Time to twiddle that ‘tash! Movember is here, and the hot style this season could well be the ‘chevron mustache’, with global searches for thicker, fuller mustaches hitting an all-time high – up more than 5,000% compared to last year. Facial hair aficionados are getting more serious about their grooming and skincare, too, with searches for ‘mustache oil’ also spiking 5,000% year on year.
“We’ve spent years talking about skincare for the face, but facial hair is the next frontier,” said Fresha Beauty Expert Annabelle Taurua.
“The skin under a mustache is some of the most neglected on the face: it’s prone to dryness, flaking and irritation, and the hair itself is coarser than the hair on your head, so it needs specialised products and proper care.
“Movember is a great reason to grow your mustache. Not only to raise awareness and funds for men’s mental health, but also to have fun experimenting with different styles, from the Mullet and Chevron to the Skinny and the Handlebar.”
To mark the season, Annabelle has shared Fresha’s do’s and don’ts of mustache care – the perfect checklist for anyone ditching the shave for the first time.
Do…
Cleanse with a gentle wash: Use a gentle beard and mustache wash a few times a week to take care of food, drink and styling products that build up in the hair above your lip.
Treat the skin underneath like your face: Itchy, flaky skin is the most common complaint in the first few weeks of Movember. A light moisturiser keeps the skin hydrated, and a few drops of mustache oil keep the hair soft and manageable.
Comb daily: A small mustache comb trains the hair to grow in the right direction and stops it curling over the lip.
Tidy the edges: Trim little and often with small grooming scissors, keeping the hair off the lip line. Remember, you can always take more off, it’s harder to grow it back.
Style with a light touch: A small amount of mustache wax adds hold and definition. Warm it between your fingers first to make it malleable.
Book a mustache shape and trim: A barber can define your natural shape and clean up the lip line in one session, which can help first time mustache growers feel more confident as their mustache takes shape.
Try a hot towel facial: Exfoliation, hydration and a hot towel treatment prep the skin under the mustache, reducing irritation and giving the hair a healthier base to grow from.
Don’t…
Skip drying: Pat your mustache dry after washing. Leaving it damp can irritate the skin and encourage ingrown hairs.
Over-wash: Harsh shampoo or soap every day strips natural oils, leaving the hair brittle and the skin tight.
Panic over patchy spots: Patchiness is normal in the early weeks. Overtrimming or shaving it all off usually makes it look worse, so give it time.
Overload on product: Heavy layers of wax or gel make the mustache look stiff and can clog the skin underneath.