How to Grow a Mustache

If you’ve ever wanted to branch out with or amp up your facial hair, you may have considered rocking a mustache. Known as the cousin of the beard, mustaches are a great way to frame your face that allows you to sport a debonair and masculine look. If you’re wondering how to grow a mustache or whether anyone is capable of growing one, you’ve come to the right place. With the right tips, you can work your way to a dapper mustache.

Curious? Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about sporting a ‘stache, including how to grow a mustache and the best mustache styles to try.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GROW A MUSTACHE?

You’re probably asking yourself, “How long does it take to grow a mustache?” and the truth is, it varies from person to person. Everyone has a different rate of hair growth, so what may take you a month or two to grow a mustache can easily take another person up to four months to achieve. One thing to note: Some men may be unable to grow a mustache due to genetics and other underlying conditions.

CAN YOU MAKE YOUR MUSTACHE GROW FASTER?

Looking for a way to grow your mustache faster? We don’t blame you! After all, nothing looks better than a full ‘stache! Your best bet is to follow solid grooming tips to help you get the mustache you’re after. Speaking of which...

4 TIPS TO GROW YOUR MUSTACHE

Ready to learn how to grow your mustache? We bet you are! Consider our four tips below to start your facial hair journey on the right note.

1. GROW OUT YOUR BEARD FIRST

One of the easiest ways to grow a mustache is to allow your beard to grow in as well. Once you reach your desired length, simply shave your beard shorter than your mustache.

2. TRIM AS YOU GROW

They say that slow and steady wins the race, and trimming as you go is no exception to this rule. Make sure to leave your mustache intact, so you can see the shape and decide if the look is right for you.

3. BE PATIENT

As excited as you may be to rock your mustache—which can lead to impatience—it takes time for facial hair to grow, as you likely already know. Stay patient.

Keep in mind, if you’re interested in how to grow a thicker mustache, you’ll need to practice even more patience as it can take longer for your ‘stache to really look thick and full.

4. ESTABLISH A MUSTACHE CARE ROUTINE

Growing your mustache isn’t an excuse to stop taking care of the skin underneath your facial hair. Having a grooming and skin care routine in place will not only keep your ‘stache in tip-top shape, but it will also keep your facial hair looking its best. Here’s An Easy Skin Care Routine for Men to get you started.

HOW TO MAINTAIN YOUR MUSTACHE

Now that you know how to grow a mustache, it’s time to learn how to care for it. Thankfully, the art of grooming your whiskers is super easy. Follow our step-by-step routine below to do just that.

STEP #1: WASH YOUR MUSTACHE

Cleansing your mustache is essential. Pick up a facial cleanser, like the L’Oréal Paris Men Expert Hydra Energetic Extreme Cleanser Infused With Charcoal, which fights the five problems caused by daily city grime: oily skin, dirt, stickiness, dullness, and clogged pores. 

STEP #2: BRING ON THE MOISTURE

Once your mustache is clean, it’s time to up the ante with a moisturizer that will keep your skin and hair hydrated. Grab the L’Oréal Paris Men Expert 3-Day Beard Moisturizer, which is formulated with vitamin E to leave skin feeling energized and your facial hair in shape.

STEP #3: COMB YOUR MUSTACHE

Before you reach for facial hair scissors, you’ll need to use a mustache comb. This will help you identify which hairs need to be trimmed for an even finish.

STEP #4: TRIM, TRIM, TRIM

No matter what mustache style you like, it’s essential to keep your facial hair trimmed for a tamed look. Use small facial hair scissors to trim your ‘stache and remove any stray hairs. Be sure to trim your hair every few days to maintain a neat appearance. If you need some shaping action, you can also rely on an electric precision trimmer.

STEP #5: REACH FOR A MUSTACHE WAX

Depending on the style you’re going for, you may need to add a touch of mustache wax or balm into the mix to keep your facial hair in place. Set the stage with a small amount of wax and work it evenly through the hair to achieve your desired shape.

Editor’s note: All out of mustache wax? No need to fret! You can totally rely on a hair cream meant to get the job done. Try the L’Oréal Paris Studio Line Medium Hold Cream Paste to sculpt your mustache to perfection.

10 MUSTACHE STYLES TO TRY

There’s far from one mustache style you can choose from. Follow along as we share 10 of the best mustache styles around.

1. THE CHEVRON MUSTACHE

Ready to show off a simple yet practical mustache? The chevron style fits the bill. Featuring a thick mustache that follows the shape of the upper lip with a slight upside-down ‘V’ shape, this option is perfect for the low-maintenance man. 

2. THE HANDLEBAR MUSTACHE

For those who love a fashionable ‘stache, it’s time to put the handlebar mustache on your radar. Boasting super thick hairs with the handles—aka the ends—of the mustache grown out long and shaped into fine points, this pick is perfect for men who love to flaunt facial hair in a sharp and well-groomed way. The handles are curled upward for the ultimate on-trend look. 

3. THE PETITE HANDLEBAR MUSTACHE

In the mood for a smaller version of the handlebar mustache? The petite handlebar awaits you. Shorter in length, your mustache hairs don’t extend past the corners of the mouth. It also features upward curled hair at the ends for a super stylish option. 

4. THE ENGLISH MUSTACHE

Calling all sophisticated and refined men! The English mustache is just what you need to spice up your look. Featuring a mustache that’s parted in the middle, it also shows off hair that’s slightly curved at the tips.

5. THE LAMPSHADE MUSTACHE

Nothing beats a classic mustache style, and the lampshade look is no exception. Neatly groomed with hair kept off of the upper lip, this look is ideal for men who love sporting a short and clean-cut look. Also known as the servicemen mustache, this pick is perfect for men who love an understated option.

6. THE WALRUS MUSTACHE

Are you the type of guy that likes the idea of a bold mustache that frames your mouth? If so, you may want to give the walrus mustache a try. This style consists of a thick mustache covering the top lip with long sides that are combed straight down.

7. THE PENCIL MUSTACHE

If you prefer to take your mustache style cues from the A-listers, you may find the pencil mustache right up your alley. Styled just above the top lip, this ‘stache sports a thin and short appearance that’s the same width as your mouth for a mysterious yet devilish look. Keep it in mind that this mustache is pretty high maintenance and requires a lot of grooming to maintain its shape.

8. THE PARTED PENCIL MUSTACHE

Looking for a way to show off your personality via your mustache? The parted pencil offering will suit your needs. With its thin and short finish, this style features a hard line part at the center for a well-groomed and put-together pick. Now, that’s what we call a dapper mustache!

9. THE PAINTER’S BRUSH MUSTACHE

If natural-looking mustaches are your forte, you’ll love the painter’s brush look. This style consists of a straight across shape with rounded ends at the edges of the mouth. Similar to the chevron style, this ‘stache has a thick appearance without the downward angle. Easy to style and groom, it’s no surprise that men can’t get enough of this look.

10. THE HORSESHOE MUSTACHE

Are you game for a long, bold mustache? Feast your eyes on the horseshoe style. Featuring a thick, full mustache that connects to two strips of hair that grow parallel to the mouth and extend toward the jawline, this look is not for the faint-hearted. The best way to pull this mustache style together is to shave just the chin of a circle beard, and your look is complete.

Next: The Ultimate Guide to Men’s Grooming