So you’ve mastered the art of a great beard, you’re the envy of all who set foot into the barber but something is missing. Your upper lip is as clean as a baby’s bottom and all the ladies giggle at your lack of mustache prowess. Do not fret my friend, for now, we will now bless you with greater mustache knowledge than you could have ever imagined. For this article, we will focus on How to Properly Trim a Mustache.
The trimming of your mustache is as easy as it sounds.
The Science of a good trim.
Since the bronze age, man has desired good-looking facial hair. An even looking mustache is one to envy but how do you even attain such a feat?
Tools are not for fools
Early man trimmed his mustache with a shell, you, however, have access to better tools than a caveman. A great mustache does not come without investment.
Without further ado, here are some of the Best Mustache Trimmers of 2021.
- Mustache Combs
An incredibly versatile tool, as much as combs help to distribute the natural oils in your moustache they also fit in your jean pocket. Combing your mustache with a fine-tooth comb before trimming can help prevent you from cutting off too much hair. Hands down the best detangling and styling tool for the cheapest price
In terms of choosing a comb, you should choose a cellulose acetate or genuine horn comb. They are both static-free and usually saw-cut and polished by hand for a smooth and optimal finish.
You should limit your combing to 6-8 strokes as you can damage your skin and hair if you comb it too much. A little abrasion is good but too much of a good thing is a bad thing.
- Moustache scissors
Scissors in of itself is a dying artform and probably the most taken for granted aspect of mustache trimming. Sharp, rust-resistant scissors can be the difference between a professional mustache and an unruly one. Choose one with a good grip and a razor edge and you will not be sorry.
The method – How to Properly Trim a Mustache
When to trim?
This question depends on what your goals are with trimming. The difference lies in whether you would like to grow it out or maintain the existing length.
If you want to grow it out, it is recommended that you trim it every 6-8 weeks so that you can keep the length as it is. This is enough length so that you can keep the hairs healthy, but have it grow longer each time. If your goal is maintenance, you’ll want to cut it every 3-4 weeks.
A full mustache consists of different-length hairs. In the early stages of growth, you’re going to be cutting the hair closest to the lip line while letting the hair closest to the nose grow in length. The best way to do this is with Beard Trimming Scissors. It’s more challenging to get into tight spaces with an electric trimmer, and you risk accidentally cutting too much bulk out of your mustache.
Read Also: How Long Does It Take for Nose Hairs to Grow Back?
How to trim
- Start by using mustache scissors or an electric trimmer. You want to initially start by trimming for shape, cutting along the bottom of the mustache, and then outer edges. Work from the middle towards one side, then to the other side, and back to the middle. Maintain a neutral face and look straight ahead, this will give you an even line.
- Now trim for length. Comb through your mustache and cut hair on the outside of the mustache comb to the desired length. Trim conservatively at first. If you’re using an electric trimmer, move from longer to shorter guides. You can always trim off more, but you can’t add it back after you’ve clipped it.
- Comb through your mustache one last tie and clip any hairs you may have missed.
A Good Read: Difference between a Mustache and a Beard.
Types of mustaches and the trim required
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Chevron Mustaches
This mustache should partially cover the upper lip, but the hair should not be in your mouth. Use Beard Trimming Scissors to trim longer hairs. Trim the edges of the mustache, so they don’t extend lower than the corners of your mouth. Any lower than that, and you’ll be entering horseshoe mustache territory.
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Lampshade Mustache
Imagine a vertical line extending upwards from the edge of your mouth, and a horizontal line extending from the bottom of your nose. Use a razor or electric trimmer to remove any hair outside of the lines. Additionally, trim the hair so that it doesn’t touch the upper lip.
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Walrus Mustache
You’ll want to invest in a quality mustache comb to keep the mustache untangled and growing in the right direction. You’ll also need the comb for keeping the hair out of your mouth when eating and drinking. We recommend keeping a pocket comb with you on the go. Use beard trimming scissors to keep the mustache at your preferred length.
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Pencil Mustache
The pencil mustache requires a high amount of grooming. You may need to shave the upper line a few times per week, if not daily. Keeping the overall length on the shorter side will help with maintaining a tight bottom line.
You can also opt to wear the pencil a little higher by shaving a small gap between the lip and the ‘stache. The skin near the mouth is delicate, so take it slow when shaving. You can also bite your top lip to help pull the skin taught.
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The parted pencil Mustache
The parted pencil mustache is grown and groomed in the same way as the pencil, with the difference being adding a hard line at the philtrum (the indent above your upper lip). Use an electric trimmer to add the part to your mustache. How wide you go is your preference, though we would recommend keeping it on the thinner side.
Painter’s Brush
Let your mustache grow naturally. Keep it trimmed along the top lip, so it forms a horizontal line. Trim to a rounded end at the edges of the mouth.
Handlebar Mustache
The handlebar mustache requires a good deal of grooming. Keeping the centre of the mustache neat is essential to giving it a clean look. You’ll frequently need to shave the hair beneath the handles at the outer corners of your mouth. To do so, lift the mustache and shave any hair that isn’t a part of the handlebar.
Petite handlebar mustache
The petite handlebar mustache requires a high amount of grooming. Keeping the mustache short and the centre of the mustache trimmed above the top lip is essential to giving a clean look. You’ll frequently need to shave the hair beneath the handles at the outer edge of your mouth—more so than with the standard version. You may also opt to shave a hard part at the philtrum.
English mustache
The English mustache requires quite a bit of grooming. Keeping the centre of the mustache trimmed above the top lip is essential to giving a clean look. You’ll frequently need to shave the hair beneath the handles at the outer corners of your mouth. To do so, lift the mustache and shave any hair that isn’t a part of the handlebar.
Hungarian mustache
The Hungarian mustache requires a little less grooming than the standard handlebar. Most of your grooming with the style will be combing or brushing the hair to keep it clean, and training the hair to curl naturally. You will need to shave the hair beneath the handles at the outer corners of your mouth as much as possible.
Dali mustache
The Dalí style requires daily shaving and grooming to get rid of any stray hairs, while also keeping the pencil tidy.
Horseshoe mustache
The easiest way to grow a horseshoe mustache is to grow a full beard or a circle beard. It will take three to six months to get the required thickness in the mustache and cheeks. Once the desired length is reached, shave away the goatee, soul patch, and mutton chops. You should Keep two vertical lines of cheek hair, approximately the same width as the mustache, perpendicular to the mouth.
FAQ on How to Trim Mustache
Where should I trim my Moustache lip?
This does depend on the type of mustache you would like? We have covered the most popular mustache types but in truth, you can experiment,
Should I trim my mustache?
Definitely. Mustaches are back in fashion and who doesn’t love some good-looking facial hair.
What length should I trim my mustache?
This also does depend on the type of mustache that you desire. Generally keeping it neat and even is the goal, you wouldn’t want an unruly stache.
The road to mustache prowess
This is a long one, a good mustache is not only about trimming. It involves time management, using good products, and most of all patience. Trimming however is an extremely important part of a good mustache and hopefully, you can now trim your favorite mustaches.