The mustache has reclaimed its place in the beard world, thanks partly to Movember and the cynical nature of beard trends. The mustache has always been used as a symbol of rebellion, except for the 1980s when it was as commonplace as the iPhone is today.
At some point, mustaches fell out of popularity as they became associated with pirates, pornstars, and a few other creeps. Fast forward to today, and the mustache has made a strong comeback.
Timeless mustache styles like the handlebar and the French mustaches are roaring back. The secret to growing an impeccable mustache like the great men in history is knowing how to train it and at what point.
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What Exactly Represents Mustache Training
Mustache hairs are coarser than your head hair and grow in different patterns. If you leave your mustache hairs to grow wildly, the hairs will curl and poke out at different angles, creating a huge mess.
Mustache training refers to the process of manipulating your mustache’s direction of growth. It involves trimming, styling, and using the right products to train your mustache hairs to grow in the direction you want.
Whether you are planning to grow a classic Tom Selleck handlebar mustache, a simple Freddie Mercury chevron mustache, a thick cowboy mustache, or add a mustache gap, you’ll need to train your whiskers to grow in the direction you want and keep it well-sculpted.
Why Does It Need Training
Mustaches can sometimes be a nuisance. As your mustache grows, you might experience more curling and straying that poke into your nose or mouth. This is because mustache hair is coarser and expands in different patterns.
Whatever the reason, you might want to start thinking about how to maintain your mustache and train it to grow in the direction you want. The main reason to train a mustache is to ensure your mustache grows in a different pattern than it naturally wants to.
The other reason is to avoid trimming your mustache, as some men do when the whiskers get in the way. You should start training your mustache after about two months of growth.
Tools You’ll Need
If you’re not a fan of beard styles without a mustache, you must learn how to train your thick mustache. The following are some of the tools you’ll need:
- Small grooming scissors
- A simple mustache comb
- Beard brush
- Styling products like beard oil, beard balm, and mustache wax
How to Do It
Step 1 – Lay down the razor
The first step to growing a mustache is to leave it be. For most men, it’s easier to grow a beard and a mustache than a mustache alone. You can always trim the beard later if you only fancy a mustache.
Either way, give your facial hair at least six weeks to grow. This is enough time for your mustache to fill and the hairs to grow long enough to reach the upper lip.
Step 2 – Wash every few days
As your facial hair grows, you may experience itching, which could easily lead to irritation. To prevent that, wash your beard and mustache every three days.
Avoid regular soap as it can dry out your skin and worsen itching and flaking, leaving you prone to acne breakouts. Instead, use beard wash and make sure you start as soon as your mustache grows.
Step 3 – Apply beard oil
Before your beard is long enough to brush or comb, make sure to apply beard oil daily after every wash. Beard oil keeps facial hair moisturized, nourished, soft, and healthy, as well as the skin underneath.
Step 4 – Start training
After about six weeks of growth, you can begin training the mustache. You can use your fingers, but most opt for a comb or brush. When using a brush, use one with natural fibers like boar hair. Start by applying some beard oil and then brushing your mustache downwards.
Apply some beard balm for some light hold and then part your mustache in the middle and comb or brush the two parts to the sides. Keep going until the middle part begins looking natural. If you are growing a handlebar mustache, hold off on the curling at this point.
You only want to tame the hairs to grow in your desired direction. When you are ready to start curling, apply a little beard balm, twirl the ends to form a point and curl them upwards using a repeated sweeping motion. Your mustache should begin adopting that shape naturally.
Step 5 – Trim to shape
The next step is trimming the mustache to your desired shape. For a traditional style mustache, trim along the natural curl of your upper lip so hairs don’t get into your mouth.
If you are going for a curly mustache style, apply mustache wax and curl the mustache to your desired shape. For a pencil mustache, be careful with the trimming, as you want a thin line that doesn’t extend outside the corners of your mouth.
FAQ
How do you train your mustache to lie down?
Use a brush or comb and a little wax and brush the hairs downwards. Trim any hairs that go past the upper lip.
How do I train my mustache to curl?
Apply a little mustache wax, and twirl the ends upwards using your fingers, creating a natural curl.
Conclusion
A mustache adds personality and helps you stand out. While anyone with the right genes can grow a mustache, it takes a man who knows how to groom his facial hair to grow an impeccable-looking beard.
When you start growing a mustache, the most important thing is ensuring you train it in the direction you want it to grow.
Anthony Giannotti is a senior writer and editor for Beardoholic and a licensed barber for more than 13 years. He owns 3 barbershops and has his own hair care product line that is sold in barbershops worldwide. Known for his impeccable technique and skills, Anthony is an expert in hair and beard care and he knows the best products and tools to get rid of all beard problems and have an amazing beard.