How to Curl Mustache: 4 Quick Steps (Expert Tips)

The curled mustache is one of the most recognizable mustache style that has been around since the 19th century.

It is a classic look but a smart one as well as it gives the person a sense of superiority.

However, it is not easy to curl a mustache properly.

There are ways of doing it and definitely some things that need to be avoided.

Inexperienced men that are trying it for the first time should start by consulting a tutorial before trying.

Lucky for you, the tutorial is right here as this article contains the main steps about how to curl mustache.

As facial hair aficionados, we know the strain and the effort one has to put into creating a certain style just the right way.

Sometimes, you can’t really do these things properly without having clear instructions in front of you.

Here you will find just that.

A step-by-step guide with everything that you should do and some things that should not be incorporated when curling your mustache.

What Is a Curled Mustache

A curled mustache is a mustache that has been styled into tight ringlets or coils. This style gives the mustache more volume and makes it stand out from the face. It can be achieved with various methods, but all involve some curl hold product to keep the curls in place.

Some use wax, others use balm, but the difference between balm and wax is very subtle. They both can be used to help style your mustache, though they are typically found in opposite areas of the market – wax is more common among men’s grooming products and balm is often marketed towards women.

What Are The Benefits

There are many reasons people choose to curl their mustache. And, we can all agree that this type of facial hair is a classic look. It’s hard to go wrong with curls!

Some people choose to curl their mustaches because they are proud of their facial hair growth and want to show it off in the best way possible. Others do so for practical reasons, such as keeping the mustache out of your mouth when eating or drinking.

Anyhow, here are some of the main benefits of curling your mustache:

• To give the appearance of having a larger, more voluminous mustache.
• For style and fashion.
• To keep the mustache out of your mouth while eating or drinking.
• Because it’s fun!

All in all, curling your mustache is a fun way to show off your facial hair, can help with style and fashion choice, prevent the mustache from getting in your food or drink, and more!

Short History

The curled mustache has been popular since the 1800s and many famous men have rocked this look over the years. These include Abraham Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, and even Charlie Chaplin! Curling your mustache is a timeless style that will never go out of fashion.

On top of that,  the curled mustache can make a statement. For example, curly mustaches are often associated with European styles and fashion. To curl your mustache is to declare that you embrace an old-school style or at least appreciate it!

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Can help you get that classic look.
• Adds volume and thickness to the mustache. This is especially true in mustaches that are sparse or thinning but can also be helpful if your hair growth direction naturally causes it to point downward.
• Gives a stylish flair to any style of facial hair! Many people choose curls because they want a style that stands out from the crowd.
• A curled mustache makes it easier to keep your facial hair looking fresh. All you need is some pomade or premium mustache wax and you are good to go! If your hair growth direction naturally points downward, this option does not work for you.

Cons

• Some people who choose to curl their mustaches struggle with keeping them looking neat and tidy. If your hair growth direction naturally points downward, then you need some help from a professional barber or hairstylist!
• Curling products can be expensive. However, these are relatively cheap if you use the method below.

Methods of Curling Mustache

Wax

Possibly the most popular method for curling your mustaches involves using wax. So, by using wax, you are pretty much promising that your curls will last all day long!

The main downside to using wax is that it can be a bit messy and you need to make sure you don’t get it on any other part of your face (or in your hair).

Curling Iron

This is a popular method for women who want to curl their hair. And, it can be used on mustaches too! Also, men with short mustaches will not have a lot of fun using a curling iron.

The main downside to using a curling iron is that you need access to an electrical outlet and it can be time-consuming.

How to Curl It

Step 1 –  Preparing your mustache

Regardless of whether you choose to use wax or curling iron, the first step is always going to be preparing your hair.

To do this, you need some beard relaxer and a comb. Here, you can choose from many types of beard comb models. The goal here is to make sure that all strands are separated (and not clumped together). This will ensure that your mustache holds the curl longer (in addition to making sure that it looks great all day long).

Step 2 – Curling your mustache using wax

Using a small amount of warm water, wash off any residue from previous styling products. Then, get out an applicator and apply some beard oil before applying the product to your mustache.

Rub the wax between your palms to warm it up before starting to style your mustache.

Take a small section of hair from one side of your mustache and twist it in the direction you want the curl to go. Hold this for about 20 seconds before letting go.

If needed, use a comb to help keep the curl in place. Repeat this for each section of hair until you have curled your entire mustache or at least 90% of it (some men prefer letting the curl go all the way to their mouth).

Step 3 – Curling your mustache using a curling iron

Using a small amount of warm water, wash off any residue from previous styling products. Then, get out an applicator and apply some beard oil before applying the product to your mustache.

Take a small section of hair from one side of your mustache and twist it in the direction you want the curl to go. Hold this for about 20 seconds before letting go.

If needed, use a comb to help keep the curl in place. Repeat for each section of hair until you’ve curled the whole mustache or at least 90% of it.

Step 4 – Find your style

Now that you have curled your mustache, it’s time to find the style that looks best on you and holds it in place.

For most men, using wax will be the best option because it will help keep the curl in place all day long (and well into the night). However, some products last longer than others, so it’s essential to do some research before committing.

How to Maintain This Style

Step 1 – Start the day with a good wash

The first thing you need to do each morning is wash your face. This will make sure that any oil or other residue from the previous day gets washed off and this way, you’re starting with a clean slate.

Step 2 – Apply beard oil

After washing, use an applicator to apply some beard oil on your mustache (and only on the parts of it that are curled).

This will help keep the curls in place and look great all day long.

Step 3 – Comb it out

Once you’ve applied the beard oil, use a comb to ensure that all of the strands are separated from one another (and not clumped together). 

This will ensure that your mustache looks good even if it’s not curled.

Step 4 – Apply wax (if needed)

If you feel like the curl isn’t as strong as you’d like it to be, apply a small amount of wax to your mustache and style it in the direction you want the curls to go.

This will help keep them in place all day long.

10 Most Popular Curled Mustache Styles

Thick and Full Handlebar

This style is perfect for men who want a more dramatic look and aren’t afraid to show it off. The thick and full handlebar mustache will turn heads (in a good way).

You’ll need to use wax to help keep the curls in place to get this style. Ensure that the wax you’re using is specifically designed for facial hair and not some other type of product.

Well-Cut Handlebar

This style is a little more subtle than the thick and full handlebar mustache, but it’s still a great look for men who want to show off their curls. The well-cut handlebar mustache is perfect for professional settings or any other situation where you want to look your best.

To get this style, use a comb to ensure that the mustache is evenly cut and styled. If needed, you can also use scissors (be careful not to cut off too much hair).

Low Handlebar

As the name suggests, this style has a very low handlebar. This is perfect for men who want to minimize their facial hair but still look good in public and have something there.

To get this style, you need to start applying beard oil or another styling product (such as wax). Then, use an applicator and comb to ensure that the mustache is evenly cut and styled.

90-Degree Handlebar

This style is one of the simplest and most subtle for curled mustaches. However, even though it doesn’t look like much, this style can be very effective if done right.

To get this type of curl, you need to use an electric trimmer or some other tool that will help ensure that the mustache is evenly trimmed. Make sure that you trim it in the direction of the curl, and you’ll get a perfect handlebar mustache.

Modern Handlebar

This style is similar to the classic handlebar, but it’s a little more modern and sleek. This makes this type of mustache perfect for men who like that old-school look without having an old-school mustache (if you know what I mean).

To get this style, use scissors or another tool with precision. Cut the mustache in the shape you want it to be and then use a comb to make sure that all strands are separated.

Classical Handlebar

This style is a little more old-fashioned and classic than the previous ones, and it’s the mustache styles that stood the test of time. This type of curled mustache will look good on men who want to add some character to their faces while still having an elegant and modern appearance overall.

Beveled Ends

This style is perfect for men who want a more subtle and sophisticated look. The beveled ends mustache is ideal for business settings or other occasions when you want to look your best.

To get this style, use an electric trimmer to ensure that the mustache is evenly trimmed. Then, use scissors (or another tool with precision) to cut the tips of the mustache.

Slight Twist

This style doesn’t have a specific name, but it’s still one of the most popular for the curled mustache. The slight twist looks great on men who want something that stands out without being too large or dramatic (if you know what I mean).

First, make sure that your face is clean and free of oils or other products to get this type of curl. Then, use a styling product (such as wax) to help keep the curl in place. Finally, use your hands to twist the mustache in the direction you want it to go.

Acute Angle

This style is a bit more subtle than the previous ones, but it’s elementary to maintain. The acute angle mustache will look good on men with longer and thicker facial hair (if you know what I mean).

To get this curl type, use a styling product such as wax or beard oil. Then, apply that product to the mustache and use your hands or a comb to help separate the strands.

Thin Handlebar

This curl type is a little more subtle than the previous ones, but it’s still very popular. The thin handlebar mustache will look good on men with thinner facial hair (if you know what I mean).

To get this style, use an electric trimmer to make sure that the mustache is evenly trimmed, and then use your hands or a hairdryer to help shape it.

Do’s and Don’ts

Do’s 

• Use a styling product to help keep the curl in place.
• Trim the mustache in the direction of the curl (not against it).
• Twist the mustache in the direction that you want it to go.

Don’ts

• Don’t use too many styling products, as this will make your mustache look greasy and make your hands smell like the product.
• Don’t over-twist or overwork the mustache, as this may damage it when you remove it (or at least that’s what I’ve heard).
• Don’t curl your mustache too much, as doing so can be problematic in some contexts.

Anyway, keep this in your mind and you’ll be able to achieve the ultimate mutton chops style if you want to. 

FAQ

How can I shape my mustache?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the shape of your mustache will depend on the style that you choose. However, most curled mustaches can be shaped using scissors or an electric trimmer.

How long does a mustache need to be to curl it?

The answer depends on how you want your mustache to look, but most of us will choose a style that doesn’t require too long facial hair.

What is a curly mustache called?

There are no specific names for these styles of curled mustache, so you can name them whatever you want. However, some people call them “handlebar mustache,” “spikey mustache,” or “moderner.”

What to use to curl my mustache?

Some people use wax to curl their mustaches, but this is not the only option. It’s probably best if you experiment to find out what works for your facial hair (if you know what I mean).

Conclusion

If you look more handsome and manly, consider growing a mustache. Whether it’s the handlebar style or classic ‘stache, your appearance will change for the better in an instant with this simple change of facial hair. 

Plus, many other benefits come along with rocking some scruff on one’s face! And, you can always style your mustache even if it’s no shave November.

All in all, it’s time to rock a mustache and become the man you want to be.