Top 8 Mustache Styles for Black Men: Find Your Signature Look

For black and African American men, facial hair carries layers of cultural identity, personal style, and quiet confidence. From the thick, bold lines that empower to the sleek fades that whisper refinement, the right facial hair style is more than a look. It’s a legacy.

Maybe you're inspired by the timeless cool of Billy Dee Williams or the modern sophistication of Michael B. Jordan. Either way, your mustache can help tell your story before you even speak. The challenge? What story do you want to tell?

Finding a new beard style or starting from scratch as a young man can be tough. So, let’s talk basic facial hair tips and then break down some standout mustache styles that blend tradition and trend, so you can find the one that fits your face and your vibe.

Let’s Talk Shape & Style

Not every mustache works for every face, and that’s a good thing. Your face shape gives you a blueprint to work with, helping you figure out which style brings out your best features. But it’s not just about bone structure. Personal style plays a big role, too.

Right now, we’re seeing a serious resurgence of classic Black style icons. Think Marvin Gaye’s smooth chevron mustache, Richard Roundtree’s sharp lines, or Eddie Murphy’s Pencil mustache from his ‘Coming to America’ era. These looks aren’t just making a comeback for nostalgia’s sake. They’re back because they still work.

If your face is more angular or square, a fuller mustache can add a touch of softness to balance out facial features. If you have rounder features, something leaner or more sculpted adds definition. And if you’re working with a longer face? A little structure up top goes a long way. A fuller ’stache or something with some width can help balance things out. A thicker style, such as the walrus or beardstache, adds visual weight in just the right spot.

The point is, facial hair styles aren’t one-size-fits-all. The best style is the one that works with what you have and how you want to show up in the world. Whether you’re keeping it clean and tight or growing your mustache with purpose, the right mustache can frame your face, boost your confidence, and tie your whole look together.

1. The Chevron

Thick, full, and unapologetically prominent, the chevron mustache is a classic for a reason. This full-bodied mustache spans the upper lip and delivers a sense of quiet authority. It’s not flashy, but it doesn’t have to be. When grown and groomed right, it makes an impact without saying a word.

It’s the mustache style that helped define icons like Lionel Richie and, more recently, Idris Elba. It says: “I’ve got things handled.” The Chevron pairs especially well with bold features like a strong jawline or a broad nose, adding balance and intention to an already powerful look.

Ready to embrace the bold look? Pair it with clean cheeks and a tightly shaped beard or let it stand solo with a fade for contrast.

To keep it looking clean, you'll want to trim just above the lip line. Not so much that it looks skinny, but enough that you’re not getting a mouthful of hair with every bite or smile. Use a sharp trimmer with a guard and go slow. If your facial hair tends to grow coarse, a few drops of beard oil will keep things soft, shiny, and more manageable.

2. The Beardstache

Not quite a full beard, but not just a mustache. The Beardstache walks that line with swagger. This look pairs a thick, prominent mustache with a shorter, well-groomed beard or heavy stubble. It’s the kind of facial hair that says you’ve got style and grit, but you’re not afraid to keep things a little rough around the edges.

The Beardstache works especially well for men who want to showcase their mustache while maintaining some structure around the jawline. It’s a great option if your beard grows in strongly, but you don’t want to commit to full-length maintenance.

To make it work, keep the mustache bold and defined. Let it grow a little longer than your beard, and don’t be afraid to add a touch of balm to give it some texture and weight. For the stubble beard look, consistency is key. Use a trimmer with a guard to keep it even, and shape the neckline to avoid letting things get too wild.

This style brings contrast, balance, and a certain effortless cool. It looks sharp without trying too hard. It is confident, but still has a laid-back vibe.

3. The Painter’s Brush Mustache

Bold but tidy, the painter’s brush mustache strikes the perfect balance between presence and polish. It’s a thick mustache, similar to the Chevron, but trimmed shorter and squared off for a cleaner silhouette. If you’re looking for something that stands out without taking over your whole face, this one’s a solid pick.

It’s a favorite among celebs like Steve Harvey and Carl Weathers. For men with fuller facial hair and strong features, the painter’s mustache offers structure and style without fuss. It works especially well with a fade, shaped beard, or clean cheeks to let that neat square line pop.

To keep the shape fresh, use a precision trimmer to define the corners of the mouth and clean the area just above the lip. A touch of beard balm keeps the hairs in place and softens the look for everyday wear.

4. The Lampshade

Think of the lampshade mustache as the crisp white tee of facial hair. It’s simple, versatile, and always fresh. It’s full through the center with clean edges and a slight taper toward the corners, sitting just above the lip like a well-measured frame for your smile. It’s got just enough structure to feel intentional, but it doesn’t scream for attention.

This style works especially well if you prefer a neat, low-maintenance look that still makes a statement. It’s a great match for oval and heart-shaped faces, where you want a mustache that adds polish without overpowering your features.

Styling the lampshade is all about consistency. A quick pass with a trimmer every few days will keep the edges tight, and a fine-toothed mustache comb helps maintain that tidy shape. 

5. The Mustache-Goatee Combo

The mustache-goatee combo is a time-tested favorite that’s still going strong. Popularized by stars like Michael B. Jordan, this style strikes the perfect balance between clean and bold. It puts the mustache in the spotlight while the goatee adds contour and depth, helping to shape the lower face and draw attention to the chin and jawline.

This style is especially effective for men with tighter curl patterns or patchy cheek growth. Why? Because it emphasizes areas where your facial hair grows in strongest and lets you skip the high-maintenance upkeep of a full beard. Whether you go for a rounded goatee, a sharper circle beard, or pair the mustache with just a soul patch for a lighter touch, this style gives you plenty of flexibility.

The key here is grooming. Keep a trimmed mustache, just above the lip, and shape the goatee with clean, symmetrical lines. Use a precision trimmer and line-up tool to define the edges, and don’t skip on beard oil or butter to help soften coarse hairs and prevent flakes.

6. The Handlebar

With its curled ends and bold shape, this style brings a sense of vintage flair that somehow still feels fresh. It’s playful but polished, dramatic but deliberate. Think less old-school strongman and more Donald Glover on a red carpet. Confident, creative, and a little unpredictable.

The key to growing a handlebar mustache is careful maintenance and time. The healthier and fuller your ‘stache grows, the more shape you can play with. When training your facial hair, start to determine whether you want tight curls for a sharper vibe or loose curls for a more relaxed look.

And yes, you’ll need a little backup. A good mustache wax and a small comb are your best friends here. Apply a small amount of wax, carefully twist the ends to shape, and go about your day knowing your facial hair is doing the talking for you.

7. The Pencil Mustache

The pencil mustache isn’t here to shout. It speaks in clean lines, quiet confidence, and just enough flair to make people look twice. It’s the kind of mustache that knows what it’s doing — no extra fluff, no drama, just style. Think Jamie Foxx on a red carpet or classic Denzel in the ’90s. It’s sharp, smooth, and refined without trying too hard.

This style sits neatly above the lip, trimmed close and shaped with surgical precision. It works especially well if you’ve got strong cheekbones or a defined jawline, since the pencil draws the eye across your face without overwhelming your features. It’s a perfect match for oval or angular face shapes, but even rounder faces can pull it off with the right trim.

The key to pulling this off? Clean edges. A steady hand and a quality t-blade beard trimmer are must-haves. Line it up regularly and don’t let it grow out too thick. The pencil should feel crisp, not shadowy. For a more old-school, suave look, pair it with a clean fade and a little beard balm to keep any nearby stubble in check.

8. The Walrus

If you’re after a look that says “I’ve got stories to tell,” the walrus is your style. Thick, bushy, and unapologetically full, the walrus commands attention. It’s the kind of look that brings serious presence, giving off quiet strength and timeless cool in equal measure.

The walrus mustache has deep roots in classic masculinity and has been rocked by everyone from Sam Elliott to Isaac Hayes. And when it’s paired with coarser, denser hair textures, the result is even more powerful. This mustache takes up space in the best way possible.

To wear it well, you’ve got to embrace the fullness while keeping it just tidy enough to avoid turning meals into a contact sport. A slight trim above the lip line and a regular pass with a mustache comb will go a long way. For added softness and shape, beard balm can help keep things under control without taking away from the rugged appeal.

The Walrus isn’t for the minimalists, but if you’re drawn to bold, grounded, grown-man energy, this could be the style that sets you apart.

Mustache Maintenance Tips

No matter which mustache you’re rocking, keeping it fresh is all about the upkeep. That means staying on top of trimming to maintain your shape, especially around the lip line, where things can get messy fast. 

The secret to clean styles like the pencil or lampshade? Knowing how to trim your mustache with intention. A mustache comb or beard pick helps train your facial hair to lie the way you want, keeping things looking intentional, not overgrown.

If your style calls for it, a bit of wax can lock everything into place, especially with curl-heavy looks like the handlebar. And don’t forget the skin underneath. A few drops of beard oil go a long way in keeping both your mustache and your face soft, moisturized, and flake-free.

From Statement to Signature Look

Your mustache style says something before you speak and lingers in the room long after you’ve left. Whether you’re keeping it subtle, going full bold, or somewhere in between, the right mustache can tie your whole look together and give you that extra edge of confidence. So find your fit, stick with what makes you feel good, and wear it like you mean it. The rest will follow.

Looking for the right tools for your next look? We take men’s grooming seriously at The Beard Club, with high-quality trimmers, beard growth kits, and more for all your grooming needs.