If you’re the kind of person who can grow a mustache then maybe you’ve considered growing a handlebar mustache.
Even if you haven’t considered it, you should – it’s quite easy and the payoff will decorate your face handsomely.
Pun intended.
How to Begin your Handlebar Mustache
Step 1: is, obviously, simply deciding to grow a handlebar mustache.
Step 2: might not be so obvious: You need to work out what type of wax you’re going to use.
This is because there are different types of wax for all the different hair types. Stiff wax for thick hair, and soft wax for fine hair. There’s even tinted wax to help you match the color of your facial hair if needed.
Step 3: is another obvious one. You just have to let your mustache grow. How long that will take, you ask?
Well, that depends on a lot of different factors (such as biology) but generally, it’s anywhere from 6 to 12 weeks.
Hey, we said it was easy – not quick.
While it’s growing, don’t give in to the temptation to cut any part of your mustache – you’ll need as much mustache hair as possible to form your handlebar mustache. This is especially important to remember for the hair directly above your lip because that hair needs to be long enough that it can be easily combed into the mustache.
You’ll soon find it annoying to eat certain things like soups or ice-cream. Get used to that. This might be a good time to get into the habit of combing your mustache, especially right before eating.
Speaking of which: as it gets longer you may wish to start grooming it with the wax you chose earlier. This is a good time to experiment as much as possible to find the right wax for you. Try different brands and thicknesses and see what works for you and what doesn’t.
How to Shape your Handlebar Mustache
How do you know if you’ve waited long enough to style your facial hair into a handlebar mustache?
Simple!
Try to wrap the corners of your mustache around your finger. If there’s enough hair there to wrap completely around your finger at least once, it’s probably time.
In fact, if you’ve done that, congratulations – you just began shaping your mustache!
This is where the fun starts.
Do you want a curly handlebar mustache, like an old-timey movie villain? Or a nice thick long one like some sort of modern cowboy? Or perhaps a simple twist at the corners just to keep it manageable?
Once you’ve decided what type of style you want, simply apply wax and mold the handlebar mustache of your choosing.
Maybe you’re already using wax occasionally. Maybe you’re not. In either case, it’s now an everyday part of your regular grooming routine.
How to apply the wax
How to apply the chosen wax depends on the method of storage:
If it’s a stick, gently but firmly drag it across your mustache
If it’s in a tub, simply pinch a small amount and rub it between your finger and thumb to soften it. When it’s soft enough to do so – a little trial and error might be in order – simply apply it to your mustache. Repeat this until your mustache is covered.
Once you’ve done this for the very first time, you need to do what could easily be considered the most important part of this entire process: Go to a mirror and realize how amazing you look right now.
Video shows how to apply mustache wax
And no, we’re not joking. Why bother having a handlebar mustache if you’re not going to take some time out to appreciate it?
Why not tell us about your awesome new face in the comments so that we can share in your joy?
How to Maintain your Handlebar Mustache
Always use the right type of wax for your facial hair type. If you don’t, it can damage your mustache. Sure, you can just grow it back but that takes time and you already have your handlebar mustache so why not just treat it right and avoid having to wait 6-12 weeks again?
Groom as needed. This might seem obvious, but you’ll possibly need to apply wax several times a day to maintain the shape.
If you’re not already, you should now get into in the habit of grooming and waxing your mustache before meals. This can make eating much less annoying.
Also, this probably goes without saying, but wax should be removed during showers and replaced afterward. Unless you’re going directly to bed, of course – the wax can stain your pillowcase.
What type of wax did you end up using? Let us know in the comments!
Issues to be aware of with your handlebar mustache
There are a few things to be aware of that you might not have come across yet.
You’ll lose hairs. This is quite normal and it needn’t bother you. There’s plenty of hair on your face already, and hair grows back anyway – it’s the one thing hair’s good at.
You also have to deal with being mocked by strangers, strangers who have probably never known the joy of brandishing a handlebar mustache. Pity them, for you have access to a pleasure most likely denied to them. That’s probably the source of their mockery: Jealousy, pure and simple.
One last tip: Handlebar mustaches do require maintenance. If you become lax in your handlebar grooming you won’t look rugged – you’ll just end up looking like a walrus.
How to Properly Enjoy your Mustache
Okay, so now you have a handlebar mustache and you maintain it. What now?
Well, now you have a built-in conversation starter.
You also have something that will keep your top lip warm.
But most importantly, and you will exude confidence and reliability.
After all, a man who can grow and maintain a handlebar mustache is a man that carries proof of his patience and attention to detail with him everywhere he goes, is he not?
Did you succeed in growing a handlebar mustache? Or did you perhaps fail spectacularly? Feel free to let us know in the comments!
References:
‘How to Grow a Handlebar Mustache’ from WikiHow
https://www.wikihow.com/Grow-a-Handlebar-Mustache
‘The Basics: How To Grow A Handlebar Mustache’ from Can You Handlebar: