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Types of Mustaches: Explore Dapper Styles for Your Signature Facial Hair (2024)

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types of mustachesAh, the mustache – a timeless symbol of machismo and personal flair!

From the dapper chevron to the rugged beardstache, there’s a plethora of types to explore. Whether you’re aiming for vintage sophistication with a pencil ‘stache or seeking a bold, sculpted handlebar, the right style can complement your facial features perfectly.

And let’s not forget modern twists like the distinct lampshade or the majestic walrus. But choosing the ideal mustache is just the start. Proper grooming and growth techniques unleash its full potential.

Want to elevate your signature look further?

Key Takeaways

  • A rugged, waxed handlebar mustache with perfectly curled ends exudes unmistakable machismo and rebelliousness – a bold style that commands attention but takes serious commitment to master.
  • Opt for a thin, refined pencil mustache for timeless sophistication and vintage Hollywood flair à la Errol Flynn and David Niven. Just mind your face shape – this dapper look pairs poorly with round or square jawlines.
  • The majestic walrus mustache engulfing your lips is grand, untamed, and delightfully over-the-top, channeling your inner salty sea captain and demanding grooming dedication.
  • When choosing your signature ‘stache, consider your face’s unique shape – oval faces can pull off most styles, while round faces benefit from small, angular mustache shapes that add contour and definition.

Mustache Styles Overview

Mustache Styles Overview
You’re venturing into the dapper world of mustache styles—an exquisite blend of art and machismo. Embrace your facial hair journey by understanding the fundamentals: maintenance, growth patterns, and styling products. This overview sets the stage, revealing how cultural influences shape trends and allowing you to predict what’s next. Brace yourself for a fascinating mustache exploration!

Classic Mustache Styles

Classic Mustache Styles
The chevron mustache is a classic style featuring an upside-down V shape that neatly follows the curves of your upper lip. A pencil mustache is a thin, horizontal line that rests above your lip, providing a vintage sophistication reminiscent of old Hollywood stars.

Chevron

The chevron mustache is a no-nonsense style that demands attention. With its inverted V-shape hugging your upper lip, this classic look adds rugged charm. Embrace variations like the pencil-thin chevron or a fuller, bushier version that flatters your face shape. Proper grooming keeps stray hairs in check for a crisp, polished appearance.

Pencil

Ah, the pencil mustache—the epitome of vintage sophistication. This thin, refined style covers just your upper lip, favored by dapper gentlemen like Errol Flynn and David Niven. It flatters:

  1. Oval faces
  2. Diamond faces
  3. Heart-shaped faces

With proper grooming and a quality mustache wax, you’ll exude debonair charm. Just mind your face shape—the pencil pairs poorly with round or square jaw lines. Master this classic style for timeless refinement.

Handlebar

If you’re daring, the waxed handlebar mustache exudes a rugged charm that commands attention. With its thick, sculpted appearance and upturned ends, it’s a bold style that takes commitment. Master the art of mustache wax to hold those perfectly curled handlebars in place. A well-groomed handlebar transforms your face, embodying power and a touch of rebelliousness.

Modern Mustache Styles

Modern Mustache Styles
Modern mustache styles are embracing the fusion of facial hair, as seen in the beardstache – a combination of a full mustache and stubble. The lampshade and walrus styles are also gaining traction, with the former featuring a narrow strip under the nose gradually widening, and the latter engulfing both the upper and lower lips, resembling walrus whiskers.

Beardstache

The beardstache‘s rising popularity lets you rock the rugged yet sophisticated vibe. This versatile style combines a full mustache with stubble, giving you a badass, masculine edge. Maintaining it takes some effort – regular trimming and grooming are key. But you’ll master this look with the right products and technique.

Lampshade

You’re rocking the lampshade mustache – a trapezoid shape that follows military grooming regulations. It offers:

  1. Full lip coverage
  2. Distinct facial hair presence
  3. Purposeful style

This style flatters heart, oblong, square, round, and oval faces. With proper trimming and training, your lampshade ‘stache commands authority while staying within professional boundaries. Embrace the power of a structured yet stylish lip sweater.

Walrus

Ah, the walrus mustache—a grand statement of machismo. Channel the bravado of sailors and artists with this bold style, where bushy whiskers engulf the lips like a majestic sea creature.

While grooming requires dedication, the payoff is undeniable panache. Tame flyaways with a mustache comb, and consider biotin supplements if hair growth falters.

Embrace your inner captain and let this iconic look transport you to bygone eras of rugged masculinity.

Face Shape Considerations

Face Shape Considerations
Your face shape plays a pivotal role in determining the most flattering mustache style for you. For instance, oval faces can rock most mustache styles, while square faces benefit from styles that highlight the jawline, and round faces should opt for small, angular mustache shapes.

Oval Faces

You lucky dog, with an oval face, you can rock most mustache styles! Consider the direction of your hair growth when choosing – styles like the chevron or English will highlight your versatile features. Use beard oil and mustache wax to train those whiskers. Don’t be afraid to get creative!

Square Faces

Got a strong, square jaw? Flaunt that rugged, cowboy chic look with a mustache that highlights your angular features. A petite handlebar, painter’s brush, or Hungarian style adds width, balancing out your squareness. Just guarantee proper grooming for tidy, Western-inspired facial hair that screams "Hey, Dallas." With the right ‘stache, you’ll master that irresistible, brooding charm.

Round Faces

If you have a round face, opt for small, angular mustache styles to contour and add definition. Avoid thick, bushy styles that can make your face appear rounder. A neatly groomed chevron or petite handlebar is ideal for balancing round features. When shaping and maintaining your ‘stache, use precise trimming techniques and styling products to keep it looking sharp.

Grooming and Maintenance

Grooming and Maintenance
Properly trimming your mustache is essential for maintaining a neat, stylish look. Learn the right techniques to shape and train unruly hairs, using a quality mustache comb and wax or balm for control.

Trimming Techniques

Proper trimming is essential for an impeccable mustache. Invest in a quality pair of mustache scissors or trimmers for precise shaping. Establish a routine, trimming every 1-3 weeks:

  1. Comb mustache hairs downward
  2. Trim stray hairs along edges
  3. Shape the desired style

    Embrace styling products like mustache wax or beard balm to tame unruly hairs and achieve that polished look. With the right tools and techniques, you’ll master the art of fashioning your signature ‘stache.

Training Mustache Hairs

Training your mustache hairs is essential for achieving the desired style. Invest in a boar’s hair brush and some mustache wax. Brush the hairs in the direction you want them to grow while blow-drying on low heat. Apply a dime-sized amount of wax and use your fingers to style and shape the mustache. Here’s a simple guide:

Step Action Notes
1 Brush Use a boar’s hair brush to train hairs
2 Blow-dry Direct hairs in the desired direction
3 Apply Wax Mustache or beard wax provides hold
4 Style Mold waxed hairs into your signature shape
5 Set Allow wax to fully set before touching

With patience and regular grooming, your mustache will obediently follow your lead. Mastering these techniques reveals true facial hair artistry.

Mustache Growth Tips

Mustache Growth Tips
To cultivate a full, lush mustache, create the ideal growth conditions by staying hydrated, using a gentle beard oil, and avoiding over-trimming. If you experience patchiness or slow growth, be patient and consistent with grooming, and consider using a mustache wax or serum to help train those hairs in the right direction.

Optimal Growth Conditions

You’ll achieve ideal mustache growth in a nurturing environment. Hair density and texture concerns? Invest in a quality beard oil. Growth patterns troubling you? Introduce a boar’s hair brush and beard balm. Environmental factors like dry air? Use a humidifier. With the right product recommendations customized to your needs, you’re primed for facial hair mastery.

Dealing With Patchiness

  1. Minoxidil can stimulate dormant follicles for fuller coverage.
  2. Low-level laser therapy promotes hair growth and density.
  3. Dermatological consultation can identify underlying causes.
  4. Regular exfoliation and massage boost circulation to follicles.

Consistency is key when dealing with patchiness. With patience and the right approach, you’ll soon sport a well-groomed, envy-inducing mustache.

Speeding Up Growth

If you’re struggling with patchiness as your mustache grows, don’t despair. While genetics play a role, certain lifestyle habits can speed up growth. A balanced diet rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals promotes healthy hair follicles. Regular exercise improves blood flow, while adequate sleep and stress management optimize hormones for facial hair growth.

Habit Benefit
Protein-rich diet Supplies hair building blocks
Vitamin C, B, E Antioxidants for follicle health
Cardiovascular exercise Boosts circulation to hair follicles
7-9 hours of sleep Allows body to repair and regenerate
Stress management Regulates testosterone production

Cultural Mustache Styles

Cultural Mustache Styles
In exploring cultural mustache styles, you may want to contemplate the English mustache, a tight and narrow style with ends styled horizontally, or the Hungarian mustache, a bold and bushy look with long, swooping handles. The Fu Manchu, named after a villainous character, is another distinct style with thin mustache tendrils extending from the corners of the lips.

English Mustache

You’ll exude English charm with a classic Mustache style. This time-honored look features a tight, narrow growth trimmed horizontally along the upper lip. To master it:

  1. Grow hair for 4-6 weeks
  2. Trim vertical edges for crisp lines
  3. Use wax to shape and style

This dapper ‘stache nods to British fashion history while remaining low-maintenance. With proper grooming, you’ll embody refined sophistication.

Hungarian Mustache

For a truly daring look steeped in culture, consider the Hungarian mustache – big, bold, and unapologetic. Trace its roots to 19th-century cavalrymen whose extravagant whiskers defied convention. With wax and patient grooming, you too can achieve those dramatic swooping tendrils worthy of a mustachioed rebel. Embrace your inner revolutionary spirit!

Fu Manchu

The Fu Manchu, named after the evil mastermind villain, is the ultimate power ‘stache. Master this lengthy, sinister style by growing thick hair enveloping your mouth. Embrace its villainous origins as you groom and wax it into submission. Whether trimmed neatly or wildly untamed, the Fu Manchu demands respect – and world domination.

Celebrity Mustache Inspirations

Celebrity Mustache Inspirations
When seeking mustache inspiration, consider iconic celebrities like Tom Selleck, Burt Reynolds, and Freddie Mercury, who sported signature styles that perfectly complemented their personalities and facial features. Their memorable ‘staches serve as excellent references for anyone aiming to cultivate a dapper, distinguished look.

Tom Selleck

You can’t discuss iconic mustaches without mentioning Tom Selleck’s timeless look. His thick, luxurious mustache in Magnum P.I. defined 80s masculinity and became a cultural phenomenon. Here’s why it worked:

  1. Fuller Growth: Selleck’s mustache had dense, even hair growth.
  2. Grooming: Regular trimming and waxing kept it perfectly shaped.
  3. Confidence: He wore it with effortless swagger and charisma.

Selleck’s mustache embodied power, virility, and machismo – making it an unforgettable signature style.

Burt Reynolds

Want to emulate that rugged, manly allure Burt Reynolds sported in Smokey and the Bandit? His iconic mustache from Magnum, P.I. exuded confidence and machismo. Grow a thick, full mustache that emphasizes your jawline and frames your face – no delicate wisps here. With Reynolds’ signature ‘stache, you’ll command respect wherever you go.

Freddie Mercury

Channeling Freddie Mercury’s rebellious spirit, you’ll embrace his iconic mustache. This Zanzibari rock god’s look encapsulates Live Aid’s energy, with his full ‘stache framing a voice that belted "Bohemian Rhapsody." Boldly emulating Freddie’s fearless style, you’ll strut as an untamed maverick wherever life’s stage leads.

Mustache Mistakes to Avoid

Mustache Mistakes to Avoid
You’ll want to avoid over-trimming your mustache, as removing too much hair can ruin the intended style and require starting over from scratch. Improper growth techniques, such as failing to train the hair regularly or using unsuitable products, lead to an unkempt, unruly mustache that lacks definition.

Over-Trimming

You’ve finally grown the mustache of your dreams, but over-trimming can ruin it instantly. Avoid these novice mistakes:

  • Using shaving razors instead of scissors or trimmers
  • Shaving against the hair’s growth pattern
  • Trimming too frequently before hairs are long enough

Take it slow, be patient, and let those whiskers flourish. With the right techniques, you’ll flaunt a dapper ‘stache that commands respect.

Lack of Styling

You’ve tackled over-trimming, but lack of styling is another common mustache mistake. Don’t let that glorious ‘stache go to waste! Invest in some quality products and learn proper grooming techniques:

Product Purpose
Mustache Wax Provides hold, shapes the ‘stache
Boar Bristle Brush Trains hairs, distributes oils
Mustache Comb Shapes and defines the style
Beard Oil Softens, conditions facial hair
Scissors Clean lines, precise trimming

With the right tools and maintenance routine, your mustache will stay dapper and distinguished.

Improper Growth Techniques

You’re sabotaging your stache if you:

  • Trim haphazardly, leaving uneven patches
  • Expect results overnight—mustaches take months to bloom
  • Skimp on products like beard oil or mustache wax
  • Neglect training hairs in the desired direction

Mastering growth techniques is key to realizing your facial hair’s full potential. Patience and proper grooming reign supreme on the journey to mustache mastery.

Mustache Style Personality Quiz

Mustache Style Personality Quiz
After avoiding those mustache mishaps, why not find your perfect ‘stache match with a fun personality quiz? From the rugged cowboy look to the sophisticated gentleman vibe, your mustache style says a lot about who you are. Take our quiz to discover which iconic mustache best suits your persona, and get tips to rock it confidently. Let’s delve into these mustache style stereotypes, trends, and hidden meanings – you might be surprised by what your facial hair reveals!

Classic Gent Rebel with a Cause Free Spirit Old-School Cool
Pencil Thin Handlebar Walrus Chevron
Sophisticated Daring Carefree Vintage Vibes
Errol Flynn Wyatt Earp Jack Black Clark Gable
Suave Maverick Bohemian Timeless

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are different types of mustaches?

Let’s break the misconception that mustaches are boring. There’s an intriguing style for every face shape and personality – from pencil-thin sophistication to rugged outdoorsman vibes. Explore diverse looks with confidence, and find your perfect ‘stache match.

How to choose a mustache style?

Choose a mustache style that complements your face shape and hair texture. Experiment, but maintain it with quality products for a polished look. The right ‘stache exudes confidence, making a powerful statement.

What is a gunslinger mustache?

Sure, that ‘rugged loner‘ look can work – but a gunslinger mustache exudes unmistakable power. Think a thin, pencil-straight strip above your lip – it commands respect, instilling fear in those who’d dare cross you.

What is a Hungarian mustache?

You seek a mustache of power, the Hungarian – a bold, bushy behemoth with long, sweeping handles. This commanding style demands commitment, embodying rugged masculinity and regal confidence.

How does mustache style impact professional perceptions?

Tread carefully – a bold mustache can be a double-edged sword. While exuding confidence, it may also trigger preconceptions of eccentricity in professional settings. Consider a well-groomed, classic style for the ideal balance.

What grooming habits affect mustache growth?

You’ll need patience, dedication, and the right tools. Proper grooming, like regular trimming, brushing, and using beard oils/balms, encourages healthy hair growth for a lush, well-maintained mustache.

Mustache styles vary globally – from the refined English to the daring Hungarian. You can channel your inner cowboy with a Dallas handlebar or embrace vintage sophistication with an Errol Flynn pencil-thin ‘stache.

Like a stallion’s mighty mane, mustache styles symbolize virility. The Chevron, English, and Pencil reign supreme, catering to every gent’s refined tastes – from suave to swashbuckling.

Can mustache styles influence romantic/dating success?

Yes, the right mustache can boost confidence and exude mystery – key ingredients for romantic success. Channel your inner silver-screen legend by sporting a pencil-thin or petite handlebar ‘stache. Subtly stylish yet utterly dashing.

Conclusion

Ultimately, finding your signature mustache style lies at the intersection of personal expression and practical considerations like types of mustaches, face shape, and grooming techniques. Whether you opt for a vintage handlebar or a modern lampshade, the key is understanding proper growth and maintenance to maximize its potential. Embrace your facial flair and turn heads with a well-sculpted, confident mustache.

Avatar for Mutasim Sweileh

Mutasim Sweileh

Mutasim is a published author and software engineer and beard care expert from the US. To date, he has helped thousands of men make their beards look better and get fatter. His work has been mentioned in countless notable publications on men's care and style and has been cited in Seeker, Wikihow, GQ, TED, and Buzzfeed.