Are you embarking on your journey to grow a mustache and searching for a comprehensive guide on how to shave your mustache as a teenager? Perhaps you’re an adult eager to experiment with various mustache styles, or maybe you’re simply frustrated with your attempts to master the art of mustache shaving.
Whatever your situation, we have created an extensive step-by-step guide designed to help every man achieve the perfect mustache in a variety of styles. In this article, you will discover information about several popular mustache styles, techniques for shaving a mustache, and tips for achieving a well-groomed beard appearance.
Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents:
Part 1: Mustache Styles
Before you learn how to groom a mustache, it's essential to familiarize yourself with the different styles available. Understanding these styles will help you visualize what you want to achieve and how to get there. Below, we outline the most sought-after mustache styles of 2023.
1. Pencil Mustache
The pencil mustache, which originated in the early 20th century, gained immense popularity among men during the 1930s and 1940s. Characterized by its slender appearance, it rests just above the upper lip and does not extend beyond the corners of the lip.
This classic and sophisticated mustache style is ideal for gentlemen who prefer a polished and authoritative look. It complements all face shapes while enhancing the appearance of individuals with fine hair.
2. Handlebar Mustache
First popularized in the 19th century, the handlebar mustache is making a bold comeback, known for its striking yet masculine aesthetic.
This style features a thick central section above the lip, with the ends elegantly twisted in an upward direction, resembling the handlebars of a bicycle. The handlebar mustache particularly flatters men with square face shapes, due to their broader cheeks that provide ample space for this eye-catching style.
3. Horseshoe Mustache
The horseshoe mustache has long been associated with rugged and rebellious masculinity, and this sentiment persists to this day.
This bold mustache style consists of a full, thick mustache above the lip, with hair growing downwards along the cheeks, extending from the outer corners of the mouth to the chin. It resembles a French beard minus the chin component and is well-suited for round and square face shapes.
4. Chevron Mustache
The chevron mustache resembles an inverted V with widely separated ends. As a mustache style, it features a thick growth that mimics this chevron shape.
To achieve this look, allow the beard to grow along the contour of the upper lip, extending slightly beyond the lip edges in a downward direction. This commendable mustache style is flattering for most face shapes, provided the face isn't too small.
Part 2: How to Shave a Pencil Mustache
The pencil mustache stands out as one of the most elegant mustache styles. Let’s delve into the details below.
What Does a Pencil Mustache Look Like?
A pencil mustache appears as a meticulously drawn, thin line of hair situated just above the upper lip, with no stray hairs on the sides. Refer to the picture below for a clearer visual representation of this style.
Step-by-Step Guide to Shaving a Pencil Mustache
Here’s your detailed guide on how to craft a pencil mustache.
Step 1: Prepare Your Shaving Tools
You'll need a shaving tool, such as an electric razor equipped with multiple heads, to efficiently shave your beard and trim your mustache simultaneously. Ensure you have an electric razor with varying comb sizes.
Step 2: Trim Excess Facial Hair
Since the pencil mustache doesn’t require facial hair, the initial step is to eliminate any excess hair. Set your razor with a standard blade and carefully shave away the hair from your chin, sideburns, and cheeks, leaving the mustache untouched.
Step 3: Wash and Prepare Your Skin
After trimming, cleanse your face to remove hair remnants and exfoliate your skin using water and a facial cleanser. For optimal results, consider using a facial scrub.
Step 4: Outline the Mustache
Apply shaving gel to the mustache area. Utilize your facial trimmer to remove hair between the nose and the mustache, ensuring a straight line. Strive for symmetry by trimming both sides equally. For insights on the differences between shaving gel, cream, and foam, check out our guide here.
Step 5: Achieve Precision with the Mustache
Using a straight, single-blade trimmer, gently pull the skin taut just above the mustache and shave upwards for added precision. Additionally, meticulously trim the edges of the mustache for a clean finish.
Step 6: Rinse and Moisturize Your Face
Finally, wash your face and apply a moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated and healthy. If you find these steps challenging as a first-timer, we recommend watching our suggested YouTube video for a visual demonstration that simplifies the process.
Part 3: How to Shave a Handlebar Mustache
Now let's explore the grooming process for a handlebar mustache.
What Does a Handlebar Mustache Look Like?
A handlebar mustache resembles the handlebars of a bicycle, characterized by its twisted ends that curve upward. The image below illustrates this distinctive style.
Step-by-Step Guide to Shaving a Handlebar Mustache
Follow this step-by-step guide for trimming your handlebar mustache.
Step 1: Decide on Your Preferred Look
The handlebar mustache can be styled with or without accompanying beard hair, and the length of the handles can vary significantly. Determine how you want your handlebars to appear before proceeding, and allow your mustache to grow long enough to accommodate this style.
Step 2: Gather Your Supplies
To trim a handlebar mustache, you will need facial hair scissors, a razor or trimmer, mustache combs, mustache wax, and optionally, a hair spray for setting.
Step 3: Trim the Beard
If you choose a clean shave, remove all beard hair with a razor while preserving your mustache. Ensure you leave some hair at the outer corners of your mouth; if you prefer to keep the beard, groom it with your electric trimmer and scissors instead.
