Trimming Your Mustache Has Never Been Easier With These Barber-Approved Tips (2024)

Table of Contents

Jump to: 1. Decide on the style/ end goal 2. Grow it out 3. Gather your tools and prep your station 4. Clean, dry, and Comb 5. Maintain symmetry 6. Trim your beard 7. Line up the bottom 8. Shape the top 9. Trim for length 10. Final touches The Best Mustache Trimming Essentials Fine Tooth Comb Beard/Mustache Trimmer Mustache Scissor Sanguine Professional Mustache Scissors Water-based Pomade American Crew Pomade Face Wash Shop More of the Best Mustache and Beard Products Learn More About the Best Ways to Grow and Style Your Mustache

GROWING A MUSTACHE is easy. It does it all by itself. But donning one with sophistication and style? Well, that’s where it takes some attention to detail and the right approach. Whether you're going for a classic Chevron, or wanting to have a little fun with the Handlebar look, pulling it off can feel daunting. But fear not; you can master the art of trimming if you follow this guide. We line up the simple steps to achieving the mustache your face deserves.

1. Decide on the style/ end goal

The types of mustache styles to choose from are endless, from a walrus to a horseshoe to a fu manchu. They’re all different in their own ways and require your attention to detail from start to finish. Whichever ‘stache you’re planning to go with, it’s best to decide that up front.

2. Grow it out

One man’s facial hair grows at a different pace than another’s. Make sure you give yours a chance to reach the desired length, and consider growing it even longer because you can always trim it down. If this is your first time growing out your mustache, Cassondra Kurtz, founder and barber at Beyond the Beard in New York City, warns of the “awkward phase.” “It’s going to get a little weird,” she says, referring to the early stages of the mustache that hasn’t quite reached its desired thickness yet. Most men are “going to want to shave it off a few times so you have to get through that first,” Kurtz added.

3. Gather your tools and prep your station

Before you start snipping away, make sure your setup is in order. Coming up short on your supplies isn’t something you want to realize halfway through the trimming process.

For starters, you need a well-lit area and mirror to avoid mistakes. For mustache scissors, Kurtz recommends using one made of Japanese steel because they “tend to last a really long time.” As for a mustache or beard trimmer, she says to choose one “on the smaller side. And if it’s a cordless electric trimmer that’s even better.” However, if someone has thick or coarse hair, “having a stronger motor is going to serve them better.”

You’ll also need a face wash. Mustache wax or water-based pomade are optional.

4. Clean, dry, and Comb

Give your face and mustache a proper face wash to remove any grime the naked eye can’t see. We recommend one of the below face washes. Make sure to dry your face and mustache thoroughly for an even canvas. Using a quality fine tooth comb, begin combing your hairs downard to keep them all facing the same direction.

5. Maintain symmetry

With every trim, clip, and snip on one side, make sure you are making the same adjustments on the other. Pause occasionally throughout the process and confirm your ‘stache is being formed neatly and evenly.

6. Trim your beard

An unruly beard may not just be an eyesore, but also can also get in the way. Conservatively trim the surrounding areas using a trimmer guard with the length of your choice. Be careful not to inadvertently cut into your mustache area. You don’t necessarily need to perfect the beard yet. You can add final touches at the end.

7. Line up the bottom

Using a scissor, beard trimmer or mustache trimmer, line up your mustache above the upper lip starting with “cleaning up the center,” Kurtz suggests. “That area tends to make people feel like it’s really messy.” The NYC barber added, “Start by trimming out the center, and letting the sides grow out.”

8. Shape the top

Once you reach the desired look above the lip, begin working on the top of the mustache just below your nose. Start at the center and work your way out.

9. Trim for length

Now is a good time to pause and take a hard look at how your mustache is coming along. Decide if the length is ideal or if you need to trim down. If the length is way too long for the look you’re going for, trim away slowly and conservatively using a trim guard. If the length is only slightly longer than your goal, it’s best to snip away carefully with a mustache scissor.

10. Final touches

Pause again to take stock of how your handsome facial hair is coming along. Clean up any breakaway whiskers. Confirm your lines are symmetrical. Revisit your beard to ensure it isn’t distracting from the main event.

11. Style your mustache

Depending on the look and length of your mustache, you might want to consider using mustache or beard wax, which will help tame and shape it into your desired look. One downside of using wax is that it can be challenging to wash it out. In that case, consider using a water-based pomade instead.