I’ve been through the moustache cycle myself – growing one, maintaining it, and ultimately shaving it off when life got too hectic. But I’m here to tell you that sporting a moustache can be a brilliant way to express your personality and enhance your facial features.
Whether you’re considering growing one for the first time or looking to switch up your style, this guide will help you navigate the world of moustaches and find the perfect fit for your face.
Growing a moustache isn’t just about letting your upper lip hair grow wild. It’s an art form that requires patience, grooming skills, and a bit of know-how. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about choosing, growing, and maintaining the right moustache style for your face shape and features.
Understanding Your Face Shape
Before we dive into the various moustache styles, it’s crucial to understand your face shape. This knowledge will help you choose a style that complements your features rather than overpowering them. Here’s a quick rundown of common face shapes and how to identify yours:
- Oval: If your face is longer than it is wide, with a gently rounded jawline, you likely have an oval face shape.
- Round: A round face is about as wide as it is long, with full cheeks and a rounded chin.
- Square: If you have a strong jawline and your face width is similar to its length, you’ve got a square face.
- Rectangle: Similar to oval, but longer and with a more angular jawline.
- Diamond: Characterised by high cheekbones and a narrow forehead and jawline.
- Heart: Wider at the forehead and cheekbones, tapering to a pointed chin.
To determine your face shape, stand in front of a mirror and use a washable marker to trace the outline of your face. Step back and observe the shape you’ve drawn. This will give you a good idea of your face shape and help guide your moustache style choices.
Moustache Styles for Different Face Shapes
Now that you’ve identified your face shape, let’s explore some moustache styles that might work well for you. Remember, these are just guidelines – ultimately, the best moustache is the one you feel confident wearing.
Oval Face Shape
If you’re blessed with an oval face shape, congratulations! This versatile shape can pull off most moustache styles. However, to maintain balance, I’d recommend avoiding styles that are too heavy or bushy. Some great options include:
- The Chevron: A classic, full moustache that follows the natural curve of your upper lip.
- The Handlebar: A dapper style with upward-curling ends that can add width to your face.
- The Pencil: A thin, precise line above your upper lip that adds a touch of sophistication.
Round Face Shape
For round faces, the goal is to add length and definition. Consider these styles:
- The Horseshoe: This style extends down the sides of the mouth, creating vertical lines that can elongate your face.
- The Walrus: A full, drooping moustache that can help balance out fuller cheeks.
- The Imperial: Similar to the handlebar but with more dramatic, upward-curling ends that draw the eye upward.
Square Face Shape
Square faces benefit from styles that soften angular features. Try these:
- The Lampshade: A neatly trimmed moustache that’s slightly wider than your mouth, adding softness to a strong jawline.
- The Pyramidal: Shaped like an inverted triangle, this style can balance out a square jaw.
- The English: A narrow, carefully groomed moustache with small, upward-curling ends.
Rectangle Face Shape
For rectangular faces, the aim is to add width and balance. Consider these options:
- The Handlebar: The curled ends can add width to your face, balancing out its length.
- The Chevron: A full, natural moustache can help balance facial proportions.
- The Painter’s Brush: A thick, rectangular moustache that can add width to your face.
Diamond Face Shape
Diamond faces look great with styles that add width to the lower part of the face:
- The Walrus: This full, drooping style can balance out high cheekbones.
- The Chevron: A classic choice that works well with angular features.
- The Handlebar: The curled ends can add width to the lower part of your face.
Heart Face Shape
For heart-shaped faces, the goal is to balance out a wider forehead and narrower chin:
- The Pencil: A thin, subtle moustache that won’t overpower your features.
- The Pyramidal: This style can help balance out a pointed chin.
- The Lampshade: A neatly trimmed style that adds a bit of fullness to the lower part of your face.
Growing Your Moustache
Now that you’ve chosen a style, it’s time to grow your moustache. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
- Stop shaving: This might seem obvious, but the first step is to let your facial hair grow. It typically takes about 2-4 weeks to grow a decent moustache.
- Be patient: The initial growth phase can be itchy and patchy. Resist the urge to trim or shape your moustache during this time.
- Maintain good hygiene: Keep your face clean and moisturised to promote healthy hair growth.
- Eat a balanced diet: A diet rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals can help promote hair growth.
- Start shaping: Once your moustache has grown to a decent length (usually after about 4 weeks), you can start shaping it into your chosen style.
Grooming
Proper grooming is essential to maintain your moustache style. Here are some tips to keep your ‘stache looking its best:
- Wash regularly: Use a gentle shampoo to keep your moustache clean and free from food particles.
- Condition: Apply a small amount of conditioner to keep your moustache soft and manageable.
- Trim regularly: Use small scissors or a trimmer to maintain your chosen style and remove any stray hairs.
- Comb daily: Use a small comb to keep your moustache neat and tidy.
- Apply moustache wax: For styles like the handlebar, use a small amount of wax to shape and hold your moustache in place.
- Moisturise: Don’t forget the skin underneath your moustache. Apply a light moisturiser to prevent dryness and itching.
Moustache Care Products
To keep your moustache looking its best, you’ll need a few essential products:
- Moustache comb: A small, fine-toothed comb for daily grooming.
- Trimming scissors: For precise trimming and shaping.
- Moustache wax: Essential for styles that require shaping.
- Beard oil: To keep your moustache soft and the skin underneath moisturised.
- Gentle shampoo: To keep your moustache clean without stripping natural oils.
Moustache Styles in Detail
Let’s take a closer look at some popular moustache styles and how to achieve them:
The Chevron
This classic style is perhaps the most natural-looking moustache. It follows the curve of your upper lip and is typically fuller than other styles.
How to grow: Let your moustache grow for about 4-6 weeks. Trim the bottom edge along your lip line and keep the sides neat.
The Handlebar
A dapper style characterised by its upward-curling ends.
How to grow: Grow your moustache for 3-4 months. Use wax to train the ends to curl upwards. Trim the centre portion above your lip, but let the ends grow long.
The Walrus
A thick, bushy moustache that droops over the upper lip.
How to grow: Let your moustache grow for 3-4 months without trimming. Once it’s long enough, shape it by trimming the bottom edge just below your upper lip.
The Pencil
A thin, precise line above the upper lip.
How to grow: Grow your moustache for about 2 weeks, then use a trimmer to create a thin line just above your upper lip. Maintain this shape with regular trimming.
The Horseshoe
A full moustache with vertical extensions down the sides of the mouth.
How to grow: Grow a full moustache, then shave your cheeks and chin, leaving vertical strips of hair extending from the corners of your mouth to your jawline.
The Imperial
Similar to the handlebar but with more dramatic, upward-curling ends.
How to grow: Grow your moustache for 3-4 months. Use wax to train the ends to curl upwards dramatically. The middle portion should be fuller than a standard handlebar.
Conclusion
Growing and maintaining a moustache is a chance to express your personality and enhance your facial features. It’s quite fun too.
Remember, the key is to choose a style that complements your face shape and features, and to maintain it with regular grooming.
It’s not easy in the early stages, there will be days when it feels itchy or looks a bit scraggly. But stick with it, and you’ll soon have a moustache you can be proud of.
Whether you’re growing a moustache for the first time or considering a style change, I hope this guide has given you the information and confidence you need to rock your perfect ‘stache. Once the kids are older and I have more time to dedicate to things as important as my moustache, I’ll be growing mine right back.
