Make no mistake about it, the handlebar mustache is simply the epitome of refined manliness. There are numerous other mustache and facial hair styles that scream manliness, but none have that unique twist of gentleman refinement.
Once you decide that you need to grow the handlebar mustache, you need to understand this is going to take a commitment on your part that will cause weaker men to cower in fear.
If the idea of growing your mustache in this particular style appeals to you, then the following fun facts, growing techniques, and history of the handlebar mustache will certainly speak to you.
What is the Handlebar Mustache?
The handlebar mustache is one of the most easily recognized facial hair styles on the planet. The ends of the mustache are twisted and styled far past the outer edges of the lips, resembling the handlebars of a motorcycle or bicycle. If the ends of the mustache are not styled and groomed properly, they tend to droop down and give the appearance of the Fu Manchu style.
By stiffening the mustache with a variety of grooming products, the wearer can now sculpt, twist, and curl the mustache to the desired result. Depending on a person’s genes and commitment to growing the mustache long, it is not uncommon for the length to vary several inches past the edges of the mouth. The longer the hair is allowed to grow, the more robust and curvy the end of the handlebar will appear.
The History of the Handlebar Mustache
This particular mustache style has in fact been very popular for many centuries. It was during the late 19th and the early 20th centuries that the handlebar mustache drew its widest public acceptance. During Edwardian and Victorian eras, manly men would routinely ask the local barbers to use a stiffening agent to help to create the appearance of the handlebar with the mustache.
Fast-forward to modern times, the handlebar mustache is often associated with the barbershop quartet or barkers at a traveling circus. This facial hair style has seem many resurgences in popularity, especially in the 1970s when several well-known athletes sported the handlebar moustache. Rollie Fingers was notably the most widely recognized baseball pitcher of that decade who wore his mustache in the handlebar style.
Handlebar Mustache Fun Facts
As distinctive as it is to wear your mustache in this style, it does provide the wearer many unique benefits that other mustaches simply can not compete with. Here are just a few fun facts that should have you thinking about changing your facial hair style and joining the ranks of the manliest of manly men.
Fun Fact 1 – If you are ever involved in mischief and want to disguise your part in the shenanigans, you simply act like the villains in those Old West melodramas and twist your fingers through the ends of the mustache. This way you can openly discuss your evil plans without raising too much suspicion.
Fun Fact 2 – When you have some serious blemishes or imperfections with your face, you can sculpt the mustache to hide any and all of those issues easily. The right waxes will hold the mustache in the position to distract eyes away from any deformities that you have and still come off looking like a real stud.
Fun Fact 3 – A handlebar mustache makes you more distinctive. When you walk into any room, every man will be jealous and slightly envious, while women will be falling over themselves to get closer to you and ask how long it took you to grow it or what you do for a living. It simply is an awesome conversation starter.
How to Effectively Grow a Handlebar Mustache
Now if you decide after reading about the history and fun facts about the handlebar mustache that this is something you must do, be warned that this journey is not for the weak at heart. There is a level of commitment here that will elevate your status in the community from mere mortal to God overnight.
Now that you are ready to take on the challenge, here are tips to effectively grow and groom your new handlebar stache.
1. Patience is the Key – Growing your new mustache in the handlebar style is going to take a long-term commitment. It will take minimum three months before anything even remotely respectable begins to take shape on your face, and those few months are going to be a living hell. The level of testicular fortitude needed will be epic, pushing you to the six month mark before the mustache has formed completely.
2. Purchasing the Right Mustache Wax – The only way to get the mustache to cooperate, you need to use a strong mustache wax. With several to choose from on the market, choose organic to avoid any complications with skin irritation.
Good To Know: How To Make Homemade Beard Wax (DIY with Recipe)
Place some wax between the thumb and forefinger and work it into the mustache evenly. As you reach the end of the mustache, curling the ends and holding with the wax will give the desired results. Each day you apply the wax you train the hairs to grow in the shape of the handlebars.
Recommended wax for your stache at Amazon: Mustache Wax
3. Washing Your Mustache – Before bed each night you will have to wash out the mustache wax. Basically, any beard shampoo or conditioner will do a great job. These products remove the wax easily and condition the hair to be softer as it grows. Start with a beard wash and conditioner as you get accustomed to the process, then make a switch to a mustache only wash and conditioner as the handlebars fully take shape.
4. Trimming the Handlebars – As you get along in the process, some facial hairs are not going to cooperate with the styling. Trim away any wild hairs that are not falling in line and those that begin to form near the crease in the lip.
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Once the mustache grows to the right length and some hairs can enter your mouth, rather than trim, just use some wax to move them to the side and complement your already full handlebar mustache. Be sure to never start trimming hairs above the crease in the lips or the result will be stunted and clipped.
Mustache Styles and Types
Now that you have all the information you need to begin your journey to epic mustache mastery, there is something you need to understand. Men who come in contact with you now will find your mustache awe-inducing. Not only will these guys comment on your mustache, they will stand back in amazement.
Good To Know: Beards From a Woman’s Perspective
Women over sixty will reminisce about how you remind them of their old boyfriends. Teen girls will treat you like a celebrity and will want to post pictures of your mustache on their Snapchat, Twitter, or Instagram pages. Enjoy all the added attention guys.
The post What Is and How To Grow a Perfect Handlebar Mustache appeared first on Beardoholic.