Skip to Content

Types of Mustaches: a Complete Guide for Every Face Shape & Style (2024)

This site is supported by our readers. We may earn a commission, at no cost to you, if you purchase through links.

types of mustachesDive into the hairy world of self-expression with our guide to types of mustaches, tailored to fit every face shape and style like a glove.

Whether you’re aiming for a dapper Chevron or a daring Handlebar, your upper lip can become the canvas for a facial hair masterpiece.

Let’s shape your identity with a twist of humor and a dash of style, ensuring your ‘stache makes the perfect statement.

Ready to whisker your way to greatness?

Key Takeaways

  • Mustaches have a rich history and have been a key player in defining eras and personalities, with each style reflecting a certain class, social status, or trend.
  • Determining one’s face shape is crucial before choosing a mustache style, as different styles complement different facial structures, enhancing or balancing facial features.
  • Classic mustache styles like the Chevron, Walrus, and Painter’s Brush have stood the test of time, each catering to different maintenance levels and aesthetic preferences.
  • The Handlebar mustache comes in variations such as the Traditional, Petite, and English, each requiring different levels of grooming and offering a unique look that can be tailored to individual tastes.

Understanding Mustache Styles

Understanding Mustache Styles
Understanding mustache styles isn’t just about slapping some hair above your lip and calling it a day. It’s a nod to a rich mustache history, a tip of the hat to cultural significance, and a personal statement rolled into one.

Whether you’re waxing poetic about waxing techniques or pairing your ‘stache with a beard to create a dapper duo, your facial hair speaks volumes.

Mustache styles have evolved, becoming a key player in facial hair trends. From the classic handlebar that screams vintage cool to the sleek pencil mustache whispering understated charm, there’s a style for every face shape.

And let’s not forget the types of mustaches that have defined eras and personalities – the bushy walrus of the 70s, the daring Fu Manchu, or the refined Chevron.

Choosing the right mustache type is like picking the perfect accessory; it can make or break your look. So, whether you’re aiming for a mustache-beard combo that’s the envy of lumberjacks everywhere or a solo ‘stache that’ll have admirers doing a double-take, remember: your mustache, your rules.

Just keep it groomed, keep it classy, and maybe, just maybe, you’ll be the next trendsetter in the mustache hall of fame.

Determining Your Face Shape

Determining Your Face Shape
Alright, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of figuring out your face shape, because let’s face it, that mug of yours is the canvas for your mustache masterpiece. First off, grab a tape measure because we’re about to get up close and personal with your facial geography.

Start by measuring the width of your forehead at its widest point. Jot that number down. Next, scope out those cheekbones. Measure the widest part, typically just below the eyes. Got it? Good. Now, let’s talk jawline – measure from the tip of your chin to the point below your ear where your jaw angles upwards.

Now, stand back and take a look. If your forehead, cheekbones, and jawline form an equal-opportunity partnership in width, you’re rocking a square face shape. If your face gently tapers from your forehead to your jaw, forming a lovely egg shape, you’re the proud owner of an oval face shape.

Mustache Styles for Every Face Shape

Mustache Styles for Every Face Shape
Your face shape plays a pivotal role in selecting the perfect mustache style.

Whether you have an oval, square, round, or diamond face, there’s a mustache that will complement your features.

Oval

If you’re sporting an oval face shape, you’ve hit the mustache jackpot! Almost any style, from a laid-back natural ‘stache to a dapper handlebar, will complement your features.

Fancy a pencil-thin or a villainous Fu Manchu? Go for it—your versatile shape is the perfect canvas for mustache mastery.

Square

Moving from the oval to the square face shape, you’ve got a jawline that’s sharp enough to cut glass.

  • Embrace the bold Chevron
  • Tame with mustache grooming products
  • Snip strays with beard trimming scissors
  • Look to Handlebar for twisty mustache inspiration

Round

After squaring away the square face with a Chevron or Walrus, let’s roll into the round face territory.

Fancy a Fu Manchu or a stubble ‘stache to break the curve? Keep it small or go bushy—trim and groom to perfection.

Diamond

If you’re rocking a diamond-shaped face, think sculpted mustache with a goatee combo for a sharp look.

A pencil-thin mustache or a bold horseshoe frames your features just right.

Classic Mustache Styles

Classic Mustache Styles
Let’s explore some timeless mustache styles that have stood the test of fashion trends: the Chevron, Walrus, and Painter’s Brush.

Each offers a distinct look that can complement your face shape and personal style.

Chevron

After sizing up your face shape, you might find the Chevron mustache a snug fit, especially if you’re rocking a square jaw.

This classic ‘stache demands a bit of upkeep, but keep it neat, and you’ll ooze charm.

Not your cup of tea? Chevron alternatives offer a twist on tradition, letting you tweak that upper lip statement to your own beat.

Walrus

Dive into the bushy world of the Walrus mustache, a style that screams character.

This full, over-the-lip facial hair has seen its fame on the faces of celebrities and in pop culture, making it a timeless choice.

Grooming this beast requires patience, a trusty comb, and mustache wax to keep it in check.

Embrace the Walrus, and let your facial hair make a statement that’s hard to ignore.

Painter’s Brush

Just like the walrus mustache offers a bushy badge of honor, the painter’s brush mustache paints a different picture.

It’s a low-maintenance, laid-back style that suits most face shapes. You’ll find it’s a cinch to style, with less fuss over growth and trends.

Think of it as your mustache’s casual Friday—easygoing yet still sharp. Keep it trimmed, and you’re good to go!

Thin Mustache Varieties

Thin Mustache Varieties
If you’re aiming for a refined look, consider the pencil or parted pencil mustache. These thin varieties offer a sleek, classic style that’s versatile for most face shapes.

Pencil

Diving into the world of pencil mustaches, you’re stepping into a realm where precision meets panache.

Think of it as the sharpshooter of facial hair styles—sleek, narrow, and with a flair that screams sophistication.

Keeping a pencil mustache in tip-top shape requires a steady hand and an eye for detail.

Whether you’re aiming for the classic pencil thinness or venturing into the territory of the parted pencil or English mustache, remember, this isn’t just about trimming; it’s about crafting an identity.

So, grab your mustache pencil, and let’s sculpt that masterpiece above your lip!

Parted Pencil

Transitioning from the sleek pencil mustache, let’s split hairs and talk about its close cousin, the parted pencil mustache. This dapper variation adds a touch of class with a defined center part, giving your facial symmetry the spotlight it deserves.

  • Styling tips: A dab of wax can keep that part sharp as a tack.
  • Product recommendations: Seek out a fine-toothed comb for precision.
  • Growth patterns: Keep the sides tame while letting the centerline flourish.
  • Hair textures: Works a charm on both the stubbornly coarse and the downy soft.

Handlebar Mustache Types

Handlebar Mustache Types
You’ve seen the classic curves of a Traditional Handlebar mustache, but did you know there are variations to this iconic style?

Let’s explore the Petite Handlebar and English types to find the perfect twist for your look.

Traditional Handlebar

Shifting gears from the sleek lines of thin mustaches, let’s dive into the world of traditional handlebar mustaches.

This style, with its rich history and bold presence, demands attention and a bit of elbow grease in maintenance. Whether you’re twirling the ends or keeping it neat, mastering the art of handlebar styling is like riding a bike—challenging at first, but oh-so-rewarding.

Embrace the variations and make your mark with this timeless classic.

Petite Handlebar

After mastering the traditional handlebar, why not shrink it down with the petite handlebar? This little brother of the mustache world still demands respect with its wax application finesse and precise styling techniques.

Understanding your growth patterns is key, as is regular maintenance to keep it looking sharp. It’s like the English, Hungarian, and Dali mustaches had a mini-me—charming, yet still packing a punch.

English

Imagine yourself as an English gentleman, sipping tea with an air of sophistication. Your English mustache is the epitome of refinement, setting you apart from the Chevron and Hungarian crowds.

  1. Let the ends extend straight out, no twirls here.
  2. Keep it well-trimmed and thin for that classic appeal.
  3. Aim for the length to express elegance, not extravagance.
  4. Channel your inner English literature hero with every groom.

Unique and Hybrid Mustaches

Unique and Hybrid Mustaches
Exploring unique and hybrid mustaches like the Horseshoe, Zappa, and Imperial can add a distinctive touch to your look.

Each style offers a different vibe, from rugged to refined, fitting various face shapes and personal styles.

Horseshoe

Transitioning from the elegance of the traditional handlebar, let’s saddle up and ride into the rugged territory of the Horseshoe mustache. This facial hair icon, reminiscent of an outlaw’s charm, has a style history as rich as the celebrities who’ve sported it.

It’s a bold statement in the world of mustaches, often associated with bikers and wrestlers, adding a dash of renegade to your look.

Style Celebrity Example Cultural Significance
Horseshoe Hulk Hogan Biker culture
Outlaw Aaron Rodgers Western films
Half Horseshoe Johnny Depp Rock music scenes

Zappa

Dive into the Zappa mustache style, a bold choice that screams personality.

It’s a mustache that extends past the mouth’s corners, paired with a soul patch for that extra oomph.

Keep it groomed to avoid common mustache mistakes.

While not as twirly as a petite handlebar, the Zappa is a trendsetter in mustache care, offering a unique twist on the traditional ‘stache.

Imperial

After diving into the bold Zappa, let’s prance into the regal world of the Imperial mustache.

  • Expert grooming to maintain its distinguished shape
  • Styling finesse, often requiring wax for those majestic curls
  • Accessories like the mustache beardstache for a fuller look
  • Precision tools, such as mustache beard trimming scissors
  • Daily care with a mustache boar’s hair travel brush or a handy mustache pocket comb

Mustache Maintenance Tips

Mustache Maintenance Tips
Keeping your mustache in tip-top shape is like tending to a delicate garden; it requires patience, the right tools, and a bit of flair.

  • Mustache wax application: Think of mustache wax as your secret weapon. A dab’ll do ya to keep those whiskers in line. Warm it up between your fingers, apply with gusto, and shape to your heart’s content.
  • Beard dye considerations: If you’re looking to add some pizzazz or cover up a few rogue grays, beard dye can be your ally. Just remember, it’s a commitment—choose a shade that complements, not clashes, with your natural hue.
  • Mustache growth stimulation: Dreaming of a fuller ‘stache? Products like mustache utility balm and a trusty mustache toothbrush can encourage growth and keep things looking neat.

Don’t forget, regular facial hair trimming is your mustache’s best friend for maintaining length and health. And when it comes to styling accessories, a comb is as essential as a painter’s brush to his canvas.

Common Mustache Mistakes

Common Mustache Mistakes
After mastering the art of mustache maintenance, it’s time to steer clear of the pitfalls that can lead to a less-than-stellar ‘stache. Overgrooming is a common blunder; it’s like walking a tightrope between well-kept and overdone.

Too much trimming or shaving can lead to a weak mustache that’s more of a suggestion than a statement. And let’s not forget the dreaded razor burn, a fiery reminder to take it easy with the blade.

Unkempt hairs can turn your face into a wild frontier, but poor wax application can also leave you looking like you’ve got more product than hair. It’s a fine line between a dapper ‘stache and a waxy mess. Remember, your nose and lips are the neighbors to your mustache, so keep the area tidy without going overboard.

Whether you’re sporting a classic mustache horseshoe or a daring mustache fu manchu, the key is balance. A well-groomed mustache should complement your features, not compete with them. So, wield your grooming tools with care, and your ‘stache will thank you.

Enhancing Mustache Growth

Enhancing Mustache Growth
After diving into the common pitfalls of mustache cultivation, let’s shift gears to turbocharge your facial fuzz. If your mustache is more barely there than bold and beautiful, don’t fret. Amping up your mustache game is simpler than you might think, and it doesn’t require a magic potion—just a bit of know-how and the right tools.

First off, consider biotin for mustaches. This vitamin is like rocket fuel for hair growth, giving both your mustache and confidence a well-deserved boost. Next, minoxidil for mustaches isn’t just for the top of your head. Applying it carefully can encourage those shy hairs to join the party.

And don’t overlook beard dye for mustaches. It’s not just for covering grays; it can make your ‘stache appear fuller and more distinguished.

For those seeking an extra edge, mustache growth supplements can be the secret sauce to a fuller face mane. Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is a glorious mustache. Patience, persistence, and a little humor will see you through the sparse times to the lush landscape of a well-groomed mustache.

Whether you’re aiming for a classic lampsade or a daring mustache zappa, these mustache growth tips are your ticket to the big leagues.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How does climate affect mustache grooming?

Climate’s a sneaky barber, shaping your mustache without an appointment.

Humidity turns it frizzy; dry air makes it brittle.

Keep it hydrated and trimmed, so you’re always looking sharp, not like you’ve wrestled a tumbleweed.

Can diet influence mustache texture?

Yes, your diet can indeed spruce up your mustache texture. Chowing down on proteins, vitamins, and omega-3s turns your ‘stache from drab to fab, making it as smooth as a well-oiled comb.

Are mustache styles workplace appropriate?

Believe it or not, 92% of Americans think mustaches fit right in at the workplace.

So, if you’re pondering whether your ‘stache will make waves at work, chances are you’re in the clear.

Do mustaches impact skin health?

Sporting a mustache can shield your skin from the sun’s rays, reducing the risk of skin cancer on the lips.

However, it might also invite skin issues like irritation and ingrown hairs.

Wars, hygiene scares, and cultural icons have all shaped mustache trends.

From military regulations to Movember’s health awareness, history’s twists and turns have made mustaches symbols of style, rebellion, and solidarity.

Conclusion

Like a sculptor chiseling away to reveal the art within the marble, you’ve explored the diverse types of mustaches that can define your look.

With the right style for your face shape and a few grooming tips, your ‘stache can make a bold statement.

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.