustaches.

 

Petite Handlebar

This is a smaller version of the handlebar mustache. The only difference is that the handles should not extend beyond the corners of the mouth. In short, it should be the same length as the mouth. It requires a lot of care and attention as it needs to be shaved frequently to maintain its shape.

 

English

The English mustache is a thinner mustache; it has a slight downward slant at the nose. The side parts end in a straight shape at the height of the middle of the beak. It is a distinguished style and very used by the aristocracy. Many people say that it is practically the same as the handlebar mustache, the only difference is that the handles are not curved and end straight.

 

Hungarian

The Hungarian mustache is a mixture of the walrus and handlebar styles. It gives the sensation of a rough person. It is often associated with the legends of the Wild West, Wyatt Earp and Seth Bullock have used it. In order to get to this shape, you must first go through the walrus mustache and then yes, it is shaped so that the handles have the proper style. It usually takes about a year to get the length of hair needed to perfectly achieve this style. In fact, there are many people who never get to have it because their DNA is not prepared to have so much mustache.

 

Dali

The Dali mustache, inspired by the legendary painter Salvador Dalí, boasts a unique, eye-catching style. Resembling a pencil mustache, this distinctive look features dramatically elongated, upward-facing ends. To achieve the perfect shape, wax is essential. Patience is key, as growing a Dali mustache might take six months or longer. Once you’ve attained the desired length, trim diligently every three days to maintain that flawless form. Curious to learn more?

Don’t hesitate – explore our comprehensive article on the captivating Dali mustache style!

 

Horseshoe

The horseshoe mustache, a robust and striking style, gained popularity thanks to American wrestling icon Hulk Hogan, who’s been rocking it since the 1980s. This expansive mustache features a thick line above the mouth, extending into two vertical strips of hair that run toward the jaw on each side. Available in various lengths and shapes, you can easily adapt the horseshoe to suit shorter facial hair preferences by adjusting your beard trimmer attachment.

For a well-maintained, healthy horseshoe mustache, remember to apply beard oil or balm and brush with a beard brush regularly. To keep its distinctive shape in tip-top condition, touch up your mustache 2-3 times a week. For a more in-depth guide on achieving the perfect horseshoe mustache, explore our detailed article on horseshoe mustaches.

 

Things to Consider

Picking a style of mustache involves more than simply liking the look of it – it should ideally compliment your facial structure. Consideration such as the shape of your face, jawline, hair style, or even simply the style of clothing you prefer to wear all have a factor in determining which style of mustache will look best.

For rather elongated faces, it is recommended to wear a mustache that divides the face vertically. This will balance the length of the face.  For this style of face a traditional style mustache looks great.

For men with square faces a walrus mustache will look wonderful on them.

What do I do if my mustache doesn’t look the way I expected it to? This is a very easy question to answer, well, nothing and everything. Just take a razor and remove the mustache. That way you’ll just get your face back to looking hairless. If, then you want to try another style of mustache, just grow it out and go for it again. Try another style.

 

Maintaining the Shape of Your Mustache

Just like beards need regular grooming to keep from looking unkempt, so will your mustache. You should trim your mustache at least once a week, so that it keeps the desired shape. To keep it growing in the desired shape do not trim it when it is wet, as this could cause it to lose its shape. Your skin should be clean and moist. Shaving gels, foams or creams should be used. These are products that help the skin and make trimming much more comfortable.

To shape it, take a pair of scissors and cut along the line of the upper lip, then cut the ends so that they are symmetrical. As a next step you can twist them to cut them at an angle. The scissors should be pointed upwards to cut the center of the mustache.

When finished, move on to the face. Wash it with cold water to close the pores. Then apply after shave lotions. This will moisturize the skin and help control redness.

Your mustache should be washed daily. Especially after eating or playing sports. Use special products, such as soaps and shampoos for beard or mustache cleaning. These will make them firmer for a longer period of time.

There are even special moustache combs that will keep the hair separated and well groomed.

To have a mustache in excellent condition requires time and dedication. It also requires the use of the right tools. However, with proper determination it can prove to be a style that compliments many men.