How to Curl Your Mustache in 4 Easy Steps

Maybe you’re a mustache fan looking to do something new with your old ‘stache. Maybe you’re a proud hipster embracing the subculture’s obsession with making old styles new again. Maybe you just have a fanatical love for Salvador Dali and insanely curly ‘staches.

There are plenty of reasons why you might want to take this classic mustache style and make it your own. That being said, curling your mustache is easier said than done. To the surprise of no one, it takes quite a bit of work to pull this style off.

Whether you’re looking for curls as subtle as Marcel Proust’s literary and facial hairstyle, or one with more curves than Rollie Finger’s legendary curveball and ‘stache, here’s a quick look at how to curl a mustache.

1. Comb Mustache Hair Downward

Ironically, the first move toward a curled handlebar mustache is straightening everything out. Grab a beard comb, some water, and your mustache wax or gel, then plant yourself in front of a mirror.

Comb the mustache hair straight downward, then work half to one side and half to the other, building a clean, natural center part. Keep going until that part holds firm on its own before moving to the next step.

2. Do it Thoroughly

Symmetry is everything with a handlebar mustache, so take your time here. Hold one half of your mustache firmly in place with one hand while combing out the other.

When working the right side, pin down the left half so it doesn’t shift while you direct the right side outward. You’re not shaping any curl yet, just training the hair to lie cleanly in opposite directions.

Once one side is set, carefully repeat on the other, making sure you don’t disturb the half you just finished.

3. Apply Mustache Wax or Gel

Now the real work begins. Scoop a small amount of mustache wax or gel onto your finger and thumb, and gently work it into the first side of your mustache from root to tip. Less is more here since these products are concentrated and a little goes a long way.

Once the first side is coated and holding its direction, move to the other side with a fresh amount of product. Keep the already-treated half pinned so you don’t undo your work.

4. Create Curls

Here’s where the handlebar mustache finally comes to life. What you use to form the curl depends entirely on how dramatic you want to go. A pencil works perfectly for tight, modest curls, while a larger dowel or dedicated mustache curler gives you those sweeping, theatrical points.

Press your chosen tool against the waxed mustache tip and hold it steady for at least 10 seconds without shifting. Repeat on the other side, matching the curl direction and tension as closely as possible to keep both sides balanced and symmetrical.

Watch the Following Video on How to Curl Mustache