How to Grow a Moustache
Q: How do you grow a moustache? I plan to grow a moustache, but don't know where to start. Do I simply stop shaving or what? Will I need to buy a lot of new grooming products and tools? I already heard about moustache combs and moustache wax. Anything else I need to think of?
A: Some men can grow a moustache simply by stopping shaving, while others may find that their facial hair grows slowly or unevenly, especially when they first try to grow it out.
Genetics and Growth
For men, facial hair is heavily driven by genetics, age, and hormones. Some guys sport thick facial hair before they graduate high school, while others are in their thirties and still working with wispy whiskers. The density, color, texture, and growth pattern vary widely, so it is always best to work with the natural growth you have rather than expecting your moustache to look like someone else’s.If your facial hair is cooperative, you should be able to simply stop shaving and allow the hair to grow. However, the easiest trick to avoid the awkward stubble phase is to grow out a full beard for the first 3 - 4 weeks. Growing a beard makes it look intentional while your upper lip hair gains density. Once the moustache hair is thick enough, simply shave the beard away.
During those first few weeks, the hair may feel rough, itchy, or look uneven. This is normal. Resist the urge to constantly trim or adjust your lip line early on. Cutting too early makes it impossible to see your personal growth pattern, and upper lip hairs need length so they can lie flat and overlap over sparse spots.
Choosing the Right Tools
Since you already know about wax and combs, your most essential tool is a facial hair trimmer. Growing a moustache doesn't mean letting your whole face go wild. You can build up your moustache while keeping your cheeks and neck clean-shaven or neatly trimmed.A good precision trimmer is key:
• Trimmers vs. Clippers: Do not confuse a trimmer with hair clippers. Clippers are meant for the scalp. Trimmers feature much smaller blades to handle tight zones (like under the nose), detailing, and crisp edging.
• Go Slowly: Resist the urge to fix asymmetry every day. Over-trimming while chasing a perfectly straight line is how most moustaches are accidentally ruined. Make small adjustments and let the hair grow.
Products & Daily Maintenance
You don't need a cabinet full of products, but adding a couple of basics makes a difference:• Beard Oil / Moisturizer: Itchy skin is caused by dryness. A few drops of beard oil rubbed into the skin under the moustache prevents dry flakes and softens coarse hairs.
• Moustache Comb: A fine-toothed wood or horn comb helps train the hairs to grow sideways away from the center rather than straight down into your mouth.
• Moustache Wax: Essential for medium-to-longer moustache styles to keep stray hairs out of your mouth. Warm a pea-sized dab between your thumb and index finger until soft, work it from the center outward, and comb it through.
• Scissors: A small pair of facial hair scissors gives you far more control over stray lip hairs than an electric trimmer.
Good hygiene matters. Wash your moustache daily with a gentle face cleaner to remove trapped food and skin oils, follow up with oil or conditioner, and give the process time.
©Hairfinder.com
See also:
Moustaches
How do you train a moustache?
Basic styles for moustaches and beards