Movember is here—the month of awkward facial hair, grown for a good cause.
Many men who never before considered or attempted to grow mustaches will give it a go as part of the annual campaign to raise awareness about men’s health issues, such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and particular mental health issues.
Here are some useful tips for the novice mustache-grower, compiled from men’s health publications.
Mustache Styles to Fit Your Face
Style tips from the book “The Bearded Gentleman: The Style Guide to Shaving Face,” by Allan Peterkin and Nick Burns.
Big nose: Avoid a thin mustache.
Small nose: Avoid a bushy mustache.
Large features (large eyes, mouth, etc.): A bushy mustache will suit you, providing a softer look and balancing your features.
Long, narrow face: Try a narrow-to-medium-sized mustache. You don’t want it to be too heavy, so stick to shorter styles.
Extra-large mouth: Try an angular style, perhaps something narrow at the top and wider at the bottom.
Small mouth: Avoid big, bushy styles. Growing your mustache a little around the corners of your mouth will likely suit you.
Other Tips to Easier Mustache Management
1. When you hit the awkward, messy stage a week into growing, or the itchy stage, push through. It will get better.
2. If you’re planning an intricate trim, use a magnifying shaving mirror.
3. Keep it neat and trim. “An unkempt ’mo' is the facial equivalent of dirty fingernails,” says MSN Him. Combing suggested.
4. Moisturize to prevent dryness as facial hair wicks moisture away from the skin.
5. Moustache wax can help tame and hold the style.
6. Shave after your shower, as the hot water and steam will soften the hair and make it easier to cut.
7. Use transparent shave gel so you can see what you’re doing.
8. Ask your barber for some help with styling to get you started.
Don’t forget to register on the Movember website. Good luck!
*Image of a hipster mustache via Shutterstock
*Image of a handlebar mustache via Shutterstock
*Image of a modest mustache via Shutterstock
*Image of a suave mustache via Shutterstock
*Image of an old-fashioned, elegant mustache via Shutterstock
*Image of a slightly eccentric mustache via Shutterstock
*Image of jovial, subtle handlebars via Shutterstock
*Image of an Indian soldier via Shutterstock
