Are you sporting a ’tache in honour of Movember? Throughout November, men are encouraged to grow moustaches to raise awareness for three of the biggest risks to men’s health, namely prostate cancer, testicular cancer and mental health issues. Dubbed Movember (a portmanteau of “moustache” and “November”), this annual event also raises money for the Movember Foundation, a charity whose purpose is to help men live happier, healthier, longer lives.
If you’re growing out your moustache this month, it helps to know how to care for it. “Treat it like how you treat your hair – this means trimming, washing and moisturising it regularly,” says Razif Rosli, a barber at gentlemen’s hairdresser Truefitt & Hill. “Using the right products is key to preventing dryness and itching and keeping the hair healthy. Keep your moustache neat by combing it using a comb made specifically for the job.”
Here are more tips to care for your ’tache, depending on which style you go with.
The Professor
Maintenance level: Easy
This moustache style was a favourite of wise-looking university professors from back in the day, and the best part is that it requires very little maintenance, says Razif. Simply condition it with beard oil and massage the area frequently to help the hair grow faster. Trim it regularly so that it stays in shape. Hollywood star Robert Downey Jr sports a Professor-style moustache in his multiple turns as Tony Stark/Iron Man in the Avengers movies.
The English
Maintenance level: Difficult
A favourite of 19th-century English gents, this is a narrow style that extends to the sides of the upper lip. The ends point slightly upward and may be curled.
Razif says that you’ll need a comb, a trimmer and moustache wax to keep this moustache looking good. “Clean-shave your beard to allow the moustache to be styled the way it should.”
The Walrus
Maintenance level: Easy
So-called because it resembles the whiskers of a walrus, this style is thick and fuzzy and tends to droop over the mouth. If you want to look rough and rugged, this is the moustache for you. Think Tom Selleck in 80s TV series Magnum, P.I.
“Let it grow completely so that it covers your mouth and only trim if necessary,” Razif advises. “Use moustache wax to keep it looking neat and keep the edges away from your upper lip. Apply beard oil regularly, working it in with a comb.”
The Handlebar
Maintenance level: Difficult
Often associated with Italian men, the Handlebar resembles the handlebar of a motorcycle in that it is long and extends upwards with slightly curled ends. If you want to keep this style looking healthy, Razif advises against trimming it. Instead, he suggests combing it regularly from under your nose. “First, dampen the moustache and apply a little wax on it before combing the product through, first to the left and then to the right. Finally, twist the ends and shape it with your fingers.”
The Pyramidal
Maintenance level: Difficult
This style doesn’t grow past the corners of the mouth and is relatively short, with a wide base that narrows progressively as it reaches the nose.
“I suggest trimming this moustache with clippers to maintain the shape, and using a razor to touch up the edges,” Razif says.
Are you growing a moustache for Movember? Share your photos and tips with us at magnsman@sph.com.sg!
