How to grow and groom a moustache for Movember

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Growing a mustache isn’t just about letting the hair grow wild. It demands regular grooming, attention to style, and, of course, the right products to keep it looking great.

Movember, the yearly initiative focused on promoting awareness of men's health issues, is an ideal time to try out different facial hair styles. If things don’t go as planned, it’s a good excuse! Recently, mustaches have gained popularity, especially among celebrities like Paul Mescal and Jacob Elordi.

Similar to cultivating a beard, you can't just allow it to grow unchecked and hope for a polished appearance. You must take an active role in its maintenance, keeping it healthy, well-nourished, and styled.

You don't need to dedicate all your time to this – with a little research and focus on the details, you can achieve the iconic Tom Selleck mustache we're all striving for.

Determine the shape of your face.

There are countless mustache styles to choose from, ranging from Hulk Hogan's iconic handlebar to the whimsical points of Salvador Dali.

When selecting the perfect mustache style for yourself, it's important to take your face shape into account. According to Jonathan Andrew, a celebrity grooming expert and ambassador for Fudge Professional, a fuller mustache works well with round faces, while slimmer or longer mustache styles are better suited for angular faces.

Collaborating with personalities such as Jamie Redknapp, Joel Dommett, and Romesh Ranganathan, Andrew points out that various hair types grow in distinct ways.

Consider the way your hair grows as well. A thick beard tends to complement a traditional moustache nicely, whereas finer hair might suit a more understated look, such as a pencil moustache.

Creating a great moustache takes time. If you’re a beginner at growing one, it’s best to let the hair grow without trimming until it reaches a good length.

"It really varies from person to person – if you naturally have a lot of facial hair, you might be able to grow your Movember moustache in under a week," Andrew explains.

According to barber Miles Smith-Wood from Murdock, most individuals can expect to notice significant growth within two to four weeks. However, if the results seem uneven, there's no need to be concerned. Just maintain a tidy appearance, give it time to grow in fully, and avoid the temptation to cut it too soon. Staying patient is essential!

Andrew emphasizes that the main objective is to promote awareness, so it’s important to be kind to yourself. He says, “Movember is all about making an effort, so don’t be too tough on yourself—or your facial hair growth!”

If your hair isn’t growing evenly, you’ll need to wait a bit, as it might take a few weeks to fill in. Just keep shaping your mustache as you like. If you find it bothersome, you can use an eyebrow pencil that matches your hair color to cover any sparse areas.

Gather the appropriate equipment.

The essential equipment you'll require includes a good trimmer and a pair of moustache scissors.

“If you want to maintain a well-groomed mustache, consider investing in a beard trimmer. While your regular razor can do the job, I recommend visiting a barber first to get the perfect shape. After that, you can easily keep it neat at home,” Andrew suggests.

Movember lasts for a month, but many guys choose to maintain their facial hair style after it ends. If you think you might want to do that, it’s worth considering some grooming tools for home use. A moustache comb can also be a good addition—Kent Brushes offers a fantastic option that helps to untangle your moustache gently.

According to Smith-Wood, having scissors is crucial. "You really need a small pair of trimming scissors, a comb with fine teeth, and a good razor to maintain sharp edges."

Kent Brushes 73mm Handmade Comb for Beards and Moustaches - £4.50

King C. Gillette Beard and Mustache Trimmer, now priced at £17.99 (previously £35.99)

Tweezerman G.E.A.R. Facial Hair Scissors, £22, available at John Lewis & Partners.

Much like the hair on your head, if you're aiming for an improved and more attractive look for your mustache, you'll need to use both grooming and styling products.

Maintaining a clean moustache is simple. Just use a mild cleanser, like the one you employ for your face, to wash it.

“It's important to wash your items every day! With all the food residue, dirt, and grime, bacteria can accumulate, so make sure you don't overlook this,” advises Andrew.

Once you've finished cleaning, it's time to give your moustache some extra care.

According to Smith-Wood, using a beard or mustache balm can help make the hair softer, whereas a wax is useful for styling thicker facial hair.

“Based on the type of moustache you have, you can combine various hair or beard waxes with beard oils,” says Andrew. “However, steer clear of products that are overly gel-like or heavy, as they could irritate the skin beneath.”

Fudge Professional Hair Shaper Styling Wax Gel, 75g, priced at £16.49, available at Superdrug.

Captain Fawcett's Expedition Strength Mustache Wax, priced at £13.