If you look at it closely, you don’t see many people wearing a toothbrush mustache style these days.
The reason behind it is probably that it dawned on the face of one of the evilest people in the world – Adolf Hitler.
You don’t want to be compared to a tyrant and definitely not the one who caused the destruction and death of millions.
On the other hand, a toothbrush mustache was worn by one of the funniest people in the world as well – Charlie Chaplin.
And people still don’t primarily connect the mustache style to Charlie and do to Hitler.
Is the toothbrush mustache style cursed?
Is it doomed as no one in their right mind will ever wear it?
We explore the style in its depths and talk about the history of this interesting mustache style, as well as how to grow and style it if you feel brave enough.
Table Of Contents
History of the Toothbrush Mustache
The toothbrush mustache became popular in the United States and Western Europe in the late 19th century.
A departure from the longer, more flamboyant mustaches sported by European royalty and American businessmen, the toothbrush was characteristic of a low maintenance, lower class individual.
This style was typically worn by factory workers and, at first, became associated with the industrial revolution.
At the turn of the century, the mustache grew in popularity in Germany.
In fact, it was German racecar driver Han Koeppen who first popularized the toothbrush mustache in Germany by wearing it during the 1908 New York to Paris Race.
According to an article in the New York Times, the style was “characteristic of his class” the mustache grew to become the common German man’s alternative to the demanding imperial style worn by German Kaiser Wilhelm II.
Hitler Mustache
By the time Adolf Hitler became Chancellor of Germany toothbrush mustache had already been popularized many times over by the likes of Charlie Chaplin and even Walt Disney.
However, to the style’s demise, the toothbrush is most notably associated with Hitler and, more significantly, with his tyranny over Europe and ultimately the mass extermination of Jews in Europe.
Originally, Hitler was partial to the ‘kaiserbart’ or imperial mustache and earlier photos of him show this particular style.
However, when the war started and fear grew of possible chemical attacks, Hitler trimmed the mustache down to a toothbrush, because it would allow him to wear a gas mask without compromising the seal.
Since World War II, the toothbrush has struggled to rebound and is harshly stigmatized even today.
In early 2010, former basketball player Michael Jordan wore a toothbrush mustache while appearing in a Hanes commercial.
He received scathing criticism from the media and other celebrities, including fellow NBA star Charles Barkley who called the decision “stupid.”
Charlie Chaplin
While history has inextricably linked the toothbrush mustache to Hitler, it was Charlie Chaplin’s character the ‘Tramp’ which made it famous. Chaplin adopted the style sometime in the 1910’s.
According to an interview with Chaplin, the mustache was chosen because of its comical look and because it was small enough that it did not hide Chaplin’s facial expressions.
Through Chaplin, the toothbrush would be adopted by other comedians of the silent film era.
Other Notable People with Toothbrush Mustaches
Oliver Hardy: As the toothbrush mustache became increasingly part of the tramp persona, it was soon found on comedians like Oliver Hardy of the comedy duo Laurel and Hardy.
In contrast to Chaplin, Hardy wore a toothbrush because of its perceived tragic qualities. With this being more in line with a typical tramp, Hardy exploited the toothbrush style to compliment his character’s often comedic woes.
Charles de Gaulle: Another World War II figure to sport the toothbrush, de Gaulle quickly abandoned the style in order to distinguish himself from both Hitler and the French puppet regime loyal to the Nazi party known as Vichy France.
Georgy Zhukov: Considered one of the greatest World War II heroes of the Soviet Union, Zhukov wore the mustache during time of the Russian Revolution as a commander.
Like de Gaulle, Zhukov got rid of the toothbrush mustache after Hitler made it unfashionable.
What is a Toothbrush Mustache?
The toothbrush mustache is a shorter style mustache which does not cover the entire upper lip like most other styles.
The mustache is centered on the philtrum and is usually three to five centimeters wide from the top and bottom of the philtrum.
The exact width varies from person to person and is usually determined by the width of the individual’s nostrils and is shaved vertically, not tapered.
How to Achieve a Toothbrush Mustache?
Both achieving and maintaining a toothbrush mustache is quite simple. The trick is getting the mustache to grow thick enough and cover enough of the upper lip.
Because the toothbrush mustache is much smaller than other styles of mustaches, it is important to achieve a thicker look in order for the mustache to stand out.
The best way to determine the width is cutting it to the width of your nostrils, shaving down vertically on both sides.
Maintaining a Toothbrush Mustache
While the shape and size of the toothbrush may seem simple, maintenance of the mustache is no different from other styles.
A traditional toothbrush mustache has precise edges and must be frequently sustained to achieve the style’s precise look.
Trimming the Mustache: Regularly trimming the toothbrush mustache is a must for its look. Trimming keeps the edges from fraying out and prevents the hair from growing too long and curling over the lip.
While you can have variations on the style, a true toothbrush is well trimmed. Scissors should be used for precision, as one would not only trim a mustache with traditional razors or trimmers.
Mustache Wax: Along with trimming, mustache wax is important in keeping the hairs straight and vertical.
The toothbrush mustache should not have as much volume as a regular mustache and wax can help the hairs lay flat rather than curling in toward the upper lip.
Since the style is a small amount of hair, use a comb when applying mustache wax to the toothbrush.
Washing and Conditioning: A mustache or beard shampoo should be used when washing this style. Regular scalp shampoo is not designed for the coarser hair found on the face and will likely cause the hair to have more volume – making it difficult to achieve the style. Regular shampoo will also dry out facial skin near the mustache.
A beard oil should be applied after washing in order to soften the hair and moisturize the skin. Only small amounts of oils are needed and can be applied with a comb or fingers.
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.