Are you tired of sporting a scraggly, scruffy ‘stache? Want something that works well with your haircut? Or are you simply looking to level up your facial hair game and turn heads with your suave and sophisticated look? Well, look no further.
In this post, we’ll show you how to trim your mustache like a pro. Whether you’re going for a rugged lumberjack vibe or a sleek and refined gentleman’s look, these five simple steps will be your guiding light.
Step 1: Choose your trimmers
To achieve the perfect mustache, your tools are just as important as your technique.
Here are three of the most popular options:
Scissors are a great option for precise trimming near the edges of your mustache and detailing individual hairs. Scissors may be a little more time-consuming than electric clippers, but the result will be much more polished and refined.
Electric clippers are ideal for general shaping and cutting larger areas of your mustache quickly. They also come with adjustable attachment combs you can use to style your beard as well. Electric clippers are a great choice if you’re in a hurry or if you don’t have a lot of experience cutting mustaches.
A razor can be used to create an immaculate finish, but requires some extra care to avoid any missteps. Using a razor alongside another tool like scissors or clippers is best.
Step 2: Clean and moisturize your mustache
Before trimming, you’ll want to ensure your mustache is squeaky clean.
Follow these three simple steps to clean and moisturize your ‘stache:
- Wash with a gentle shampoo: Use a small amount of shampoo specifically designed for facial hair to wash your mustache thoroughly. Rinse it off with lukewarm water.
- Apply a moisturizing conditioner: After washing, apply a small amount of mustache conditioner to the hair and skin underneath. Massage it in gently and leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing off.
- Comb your mustache: Once you’ve washed and conditioned your mustache, use a comb or brush to detangle any knots.
Remember, keeping your mustache clean and moisturized is essential for healthy growth and maintenance!
Step 3: Pick your ‘stache style
Picking a style might be the hardest part of the process.
Do you want something with a rugged, lived-in look? Or are you aiming for a classic gentleman’s style? Want something that works well with your haircut?
There’s no right or wrong answer, so here are some mustache styles to get your wheels turning:
- Chevron: A full, bushy mustache that covers the upper lip and extends down to the corners of the mouth; best for oval or square faces
- Horseshoe: Similar to the chevron, but with longer extensions that curve down toward the chin; best for longer, more angular faces
- Pencil: A thin strip of hair just above the upper lip; best for round faces
- English: A short, neatly trimmed mustache that sits just above the upper lip; best for oval or oblong faces
- Handlebar: A thick, bushy mustache with long, curled ends that extend beyond the edges of the face; best for longer, more angular faces
- Walrus: A thick and bushy style that extends down over both lips and onto the chin area, creating a “walrus” look; best for larger faces or those with strong jawlines
- The Dali: Inspired by Salvador Dali’s signature look, featuring long and pointed ends that curl up toward each cheekbone; best for thinner faces
- Lampshade: A rectangular-shaped style that covers most of the upper lip area while leaving a clean gap between the nostrils; best for rounder face shapes
- Cowboy: A thick, bushy mustache that covers the entire upper lip area and extends down slightly at the corners of the mouth, and often paired with a soul patch or goatee; best suited for those with longer, angular faces
- Natural: A wild and unkempt style that requires little maintenance, featuring a full and slightly messy look across the entire upper lip area; great for all face shapes
Styling your ‘stache is a lot like styling your hair — only you know what look will make you feel most confident and best represent your personal style.
Step 4: Trim with precision
Once you’ve decided on a style, it’s time to break out the trimmers.
Here are a few tips to consider when trimming your mustache:
- Use clippers or scissors to trim away any excess hair outside of your desired shape.
- Take it slow. It’s a lot harder to regrow hair than it is to trim it!
- Once you have the basic shape down, switch to a razor for a closer shave and more precise trimming.
- Use short, gentle strokes so you don’t accidentally remove too much hair.
- Be extra careful around your lips to avoid any accidental cuts.
Remember, practice makes perfect when it comes to trimming your mustache.
Step 5: Finish with care
After your trim, you’ll want to apply some wax or balm to help shape and style your mustache.
Choose a high-quality product that suits your hair type and desired style. Some products offer a stronger hold, while others provide a more natural look.
Warm up the product in your hands before applying it evenly throughout your facial hair. Start with a small amount and add more as needed, being careful not to overdo it.
Use your fingers or a comb to shape your mustache into the desired style.
Whether you prefer a classic handlebar or something more modern, the key is to work slowly and carefully until you achieve the perfect shape.
Tips for keeping your ‘stache sharp
Now that you’ve nailed down your look, you’ll want to keep it looking sharp.
Here are a few tips for maintaining your mustache:
- Brush or comb your mustache every morning to style and remove any product residue from the night before.
- Trim away any stray hairs as they grow using scissors or clippers.
- Use beard oil or balm regularly to keep your facial hair soft and healthy.
- Avoid touching your mustache too much throughout the day, as this can cause frizz and make it harder to maintain your desired shape.
By following these simple grooming tips, you’ll be able to enjoy your stylish ‘stache for the foreseeable future.
FAQ
Yes! Mustaches have made a huge comeback in recent years, and there are now more styles than ever to choose from. Pick a style that suits your face and, most importantly, have fun with it.
It depends on how quickly your hair grows, but most mustaches need to be trimmed every week or two. Trim away any stray hairs as they appear to keep your ‘stache looking sharp between cuts.
It depends on the look you’re trying to create, but for most people, four to six weeks or around a quarter-inch works well. The longer you let your mustache grow, however, the more creative you can be when you start shaping it!
The key is to experiment! Try different styles and looks, but remember that a mustache should complement the shape of your face. Get creative and you’ll eventually find the perfect style.
Your mustache, your style
There are no hard-and-fast rules when it comes to your mustache.
The beauty of fashion is that you can experiment with different styles until you find what works best for you. And if mustache trims aren’t a service offered by your barber, hopefully this guide on how to trim your mustache at home will help. Try out the techniques we’ve shared with you, but don’t be afraid to add your own personal touch. After all, it’s your mustache and your style!
If you’d rather let the pros handle it, find a stylist near you and schedule an appointment today.
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