How To Grow A Mustache: 11 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow

Home » How Long To Grow A Mustache » How To Grow A Mustache: 11 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow

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 Easily Grow, Maintain & Style Your Mustache PDF download Download Article Skip the awkward phase and rock a new 'stache in weeks Co-authored by Timmy Yanchun and Aly Rusciano

Last Updated: July 6, 2025 Fact Checked

PDF download Download Article
  • Growing Your Mustache Out
    • |
  • Maintaining Your Mustache
    • |
  • Mustache Styling Ideas
    • |
  • Video
    • |
  • Q&A
|Show more |Show less ARTICLE VIDEO X

This article was co-authored by Timmy Yanchun and by wikiHow staff writer, Aly Rusciano. 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. There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 1,815,335 times.

Growing a mustache is a great way to transform your look. If you're tired of waiting for your mustache to grow in or you're wondering what style you should go with, don't worry! We'll show you what you can do to help your mustache grow faster and avoid that "awkward phase," plus find the right mustache style for your face. Read on!

Fastest Ways to Grow a Mustache

  • Grow all your facial hair, then shave your beard and trim your mustache when it's full.
  • Keep your face and facial hair clean to reduce itchiness and foster healthy hair.
  • Trim your mustache with scissors and style with a small dab of wax or pomade.

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 3:

Growing Your Mustache Out

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Be patient... 1 Be patient with your facial hair growth. Though your facial hair may grow quite quickly, it may take several weeks to over a month to grow in fully, depending on the type of mustache you want to sport, and the speed that your beard grows in. It can take a while, so try not to rush it.[1]
    • Contrary to popular belief, trimming your beard regularly does not cause it to grow back thicker.
    • You can use some basic good health techniques to promote facial hair growth to speed up the process. Maintaining a diet high in protein, saturated fat, and Vitamins A, E, and C, getting enough exercise and rest, and keeping your face clean and well-groomed can help promote facial hair growth in men.
  2. Step 2 Grow out your... 2 Grow out your beard first. The hair on top of your lip can look a little thin at first. If you want to avoid some initial awkwardness, consider growing out all your facial hair first and then trimming the rest of the beard off when the mustache is thicker, or progressively trim everything except your mustache to make the transition less abrupt.[2]
    • Trim and maintain your beard while you nurture your soon-to-be mustache.
    Advertisement
  3. Step 3 Invest in a good quality trimmer. 3 Invest in a good quality trimmer. Any time you're sculpting facial hair, it's a good idea to invest in a beard trimmer to make the job easier. It's easier to shape your mustache accurately with an electric trimmer than with a basic razor you'd use to take all the hair off completely.
    • Usually, you can get a decent rechargeable beard trimmer for $15-40. They typically come with various guard shapes and size options.
  4. Step 4 Trim what you don't want. 4 Trim what you don't want. Most basic mustaches extend just about down to the sides of the mouth, leaving the hair atop the lip untouched. All it takes to shape a basic mustache is shaving off any facial hair you don't want. This usually means everything on your cheeks, under and along your jaw, and around your mouth, except your top lip.[3]
    • After trimming the basic shape you want, leave your mustache alone. Shave or continue trimming the other areas of your facial hair growth regularly to keep your mustache standing out above the rest of the hair in your beard.
  5. Step 5 Keep your mustache clean. 5 Keep your mustache clean. Growing a mustache can be an itchy process, but washing and cleaning your face and mustache regularly can help keep that itch at bay. Wash and condition your mustache hairs (even if they’re short) 2 to 3 times a week. This will help your hair and skin stay soft and healthy.[4]
    • Choose a shampoo and conditioner that matches your skin and hair needs. If you have sensitive skin, opt for products that are allergen-friendly. If you have dry skin, look for moisturizing products.
    • Having facial hair can keep your natural body oils and dirt trapped against your skin, which may lead to breakouts, which is why it's important to keep your facial hair clean and well-groomed.
    EXPERT TIP 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

    Our Expert Agrees: To help your mustache stay healthy as it grows out, wash and condition it daily. You can also add a beard softener or oil to keep the hair soft.

    6. Advertisement
Method 2 Method 2 of 3:

Maintaining Your Mustache

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Keep the ends trimmed. 1 Keep the ends trimmed. Although some mustache devotees argue about the merits of trimming, your mustache may need grooming every so often. Certain mustaches will require more work than others. But a combination of washing, waxing, combing, trimming, or shaving will most probably be part of your regiment every day if you want your fully grown mustache to live a full, well-worn life.
    • Depending on your mustache, trim it with scissors every day to once a week. After a month of trimming the mustache weekly, you should have a pretty good idea of how much facial hair to chop off each time you trim.
  2. Step 2 Use a proper grooming regimen to keep your face clean. 2 Use a proper grooming regimen to keep your face clean. Try to wash your face with a natural foaming cleanser each morning and before you go to bed. This will keep it clean and prime it for brushing and waxing.
  3. Step 3 Shape your mustache... 3 Shape your mustache. Some mustache styles involve a bit of training and a lot of wax, while others can be kept in place with a comb. If you're building a bountiful handlebar or a polished pencil, you'll probably need to comb, twist, trim, and even shave every day to keep your particular style looking good.
    • After you wash your face or get out of the shower, apply a bit of mustache wax to the middle of your mustache with a finger. Next, lightly work the wax outwards, covering your entire mustache. Then, use a comb to get the 'stache fully saturated.
    • To comb a mustache, use a beard comb, which should be smaller and with finer teeth. Add a small dab of natural beard oil to wet the tiny teeth of the comb, which will help lubricate the hairs and train them into place.
    • Start combing at your philtrum (the cleft under your nose), combing outward toward the corner of your lip and down.
    4. Advertisement
Method 3 Method 3 of 3:

Mustache Styling Ideas

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Choose a style that suits your face. 1 Choose a style that suits your face. Not all styles of mustache suit all types of face shapes and hair textures.[5] Pay attention to the way that your facial hair grows, and where it's the thickest.
    • To see how a mustache might look, try editing a picture of yourself in Photoshop, adding a fake mustache. You can also ask friends and family how they think you would look.
  2. Step 2 Try out a shorter style. 2 Try out a shorter style. Shorter mustache styles are best for men with very coarse, thick, and dark hair. Since the style and the hair will be short, these styles will show up better the thicker and coarser the hair. Try out the following short mustache styles:
    • The pencil: Famously sprouted by John Waters (and innumerable silent film villains), a pencil mustache looks as if it were drawn thinly on top of the lip with a make-up pencil. To trim one, follow your upper lip line with a trimmer, carefully removing the hair between your nose and your lip until a thin line is left. The mustache should end at the corner of your upper lip or just beyond.[6]
    • The fu manchu: This classic features a slim pencil-like mustache that starts at the upper lip but continues down the sides of your face until reaching the bottom of your jaw, and sometimes beyond, just like a stereotypical Chinese philosopher.[7]
    • The boxcar: A boxcar is a fairly simple mustache, but one that ends just a bit before you reach the corner of your lip. To trim it, leave your mustache alone, but trim a straight line perpendicular to the corner of your lip so the hair ends just before it. It should look like a perfect rectangle.[8]
  3. Step 3 Try out a longer style. 3 Try out a longer style. If you want to try out a bushier, burlier mustache, it usually works best with generally straight hair that's still somewhat coarse. Thin hair can grow long but won't bush up and might hang over your lip. If you've got the right kind of hair for it, consider the following longer mustaches:
    • The English, Imperial or Handlebar: An English-style mustache is your ticket to looking like you stepped out of a Victorian novel. For this style, stop trimming your mustache just above the corner of your mouth and let it grow out to a point. Then, twirl the longer hairs at the corner up into a curl using mustache wax.[9]
    • The Walrus: A walrus is a mustache for outdoorsmen, rhinoceros hunters, and men who know how to throw tomahawks. Think Theodore Roosevelt. To grow a walrus, do absolutely nothing but shave your cheeks, leaving your mustache alone.[10]
    • The Selleck: Named for the famous TV personality Tom Selleck, this mustache is also known in some quarters as the "pornstar." Shaped essentially like a walrus, pointing down at the corners gently, the Selleck is full from lip to nose but trimmed to avoid hanging over your lip.
  4. Step 4 Experiment with combo styles. 4 Experiment with combo styles. While it might be cool to slap silly names on mustache styles, the truth is that growing a mustache is largely about getting creative in the mirror with your beard trimmer. If it looks good to you, it's not wrong. Try combinations of the following the next time you shave to see what works. You can always shave it off.
    • Goatees or circle beards are like fu manchus or handlebar mustaches that connect on the chin. Just shave your cheeks and under your neck.
    • Mutton chops connected directly to the mustache give you a vaudevillian or Civil War vibe.[11]
    • Try a straight mustache with some deep-set 5 o'clock shadow and a soul patch if you want to look like an out-of-work actor.
    5. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search Add New Question
  • Question Will increased masturbation help me grow a mustache? Community Answer Community Answer It might not help you grow one, but it will help you pass the time while it does grow. 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 87 Helpful 883
  • Question Can an 18-year-old boy grow a beard? Community Answer Community Answer It depends on genetics. Don't shave it off. It's a myth that shaving regularly makes your beard grow. 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 39 Helpful 177
  • Question How can I grow my mustache so that it gets thicker? Community Answer Community Answer Don't shave regularly -- it's an myth that your facial hair gets thicker after shaving. Leave bit to grow for about a month, then shave. 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 60 Helpful 187
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

  • When outlining a mustache, hold the trimmer against the hairs hanging below the lip and move it to the right, then go back to the middle of your mustache and move it to the left. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 2
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

  • Always use caution when shaving. Thanks Helpful 5 Not Helpful 0
Advertisement

You Might Also Like

How to Cut, Shape, and Style Your Mustache Grow a Handlebar MustacheHow toGrow a Handlebar Mustache Pencil MustacheWhat the Pencil Mustache Is & How to Grow One Mustache StylesThe Top 18 Mustache Styles for Men (Plus How to Get Them!) BeardstacheHow to Grow, Style, and Maintain an Incredible Beardstache Style a MoustacheHow toStyle a Moustache Grow a BeardHow to Grow, Shape, & Trim Your Facial Hair Cowboy MustacheThe Ultimate Guide to Growing a Cowboy Mustache Trim a Handlebar MustacheHow toTrim a Handlebar Mustache Walrus MustacheHow to Grow, Trim, and Maintain a Walrus Mustache Goatee Without MustacheHow to Grow & Maintain a Goatee Without a Mustache Bald with Mustache13 Best Mustaches for Bald Guys (Plus Expert Styling Tips) Chevron MustacheHow to Grow & Shape a Chevron Mustache Shave a GoateeHow toShave a Goatee Advertisement

References

  1. ↑ https://www.dictionary.com/e/mustache-styles-beards/
  2. ↑ https://daddysdigest.com/movembers-guide-to-moustache-maintenance-for-the-time-strapped-dad/
  3. ↑ https://daddysdigest.com/movembers-guide-to-moustache-maintenance-for-the-time-strapped-dad/
  4. ↑ https://daddysdigest.com/movembers-guide-to-moustache-maintenance-for-the-time-strapped-dad/
  5. ↑ https://www.dictionary.com/e/mustache-styles-beards/
  6. ↑ https://www.baldingbeards.com/facial-hair-styles/mustache-styles/pencil-mustache/
  7. ↑ https://www.baldingbeards.com/facial-hair-styles/mustache-styles/fu-manchu-mustache/
  8. ↑ https://bespokeunit.com/grooming/moustaches/pyramidal/
  9. ↑ https://youtu.be/GJuGa3D9SJ0?t=130
More References (2)
  1. ↑ https://www.baldingbeards.com/facial-hair-styles/mustache-styles/walrus-mustache/
  2. ↑ https://www.baldingbeards.com/facial-hair-styles/beard-styles/friendly-mutton-chops/

About This Article

Timmy Yanchun Co-authored by: Timmy Yanchun Professional Barber This article was co-authored by Timmy Yanchun and by wikiHow staff writer, Aly Rusciano. 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 1,815,335 times. 7 votes - 46% Co-authors: 73 Updated: July 6, 2025 Views: 1,815,335 Categories: Facial Hair Article SummaryX

To grow a mustache, eat foods that are high in protein, like eggs, chicken, and almonds, which can help your facial hair grow faster. Also, take vitamin A, C, and E supplements to help your mustache grow. Avoid trimming your beard while it's growing since trimming it will slow down the process. Once you're satisfied with the thickness of your mustache, use a beard trimmer to shape it to the style you want. For more tips on growing a mustache, like what style would look best with your hair type, keep reading! Did this summary help you?YesNo

In other languages Spanish German Portuguese French Russian Dutch Chinese Indonesian Italian Arabic Hindi Vietnamese Korean Turkish Czech Japanese
  • Print
  • Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 1,815,335 times.

Reader Success Stories

  • Kishore Ravichandran

    Kishore Ravichandran

    Jan 31, 2018

    "I've been wikiHow's reader for the past 5 years and it always helped me solving all my doubts and gave..." more
More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.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 7 votes - 46% Click a star to vote 46% of people told us that this article helped them. Co-authors: 73 Updated: July 6, 2025 Views: 1,815,335 Kishore Ravichandran

Kishore Ravichandran

Jan 31, 2018

"I've been wikiHow's reader for the past 5 years and it always helped me solving all my doubts and gave..." more Dominic James

Dominic James

Sep 28, 2018

"I learned the best way to grow a mustache is by growing a beard first." Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

Quizzes & Games

What Men's Haircut Should I Get QuizWhat Men's Haircut Should I Get QuizTake QuizAm I Balding QuizAm I Balding QuizTake QuizWhat’s The Perfect Hair Care Routine For MeWhat’s The Perfect Hair Care Routine For MeTake QuizWhat Do I Look Like QuizWhat Do I Look Like QuizTake QuizWhat Is My Face Shape QuizWhat Is My Face Shape QuizTake QuizWhat's My Hair Type QuizWhat's My Hair Type QuizTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

Trim a MustacheHow to Cut, Shape, and Style Your MustacheGrow a Handlebar MustacheHow toGrow a Handlebar MustachePencil MustacheWhat the Pencil Mustache Is & How to Grow OneMustache StylesThe Top 18 Mustache Styles for Men (Plus How to Get Them!)

Featured Articles

What Are the Korean Animal Face Types? (And Which Type Do You Have?)What Are the Korean Animal Face Types? (And Which Type Do You Have?)Being the Little Spoon While Cuddling: Is It Better Than the Big Spoon?Being the Little Spoon While Cuddling: Is It Better Than the Big Spoon?115+ Funny “Get Well Soon” Messages to Make Someone Laugh115+ Funny “Get Well Soon” Messages to Make Someone Laugh110+ “Fun Facts” for Interviews, Introductions, & Icebreakers110+ “Fun Facts” for Interviews, Introductions, & IcebreakersHow Long Would You Survive In A Zombie Apocalypse?How Long Would You Survive In A Zombie Apocalypse? Roast Someone in a Rap Battle (Plus the Best Bars of All Time)How to Roast Someone in a Rap Battle (Plus the Best Bars of All Time)

Trending Articles

How Many People Had a Crush on Me This Year? Find Out HereHow Many People Had a Crush on Me This Year? Find Out HereWhat Song Was #1 On My Birthday?What Song Was #1 On My Birthday?Best Personality TestBest Personality TestDo I Have Common Sense QuizDo I Have Common Sense QuizCompatibility TestCompatibility Test10 Ways to Get Rid of a Hickey Fast10 Ways to Get Rid of a Hickey Fast

Featured Articles

What Turns a Girl On? 31 Things to Try on Your PartnerWhat Turns a Girl On? 31 Things to Try on Your PartnerLove AnalyzerLove AnalyzerSending Your Sweetie a Love Note? Here are 200+ Romantic IdeasSending Your Sweetie a Love Note? Here are 200+ Romantic IdeasExercise Your BrainHow toExercise Your BrainBe a Fun Person to Hang out WithHow toBe a Fun Person to Hang out WithWhat Does Your Morning Routine Say About You?What Does Your Morning Routine Say About You?

Featured Articles

Develop Productive HabitsHow toDevelop Productive HabitsPractice Self CareHow toPractice Self CareWhat Song Matches Your Life Right Now?What Song Matches Your Life Right Now?Your 2026 Vision: What Does Next Year Hold?Your 2026 Vision: What Does Next Year Hold?Understanding the Most Attractive Face Shapes (& Determining Your Own)Understanding the Most Attractive Face Shapes (& Determining Your Own)Type A B C D Personality TestType A B C D Personality Test

Watch Articles

Deep Clean Your Kitchen Sink (& Keep It Clean)How to Deep Clean Your Kitchen Sink (& Keep It Clean) Curl Your Hair: 8 Easy & Quick WaysHow to Curl Your Hair: 8 Easy & Quick WaysThicken Sauce with FlourHow toThicken Sauce with Flour Brighten Up White Shirts and Other GarmentsHow to Brighten Up White Shirts and Other Garments Cook White Rice without a Rice CookerHow to Cook White Rice without a Rice Cooker Clean Out the Inside of a Glass Bottle (With or Without a Brush)How to Clean Out the Inside of a Glass Bottle (With or Without a Brush)

Trending Articles

What Am I Craving QuizWhat Am I Craving QuizLose Belly Fat in 2 WeeksHow toLose Belly Fat in 2 WeeksKiss PassionatelyHow toKiss PassionatelyWhich Hogwarts House Do You Truly Belong In?Which Hogwarts House Do You Truly Belong In?Toxic Family TestToxic Family TestDaily Horoscope (All Signs): What Do The Stars Predict Today?✩⟡˚₊‧Daily Horoscope (All Signs): What Do The Stars Predict Today?✩⟡˚₊‧

Quizzes & Games

Am I a Gigachad or Totally Chopped?Am I a Gigachad or Totally Chopped?Take QuizWhat Haircut Should I Get QuizWhat Haircut Should I Get QuizTake QuizWhat Makeup Should I Wear QuizWhat Makeup Should I Wear QuizTake QuizBuild Your Dream Man QuizBuild Your Dream Man 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 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

×

Don’t miss out! Sign up for

wikiHow’s newsletter

Subscribe You're all set! X --643

Tag » How Long To Grow A Mustache