How To Grow A Handlebar Mustache: Styling, Shaving, And More

Home » How To Grow A Handlebar Mustache » How To Grow A Handlebar Mustache: Styling, Shaving, And More

Maybe your like

Skip to ContentQuizzes
  • Home
  • Random
  • Browse Articles
  • Quizzes & Games
  • All QuizzesHot
  • Love Quizzes
  • Personality Quizzes
  • Fun Games
  • Dating Simulator
  • Learn Something New
  • Forums
  • Courses
  • Happiness Hub
  • Explore More
  • Support wikiHow
  • About wikiHow
  • Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Grow a Handlebar Mustache PDF download Download Article Co-authored by Timmy Yanchun

Last Updated: May 13, 2025 Approved

PDF download Download Article
  • Growing your Mustache
    • |
  • Shaping your Mustache
    • |
  • Taking Care of your Mustache
    • |
  • Video
    • |
  • Expert Q&A
    • |
  • Tips
    • |
  • Warnings
    • |
  • Things You'll Need
|Show more |Show less X

This article was co-authored by Timmy Yanchun. Timmy Yanchun is a Professional Barber and Co-Founder of Svelte Barbershop + Essentials. Svelte Barbershop + Essentials is a men’s grooming company, specializing in men’s hair, beard, skin, and shave products, originally located in the SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills, California but has now branched out to 3 locations across Los Angeles. Timmy has been cutting hair since age 13 and opened his first of 6 barbershops at age 18. He is also the co-founder of the newly launched brand LTHR, the world's first wireless hot lather machine for barber quality shaves at home. Timmy and Svelte have been featured in GQ, Men's Fitness, and Hypebeast. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, 97% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 500,638 times.

A handlebar mustache is a fairly uncommon sight these days on a younger man. While not for the impatient, a handlebar mustache is a great conversation starter with both men and women. With some patience and planning you can have a dignified handlebar mustache in no time.

Steps

Part 1 Part 1 of 3:

Growing your Mustache

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Gather your supplies. 1 Gather your supplies. First, choose a wax for your hair. There are many kinds of mustache wax available. If your mustache hair is thick and wiry you should buy a stiff wax. Inversely, if your mustache hair is thin, you can buy a softer wax.[1] You will also need a fine-tooth comb to help you brush out your mustache and a small pair of hair-trimming scissors. These can be found at most beauty supply stores.
    • When in doubt, buy two containers of wax, one with a medium stiffness and one with a strong stiffness.
    • Experiment with comb types. Some people prefer fine tooth combs, others use unconventional combs such as head lice combs.[2]
  2. Step 2 Stop shaving your upper lip. 2 Stop shaving your upper lip. Most handlebar mustaches use hair from the entire upper lip. If you're just starting out it's best to play it safe. Don't shave any part of your face that may help your mustache look fuller. This can include the areas next to the corners of your mouth.[3]
    • It may take up to three months for your mustache to become thick and glorious. Don't give up!
    • Don't trim your mustache, even the parts right above your lip.
    Advertisement
  3. Step 3 Train the new hairs. 3 Train the new hairs. Once your mustache is long enough to comb, start training your hairs to keep the shape you like. Part your mustache down the middle of your lip and gently comb each half away from your nose. Add a small amount of mustache wax or hair putty before combing to help your hairs stay in place.
    • If you use a tub of wax, warm a small amount between your fingers before applying it. Evenly coat all of your hairs by combing the wax through your mustache.
    • If you use a stick of wax, apply it directly to your mustache before combing.
  4. Step 4 Experiment as you wait. 4 Experiment as you wait. It takes time to grow a decent handlebar mustache. While you wait, start shaping the new hair by twisting the ends. Your mustache won't be long enough to get a good curl but you'll be able to get an idea of how it might look. In this stage you can start trimming the sides to create different shapes.
    • Never trim the hairs directly above your lip. If they stay short, you won't be able to brush them into your mustache.
    • Give uncooperative hairs time to grow out. Once they're longer they'll be easier to manipulate.
    5. Advertisement
Part 2 Part 2 of 3:

Shaping your Mustache

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Find your style. 1 Find your style. Once the tips of your mustache have gotten long enough to curl you can start planning the way you want it to eventually look. Consider how long you want your moustache to grow. If you want a large curl or a bigger mustache you need to let the hairs grow. If you like the look of a smaller mustache you can begin trimming the ends when they get too long.
    • Never trim the bottom of the mustache near the lip. These hairs need to be long so that they can be combed away from your mouth.
    • Handlebar mustaches look good on both clean-shaven and bearded faces. They pair well with well-groomed, classic barbershop hairstyles or bald heads.
  2. Step 2 Use a blow dryer to shape your mustache. 2 Use a blow dryer to shape your mustache. This helps train your mustache into the shape you like. Once you've had your mustache for a few months, you can skip this step. After you shower towel dry your mustache. Use a comb to part your mustache down the middle of your lip. Mold your damp mustache into the shape you like by curling the ends around your fingers. Next, carefully dry the curled edges to set the curls.
    • Keep the hair wrapped around your finger as you dry it. This will help control the curl and let you know if the air is too hot.
    • Use a low setting on your blow dryer. If the air is too hot it can damage your mustache.
  3. Step 3 Apply the mustache wax. 3 Apply the mustache wax. If your wax comes in a stick, apply the wax directly to your mustache and brush through it with a fine-tooth comb. If the wax comes in a tub, warm a small amount of wax between your fingers before applying. Carefully spread the warmed wax into your mustache. Make sure that all of the hairs are evenly coated and comb the mustache into place.[4]
    • The wax should be almost invisible against your hair. If it isn't, you may need to buy tinted wax.
    • If you add too much wax simply brush some of it out with the comb.
  4. Step 4 Shape your mustache. 4 Shape your mustache. After combing, re-shape the curls of your mustache by twisting the edges around your fingers into a curl you like. Once the wax dries your mustache will keep its form. If your mustache is still having trouble keeping its curl, heat a curling iron to medium heat and wrap the hair around it for ten to fifteen seconds. Make sure not to burn your face.
    • Some people prefer large, looping curls, while others like to wax their mustache ends into straight lines. Experiment to find what works for you.
    • Some people use a stronger wax on the curled tips of their mustache to help them keep their shape.
    5. Advertisement
Part 3 Part 3 of 3:

Taking Care of your Mustache

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Wash your mustache daily. 1 Wash your mustache daily. Check your mustache for flakes of dead skin or waxy residue. Brush your mustache with a stiff, dry toothbrush to remove the debris and exfoliate your skin. Next, wash your mustache with shampoo. This will remove the wax and skin oils from your mustache.
    • Some people choose to wash their mustache in the mornings. If you sleep with wax in your mustache, it may leave a colorful residue on your pillowcase.
    • If shampoo isn't powerful enough to remove the wax from your mustache use dish soap instead.
  2. Step 2 Be careful when eating or drinking. 2 Be careful when eating or drinking. Your mustache can pick up all sorts of things throughout the day. Right before you have a meal, spread a small amount of mustache wax on the bottom strands of hair. This will help them stay clear of your mouth and insulate them from liquids.
    • When eating crumbly foods, wipe your mouth often to keep your mustache free of crumbs.
    • Avoid eating soups and other messy food in public until you get the hang of eating with a large mustache.
  3. Step 3 Eat foods that might help your hair grow quickly. 3 Eat foods that might help your hair grow quickly. Some foods contain the same nutrients found in hair. Many experts believe that if you eat these foods your body will be able to grow your hair and fingernails more quickly. Foods such as salmon, yellow peppers, avocados, and egg yolks are thought to speed hair growth.
    • If your mustache hair is growing quickly then the hair on your scalp will grow quickly as well.
    • It can take one or two months to see results.
    4. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search Add New Question
  • Question Where do you shave for a handlebar mustache? Timmy Yanchun Timmy Yanchun Professional Barber Timmy Yanchun is a Professional Barber and Co-Founder of Svelte Barbershop + Essentials. Svelte Barbershop + Essentials is a men’s grooming company, specializing in men’s hair, beard, skin, and shave products, originally located in the SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills, California but has now branched out to 3 locations across Los Angeles. Timmy has been cutting hair since age 13 and opened his first of 6 barbershops at age 18. He is also the co-founder of the newly launched brand LTHR, the world's first wireless hot lather machine for barber quality shaves at home. Timmy and Svelte have been featured in GQ, Men's Fitness, and Hypebeast. Timmy Yanchun Timmy Yanchun Professional Barber Expert Answer Consider going to a barber to get your handlebar mustache started. Take a picture to your barber and show them what you want. Then, trim away the stubble as it grows around your mustache. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 2 Helpful 3
  • Question Where can I buy strong mustache wax? Community Answer Community Answer Firehouse Wacky Tacky Mustache Wax is probably the strongest available. You can buy it on Amazon, or directly from the manufacturer's website. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 3 Helpful 28
  • Question How do I get mustache wax out of my fine toothed comb? Community Answer Community Answer Try using a hair dryer to heat up the wax. Once softened, wipe off the wax with a towel or tissue. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 3 Helpful 22
See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Video

Tips

  • Consider going to a barber and asking them to help you shape and start your handlebar mustache.[5] Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
  • Join a club or visit internet forums to find other men with handlebar mustaches. They will be able to give you great advice and product recommendations. Thanks Helpful 8 Not Helpful 0
  • Be patient! You can't grow a handlebar mustache overnight. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Warnings

  • Be careful when eating to keep crumbs out of your mustache. Thanks Helpful 7 Not Helpful 1
  • If you don't wash your mustache regularly it may start smelling like food. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
Advertisement

Things You'll Need

  • Mustache wax
  • A fine tooth comb (or alternative comb)
  • A blow dryer
  • Shampoo or dish soap
  • A clean, dry toothbrush

You Might Also Like

Curl Your MustacheHow toCurl Your Mustache Grow a MustacheHow to Easily Grow, Maintain & Style Your Mustache Trim a Handlebar MustacheHow toTrim a Handlebar Mustache Cowboy MustacheThe Ultimate Guide to Growing a Cowboy Mustache How to Cut, Shape, and Style Your Mustache Apply Hair WaxHow toApply Hair Wax BeardstacheHow to Grow, Style, and Maintain an Incredible Beardstache Military MustacheGrowing a Military Mustache: What Are the Regulations? Style a MoustacheHow toStyle a Moustache Use and Choose a Moustache WaxHow toUse and Choose a Moustache Wax Mustache StylesThe Top 18 Mustache Styles for Men (Plus How to Get Them!) Chevron MustacheHow to Grow & Shape a Chevron Mustache Shave a MustacheHow toShave a Mustache Grow a GoateeHow toGrow a Goatee Advertisement

References

  1. ↑ http://www.handlebarclub.co.uk/wax/wax.shtml
  2. ↑ http://www.handlebarclub.co.uk/faqs.shtml
  3. ↑ http://www.artofmanliness.com/2012/11/01/how-to-grow-a-handlebar-mustache/
  4. ↑ http://www.artofmanliness.com/2012/11/01/how-to-grow-a-handlebar-mustache/
  5. ↑ Timmy Yanchun. Professional Barber. Expert Interview

About This Article

Timmy Yanchun Co-authored by: Timmy Yanchun Professional Barber This article was co-authored by Timmy Yanchun. Timmy Yanchun is a Professional Barber and Co-Founder of Svelte Barbershop + Essentials. Svelte Barbershop + Essentials is a men’s grooming company, specializing in men’s hair, beard, skin, and shave products, originally located in the SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills, California but has now branched out to 3 locations across Los Angeles. Timmy has been cutting hair since age 13 and opened his first of 6 barbershops at age 18. He is also the co-founder of the newly launched brand LTHR, the world's first wireless hot lather machine for barber quality shaves at home. Timmy and Svelte have been featured in GQ, Men's Fitness, and Hypebeast. This article has been viewed 500,638 times. 7 votes - 97% Co-authors: 31 Updated: May 13, 2025 Views: 500,638 Categories: Facial Hair Article SummaryX

To grow a handlebar mustache, avoid shaving any of the hair above your upper lip or next to the corners of your mouth. Once you've grown out your mustache hair long enough, which may take up to 3 months, start parting your mustache down the middle and combing each half away from your nose to train the hair to grow that way. When the ends of your mustache are long enough to curl, apply wax to them and twist the ends around your fingers to achieve a handlebar shape. To learn how to take care of your handlebar mustache, scroll down! Did this summary help you?YesNo

In other languages Italian Spanish German French
  • Print
  • Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 500,638 times.

Reader Success Stories

  • Norm Van Winkle

    Norm Van Winkle

    Jul 10, 2017

    "I'm considering making a handlebar mustache for a more "Santa" look, but have never done so..." more Rated this article:
More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Timmy Yanchun Co-authored by: Timmy Yanchun Professional Barber Co-authors: 31 Updated: May 13, 2025 Views: 500,638 97% of readers found this article helpful. 7 votes - 97% Click a star to add your vote Norm Van Winkle

Norm Van Winkle

Jul 10, 2017

"I'm considering making a handlebar mustache for a more "Santa" look, but have never done so..." more Rated this article: Rodger S.

Rodger S.

Dec 8, 2017

"A couple of tips were helpful: not trimming the hairs just above the lip, and using a hair dryer to help set the..." more Rod Arly

Rod Arly

Jun 15, 2017

"I naturally grow so much hair on my beard. Never had a handlebar before and though a bit late, I am going to do one..." more Sarah-Jane White

Sarah-Jane White

Jun 17, 2016

"I was looking for info for a friend and the article is brilliant. Very user friendly with clear and simple..." more Vinod Srinivasan

Vinod Srinivasan

Mar 9, 2017

"Nice tips. I am starting this now, hopefully will follow the tips and grow a nice handlebar mustache soon. " Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

Quizzes & Games

What’s My Perfect Hair Care Routine?What’s My Perfect Hair Care Routine?Take QuizWhat Men's Haircut Should I Get QuizWhat Men's Haircut Should I Get QuizTake QuizAm I Balding QuizAm I Balding QuizTake QuizWhat's My Hair Type QuizWhat's My Hair Type QuizTake QuizWhat Type of Hands Do I Have QuizWhat Type of Hands Do I Have QuizTake QuizAm I a Good Kisser QuizAm I a Good Kisser QuizTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

Curl Your MustacheHow toCurl Your MustacheGrow a MustacheHow to Easily Grow, Maintain & Style Your MustacheTrim a Handlebar MustacheHow toTrim a Handlebar MustacheCowboy MustacheThe Ultimate Guide to Growing a Cowboy Mustache

Trending Articles

Will I Ever Find Love QuizWill I Ever Find Love QuizAm I Autistic QuizAm I Autistic QuizHow Sexual Am I QuizHow Sexual Am I QuizDiscover the Secret Meaning of Your First NameDiscover the Secret Meaning of Your First NamePractice KissingHow toPractice Kissing5 Different Types of Butts: Find Your Shape5 Different Types of Butts: Find Your Shape

Watch Articles

Amazing Super Bowl Party Ideas Guests Will Cheer ForAmazing Super Bowl Party Ideas Guests Will Cheer ForDevelop Listening SkillsHow toDevelop Listening SkillsNot Lose Your GirlfriendHow toNot Lose Your Girlfriend Draw an OwlHow to Draw an OwlTreat AllergiesHow toTreat AllergiesIntroduce Friends to Other FriendsHow toIntroduce Friends to Other Friends

Trending Articles

What Would My Nickname Be QuizWhat Would My Nickname Be QuizCan We Guess How Tall You Are QuizCan We Guess How Tall You Are QuizCan We Guess If You're Single or Taken?Can We Guess If You're Single or Taken?Depression Test for TeensDepression Test for TeensBe PrettyHow toBe Pretty Sleep Next to a Snoring Husband: Our 8 Best Tips & TricksHow to Sleep Next to a Snoring Husband: Our 8 Best Tips & Tricks

Quizzes & Games

What Is My Face Shape QuizWhat Is My Face Shape QuizTake QuizWhat Makeup Should I Wear QuizWhat Makeup Should I Wear QuizTake QuizAm I a Gigachad or Totally Chopped?Am I a Gigachad or Totally Chopped?Take QuizDo I Smell Bad QuizDo I Smell Bad QuizTake QuizWhat Skin Type Do I Have QuizWhat Skin Type Do I Have QuizTake QuizBuild Your Dream Man QuizBuild Your Dream Man QuizTake Quiz wikiHow
  • Categories
  • Personal Care and Style
  • Hair Care
  • Facial Hair
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
  • Home
  • About wikiHow
  • Experts
  • Jobs
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info
  • Contribute

Follow Us

×

Get all the best how-tos!

Sign up for wikiHow's weekly email newsletter

Subscribe You're all set! X --502

Tag » How To Grow A Handlebar Mustache