Styling your moustache: Experts decode the latest trends, share tips for men to get it right

Men, are you always confused about what to do with your facial hair? If you have been wanting to do more with it than leaving it unkempt for long periods of time, then you are not alone. While some prefer the look, there are many others wanting to do more but don't go beyond procrastinating about it, especially because of their busy daily schedules. Experts believe that if only one takes a little effort, their moustache and beard can change the way they look completely, and obviously for the better.

November may be a good time to start to test it out before the festive season, and if you want to go beyond then indulging in little self-love always goes a long way. Coincidentally, this month is celebrated as Movember around the world. The movement which raises awareness about men's health was started by two friends Travis Garonne and Luke Slattery in Australia in 2003 when they didn't see many men sport the moustache anymore. As they turned it into a challenge for more men to sport one, they converted it into a bigger movement to focus on different aspects of men's health. These particularly include prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health and suicide prevention. The moustache ended up becoming the identity of the movement and that's how ‘Mo' in Movember came to be.

What's trending?
Even as growing beards has gained popularity, experts have seen many men sport a moustache and that is because of a variety of factors. Mussaddiq Merchant, director at Beardburys India, observes, "In India, the beard grooming trend has recently created a splash, but it was not always the case. There is definitely more awareness and interest around moustaches because even smaller establishments have honed the technique to groom them and suggest styles that are unique to the person's face shape and occupation." Rohit Solanki, founder of The Bombay Hair Company, begs to differ as he sees trimmed beards to be more popular.

However, that doesn't mean Solanki hasn't seen moustaches trend. He explains, "The handlebar continues to be in trend as it carries a log of soul in it with our Indian tradition. It has made a comeback in 2021-2022 with popular actors like Ranveer Singh, Anil Kapoor, Shahid Kapoor, amongst others who have donned this look." The cultural trend, says Solanki, is what makes it a favourite, especially because of the Rajputs who sported a moustache and as a symbol of a warrior. He undoubtedly admits that while this has been the main reason, Bollywood has been the driving force behind popularising the handlebar moustache.

On the other hand, Merchant says he has seen certain classics rule the fashion trends right now because of those featured in pop culture and the lockdown-inspired unkept facial hair. "Old classics like the Chevron Moustache which essentially covers your whole upper lip and a more modern take on the Horseshoe moustache have made a comeback in 2022," he shares. Like Solanki, he credits films and red carpets especially because they can inspire people to look like their favourite celebrity. "Period dramas and War films have greatly inspired men to take inspiration from the styles of the past and create their own take on them," he adds.

Sporting a moustache with style
It is no doubt that the amount of time that one spends on styling their moustache apart from their general attire depends on the amount of time they have on their hands, amid a busy schedule. So, Merchant says that's one of the first things to consider while sporting a moustache. The best way, he says, is to understand your face shape and how experimental you want to get with your moustache. "Factors like occupation, upkeep time needed, facial growth, face shape contributes towards understanding what style would suit you best. There are styles that are relatively easy to maintain while others require regular grooming to ensure it doesn't look untidy," shares the director of the Spanish grooming brand in India. It is also the reason why he says that sporting a moustache does depend on the face and facial hair. In fact, he says a well-groomed moustache and beard can actually make people look younger.

However, if that leaves you very confused, then Solanki has an easier way to sport a moustache. He explains, "Light-trimmed beards with about 3 mm length work very well with the moustache, it is versatile and goes with a lot of face shapes." He also recommends keeping some facial hair as that would help men experiment more with different styles; or one can simply keep a stubble constantly.

Tips to style your moustache by Merchant and Solanki

Start small
For youngsters, it is recommended to start off small and keep experimenting each time. A moustache can age you and therefore it is recommended to go to a professional to help them suggest the best style for your face shape.

Use a good beard balm
Using a good balm helps maintain the shape and integrity of your moustache. Just like the hair on your head, ensure you clean the area and use a hydrating product to give it a more natural, well-groomed look.

Always have a shaving kit while travelling
It is essential to have a shaving kit while travelling so that you are groomed correctly at all times. It should consist of a pre-shave wash/scrub, shaving cream, a razor, a pair of scissors, an aftershave, and a stencil (if needed).

Always keep facial hair oil handy
The hair oil would also help maintain the look and provide hydration and tame the facial frizz. Start off by mapping the extras, go in with your pre-shave and your razor to clean out the edges, proceed with a stencil and your scissors to add precision, and finally end the routine with a good aftershave or oil to keep your moustache in place.

Be consistent
It is always a good idea to revisit your tools to clean up the excess hair and ensure your stashe looks sharp and clean.

Also Read: What is Movember and why you need to know about prostate cancer affecting men