The 7 Most Common Mustache Problems and How to Fix Them
Written by Shaylynn Marks
A mustache can look handsome right up until it starts growing weird and collecting half your lunch. If you’ve dealt with any of that, you already know some of these common mustache problems can quickly turn a solid look into something messy and scruffy. Most guys run into at least one of these issues at some point, so don’t get mad at yourself. How to maintain and grow a mustache usually boils down to better grooming habits and using the right products. We’re digging into the 7 most common mustache problems and how to fix them.
The 7 Most Common Mustache Problems and How to Fix Them
Mustache Problem #1: Mustache Keeps Curling in Your Mouth
One day it’s shaped up, and before you know it you’re accidentally chewing on it. Stop wondering why eating a sandwich has become a full-contact sport. Usually, this happens when the facial hair around your cupid’s bow (the center) begins growing past your lip line.
How to Fix: Grab a mustache comb and brush the facial hair outward. Next, trim lightly along the lip with grooming scissors so you aren’t chopping off all your progress. A little mustache wax helps keep everything sitting right where it should, which will give your mustache a fuller appearance without it coming off feral.
Mustache Problem #2: A Thin and Patchy Mustache
A patchy mustache can mess with your confidence fast, especially when one side comes in decent and the other side looks like it slept through the assignment. The cause of patchiness can sometimes stem from genetics, but it often comes from a rough grow-out phase. When you trim your mustache too soon and ignore your routine, you can’t get mad that your mustache isn’t magically turning into Tom Selleck overnight.
How to Fix: Start with a routine and stick to it. Wash your stache regularly with beard shampoo so buildup can no longer weigh it down. Next, use beard conditioner to keep the facial hair softer and easier to manage. It’s also recommended to apply a drop of growth-inducing serum if you’re trying to support a thicker, healthier mustache over time.
And remember, only trim when it’s curling over your lips. Otherwise, please back away from the scissors! Allow the mustache to grow its best life.
Mustache Problem #3: Dry and Wiry Mustache
A mustache can start out soft and then suddenly feel like straight-up steel wool by the middle of the day. That rough, crunchy texture usually shows up when the air is dry, or when the skin underneath is ignored. Dry facial hair can also happen if you’re washing it without putting any moisture back in. Using harsh products, as well as long exposure to extremely cold (or hot) weather can also make it worse.
How to Fix: Use a soothing beard shampoo that cleans without stripping everything out, then follow it up with beard conditioner to soften the hair and make it easier to manage. If your mustache still feels rough, add a little beard oil to help lock in moisture and calm things down. The goal is for the 'stache to feel touchable, not like you glued a Brillo pad to your upper lip.
Mustache Problem #4: Food Gets Easily Stuck in Your Mustache
Unfortunately, there’s no dignified way to realize your mustache has been holding onto sauce or crumbs. The longer and fuller your mustache gets, the more likely it is to catch whatever you’re eating on the way in.
How to Fix: A little upkeep goes a long way. First, you need to start trimming the center of the 'stache when it starts hanging too low. In between trims, keep a folding comb with you. That way, you can make quick mirror checks after meals and clean up as needed. Washing your face regularly will also help keep old buildup from sticking around longer than it should. The last thing you want is a mustache that’s looking like it’s ordering off the same menu.
Mustache Problem #5: Uneven Mustache
Nothing is more disrespectful than when one side of your mustache is out there thriving and the other side looks like it forgot to clock in. Uneven growth is super common when your hair grows at different speeds or the direction gets a little weird near the corners. A lot of guys make it even worse by trimming both sides to match the weaker side—which essentially is like letting the underachiever run the company.
How to Fix: Let it grow a little longer before you start shaping everything too tightly. Use a mustache comb to train the facial hair in the direction you want it to sit, then trim conservatively so you are refining the shape instead of overcorrecting. In short, avoid forcing symmetry and focus more on giving your mustache enough time to even itself out.
Mustache Problem #6: Itchy Mustache
An itchy mustache will test any man’s patience. Usually, the reason for the itch is because there’s dry skin under the hair, or from sweat and not washing often enough. Itchiness can show up early when the hair is first coming in. It can also hit later when your routine is off and your face decides to let you know in the most annoying way possible.
How to Fix: Wash your mustache often enough to keep the oil and grime from building up. To avoid any potential dryness, follow up with beard conditioner and a drop of clarifying beard oil if the skin underneath feels tight. If your upper lip stays hydrated and clean, the itch usually chills out before you lose your mind and start scratching at your face in public like a maniac.
Mustache Problem #7: Your Mustache Never Stays in Place
Some mustaches just refuse to cooperate. You comb it, and try to twist it into shape. You have the house feeling good until you catch your reflection an hour later and realize one side has gone rogue. This usually happens when the facial hair is getting longer or the texture is becoming a little more stubborn. And you certainly can’t expect your mustache to hold its shape with nothing backing it up.
How to Fix: Train it daily with a mustache comb. Next, trim the flyaway spots carefully, and use a little mustache wax to help it stay where you put it. A high-quality mustache wax really earns its keep because it gives you a light hold and helps tame fly-aways.
Fixing a Mustache is Easier Than You Think
Most mustache problems aren’t a sign that your facial hair is doomed. They usually mean your routine needs a little work. A better beard shampoo and conditioner with a side of beard oil, and not to mention some solid mustache wax, can make a huge difference in how your mustache looks and feels day-to-day. Once you put a handle on the basics, it gets a whole lot easier to keep your mustache looking clean and keeping your confidence maxed out.
