Ah, the mustache — a classic symbol of masculine refinement, history, and, dare I say, a bit of swagger. Whether you’re channeling the bold confidence of Tom Selleck or the understated elegance of Clark Gable, a well-trained mustache is key. However, growing a mustache is just the beginning; like any masterpiece, it requires shaping, care, and a bit of training.
If you’re new to the game or looking to refine your upper-lip real estate, here’s how you can train your mustache to achieve greatness.
1. Patience is Key: Let it Grow
First things first: before you start training your mustache, you’ve got to grow it. Resist the urge to trim or shape too soon. In the early stages, it’s tempting to snip away at stray hairs or try to shape it prematurely, but this will only hinder the process. You need to let it grow long enough to work with it.
Pro Tip: Aim to let it grow for at least four to six weeks before you begin shaping. During this time, you might feel like it’s a bit unruly, but trust the process.
2. Find Your Style
Not all mustaches are created equal. There are different styles, from the classic Chevron to the elegant Handlebar, and each requires a different type of training. It’s important to pick a style that suits your face shape and personality.
- Chevron: Thick and full, this style needs little training but regular trimming to avoid overgrowth.
- Handlebar: The mustache of the discerning gentleman, this one requires some serious wax and shaping to keep those ends twirled just right.
- Pencil: Sleek and thin, this style requires constant grooming for precision.
3. Use Mustache Wax (Your Secret Weapon)
Mustache wax is your best friend when it comes to training those whiskers. It helps hold the hairs in place and shapes them to your desired style. Here’s how to do it right:
- Warm the wax: Start by rubbing a small amount of wax between your fingers to soften it. You don’t need much, especially when you’re just starting out.
- Apply and shape: Work the wax into the mustache from the center outwards, using your fingers or a small comb. If you’re going for a handlebar or similar style, twirl the ends gently between your fingers.
- Less is more: Avoid using too much wax. You want it to hold, not look greasy or stiff. It’s all about subtle control.
4. Comb It Daily
Just like you train your hair to sit a certain way, you can train your mustache hairs by combing them daily. A small, fine-toothed mustache comb will help you tame rogue hairs and encourage them to grow in your desired direction. Comb the hairs downward or outward (depending on your style) after applying wax to reinforce the shape.
Pro Tip: Carry a comb with you for on-the-go grooming. It’s also a nice touch to pull out a comb in a social setting—there’s something undeniably suave about it.
5. Trim with Care
While training your mustache, trimming is necessary, but it’s easy to overdo it. Always err on the side of caution, trimming only the hairs that seem completely out of place or are creeping over your lip. A small pair of grooming scissors will offer the most precision.
- Dry trimming: Avoid trimming when wet; hair tends to appear longer when wet, so you might cut too much. Trim when your mustache is dry and styled.
- Trimming the edges: To keep a clean look, trim the edges regularly, especially if you’re maintaining a more precise style like a pencil or chevron mustache.
6. Moisturize and Condition
While wax and combing are essential, your mustache also needs care to stay soft and healthy. Regularly apply a beard oil or balm to the mustache area to keep the hairs nourished and the skin underneath hydrated. This prevents itching and flaking, especially in the early growth stages.
7. Handlebar Tips: The Art of the Twist
If you’re aspiring to rock a handlebar mustache, mastering the twist is key. After applying wax, use your thumb and forefinger to gently twist the ends of your mustache outward and upward. This will create the signature curls on each side.
It takes time to get the perfect twist, so don’t be discouraged if it doesn’t happen immediately. Like all good things, it improves with practice.
8. Stay Committed
Training a mustache isn’t something that happens overnight. It takes weeks, even months, to get it just right. Stay committed, keep up with your grooming routine, and remember that any great mustache has gone through an awkward phase.
If you start feeling frustrated, take a deep breath. Every mustache-wearing legend had to endure those moments of uncertainty. Trust that with time, your whiskers will start to behave.
Final Thoughts
A well-trained mustache is a mark of patience, grooming, and style. By following these steps, you’ll not only train your mustache but also embody the cool, collected demeanor that comes with it. Keep experimenting, stay patient, and soon enough, your mustache will reflect the gentleman within.
Stay classy, and remember, the best mustaches are the ones that speak before you do!
