Did you know that your moustache hair has a growth pattern just like the hair on your head and therefore you need to train your moustache? This pattern is genetic, and it may not always present you with the ideal styling options you’re looking for initially, but thankfully there are techniques you can use to get your ‘stache to behave. You'll need to train your moustache hairs if you plan on wearing a handlebar moustache and to keep the hair out of your mouth (making eating and kissing a much easier task!) Without training, your moustache thinks it’s business as usual and will continue to grow in its preferred pattern.
The two main methods I recommend are combing with a quality moustache comb and using moustache wax.
Combing daily with a moustache comb (I prefer the Kent 81 T) helps train your moustache hair to grow and lay in a new pattern, especially if you are growing out your moustache for the first time. You can do this daily or even several times a day. When considering which moustache comb to use look for something that has smooth rounded teeth that do not snag or pull out your moustache hairs. If you find the comb you're using or the amount of times you are combing daily is leading to a significant loss of moustache hair please stop and find a better comb and adjust your combing regime.
Daily or weekly application of moustache wax is another key element in training your moustache. Whether you are growing out your moustache for the first time or have left it unwaxed for a while, the moustache wax will be vital in training your moustache hair. Again the goal is to convince your moustache hair to grow in a different pattern than it naturally wants to. Our Primary Moustache Wax is a perfect wax for starting. As you get the hang of it and want to start styling, feel free to use our Secondary Moustache Wax along with the Primary.
As your moustache starts to fill in and respond to the training, you will find yourself combining the two methods of combing and using moustache wax. It can be helpful to get a second moustache comb at this point that will be used just when applying the moustache wax. That way you have one that stays clean and another that is okay to get some wax build up on.
(Update June 2018) Our new video “How to Use Moustache Wax” shows you how to warm and apply moustache wax. You can also enjoy the same 'how to' guide in a blog post format with easily-followed GIFs and some additional information. Feel free to read along here.
As your moustache hair grows you'll notice some stray whiskers start to tickle your lips and nose or even curl into your mouth. Many will just trim these but I urge you not to make this mistake! You'll need those hairs later on. Use the above methods to train the hairs and, in time you'll have a fantastic well-trained moustache.
Here are some of our other articles on moustache growth and training:
How to Warm and Apply Moustache Wax - Quick Guide
The Phases of Growing a Handlebar Moustache
Grow a Real Handlebar Moustache, Not a Fake One!
The Basics: How To Grow a Handlebar Moustache
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Tim Kramer says...
Hi Eric,
Tim here. Thanks for checking out the blog and for your comment. You are right, not all moustaches are the same and that means training them can look different. This article aimed to give a baseline to provide direction and encourage guys to train their moustaches instead of just trimming them. Getting a strong hold wax such as our Secondary should help reduce the amount of wax needed, no matter what kind of moustache hair you have. Thanks again for checking out the blog!
Tim
- Can You Handlebar
On December 06, 2019
Eric says...
Some guys, though, just have untrainable mustaches. The straighter and thinner the hairs, the easier it is to train. Curly, thick hair is very, very difficult, if not impossible to train. You can get it long enough, but it never really lays as nice in the handlebar as a guy with thinner, straight hairs. And you really have to use a ton of wax to keep it in place.
On December 06, 2019
Tim says...
Hey Luke,
Tim here. Thanks for checking out the blog and for the question. I’m trying to visualize the issue you are describing and I think I am tracking with you. When you were growing it out, what kind of grooming routine did you have? Were you using a decent moustache comb to help train the hairs in addition to the Secondary wax?
I think it probably was just something you could have waited out (that seems to be 90% of the struggle with growing a moustache/beard). Training the moustache with a comb and wax can help but a lot of it comes down to just being patient. And, sometimes, you’re just going to have an unruly moustache. If you enjoyed the overall process and results, I’d definitely say give it another try and don’t get discouraged this time around.
Hope that helps some! Let me know if I can help with anything else.
Tim
- Can You Handlebar
On August 09, 2019
Luke says...
almost two years ago I was decently along in my journey to having a proper handlebar moustache, with the inner hairs just past halfway to the tip. The issue I ran into, and what eventually led me to trimming my moustache incorrectly was this separation that happens between the inner and outer portions of my mustache. It almost looks like I am growing two different sets handlebars. Even with the secondary wax this was somewhat noticeable. I’m wondering if you have any experience with this. Is it something I just have to wait out, or do I need to do something different?
On August 09, 2019
Tim says...
Hey Shanukumar,
Thanks for reading! Yes, moustache wax is an excellent way to shape and train your moustache. Our moustache waxes are made with only natural ingredients, some of which will actually protect your moustache and moisturize/condition the hairs for healthier growth. :)
Let me know if you have any other questions, ok? Enjoy your day!
Tim
Can You Handlebar
On September 07, 2017
ShanuKumar Bhattacharya says...
Using moustache combs to shape is the best natural way according to me. I haven’t used wax. Is that good use wax for shaping it ? Does it affect mustache growth ?
On September 07, 2017
Tim says...
Hey Adam,
Thanks so much! That’s great that you took the same approach for growing your moustache. And yes, they definitely take on their own personality as they grow. Thanks for the comment!
Tim
CanYouHandlebar
On February 07, 2017
Adam says...
Fantastic Article Tim,
I know that as my mustache has grown, it’s also grown a personality of it’s own.
These simple tips are exactly what I used to ensure that the personality of my mustache was shaped exactly how I liked.
On February 07, 2017