40 Best Handlebar Mustache Styles to Look Sharp

When you are considering growing facial hair, a handlebar mustache is probably on the back of your list as the most complicated option. However, you shouldn’t be afraid of making it. In fact, such a mustache is pretty easy to create. All it needs is some daily styling. Keeping a handlebar neat and stylish will just take a few minutes of your time. But the result will truly be impressive.

Knowing how to style such a mustache is a great skill that’ll help you deal with your facial hair in the future. If you need some inspiration, take a look at some of the most popular handlebar options to make you understand how great your choice really is.

 

Handlebar Mustache History

Although early variations of the handlebar and similar-looking mustaches showed up on depictions of and monuments to the Celts from the Iron Age, the handlebar mustache as we know it today became popularized during the latter half of the 19th century in the United States. It wasn’t dandies or rich, stylish men who made it famous, but iconic characters with handlebar mustaches such as Wild West  Wyatt Earp.

At the same time, European soldiers were sporting the distinctive mo, a trend that lasted all the way up until World War I. The style showed up during the Gay 1890s and the Roaring 1920s, saw a brief surge in the 1970s, and today’s on-point hipster culture is currently giving it a revival.

 

What Does a Handlebar Mustache Look Like?

The handlebar resembles the handlebars of a bicycle, no doubt. In addition to a general neatness and a well-groomed shape, the mustache is characterized by ends that are twisted into a thin line and curled in a fine swirl.

 

How to Grow A Handlebar Mustache the Right Way?

Growing and training are the two most important aspects of nurturing a handlebar mustache. To begin with, let it keep growing. At first, you don’t even want to trim it too much. The style depends on length, at least at the ends.

After a while, as the hairs start to overlap your upper lip, then you’re ready to start thinking about trimming—but don’t do it yet. Before that, keep the scissors and the razor away from your top lip, and start using mustache wax to create more flexibility.

How to Trim & Shape

Trimming a handlebar is tricky, mainly because you shouldn’t—I kind of lied earlier; sorry ’bout it. The trick to this mustache is combing it. Your philtrum is a natural divide and you comb your mustache hair to either side of it. Combed straight down, the hair may brush or even cover your upper lip, but you still shouldn’t cut it. You need it.

The Grooming: 5 Tips

• Leave the Scissors Alone
• Don’t trim it. Don’t. Just don’t.
• Use Beard Oil

Yeah, okay, your mustache is not a beard, but don’t be a pedant, dude. Facial hair is coarse and wiry. A premium beard oil, regularly applied, will keep your mo-hair (haha, see what I did there?) softer and more manageable.

Comb It

Comb it often, comb it lovingly, and comb each side toward its respective cheek. Begin this regimen as soon as your ‘stache is long enough to comb.

Train It

You should train the mustache hair to lie in the direction(s) you choose. You also want to train the ends by twisting them as your mustache grows longer.

Use Wax

Lastly, always style your ‘stache with wax made for facial hair. That’s how you get the signature curls at the ends.

 

How to Curl a Handlebar Mustache?

Curling your handlebar is easy. You don’t need any styling tools beyond a comb and some mustache wax. First, comb your mustache on each side. The ends should point toward either cheek. Using just your fingertips at first, tweeze your ‘stache between your fingers and, when you reach the end, give them a twist. Next, lightly coat your fingers with mustache wax and repeat, this time using the wax to curl the ends.

How to Trim a Handlebar Mustache?

Don’t listen to anyone who advises not to trim the handlebar mustache. You should trim the mustache to make it look like a planned and desired one. But make sure that you are not trimming the edges where the mustache will curl up to resemble a handlebar. Trim the other parts of the mustache. Trim it when it’s clean and doesn’t have any sort of wax or mustache products applied to it. Comb the mustache to one way and trim anything that looks like straggling hair.

Another important thing is making sure that the mustache is not getting into the mouth. This is very annoying. Trim the mustache that grows down the lipline because you don’t need that for a handlebar mustache. Some people want to trim the mustache frequently, that’s the wrong idea. Trim it once a week for a better result.

Fashionable Handlebar Mustaches

A handlebar mustache is something many men dream about. Remember, that in order to sport the most stylish handlebar, you need to grow a pretty long mustache.

Allow your hair to grow for a while even if it looks a little unkempt. You will have to sacrifice your neat appearance for about 6 weeks in order to get a perfect result.

Brush your mustache while you are growing it. It will help your hair “get used” to a special shape. Use special mustache wax to twist and shape your new handlebar.

1. Handlebar mustache with a stubble

A good way to outline your handlebar mustache will be to contrast it with stubble and an undercut. The less hair you will have around it, the more interesting and impressive the mustache will look. You can even consider shaving your beard altogether.

2. High ends

The ends of a handlebar mustache leave a lot of room for your imagination. The longer they are, the more experiments you can make. One of the options is to use some wax to shape the ends upwards and make them as high as you possibly can.

Related Topics:

• How to grow a handlebar mustache
• The Best Mustache Styles to Try in 2024

3. Asymmetrical handlebar

Did you think that looking modern is impossible with a handlebar? You were wrong. Consider creating an asymmetrical mustache by making one of the sides lower than the other. Just make sure the hair is very neat. Otherwise, the asymmetry will be considered messy.

4. Separated handlebar mustache

A very special way to create a mustache would be to separate it in the middle. This is not an easy job since it requires a lot of precision. Make sure not to overdo the spacing, otherwise, you will end up shaving the whole mustache off.

5. Handlebar with a chin curtain

Growing the right beard is vital for making your handlebar mustache look impressive. If you overdo the fullness, then the mustache will be lost. If you make it too messy then the neatness of the mustache will be useless. Consider a neat chin curtain to suit your handlebar.

6. Silver handlebar

If you have gray hair, it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy all the wonderful mustache options. Remember, it’s very important to keep all your facial hair very neat. Men with messy silver hair look a little out of whack.. or a lot…

7. Bushy handlebar with a chinstrap

Another way to make your mustache look even more impressive is to contrast it with a chinstrap. In order to do that, you’ll have to grow a rather bushy handlebar and cut your chinstrap pretty short. The contrast will look fantastic!

8. Handlebar and a Balbo

If you are brave enough to sport a handlebar mustache, you can go even further and grow a Balbo beard. These two facial hairstyles look wonderful together and make you appear extremely fashionable. Give it a try and you won’t regret it.

9. Natural handlebar

If you learn how to brush your mustache the right way, you can minimize the use of different mustache products. The mustache will naturally curl where you want it to if you do a good job shaping it on a regular basis.

10. Thick and full

If you are into thick facial hairstyles, you will love this option. If your hair is thick enough, this handlebar mustache will require little to no styling. However, keeping it and the full beard neat will require some dedication.

11. Well-cut handlebar

When you take care of your handlebar, you will need to choose the length. Once you know how short it will be, you have learned how to cut it. A well-cut handlebar is absolutely imperative for a neat and solid image. If you are just starting out, you can ask your barber for some help.

12. Low handlebar

There are many different ways to style a handlebar mustache. One of them is to make the curls low. This is good for long and thick mustaches that naturally fall down due to the weight of the hair. Let the mustache hang low and curl up just the very tips.

13. 90-degree handlebar

If you want your handlebar to look really impressive, consider styling the two sides into a 90-degree angle. This mustache is a little hard to take care of and it might be annoying at first since it covers a big part of the mouth. But in the end, you will be glad you got it.

14. Modern handlebars

Some modern men make a choice toward fully eliminating the twisted part of the handlebar. They follow all the growing instructions but forget about the styling. Such mustache can also look solid but the zest is gone.

15. Classical handlebar

This is a good handlebar mustache to start with. It is not too long and will not cover your mouth. This will make it easier to wear and to style. The twisted ends are also not too long or high. You can compensate for the neatness of the classics by adding some modern accessories.

16. Leveled ends

If you want to really stand out from the crowd, come up with your own way to style the ends of the handlebar. Consider making them leveled, not curly or shape them upwards. As long as your imagination works, anything goes.

17. Slight twist

If you are not into wild options but still want to add a little zest to your image, you can slightly twist the ends of your mustache. This will not be a classical handlebar but it will still make some heads turn your way.

18. Acute angle

If you like when the mustache covers your mouth, you can opt for an acute angle. In order to achieve this, you will need to spend some more time growing your facial hair. The ends can be either twisted up or leveled.

19. Thin handlebar

While a classical handlebar mustache is much longer than the one on the photo, this option is also very interesting. Thin mustaches are considered more modern so this one can be a great choice for young men who love fashion.

20. Romantic handlebar

If you want a handlebar to have a romantic look, you need to think about the rest of your hair. Grow long locks and a full beard so your handlebar will get an amazing company. Remember, the longer the hair, the beard, and the mustache are, the harder it is to maintain them.

21. Extreme Curl

This dude is doin’ the damn thing. From the ‘stache to the glasses, he’s a vintage player. Peep that tie, too—fits right in with the facial flair.

22. A Thin Wisp

Granted, this looks a bit like a vintage villain’s mo, but sometimes thinner is on point. You don’t need a long, thick brush to create the handlebar curl.

23. With a Goatee

The addition of a goatee is a foolproof way to make your handlebar mustache appear more modern. You have to admire the thin twist at the ends, as well. That’s precision, man.

24. With a Soul Patch

The ‘stache pictured here is literal hipster perfection. The stubble softens the edges of the soul patch and the way the mustache curls is flawless. Dig that bow tie, too, boyo.

25. Full and Thick

Here’s a virile mustache for you. The handlebar is subtle, but the shape is fire. Seriously, this is honestly kind of beautiful.

Recommended Mustache Wax for Handlebar

Mustache wax has no alternative when it comes to styling a handlebar mustache. No other product can guide the mustache to the targeted way except mustache wax. You can get an in-depth analysis of it in our article the best mustache wax.

The best mustache wax we recommend to take good care of your mustache is the ‘Firehouse Moustache Wax‘. If you are confused, read the reviews and you’ll understand it’s the best right now.

FAQs on Handlebar Mustache

Can everyone grow a handlebar mustache?

Not everyone actually. One must have a healthy amount of facial hair to get this sort of mustache. Anyone having a decent amount of facial hair in the mustache area can grow a handlebar mustache.

Which artist is famous for handlebar mustache?

According to a survey reported by The Daily Telegraph, the famous Surrealist artist Salvador Dali is the most popular for his unique handlebar mustache.

Where did the handlebar mustache originate?

Handlebar mustache first came into the limelight in the later part of the 19th century. Though no specific year is recorded, the possible originating year might be 1972.

How to curl a handlebar mustache?

Using mustache wax is the most efficient way while curling up the handlebar mustache. One can curl it by applying wax to the edges and guiding it upward to make it look like a handlebar.

We hope these options gave you the inspiration you needed to start growing a mustache. Do you know what the best part about it is? You can always shave it off if you don’t like it. Allow yourself to experiment and your life will become much brighter!