Trimming and shaping your mustache – here's how!

We'll show you valuable tips and tools on how to trim, care for, and style your mustache yourself.
From the Henriquatre or Van Dyck beard to the horseshoe, handlebar, anchor, pencil, Fu Manchu, curled mustache, or classic mustache, mustaches are extremely diverse and creative – not just in their naming. Here you can let loose and find your perfect beard style depending on your face shape or personal style. Do you usually wear your beard as a three-day stubble or do you shave clean? Then just try out a few styles – and if nothing suits you, you can always go back to your clean shave. We've prepared some inspiration for you here:

What to expect:

#1: The Shave #2: How to trim your mustache #3: Choose your beard style #4: Care and Styling FAQs

How to: Shave, care for, style a mustache – tips for beginners

In our video, we show you all the tips you need for a well-groomed and good-looking mustache.

Trim your mustache – 4 steps

Step #0: Let it grow

We know you know, but this step is still part of a proper step-by-step guide. We don't need to explain much here, except: keep your hands off the razor, trimmer, or straight razor. If you have trouble growing a beard or are very impatient and want to stimulate beard growth, read the linked articles first and then come back here.

Step #notreallyastep: Ever been to a barber shop?

This step is, of course, optional, but if this is your first mustache, you're not sure which shape best suits your face, or the result absolutely has to be perfect, a barber is your best friend.
Prefer to try it yourself? We totally get it, which is why we've put together a concise guide with tips from a barber for you here.

Step #1: The Shave

Is your beard at least two centimeters long now? Then let's get started! Grab your beard knife or razor and comb or beard brush. First, everything that doesn't belong to the mustache needs to go, which you can best do with a safety razor or straight razor.
Shaving oil or shaving cream and aftershave ready so your shave doesn't leave any pimples. More information and tips for the perfect shave can be found in the article on razor burn – and how to avoid it.

It's important to wash your beard with beard shampoo before shaving and then preferably let it air dry – or blow dry it if necessary. Please never cut your beard when it's wet. Because when wet, the hairs fall differently than when dry – and you don't want to leave anything to chance when styling your beard. Leave everything around the mouth area, rather a little more than too little, so you have enough room later. Especially when combining a mustache and chin beard, you should leave enough beard hair. If you are trimming your mustache in conjunction with your full beard, feel free to read this post first.

Our products for beard care

Step #2: Trim your mustache

Now let's focus on the beard around your lips. Choose the right trim attachment for you - the length depends entirely on the desired style and your preferences. For a handlebar mustache, you should of course use a much longer trim attachment than for a regular mustache. The motto here: rather choose a longer one and then slowly go shorter. It helps to brush and/or comb your beard beforehand. This makes it easier for the beard trimmer and you to trim all hairs to a uniform length.

Step #3: Choose your Style

Now at the latest, you should have chosen your style. If you are very unsure and can't decide, start with the beard style that has the most hair and then sort. This way you can gradually get used to different styles.
For this, remove the attachment of the trimmer to be able to cut precise contours. Our tip: cut or trim the mustache in layers. This means that the upper beard hairs (closer to the nose) should generally be longer and shorter towards the lips. The trick is to cut both sides evenly. So please take enough time here. Mustaches are by no means quickly cut beard styles.

Particular caution is required when shortening the hairs above the lips. If you are experienced, remove the trimmer attachment and use the bare shaver head for this. If not, put your trimmer aside for now and use scissors. You either have special beard scissors or baby nail scissors. This prevents you from cutting your lips. Shorten all protruding hairs with scissors (or the trimmer).

Step #4: Styling and Care

Happy with your beard style? Great! First, wash your face and beard with clear water to remove shaving residue and then dry your beard. We recommend a beard softener to soften your beard hair and moisturize the skin underneath. Because this has naturally been stressed by shaving. Alternatively, beard oil is also a good option. Simply massage one to three pumps gently into your beard and do not rinse.

Now your beard brush comes back into play, followed by beard wax or the stronger beard pomade, so that your beard retains its shape. Here you can either emphasize the shaved beard shape or style it as desired. Especially with a handlebar mustache, you should not make any compromises when styling or skimp on beard pomade.

Scents for your style

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What's your favorite style? Do you trim your mustache yourself? We'd love to hear from you on Instagram or Facebook!

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FAQs

In which direction should I trim my beard?

It depends a bit on where you're shaving. From your earlobes to the top of your ears, we recommend trimming against the direction of hair growth.
For your cheeks up to the corners of your mouth - including above your lips - it's better to trim with the direction of hair growth.
Everything below the corners of your mouth and your lip should then be trimmed again in the direction of hair growth. If you have very sensitive skin, first shave only in the direction of hair growth and see if shaving against the direction of hair growth works for your skin at all. If not, choose a different beard style, because razor burn or pimples are not worth it.

What are the biggest mistakes when shaving a mustache?

#1: A wet shave! Your hair falls differently when wet. If you don't constantly walk around with wet beard hair in your everyday life, you shouldn't cut your hair that way either. Since we assume your beard hair will mainly be dry, you should cut your hair when it's dry.
#2: Shaving from top to bottom, i.e. horizontally! Shave your mustache diagonally from the outside towards the corner of your mouth/mouth crease; it not only looks better but also more natural. If you're not aiming for a perfectly straight mustache style, trim/shave your mustache in a diagonal, slightly rounded arc around your mouth.
#3: Incorrect or missing care. Both your beard and your beard hair need to be cared for. Depending on the structure and demands of your hair, you should choose beard oil, beard softener, or beard and face cream.
#4: Shaving in a hurry. The result: a messy, asymmetrical beard, probably even razor bumps and red patches on your face. Do us and yourself a favor and take your time!

How long does a mustache need to grow?

That depends on many factors. If you want to know more, the articles Growing a beard and Accelerating beard growth are helpful.

How do I get a handlebar mustache?

First of all: long beard hair. And patience. You first have to let your hair grow long enough so you have enough hair to twirl. This style is not suitable for everyone, but if you're up for it, go for it! It looks really chic and attracts a lot of attention. So it's not for introverts, because you'll definitely be approached about it often!