Moustache Power: Care & Styling for the perfect Look

The moustache, or 'stache,' is one of the classic beard styles. While it was once the beard style of older, more refined men for decades, it has been trending again, especially among younger individuals, for about two years.

More elegantly, this beard is also referred to as a moustache.

Is the Moustache Modern?

Yes, the moustache has indeed become modern again in the past two years. However, its cut has changed significantly since the 80s.

Whereas back then, the moustache was predominantly a wide, straight, and usually bushy bar above the upper lip, it is now styled much finer and more elaborately. Thinly trimmed, with longer, tapering ends or in combination with sideburns or a chin beard, the moustache has become a very individually understood beard style.

How Do I Grow a Moustache?

If you want to grow a moustache, it's significantly easier than aiming for a full beard or goatee. Since the hair above the lip usually grows fairly quickly, you can expect results in about four weeks.

The hair on the rest of your face can be kept smooth by shaving. Just be cautious with the edges and tips of the beard. Also, make sure to use moisturizer around your future moustache to prevent dryness and flakiness.

Trimming, Thinning, Caring for, and Shaping the Moustache

If you want to trim and style your moustache, there are several things to keep in mind. You can find a step-by-step guide in the following section:

1. Work carefully and with a steady hand using the trimmer. The tips should remain symmetrical when trimming the moustache. Work millimeter by millimeter towards the desired result.
   
   
2. As the moustache hairs grow, they will eventually extend over the lips. Trim the hairs with a beard scissors by cutting just above the lip. Be sure to follow the natural shape of the upper lip and avoid cutting too much off the moustache.
   
   
3. Cut all hairs that grow longer than the others with the beard scissors so that the moustache looks even. You can use a fine comb for this.
   
   
4. The moustache, like any beard, requires regular washing and care with the right beard products. Since it's just a small beard area, daily washing with hot water is sufficient. To remove all dirt regularly and to prevent skin impurities, we recommend regular cleaning with beard shampoo or beard soap.
   
   
5. To make the upper lip hair look shiny, you should care for the moustache. You can use beard oil for this. The one from Störtebekker provides a very good care result and has a pleasant scent.
   
   
6. For styling your mustache, beard pomade or beard wax is recommended—depending on whether you have longer ends that you want to twist or if you just want to give your beard a slightly firmer structure with the right beard products. Feel free to comb it with the beard brush.

What types of mustaches are there?

There are quite different mustache styles. Here we present the essential ones.

1. The Twisted Mustache

The twisted mustache is definitely a statement and requires a bit of courage. The ends of this mustache are a bit longer and are twisted to a point with beard wax or pomade. The twisting technique requires some practice. In the 19th century, this style was widespread among particularly confident men and in the Prussian military.

2. The Italian Mustache

The Italian mustache style is characterized by a small shaved stripe or an optical interruption in the middle. This is trimmed above the point where the upper lip curves slightly upwards. This beard style is a classic that many people stereotypically associate with mafia movies or the typical image of a pizza maker.

3. The Slavic Hook

The Slavic hook is a long mustache with its ends curved downward. If you don't maintain this variant of the mustache, you end up with what is colloquially known as a walrus mustache. The mustache always extends beyond the corners of the mouth and can vary in length down to the jawline.

4. The Clark Gable Mustache

The Clark Gable mustache is a particularly thin mustache style. It is somewhat similar to the Italian mustache, but trimmed even finer and with a noticeable gap in the middle. It is named after Clark Gable. Brad Pitt wore this beard in the film "Inglourious Bastards". It is a characterful variation of the pencil mustache, which we will discuss further below.

If you are unsure which beard suits you, read this article.

5. Pencil Mustache

The pencil mustache is another style of a thin mustache. It is found beside or slightly above the lip. It is

• Clean and accurately trimmed
  
  
• And takes the shape of a very thin line, almost as if it were drawn with a pencil.
  
  
• The upper side of the upper lip mustache is shaved off until only a very thin, fine strip remains.

6. Manchu

With the Manchu, or Fu Manchu, the ends are worn longer. They grow downward from the corners of the mouth. Everything below and beside is carefully shaved off, so the long beard hairs hang down on the sides and are clearly visible as an accent.

It is certainly something for the brave: In Hollywood movies, these mustaches are worn by villains.

7. Menjou Mustache

With this mustache, the upper sides fall outward. Two descending triangles with straight cut edges are trimmed.

Named after the musketeer Adolphe Menjou. This mustache style has largely fallen into obscurity. It is most commonly seen among circus performers. However, there are also a few individualists who choose to rock the Menjou mustache.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Mustache

My mustache doesn't grow in the middle, what can I do?

Not every man has full, evenly growing facial hair.

If your mustache doesn't grow in the middle, you should opt for a corresponding beard style that makes this appear intentional. The Clark Gable is a good option for this.

How often should I shave my mustache?

This depends on the individual growth rate of your beard.

Most men trim their mustache 1-2 times a week to keep it in shape. Depending on how quickly the mustache grows and how much maintenance it needs, more frequent trimming might be necessary.

What mistakes should I avoid when shaping my mustache?

When shaping and trimming your upper lip mustache, you should generally proceed with caution. It’s better to trim your mustache a little less than to accidentally cut too much.

Take your time and work evenly and carefully. Those who try to quickly shape their mustache between doors risk making mistakes and, in the worst case, damaging their beard.

Which famous actors wear a mustache?

Especially in the 80s, the acting world was full of mustache wearers. One of the most famous actors with a mustache is certainly Tom Selleck, closely followed by Burt Reynolds. The mustache is back in fashion—Johnny Depp and Brad Pitt are current examples. Celebrities go to their trusted barbershops. You can trust our beard products.

Conclusion

The mustache is currently in fashion. Nevertheless, it is far less common than, for example, the full beard or 3-day beard. If you're looking for a distinctive beard style that can still make an impression, the mustache is just right.

What do you think about the mustache?

Do you know these beard styles as well?

• Grow and care for a hipster beard
• Make a beard with a fade yourself
• Ducktail beard: Cutting, shaping, and caring
• Viking beard
• Movember: Origin, rules & participation