How to Grow a Mustache: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

A mustache can be a bold and stylish addition to your look, whether you’re aiming for a classic, thick handlebar or a sleek, modern pencil mustache. But growing a mustache isn’t always as simple as letting your facial hair grow. It requires patience, care, and proper grooming. If you’re wondering how to grow a mustache, this guide has you covered with tips and tricks for getting a full, healthy mustache.

Why Growing a Mustache Takes Time

Growing a mustache takes more time than you might think. Everyone’s facial hair grows at different rates, and several factors influence how quickly and thickly your mustache will grow. These factors include:

• Genetics: Your genetic makeup plays the largest role in determining how fast and thick your facial hair grows. If your dad or grandfather had a thick mustache, you might be more likely to grow one as well.

• Age: Younger men may experience slower hair growth, while older individuals often see more significant facial hair growth.

• Hormones: Testosterone is a key factor in facial hair growth, so men with higher testosterone levels might grow facial hair more easily.

• Diet and Health: A healthy diet, including vitamins and minerals, can support hair growth. On the other hand, poor health or stress can slow it down.

If you’ve ever wondered why some men can grow thick mustaches in a few weeks while others struggle for months, it’s all about these factors. But don’t worry—there are still things you can do to boost your chances of growing a fuller mustache.

Step 1: Let It Grow

The first step to growing a mustache is to simply let it grow. Resist the urge to trim or shape it too early. You need to give your facial hair time to grow in fully so that you can assess its natural pattern and fullness.

• Be Patient: Facial hair growth can take time, and it may seem like it’s growing slowly. On average, facial hair grows about half an inch per month. So give it at least 4-6 weeks before making any judgments.

• Avoid the Temptation to Trim: You might feel the urge to start shaping your mustache early on, but avoid trimming it in the first few weeks. This can disrupt the growth process and lead to uneven patches. Letting it grow naturally gives you the best chance for a thick and uniform mustache.

Step 2: Focus on a Healthy Diet

What you eat can significantly impact your ability to grow facial hair. A well-balanced diet helps ensure your body has all the nutrients needed for hair growth. Here are some key nutrients to include:

• Protein: Hair is made of keratin, a type of protein. Eating foods rich in protein, like chicken, fish, eggs, and beans, can help your hair grow stronger and healthier.

• Vitamins A, B, and E: These vitamins are essential for hair growth. Vitamin A helps promote cell growth, Vitamin B supports the production of keratin, and Vitamin E improves blood circulation to the hair follicles.

• Biotin: Biotin, also known as Vitamin H, is a popular supplement for hair growth. It strengthens hair and promotes healthy growth, so consider taking biotin supplements or eating biotin-rich foods like eggs, nuts, and sweet potatoes.

• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Foods like salmon, flaxseeds, and walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which help keep your hair healthy and nourished.

In addition to these, staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water also helps keep your hair follicles healthy and functioning properly.

Step 3: Take Care of Your Skin

Healthy facial hair growth starts with healthy skin. If your skin is dry, flaky, or clogged, it can slow down your facial hair growth. To ensure your skin is in the best shape possible for growing a mustache, follow these skincare tips:

• Exfoliate Regularly: Exfoliating helps remove dead skin cells that might clog hair follicles. This can improve blood circulation and create an optimal environment for hair growth. Use a gentle exfoliating scrub or a facial brush twice a week.

• Moisturize Your Skin: Dry skin can lead to irritation and slow down hair growth. Use a gentle facial moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated and healthy.

• Cleanse Your Face: Wash your face twice a day with a mild cleanser to remove dirt, oil, and excess buildup. Clean skin promotes better hair growth and keeps your mustache looking fresh.

Step 4: Massage Your Face

Massaging your face increases blood circulation to your hair follicles, which can help stimulate hair growth. Here’s how to do it:

• Use Your Fingers: Simply use your fingertips to massage your upper lip and the areas around your mustache. Apply gentle pressure and work in small circular motions.

• Be Consistent: For the best results, try massaging your face for about 5–10 minutes a day. You can do this in the morning or at night, or even while applying a beard oil or moisturizer.

This extra step can encourage your facial hair to grow faster and thicker by improving blood flow and delivering more nutrients to the hair follicles.

Step 5: Avoid Stress

Stress can affect your overall health and can also impact your ability to grow facial hair. Chronic stress can lead to hormonal imbalances and even hair loss. If you want to grow a mustache, consider adopting stress-reduction techniques like:

• Exercise: Regular physical activity improves circulation and reduces stress. It also helps balance your hormones, supporting healthy hair growth.

• Mindfulness and Meditation: Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga can help calm your mind and reduce stress levels.

• Sleep Well: Getting enough sleep is critical for overall health, including facial hair growth. Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night to allow your body to regenerate and heal.

Step 6: Grooming Your Mustache

As your mustache begins to grow, it’s important to take care of it and shape it to fit your style. You may not be ready for full trimming yet, but here’s what you can do:

• Comb Through: Gently comb your mustache every day to train the hair to grow in the right direction. This also helps prevent tangling and encourages uniform growth.

• Shape It Carefully: Once your mustache has grown out, you can begin shaping it to suit your face. Start with a light trim, focusing on tidying up the edges. Use mustache scissors or a beard trimmer to maintain an even length. Make sure to follow the natural line of your mustache and avoid cutting too much.

You can read more on how to trim a mustache effectively once it has reached the length you desire.

Step 7: Be Consistent and Patience is Key

Growing a mustache requires consistency. Stick to your grooming routine, take care of your skin and diet, and be patient. Everyone’s facial hair grows at different rates, so it may take time before you see the results you’re hoping for.

• Track Your Progress: Keep track of how your mustache grows over time. If you find that certain products or techniques are working well, continue using them.

• Don’t Rush the Process: Remember, facial hair growth takes time. Stay consistent with your efforts, and eventually, your mustache will reach its full potential.

Step 8: Consider Supplements for Hair Growth

If your mustache is growing slowly or not as thick as you’d like, you might want to try supplements specifically designed for hair growth. These supplements often contain vitamins and minerals like biotin, zinc, and Vitamin D, which can support healthier and faster hair growth.

• Biotin Supplements: Biotin is one of the most popular supplements for promoting hair growth. It’s often found in multivitamins or hair-specific supplements.

• Fish Oil: Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil can help improve hair growth by nourishing the hair follicles and supporting healthy skin.

• Saw Palmetto: Some studies suggest that saw palmetto may help stimulate hair growth by inhibiting the hormone DHT, which can contribute to hair loss.

Step 9: Trim and Maintain Your Mustache Regularly

Once your mustache is fully grown, it’s important to keep it looking sharp. Regular trimming and maintenance will help keep your mustache clean and well-groomed.

• Trim Regularly: Even after your mustache has reached your desired length, trim it every few weeks to keep it neat and avoid split ends.

• Moisturize and Condition: Use a beard oil or mustache balm to keep the hair soft, moisturized, and healthy.

Step 10: Understand Different Mustache Styles

As your mustache grows, you’ll want to consider the style that suits your face shape and personal taste. There are various mustache styles to choose from, each offering a different look. Understanding which one suits you best can make a big difference in how your mustache enhances your overall appearance.

• Chevron Mustache: This is a thick, wide mustache that covers the entire upper lip. It’s ideal for those who have a thicker beard and want a bold, masculine look.

• Handlebar Mustache: Known for its long, curved ends, the handlebar is a classic style that requires patience to grow. It’s perfect for those who want to make a statement with their mustache.

• Pencil Mustache: A thinner, more defined style that runs along the top of the lip. This requires precise grooming and is great for a clean, vintage look.

• Horseshoe Mustache: This full mustache extends down to the jawline, often paired with a beard. It’s a bold style that works best for those who want a rugged appearance.

• The Zorro: A narrow mustache with pointed ends, resembling the one worn by the famous fictional character Zorro. This style requires careful shaping.

By understanding these styles, you can decide what works best for your personal look and how much maintenance you’re willing to commit to.

Step 11: Avoid Common Mistakes While Growing Your Mustache

Growing a mustache may seem straightforward, but there are common mistakes that can hinder the process or lead to frustration. Knowing these mistakes and how to avoid them can make your mustache-growing journey smoother.

• Over-Trimming: While it’s tempting to trim early on, over-trimming can stop your mustache from growing to its full potential. Always wait until your mustache has grown sufficiently before shaping it.

• Neglecting Skin Care: Focusing only on the mustache and ignoring the skin underneath can cause irritation, dryness, and ingrown hairs. Regular skin care is essential for a healthy, growing mustache.

• Using the Wrong Products: Using harsh products or shampoos meant for the scalp can dry out your mustache. Stick to products designed for facial hair to ensure it stays moisturized and healthy.

• Expecting Quick Results: Growing a mustache takes time, and everyone’s hair grows at different rates. Patience is key—don’t expect instant results, and avoid looking for shortcuts.

Step 12: How to Style and Shape Your Mustache for Different Occasions

Once your mustache is fully grown, knowing how to style and shape it for different occasions will help you make a lasting impression. From casual days to formal events, styling your mustache can enhance your overall look.

• Casual Look: For a relaxed, everyday look, simply comb your mustache to maintain its shape. Use a lightweight mustache wax or balm to keep it in place without looking too stiff.

• Work/Professional Look: If you need a polished and professional look, trim your mustache to a clean, defined shape. A neatly combed chevron or pencil mustache works well for most professional settings.

• Special Occasions: For a more formal or festive event, consider giving your mustache a more refined look. A handlebar mustache with some styling wax can give you a vintage, dapper appearance.

By knowing how to adjust your mustache for different occasions, you can ensure that it always complements your look, no matter the situation.

Conclusion

Growing a mustache is a process that requires patience, care, and the right approach. By following these tips—maintaining a healthy diet, keeping your skin clean, and being consistent—you can grow a thick, healthy mustache that suits your personal style. Be patient, stay committed, and in time, you’ll have a mustache you can be proud of.