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Grow a Handlebar Mustache: Tips for Trimming, Styling, and Taming (2024)

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Are you looking for the perfect way to channel your inner hero? To show off a commanding presence and become an object of envy? Look no further than the handlebar mustache.

This style, made famous by historic figures such as William Howard Taft, Wyatt Earp, and Buffalo Bill, has been resurrected in recent years—and it’s about time! It takes patience and commitment to grow a glorious handlebar ‘stache, but with our tips, you can be on your way to mastering this powerful look.

From learning how to trim it correctly so that each hair is perfectly positioned, waxing like a pro, or even training those stubborn hairs into shape – we have all the advice needed for creating a magnificent masterpiece right here.

So come join us as we explore what makes this classic facial hairstyle so special – let’s get started!

Key Takeaways

how to shave a handlebar mustache

  • To achieve the look of a handlebar mustache, allow your mustache to grow out fully and then trim it into shape.
  • Applying wax with a good hold is essential for styling a handlebar mustache, and using boar’s hair brushes can help spread the product for even distribution.
  • Proper care, including regular shampooing, trimming, and styling, is necessary for achieving the timeless classic look of a handlebar mustache.
  • When trimming a handlebar mustache, it’s important to divide the hair into three sections, use a comb to spread wax evenly, and use rollie fingers for a smooth transition from shorter hair near the middle of the lips towards longer ends.

What is a Handlebar Mustache?

What is a Handlebar Mustache?
You can show off your badass style and individuality with a handlebar mustache, which has been popular since the 19th century! Handlebars are the king of all mustache styles and were famously sported by figures such as William Howard Taft, Wyatt Earp, Buffalo Bill, and Kurt Russell.

It takes dedication to maintain this style of facial hair properly; however, it pays off when done right. There are multiple different styles ranging from The Handlebar Mustache to The Hungarian Mustache.

After training your mustache with hot air blow-drying, using a beard comb or brush for directionality is important for proper styling, along with applying wax evenly throughout your ‘stache so that no clumps appear in awkward places once cooled down.

How to Grow a Handlebar Mustache

How to Grow a Handlebar Mustache
You’ve chosen the traditional handlebar mustache – a style that’s been popular since the 19th century! With patience and dedication, you can master this timeless look.

First, let your mustache grow out fully so that it’s long enough to trim into shape. Once it’s trained with hot air blow-drying and combed for directionality, apply wax evenly throughout your mustache, then curl each handle up towards its respective side until they’re even in length.

Here are some tips to help you get there:

  • Use facial hair shampoo before trimming or styling.
  • Target hairs closest to your nostrils, leaving a small separation.
  • Cut away any rogue members until everything appears even.
  • Buzz off strands that reach your lips.
  • Avoid twisting too tight as it risks breaking strand ends.

Keep at it, and soon enough, you’ll be able to show off an impressive imperial handlebar mustache like those of William Howard Taft, Wyatt Earp, or Buffalo Bill! With proper essentials such as waxes, brushes, and combs, plus creative shaping skills, power and confidence will surely follow suit when done properly!

How to Trim a Handlebar Mustache

How to Trim a Handlebar Mustache
Trimming your handlebar mustache requires the right tools and technique. Begin by dividing your hair into three sections: left, middle, and right. To create a classic handlebar look, use a trusty comb to spread wax evenly throughout the mustache.

Apply heat with a blow dryer for shape training, allowing you to have full control of its directionality. Use beard brushes or combs for pushing short hairs up and outwards from the center point of reference.

Make sure that when applying wax, it is warm enough to be malleable but not hot enough to cause irritation on contact with the skin. With care in mind, delicately trim away rogue members while maintaining an even length across both handles until finished.

How to Style a Handlebar Mustache

How to Style a Handlebar Mustache
Shaping your handlebar mustache is no easy task, but with a few simple steps and the right tools, you can achieve this timeless look.

Training your mustache involves applying hot air from a blow dryer and using either a beard brush or comb to help form the desired shape.

The next step is properly applying wax – make sure it’s warm enough to be malleable yet not too hot that it causes irritation on contact with the skin!

Lastly, curl those handles inwards for an iconic handlebar ‘stache by pressing down gently on each side until they hold their shape.

With patience and commitment, you’ll soon be able to sport this signature style!

Training Your Mustache

To make sure you get the perfect handlebar mustache, training your ‘stache is an important step. Start by using a beard comb to evenly spread some wax through the hairs. Use heat from a blow dryer for shape-training.

Push short hairs up with a beard brush or comb to achieve that unique class of mustache style desired. Wax needs to be malleable enough when applied but not too hot as it may cause irritation on contact with the skin.

Proper care must also be taken so that it looks its best. Regular shampooing, trimming, and styling are all essential steps in achieving this timeless classic look.

Applying Wax

Make sure the wax is malleable between your fingers before you apply it to your mustache for a smooth, even finish. To get this right, scrape off a small amount of wax with a fingernail, warm it up in your hands, and use a brush or comb to spread the wax evenly throughout the ‘stache.

Finally, shape it into pointy handles. Proper essentials are key when styling handlebar mustaches. Heat application helps train hairs, while controlling temperature ensures proper scraping and applying of mustache wax.

Curling Your Mustache

Once your wax is in place, it’s time to perfect those handlebar curls! Use effective brushing and shaping skills to create the desired shape. A moisturizing wax will help hold the style without making it look greasy. When trimming, use a cutting technique that maintains trimmed edges while keeping the corners of the mouth free of hair.

To Trim or Not to Trim? That is the Question

To Trim or Not to Trim? That is the Question
Deciding whether to trim your handlebar mustache can be a daunting task. Should you keep it wild or tame the beast? If you’re considering taking scissors to that majestic upper lip forest, then knowing proper trimming etiquette is essential.

Handlebar mustaches require frequent maintenance and care if they are going to reach their full potential.

When it comes down to choosing between keeping your hair long or opting for a tinier version of the style, consider why you want those handles. Is it because of its iconic look which has been around since the 19th century? Or do you simply want something more manageable? Either way, there’s no need for worry.

How Do You Train and Tame Your Handlebar Mustache?

How Do You Train and Tame Your Handlebar Mustache?
You can channel your inner 19th-century fop by training and taming your ‘stache with a bit of hot air, wax, combing, and curling.

Start off by using heat styling to help shape the mustache hairs. Applying warm air from a blow dryer will make it much easier for you to form those handlebars into their iconic shape-of-push-bike handles look.

Next up is Mustache Waxing. Scrape off some wax with your fingernail, then warm it between both hands before evenly spreading it across the entire mustache. Then use a boar’s hair Beard Brush or Comb to properly brush through as well as style each side separately towards its respective direction (left/right).

Finally, take care when trimming. Buzz away any strands that fall too close to touching lips, then delicately cut away rogue members until everything appears even.

Remember these tips: Use quality trim scissors/clippers, target nostril area hairs, and leave small separation in between them.

An Excerpt From the Trimming Bible

An Excerpt From the Trimming Bible
Letting your inner 19th-century fop shine through takes skill and grace. Master the art of trimming your handlebar mustache with finesse! To get the enviable classic Handlebar Mustache look, there are a few waxing techniques, styling tips, grooming advice, and mustache maintenance you should consider.

You’ll need quality trim scissors or clippers to begin with. Target those hairs closest to your nostrils, but be sure not to cut too close as this will risk eternity of the upper lip! Apply wax pre-trim so that you can properly judge what needs cutting away before using rollie fingers for a smooth transition from shorter hair near the middle of lips towards longer ends.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long does it take to grow a handlebar mustache?

It typically takes four to six months for a handlebar mustache to reach its full length. Regular trimming and maintenance are necessary to ensure the best styling results.

What is the difference between a handlebar and an imperial mustache?

The handlebar mustache is thicker and more voluminous than the imperial, with pointed ends. It requires regular trimming to keep it looking neat, while an imperial simply needs a bit of wax or balm for styling.

What type of wax is best for styling a handlebar mustache?

For styling a handlebar mustache, wax with a good hold is best. Choose one that melts easily between your fingers and can be applied evenly.

What are the benefits of having a handlebar mustache?

Having a handlebar mustache gives you an air of power, confidence, and individuality.

What is the proper technique for curling a handlebar mustache?

To properly curl a handlebar mustache, you need to undergo training, apply wax, and curl it. Begin by using a blow dryer to shape your mustache, then warm up the wax and spread it evenly using a brush or comb.

Finally, use your thumb and index finger to create an even point for each handlebar and lift one up to trim any hair beneath it.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You’ve made it this far and now you know how to grow, trim, and style a handlebar mustache. With the right grooming and trimming techniques, you can create an impressive handlebar mustache that shows off your confidence and individuality.

Are you ready to take your handlebar mustache styling skills to the next level? With practice and dedication, you’ll become a master of the handlebar mustache in no time. So, go forth and proudly wear your handlebar mustache with the knowledge that you can handle any mustache-related challenge that comes your way.

Avatar for Mutasim Sweileh

Mutasim Sweileh

Mutasim is a published author and software engineer and beard care expert from the US. To date, he has helped thousands of men make their beards look better and get fatter. His work has been mentioned in countless notable publications on men's care and style and has been cited in Seeker, Wikihow, GQ, TED, and Buzzfeed.