Mustaches have a long history of being a symbol of masculinity, style, and individuality. Whether seen as a mark of rebellion, a fashion statement, or a sign of maturity, mustaches have always stood out. This single strip of facial hair above the upper lip carries a unique charm and confidence that few other grooming choices can match.
From ancient times to today, mustaches have been worn by men across the world. They have appeared in different cultures and have been known by many names, like “moustache” in French and “bigote” in Spanish. Each style tells its own story and fits different personalities and occasions.
Growing a mustache might seem simple, but it requires care, attention, and the right tools. In this guide, I have talked about various mustache styles, from classic to creative, and provide easy maintenance tips. Whether you want a look that’s sophisticated or bold, I’ll help you find the perfect mustache style to suit your face and personality.
Different Mustache Styles & How You Can Grow Them
Men have worn their mustaches in a variety of ways throughout history and different generations. For many men, a mustache was a matter of pride and emotion. Even now, many men love to follow these different kinds of mustache styles. Let’s explore these different kinds of styles.
Pencil Mustache
A small, thin strip of facial hair that appears just above the top lip is known as a pencil mustache. It’s a classic style that gives a sophisticated and neat look. Known for its precision, it was popular among Hollywood legends like Clark Gable and Errol Flynn.
How to Keep a Pencil Mustache Growing and Looking Good
Growing a pencil mustache requires patience and careful grooming. Let your upper lip hair grow out for about two to four weeks. Keep the length short and trim it close to the skin. Use a fine-toothed comb and trimming scissors to shape it into a thin line. Shave the top line to follow the curve of your mouth, ensuring every hair is in place. Regular maintenance is key, so trim and shave the mustache frequently to keep it neat and well-defined.
Handlebar Mustache
Famous for its curled ends that like bicycle handlebars, the handlebar mustache is a classic design. This flamboyant and vintage look has been sported by icons like Wyatt Earp and Salvador Dali, adding a touch of charm and personality.
How to keep a Handlebar Mustache Growing and Looking Good
Growing a handlebar mustache takes time and patience, usually around six months. Allow your mustache to grow long enough to curl at the ends. Part it in the middle and comb each side out. Use trimming scissors to keep stray hairs in check. To hold and sculpt the curls, use mustache wax. To form the handlebar shape, twist the ends upward using your fingers. Regular grooming is essential, so trim and shave the area around the mustache to keep it neat. Symmetry is key, so ensure each curl is even and well-defined.
Chevron Mustache
The chevron mustache is a bold and classic style, characterized by its thick and full appearance that extends just beyond the edges of the upper lip. Iconic figures like Freddie Mercury and Tom Selleck have made this mustache style famous.
How to keep a Chevron Mustache Growing and Looking Good
Growing a chevron mustache is straightforward and natural. Let your mustache grow out for about two to three months until it’s thick and full. Trim the edges to keep the mustache tidy, ensuring it doesn’t extend lower than the corners of your mouth. The mustache should partially cover the upper lip, but avoid letting the hair get into your mouth. Use trimming scissors to maintain a neat line along the lip. To maintain a neat appearance, brush the mustache upwards on a regular basis. For people who want a striking yet low-maintenance look, this style is ideal because it requires nothing in the way of grooming.
Lampshade Mustache
The lampshade mustache, often associated with icons like Charlie Chaplin and servicemen, is defined by its rectangular shape, resembling a lampshade. This style adds a touch of vintage charm and is sometimes referred to as a cop ‘stache due to its popularity among police and military personnel.
How to keep a Lampshade Mustache Growing and Looking Good
To grow a lampshade mustache, allow your facial hair to grow out naturally for one to two months. Once you have some length, use clippers to trim your mustache into a clean, straight line across your upper lip. To form a rectangle shape that reaches the corners of the mouth, the ends should be chopped vertically. Keep the mustache neat by trimming any hair that crosses the upper lip and using a razor to remove hair outside the vertical and horizontal lines you envision from the edge of your mouth and bottom of your nose. Regular grooming will maintain its tidy, classic look.
Walrus Mustache
The thick, bushy look that covers the top lip and frequently stretches downward is characteristic of the walrus mustache. This style, reminiscent of a walrus’s whiskers, adds a bold and rugged character to your look. Famous figures like Teddy Roosevelt and Sam Elliott have sported this iconic mustache.
How to keep a Walrus Mustache Growing and Looking Good
To grow a walrus mustache, let your facial hair grow naturally for at least six months. This style requires a lot of volume and length, so patience is key. Avoid trimming to achieve the full, bushy look. Use a beard comb to keep your mustache untangled and growing in the right direction. Regular combing also helps keep hair out of your mouth while eating and drinking. For grooming, use beard trimming scissors to maintain your preferred length, and consider keeping a pocket comb handy for on-the-go touch-ups.
Horseshoe Mustache
The horseshoe mustache is a bold and rugged style that resembles an upside-down horseshoe. Known for its tough-guy appeal, this mustache extends down the sides of the mouth to the jawline. Icons like Hulk Hogan and Sam Elliott have famously sported this look.
How to keep a Horseshoe Mustache Growing and Looking Good
To grow a horseshoe mustache, let your mustache and the sides of your mouth grow out for about three to six months until they reach your jawline. Start with a full beard or circle beard, then shave away the chin, soul patch, and mutton chops, leaving two vertical strips of hair. Maintain the shape by trimming stray hairs and keeping the edges clean and sharp. To maintain the sharp, defined look of this style, constant maintenance and confidence are required.
English Mustache
Its long, thin whiskers, divided in the middle and extending past the corners of the lips, give the English mustache its sophisticated and elegant appearance. The ends of the whiskers are frequently slightly pointed or curled. This classic look exudes elegance and sophistication, reminiscent of British gentlemen like David Niven and Terry-Thomas.
How to keep a English Mustache Growing and Looking Good
To grow an English mustache, let your upper lip hair grow out for about three to four months. Keep it trimmed close to the skin, avoiding hair covering the lips. Comb your mustache daily and shape it into fine points that extend horizontally. Use mustache wax to keep the ends in place. Regularly trim the center of the mustache above the top lip and shave any hair beneath the handles at the outer corners of your mouth. For a cleaner look, consider creating a hard part at the philtrum.
