Some mustaches grow in like they were drawn on; most grow in with opinions of their own — hairs splitting over the lip, kicking sideways, refusing the part.
Training fixes that. With a comb, a little wax, and a few weeks of consistency, you can teach your mustache to grow exactly where you want it. Here’s how, in six easy steps.
Factors That Influence Mustache Growth Direction
Several factors can influence the direction your mustache grows.
- Genetics: The natural growth direction of your mustache is largely determined by genetics. The texture, density, and pattern of your facial hair often run in the family.
- Mustache hair follicle shape: The shape of your hair follicles can affect the direction and pattern of mustache growth. Round follicles tend to grow straight hair. Oval follicles often produce wavy hair. Elliptical follicles usually create curlier growth.
- Length and texture: Mustache hair length and texture both matter. Longer facial hair tends to curl more than shorter hair, and coarse hair is usually harder to train.
- Grooming habits: Daily grooming can slowly influence your mustache growth direction. Regularly combing or brushing the hairs in one direction helps train them to follow that path over time.
- Use of styling products: Products like mustache wax or beard balm help set the hairs in place. They add hold and structure, which makes training much easier.
- Sleeping habits: The way you sleep can also affect your mustache. Repeated pressure on one side may push the hairs into a stubborn direction over time.
Preparing for Mustache Training
Just like training your beard, you need to set yourself up properly before you start training your mustache.
Choose A Mustache Style
Before you begin training, decide what kind of mustache you want. Your routine will depend on the shape you are trying to create. Popular options include:
- Handlebar Mustache
- Dali Mustache
- French Mustache
Gather Essential Tools
Once you know the style you want, gather the tools that will help you shape and maintain it. These may include:
- Beard comb or mustache brush
- Short scissors
- Detail trimmer
- Mustache Wax
- Straightener (optional)
Steps to Train Your Mustache
Now that you’ve chosen your desired mustache style and gathered the essential tools, it’s time to start training it.
Step 1: Keep It Clean and Healthy
Maintaining a clean, healthy mustache is crucial for effective training. Wash it regularly with a beard cleanser or beard conditioner made for facial hair.
A clean mustache is easier to manage, easier to style, and less likely to become dry or unruly.
Step 2: Comb and Brush Regularly
Build a daily habit of combing or brushing your mustache. This helps tame the hairs and trains them to grow in the direction you want. A fine-toothed beard comb or a small mustache brush usually gives the best results.
Step 3: Apply Mustache Wax
Mustache wax gives you the hold and structure needed to shape your mustache into your preferred style. Warm a small amount between your fingers, then spread it evenly through the hairs.
After that, use a beard comb or brush to guide the hairs into the direction you want them to stay.
Step 4: Trim and Shape
Regularly trim your mustache to maintain your chosen style. Use short scissors or a detail trimmer for precision work. Be careful not to cut too much at once, since it is always easier to remove more hair later than to fix an over-trimmed mustache.
Step 5: Use a Straightener (Optional)
If you have especially stubborn mustache hairs, a mini beard straightener can help train them into place. Use a heat protectant first and apply heat gently so you do not damage the hair shaft.
Step 6: Stay Consistent With Your Beard Care Routine
Training a mustache takes time and patience, so stay consistent with your routine and give the hair time to adapt. If you keep at it, you will gradually notice the hairs growing in the direction you want.