7 moustache styles and how to maintain facial hair
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When it comes to facial hair, trying out a new style can be a little time consuming. Growing a moustache however, can be a quicker and easier way to mix it up a little.
Every year millions of people grow out a moustache in honour of Movember, to raise money for men’s health including prostate and testicular cancer as well as mental health and suicide prevention.
And it's not just the average Joe making the most of their upper lip real estate, celebrities have long been in on the action, too.
Of course, the first name that springs to mind is Tom Selleck, whose thick upper lip warmer was the aspirational face of the moustache throughout the ‘80s and ‘90s.
Elsewhere, Chris Evans’ cut back his beard to make way for a moustache for a stint on Broadway in 2018, and adopted a "trash 'stache" in his latest movie The Gray Man (that his co-star Ryan Reynolds reportedly hates!).
Henry Cavill’s moustache even caused some drama when he had to re-film some scenes for Justice League as the bare-faced Superman whilst filming Mission: Impossible — Fallout, with said moustache.
The latest to join a long line of moustache-laiden famous faces? Owen Wilson, who sported the new facial hair on the Secret Headquarters premiere red carpet in New York on Tuesday.
If you’re thinking about joining the slew of celebrities sporting a ‘nose tickler’, here’s everything you need to know about growing – and styling – a moustache.
The Walrus
As worn by: Tom Selleck
Why it works
Also known as the Dad moustache as it tends to be favoured by, well, Dads, the Walrus is thick and bushy, but also controlled. It warrants commitment, as it needs to grow beyond the awkward stage to be allowed to fully flourish, but the statement itself is worth the effort.
How to style it
Use a moustache comb to encourage the hairs to grow downwards, and not diagonally (see: The Chevron). A moisturising, thickening treatment, such as the King C. Gillette Beard Thickener will help pad out your existing facial hair for that fuller look.
Buy it: King C. Gillette Beard Thickener | £6.67 (Was £10) at Gillette
The Baby Walrus
As worn by: Chris Evans
Why it works
You guessed it - it's a smaller, more compact version of the original walrus, thinner in fullness and less heavy over the lips. Perfect for someone who perhaps has naturally thicker, more unruly hair, as it's easier to control and maintain.
How to style it
A moustache comb (you’re going to hear this a lot), is key to keeping any unruly hairs at bay. Plus a regular trim with beard and moustache scissors to keep the edges sharp and to prevent any overhang of the lips.
Buy it: Beard And Moustache Scissors | £5 at Boots
The Beard-Stache
As worn by: Henry Cavill
Why it works
Also known as the beginner’s moustache, this style is halfway between a beard and a full-blown moustache, so if you’re not sure where to start, this is it. The moustache is kept longer than the rest of the facial hair, which is trimmed down to a stubble, and tends to suit most hair colours and textures
How to style it
A facial hair trimmer will be your best friend with this style. As the beard hair gets longer than you would perhaps normally leave it, seek out professional advice from a barber, who will help you get the right shape for your face.
Then, regular maintenance trims at home with a trimmer like the Phillips Multigroom Shaver, following the line set by the professional.
Buy it: Philips MG5730/3 Series 5000 Multigroom Shaver in Black | £49.99 at John Lewis
The Pencil Moustache
As worn by: Pedro Pascal
Why it works
Struggling to grow out that fuller Mr Pringles style moustache? Don’t fear, maybe the Pencil Moustache is your thing instead. (I mean, if Pedro Pascal can work it, why can’t you?). As the name suggests, it looks like a pencil drawing, so is often more suitable for thinner hair textures (otherwise it fills right out).
How to style it
Once the main shape is there, and you’ve out-grown the awkward stage, it's all about keeping it neat and tidy, otherwise a pencil moustache can quickly fall into a pencil-shaving moustache.
Buy it: Harry’s Men's Chrome Edition Razor and Blade | £12 at Boots
The Moustache-Goatee Combo
As seen on: Brad Pitt
Why it works
Like the Beard-Stache, the Moustache-Goatee combination adds a little extra depth to the facial hair if you’re not ready to commit to a full moustache on its own just yet.
How to style it
However, this style does depend entirely on the way that your facial hair grows. Some may just get the chin coverage, and others may get a full soul-patch style, but whatever your growth pattern, it's about keeping the length of the areas the same with a beard trimmer, and keeping the edges neat with a pair of moustache scissors or a razor.
As the style surrounds a sensitive area, a beard and skin oil will keep your hair – and skin – looking lush and hydrated.
Buy it: L'Oreal Men Expert Barber Club Long Beard Skin Oil 30ml | £10.99 at Boots
The Modern Horseshoe Moustache
As seen on: The Weeknd, Bear Grylls
Why it works
You may be familiar with the original Horseshoe Moustache (sometimes referred to as the Handlebar Moustache) from famous faces such as WWE legend Hulk Hogan, but the modern version is slightly more subtle, and gives an up-to-date look without having to commit to the statement of the original. The handlebars reach around past the lips, but you don’t have to reach the full length, and some other facial hair is also welcome.
How to style it
Really the Modern Horseshoe should be relatively easy to maintain. Once you get the desired shape (some help from a professional wouldn’t go amiss here) it's about keeping that moustache in good nick, and preventing any unruliness. A good beard oil and moustache wax should do the trick here.
Buy it: Percy Nobleman's Moustache Wax 20ml | £10 at Boots
The Chevron Moustache
As seen on: David Harbour, Jude Law
Why it works
Like the Walrus Moustache, the Chevron is a full style suitable for most face shapes and hair textures. The key with this one is that gentle sloping growth towards the lip corners, rather than straight down.
How to style it
A moustache comb! (I said it would come up again) This time though, it's about directing the hair growth on a 45-degree angle. Use a trimmer or scissors to keep the edges neat, and a styling moustache wax to direct hairs at first whilst the growth gets used to the new angle.
Buy it: Handmade 73mm Beard and Moustache Comb | £4.50 at Kent Brushes
