Manscaping: How To Maintain Your Movember Moustache
The top complaints I hear over the month of No(Mo)member come not from the men who grow their moustaches in the name of charity, but from their partners—you know, the ones who have to endure scratchy kisses. I can't blame them, really - who wants to make out with a caterpillar? - but I do find it hard to believe that, with facial hair trending so heavily in men's grooming over the past few years, this Movember crew hasn't yet figured out that it is possible to grow a fine looking 'stache.
I hit up Dustin Granofsky, Senior Barber at Garrison's by the park Barbershop, for a few tips on how to grow a moustache your partner will love well beyond November 30th.
You may set out to reach Tom Selleck status, but it's important to recognize what type of moustache works best for your face shape and growing abilities. "Grow it out until it has reached its full potential," Dustin says. "Then, you can figure out from there [how] you want to style it. I think the main thing is to get the girth and fullness [in place], and then it's easier to critique and take off."
#2: In Training
Much like the hair on your head, you may wake up some mornings with your 'stache hairs pasted in 50 different directions. Don't laugh it off—you look like a fool. Get a fine tooth comb with tight brittles and comb your facial hair in whichever direction you desire. Also, if you comb it downwards and see that the hair is poking down past your lip line, Dustin recommends taking a single blade razor or trimmer and lining the moustache up flush with the top line of your lip. "Don't trim too much or it'll go way too high," he warns. "Less is more [when it comes to trimming] - I can't stress that enough. The thinner the blade the easier it is to gage how much you're taking off."
#3: Growing Is Half The Battle
So you have your moustache and it's straight and tidy. Congratulations, but it won't stay like that for long. "You can trim it every day if you want to, but probably every three to four days is best," Dustin says. "It really depends on the guy and how neat he wants it." Personal preference aside, Dustin remarks that the trendy way to wear facial hair at the moment is more traditionally. "Those chiseled graphic lines are a bit dated now. We're moving towards that classic masculine look, ie. tight fades on the sides with the hair blending in tight to your beard and then getting a bit more girthy towards the chin and moustache area." If it's truly getting unruly, however, take your fine tooth comb and lay it at a 90 degree angle, allowing just the tips of the hair to fall through, and trim them very lightly with scissors.
#4: The Better Way
Surprise! You can go to a barbershop for a moustache trim. Garrison's regularly takes drop-ins and books five minute appointments for grooming. It's always best to see a professional, especially if you're trying out facial hair for the first time. Or, if your DIY trimming goes a step too far, a pro may be able to salvage it.
#5: Why Stop At A 'Stache?
Some guys may fall hard for their Movember moustaches and want to keep the spirit alive in a trendier way. Grow a beard! You can shave your moustache and start with a clean slate, or you can continue tailoring your moustache and let the beard grow in additionally. Dustin marks below the cheekbone and below the chin as the two places you'll need to watch for stray hairs. "As a rule of thumb," he says, "[trim the growth] about an inch after your chin line."
Have you shared your Movember moustache with us? Click here to submit your pic.
By: Laura; Photo by WENN.
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