How to Trim a Mustache: Scissors vs. Trimmers Guide

Knowing how to trim a mustache is essential to maintain a neat and stylish appearance. As there are so many tools and techniques available for trimming your mustache, it can be challenging to know where to start.

Scissors, a trimmer, or clippers, which tool do you have? How should you trim your mustache with each one? If these questions are on your mind, this comprehensive guide on how to trim your mustache will clear up the confusion.

We will cover each of the tools and techniques you can use, including how to trim your mustache with scissors, a trimmer, or clippers.

How to Trim Your Mustache

With the right tools and techniques, you can rock any mustache style you desire by following these 6 simple steps:

Step 1: Choose Your Mustache Style

Deciding on a mustache style is essential for a successful trim. To decide on a mustache style, follow these guidelines:

• Analyze your mustache’s shape, growth pattern, length, and thickness.
• Consider the style you wish to achieve and how it complements your face shape.

Three popular styles to consider:

Walrus Mustache: This style features a thick, bushy mustache that droops over the upper lip. It is a bold, classic look. If you prefer a neater, close-trimmed option, consider a Chevron instead.

Handlebar Mustache: A handlebar mustache is characterized by its long, curled ends that are twisted upward. This style requires more maintenance but can make a bold statement.

Chevron Mustache: The chevron mustache is a thick, wide mustache that covers the entire upper lip. This style is ideal for those with naturally thick facial hair.

Step 2: Gather Your Tools and Prepare Properly

Essential tools include a fine-tooth beard comb, sharp facial hair scissors, an electric trimmer or clippers, and a mirror. Make sure your mustache is clean and free of dirt. If you have washed it, wait for it to dry first.

Step 3: Analyze Your Preferred Mustache Style Length

If you cut your mustache shorter than your preferred style, you will have no way to reverse the process. Before starting, be sure of the length of your desired style.

Step 4: Comb and Trim Your Mustache

Comb your mustache downward to help straighten the hairs. This exposes stray hairs and split ends so you can easily and precisely snip them away. Then trim the outside edges of the mustache first.

You can also use a white barber pencil to outline the edges before cutting for better symmetry. Slowly trim the mustache under your nose and along the upper lip. Always trim your facial hair dry to avoid cutting off more than you intended.

Step 5: Thin Out Your Mustache if Needed

If your mustache looks too bushy, thin it out carefully. Comb your mustache downward, then lift small sections slightly with a fine-tooth mustache comb and snip only the hairs that extend past the comb.

Step 6: Style Your Mustache

If you want to define your mustache more, use a few drops of beard oil to add moisture to the skin beneath. To create a twisted-up look or add hold, use a specialized mustache wax. Stick to products made for facial hair around the mouth, as generic scalp styling products may irritate the skin and clog pores in this area.

That’s it. You have successfully trimmed your mustache.

How To Trim Your Mustache With Scissors

Trimming your mustache with scissors is a cost-effective and efficient way to style your mustache. From choosing the right pair of scissors to perfecting the final touches, here is your step-by-step guide for trimming your mustache with scissors:

1. Choose the Right Scissors

• Use small, sharp, straight-edged scissors designed for facial hair.
• Avoid using kitchen or craft scissors.

2. Prepare your mustache

• Clean your face and mustache with warm water and a mild cleanser.
• Dry your mustache thoroughly with a towel.
• Comb your mustache in the direction of its natural growth.

3. Trim the mustache with scissors

• Start with a clean, completely dry mustache.
• Comb your mustache downward to remove tangles and show the true shape.
• Use sharp facial hair scissors and trim a little at a time.
• Trim along the lip line first, then snip any stray hairs that stick past your outline.
• Check both sides in the mirror often to keep the shape even.

Don’ts:

• Don’t use dull or oversized household scissors.
• Don’t trim a wet mustache, as it may look longer than it really is.
• Don’t cut straight into the bulk of the mustache without combing it into place first.
• Don’t remove too much at once, because you can always trim more later.

How To Trim Your Mustache With a Trimmer

Electric trimmers are the best tool for speed, even bulk removal, and clean lines. They work especially well for shorter, denser mustache styles like the Chevron or beardstache, where you want a controlled shape and a uniform length.

1. Choose the Right Guard Size

Always start with a longer guard than you think you need. A #3 or #4 is a safer starting point for many men because you can always go shorter on the next pass. You cannot put the hair back once you cut it too short.

2. Remove Bulk and Establish Uniform Length

Comb the mustache hairs downward first so they sit in their natural position. Then run the trimmer downward, with the grain, to reduce bulk and clean up flyaways while keeping the hair flat. If you want a much closer crop, you can make a careful pass upward against the grain, but do this slowly because it removes more hair and can create patchy spots if you rush.

3. Define the Lip Line (The Bare Blade Technique)

Remove the guard so the bare blade is exposed. Hold the trimmer so the teeth face the skin, then gently tap and pull the blade just above the top lip to clean the line. Keep your mouth relaxed while you do this. If you pull your lips down too hard while trimming, the line can end up sitting too high once your face relaxes again.

Scissors vs. Trimmers: Which Should You Choose?

Neither tool is automatically better. The right choice depends on the mustache style you want, your hair texture, and how comfortable you are with grooming at home.

When to Use Scissors

Scissors are best for longer, flowing styles like the Handlebar or Walrus and for coarse hairs that need precise detail work. They let you trim small sections at a time, which gives you more control and makes it less likely that you will remove too much. They are also ideal for snipping individual stray hairs around the lip line and the corners of the mouth.

When to Use a Trimmer

A trimmer is best for shorter, more structured mustache styles like the Chevron or Pencil mustache. It is faster, makes it easier to maintain an even length across the whole mustache, and helps create crisp boundary lines around the lip and outer edges.

The Master Barber Verdict: Use Both

The best grooming routine often uses both tools. Use a trimmer with a guard to remove heavy bulk quickly. Use the bare trimmer blade to clean the lip line and outer edges. Then finish with facial hair scissors to snip the last stray hairs and detail the corners for a cleaner final shape.

FAQs

1. How often should I trim my mustache?

It depends on the length of your mustache style and the growth of your facial hair. As a general rule, a light maintenance trim every 1 to 2 weeks is ideal, though shorter, more precise styles may need weekly touch-ups to maintain your mustache.

2. Should I trim my mustache while growing a beard?

Yes, you can trim your mustache while letting your beard grow. Keeping the lip line neat prevents hair from getting into your mouth while the rest of your beard catches up in length.

3. Can I trim a mustache with a razor?

You can use a razor to clean the edges around your mustache, but not to control the length of the mustache itself. Use scissors or a trimmer with a guard to reduce length, then use a razor only for the surrounding stubble and sharp outlines.

4. Does trimming make mustache grow faster?

Trimming your mustache does not make it grow faster. Regular trimming can help maintain a neat appearance and remove split ends, which can otherwise lead to breakage and make the mustache look thinner.

That is everything you need to know about trimming a mustache. Remember to take your time, go slowly, and be patient with yourself.