The moustache is making a major comeback. It is no longer just facial hair; it is a statement of personal style. Whether aiming for a look that is classic, rugged, or trendy, there is a moustache style to match every personality. This guide explores ten popular moustache styles that are perfect for trying this year, offering inspiration for a fresh new look.
1. The Classic Chevron
The Classic Chevron moustache is a symbol of vintage masculinity, offering a timeless and straightforward style. This full and bold moustache covers the area just above the upper lip, creating a thick and rectangular shape that dominates the face without overpowering it. The Chevron’s hallmark is its dense, uniform width, with minimal tapering or shaping required. It works particularly well for those who naturally grow thick facial hair, as it relies on volume to achieve its iconic look.
One of the greatest advantages of the Chevron is its relatively low-maintenance nature. Once the desired thickness is achieved, it only requires occasional trimming to keep edges neat and prevent it from spilling over the lips. This makes it an excellent choice for men seeking an impactful style with minimal effort. Suitable for both casual and formal situations, the Chevron complements a variety of face shapes, particularly oval and square faces. It’s popular among those who appreciate traditional aesthetics, as seen in celebrities like Tom Selleck, who cemented the Chevron’s reputation as a powerfully rugged yet approachable look.
2. Seeking Expert Advice at a Barbershop
Achieving a highly polished, sculpted moustache often requires the expertise of a skilled barber. For men interested in intricate styles such as the Handlebar, visiting a reputable New York barbershop can make all the difference. The Handlebar moustache is characterized by its long ends that are twisted and waxed into distinctive upward curls, giving it an air of sophistication and personality. However, this style is not for the faint-hearted—it takes time, patience, and precise grooming to keep the ends symmetrical and the curls consistent.
Professional barbers can provide the perfect trim to establish the foundational length and shape necessary for this unique style. Beyond trimming, they offer invaluable advice on how to maintain the Handlebar at home. A high-quality moustache wax is essential for securing the upward twists, while daily grooming is crucial to prevent the ends from losing their form or becoming unruly. Many barbers also educate clients on advanced techniques, such as how to use a fine-tooth comb to distribute wax evenly or how to apply heat for better curl retention.
For those who don’t naturally grow long facial hair, barbers can recommend tailored grooming plans or offer advice on enhancing growth with specialized grooming products. A visit to a New York barbershop is not just about aesthetics—it’s a personalized experience that helps men feel confident in their signature styles, ensuring each client leaves with a moustache that is undeniably their own.
3. The Rugged Horseshoe
Often called the “biker moustache,” the Horseshoe is a bold and edgy style that closely resembles the shape of an actual horseshoe. It consists of a full moustache that extends downward along the sides of the mouth, creating two vertical strips of hair that trace the edges of the lips and stretch down to the jawline. This iconic look demands attention and conveys a rugged, rebellious attitude often associated with motorcyclists, athletes, or those who want a truly statement-making facial hairstyle. The Horseshoe moustache pairs well with a goatee, adding even more personality to an individual’s appearance, though it can also be worn with stubble for a rugged, low-maintenance vibe.
Maintaining the Horseshoe requires regular trimming and precise grooming. It’s recommended to invest in a high-quality trimmer that allows for controlled detailing along the edges to preserve the sharpness and symmetry of the style. Beard oil or balm may also come in handy to keep the hair hydrated and to prevent dryness or itchiness, especially for the longer sections. The Horseshoe is a commitment, but for those who like to stand out, it’s undeniably worth the effort.
4. Managing Skin Health to Prevent Ingrown Hairs
When adopting a facial hair style like the Pencil moustache, skin health becomes a crucial part of the grooming process. The Pencil moustache is characterized by its thin, highly-defined strip of hair just above the upper lip, often requiring daily maintenance to maintain its signature sharp lines. Popularized by figures like John Waters, this style demands constant attention with a razor or trimmer to keep the area clean and precise. However, such frequent close shaving can potentially lead to ingrown hairs, which occur when hair curls back into the skin during regrowth, causing red bumps, irritation, or even infection.
To prevent ingrown hairs, it’s essential to prepare the skin and hair properly before shaving. Start by washing the face with warm water and a gentle cleanser to remove dirt and oils, and then apply a pre-shave oil or gel to soften the hair. Use a sharp razor with clean blades to ensure a smooth cut and always shave in the direction of hair growth to reduce the risk of irritation. Regular exfoliation, either with a scrub or a chemical exfoliant containing salicylic acid, can also help to remove dead skin cells that clog pores and trap hair beneath the surface. After shaving, moisturizing with an alcohol-free balm or lotion is key to soothing the skin and reducing post-shave inflammation. By incorporating these habits as part of a daily routine, the Pencil moustache can be worn effortlessly, without compromising skin health.
5. The English Moustache
The English Moustache is a refined style that exudes elegance and sophistication. Its defining characteristic is the subtle upward-pointing ends, which add a touch of flair without being overly dramatic. This moustache strikes a balance in size, positioning itself as a medium-width design that falls between the shorter Chevron and the more pronounced Handlebar moustache. To achieve the distinct look of the English Moustache, the ends are often groomed meticulously and lightly waxed for structure.
The use of a high-quality moustache wax is critical in maintaining the outward and upward points that are synonymous with this style. Regular trimming is necessary to keep the width manageable and ensure it complements the wearer’s facial features. With its slightly aristocratic air, this moustache portrays a gentlemanly vibe that pairs beautifully with both casual and formal appearances. Its classic appeal has made it a timeless choice for those pursuing a sophisticated yet understated facial hair style.
6. Addressing Issues of Dry Skin and Hair
For those opting for the bold and impressive Walrus Moustache, addressing the challenges of dry skin and brittle hair is essential to maintain its bold statement. The Walrus Moustache is characterized by its considerable bulk and length, with the hair grown long enough to droop over the top lip, often completely covering it. This striking style requires a great deal of patience to grow, and consistent grooming practices are vital to prevent an unkempt appearance. Dry skin and hair can become prominent issues due to the sheer density and length of this style. Investing in high-quality beard oils with nourishing ingredients like argan oil, jojoba oil, or vitamin E can work wonders in keeping the facial hair soft, manageable, and free from split ends.
Regularly using a beard conditioner or balm can also help supply the hair with adequate moisture and improve its texture, making it easier to style. Exfoliating the skin underneath the moustache is equally important, as it helps to remove dead skin cells and promote healthy hair follicles. This step can be achieved with a soft-bristled beard brush or gentle exfoliating scrub, ensuring the skin stays healthy and free from flakiness. Additionally, keeping hydrated and maintaining a balanced diet rich in vitamins and healthy fats will provide the internal support needed for resilient hair growth. By incorporating these grooming habits, wearers of the Walrus Moustache can maintain its bold, iconic look while avoiding the pitfalls of dryness or neglect.
7. The Painter’s Brush
The Painter’s Brush moustache is a bold and versatile style that resembles the Chevron but with a slightly more rectangular and defined shape. This dense, bristly moustache sits squarely on the upper lip, projecting confidence and charisma. Its appeal lies in its robust and full-bodied nature, making it an ideal choice for those who want to make a striking impression without venturing into overly elaborate styling.
To achieve and maintain the Painter’s Brush, it is essential to keep the edges neatly trimmed to preserve its clean structure while allowing the central fullness to take center stage. Regular grooming, including brushing and occasional trimming, helps maintain its density while avoiding an unruly appearance. Pairing this moustache with a well-groomed face completes the look and enhances its bold visual impact, making it a timeless choice for men who prefer classic sophistication with a touch of flair.
8. The Importance of a Professional Barber
For intricate and iconic moustache styles, such as the Fu Manchu, the guidance of a professional New York barber can be invaluable. The Fu Manchu is a dramatic style that commands attention, characterized by a long, flowing moustache with ends that extend downward past the chin. The rest of the facial hair—the soul patch and chin beard—is typically shaved away to highlight the moustache’s elongated and gravity-defying edges. However, achieving and maintaining this striking look requires a steady hand and a deep understanding of facial hair styling techniques, qualities that skilled barbers in New York excel at providing.
A professional barber ensures that the lines of the Fu Manchu are sharp and precise, delivering a polished result that would be challenging to replicate at home. Beyond technique, a barber brings artistic vision, adjusting the style to suit the wearer’s face shape and features while ensuring the intricate transitions and symmetrical flow are flawless. Additionally, regular visits to a New York barber help keep the Fu Manchu in top form, with ongoing maintenance to prevent uneven growth and maintain the moustache’s dramatic impact over time. By fostering a relationship with an experienced barber, one can transform the grandeur of the Fu Manchu—or any complex style—from a mere idea into a wearable, show-stopping reality. For those seeking to make a statement, the marriage of personal commitment and professional expertise is key to achieving moustache perfection.
9. The Dali
Inspired by the iconic artist Salvador Dali, this moustache style is a testament to creativity, eccentricity, and an unyielding sense of individuality. True to the spirit of the surrealist painter, the Dali moustache is an artistic endeavor in itself. Characterized by its extremely narrow width and upward-turning sharp points at the ends, this style creates an immediate and striking visual impact. The ends are meticulously waxed and shaped to point dramatically toward the sky, almost as if defying gravity. Such a bold and avant-garde design requires a steady hand and a precise routine—achieving those fine, sharp tips is no small feat. Typically, users of the Dali moustache dedicate significant time to grooming, using high-quality moustache wax to maintain its signature shape throughout the day.
This style is not for the faint of heart. It’s best suited for individuals with a flair for the theatrical and those who are unafraid to stand out boldly in a crowd. The Dali projects an undeniable aura of confidence, creativity, and audacity, making it perfect for artists, performers, or anyone wanting to leave an unforgettable impression. To master this look, attention to detail and regular upkeep are paramount, as any stray hairs can disrupt the intended dramatic and polished appearance.
10. The Lampshade
The Lampshade moustache embraces structure, symmetry, and precision, creating a look that is effortlessly sophisticated yet unapologetically bold. Resembling the geometric shape of a classic lampshade, this style is defined by its clean, rectangular form. Thicker and more substantial than the minimalist Pencil moustache, the Lampshade features straight, sharply defined sides and a flat edge running just above the top line of the lip. The result is a neatly framed and disciplined aesthetic that adds a modern twist to the traditional moustache.
Maintaining the Lampshade moustache requires commitment and regular grooming to preserve its carefully crafted geometry. Trimming stray hairs and ensuring a consistent, even thickness are vital aspects of the upkeep. Styling tools such as precision trimmers and small grooming scissors are essential for shaping the sides and top edge with absolute accuracy. The Lampshade is an excellent choice for those who value sharp, polished lines in their personal style.
This moustache works especially well for individuals with strong facial features, as it adds definition and enhances angularity. It is a versatile choice, striking a balance between vintage appeal and contemporary charm. Whether worn in a casual setting or as part of a more formal look, the Lampshade speaks to a refined and disciplined sensibility that is timeless in its approach. Regular care and confidence are the key to pulling off this clean and impactful design.
Conclusion
Choosing a new moustache style can be an exciting way to refresh one’s appearance. The key to pulling off any look is commitment to regular grooming and maintenance. Using the right products, from trimmers and scissors to beard wax and oil, makes all the difference in keeping facial hair looking its best. This year, experiment with a new style and discover the confidence that comes with a well-groomed moustache.
