The English mustache is sort of reminiscent of the Dali mustache but the curve is less dramatic. A true English mustache will also be divided in the center, which may force those with extremely full mustaches to do some trimming.
This mustache is also tight and narrow so don’t hesitate to cut your mustache down a bit if you have to.
What is An English Mustache?
The English mustache is a refined, old-world style built on two defining rules: narrow width and serious length. The hairs grow strictly above the upper lip, split cleanly at the center, and extend outward past the corners of the mouth, often finishing with a slight upward drift at each tip.
Work a firm mustache wax into the hair daily to lock that structure in place and keep the tips from drooping. Think Victorian gentleman, think Edwardian explorer. The whole vibe is controlled, distinguished, and unmistakably vintage.
How to Style The English Mustache
Styling the English mustache isn’t complicated, but it does reward consistency. Grab a fine-tooth comb, a quality mustache wax, and a detail trimmer, and you’re already most of the way there.
The Goal
Length is everything here. You want the mustache to stay narrow along the upper lip and taper cleanly to a point at each end, extending straight outward rather than curling up or drooping down. Unlike the handlebar mustache, there’s no dramatic upswing.
The shape stays horizontal, controlled, and precise. Traditionally, the rest of the face is clean-shaven to let the mustache command full attention. That said, plenty of guys today pair this mustache style with light stubble or a short beard without losing any of the character.
Styling the Mustache
Start training your mustache the moment the hairs are long enough to comb. Early training means less fighting with the hair later. Work through each step below consistently and you will find it easier to arrange the hairs into the shape you want.
- Work the hair as it grows: Once the hairs are long enough to comb, start combing it every day. Comb the hairs down and to the side, parting your mustache in the center. Once your hairs get a bit longer, you can start twisting and twirling the ends into a point.
- Massage wax into your mustache: Once the mustache starts to take shape, work mustache wax thoroughly into the hair while shaping it. Use a firm-hold, professional-grade wax to prevent drooping at the tips. Layer additional product if your hair is particularly coarse or resistant.
- Form straight points: Relatives of this style might curve upward or loop dramatically, but the English mustache keeps its points shooting straight out horizontally. Gently shape each end until the tips are tight, straight, and locked in position.
- Comb and wax regularly: Daily combing and waxing is non-negotiable for maintaining this look. The goal is to train the bristles to lie consistently toward the corners of the mouth, reinforcing the shape every single day.
- Shampoo your mustache: Wash the mustache regularly with a beard cleanser to keep the hair healthy and product buildup from weighing the tips down. Always undo the twist before washing so you can clean the hair thoroughly from root to tip.
Variations of the English Mustache
No two English mustaches are identical, and that’s part of the appeal. Some guys keep it razor-thin and sleek, while others let the body build up through the center and taper aggressively toward the ends for a fuller, more dramatic look.
Push it further by training the tips into a gentle upward curl, and you’re edging into Salvador Dali territory. The English mustache gives you a solid foundation to experiment from, whether you want understated elegance or full-on theatrical flair.
Who Should Try an English Mustache?
The English mustache suits men who want a strong facial hair statement without committing to a full beard. Its narrow, elongated shape extending outward from a clean center part works best when the rest of the face is either clean-shaven or kept at a very low stubble level, letting the mustache own the frame entirely.
A few specific situations where this style genuinely delivers:
- Individuals with Defined Facial Features: Sharp cheekbones and a strong jawline pair naturally with the linear, streamlined shape of an English mustache. The horizontal extension of the tips echoes and reinforces that angular bone structure without competing with it.
- People Seeking a Distinguished Look: Few mustache styles carry the same weight of refinement and quiet authority as this one. If your goal is to project composure and a certain old-world poise, the English mustache does that work with ease.
- Thin-Lipped Individuals: Men with thinner lips get a real benefit here. The mustache adds visual prominence to the upper lip area, giving the mouth more presence on the face without overwhelming it or pulling focus too far downward.
- Professionals in Formal Settings: A well-maintained English mustache carries a polished, urbane presence that holds up in boardrooms, client meetings, and any setting where first impressions count.
- Those with Enough Length Along the Lip: The style needs enough mustache length to extend beyond the mouth corners. Fine or wavy hair can still be shaped, though the fullness and hold will vary. Work with the hair you have and build the tips gradually instead of trimming them back too early.
- Enthusiasts of Vintage Fashion: The English mustache peaked in the early 20th century and never really left. If your wardrobe leans toward heritage tailoring or retro aesthetics, this style slots right in.
- Adventurous Grooming Aficionados: Not every guy is willing to commit to a bold, less common mustache style. If you enjoy pushing your grooming game past the standard chevron or stubble, the English mustache is a classic yet daring move worth making.
