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Cowboy Mustache Styles: How to Grow the Rugged Western Look
The frontier’s calling—will you answer?
Picture this: you’re riding into the sunset, spurs jingling, a tumbleweed rolling by, and your upper lip is sporting a cowboy mustache so rugged it could lasso a steer all by itself. The cowboy mustache is a statement, a vibe, a time machine to the Wild West.
Whether you’re channeling Clint Eastwood’s squint or dreaming of Wyatt Earp’s ‘stache in Tombstone, this iconic style is having a moment. Lucky for you, The Beard Club is here to guide you through growing, grooming, and rocking the western cowboy mustache like a true outlaw.
This isn’t your average mustache tutorial. We’re diving deep into the styles and maintenance you need to pull off this authentic cowboy legend. From the classic handlebar to the untamed walrus, we’ve got the tips (and a few laughs) to get your lip foliage looking saloon-ready.
What Makes a Cowboy Mustache So Dang Special?
The cowboy mustache is more than just facial hair above your lip; it’s a badge of honor. Think of it as the facial equivalent of a cowboy hat—bold, unapologetic, and dripping with frontier grit.
Historically, these mustaches were practical for cowboys kicking up dust on the plains, offering a bit of shade for the mouth and a filter for that dry, gritty air. But let’s be real: they also looked cool as hell, which is why they’ve stuck around.
Today, the cowboy mustache is a rebellion against the clean-shaven corporate drones and the over-manicured hipster ‘staches. It’s thick, it’s wild, and it screams individuality. Pair it with a beard or let it ride solo—either way, it’s a power move. Ready to grow one? Saddle up, because we’re breaking down the styles and the know-how.
The Classic Styles of the Cowboy Mustache
Not all cowboy mustaches are created equal. With each variation bringing its own flavor of Western cool, which one unleashes your inner gunslinger?
The Classic Handlebar
This is the king of cowboy mustaches—think twirled ends you could hang a hat on. The handlebar mustache is bold and structured, with tips that curl upward. It’s the mustache of choice for the dapper outlaw with a poker game to win and a saloon gal to impress.
Growing it takes patience (about 6-8 weeks for a decent length), and you’ll need mustache wax to train and hold those ends. Twist ‘em daily, and don’t skimp on the grooming—nobody likes a droopy ‘stache in a high-noon standoff.
The Bandito Mustache
If the handlebar is the gentleman cowboy, the bandito is the rogue. This western mustache style is thicker, wider, and a little unkempt—perfect for the guy who’s been riding the range for weeks. It’s less about precision and more about raw, untamed vibes.
Let it grow past your lipline, and don’t over-trim; the goal is a thick mustache that looks like it’s seen some things. Pair it with a scruffy beard for extra texture.
The Horseshoe
Initially tracing back to the Western days and now most notably famous via Hulk Hogan (not a cowboy, but bear with us), the horseshoe mustache drops down the sides of your mouth like a U-shape. It’s the ultimate tough-guy cowboy look.
Keep the sides long and the top full, but don’t let it creep too far onto your chin; that’s beard territory. This one’s low-maintenance but high-impact.
The Walrus
Think Sam Elliott: a massive, bushy mustache that practically covers your mouth. The walrus is the granddaddy of cowboy mustaches, requiring serious growth time (3-6 months) and a devil-may-care attitude about food getting stuck in it.
It’s not for the faint of heart (or the soup lovers), but it’s the epitome of Western ruggedness. Trim sparingly and let it dominate your face for maximum effect.
How to Grow a Cowboy Mustache
Growing a cowboy mustache isn’t a sprint; it’s a cattle drive. You’ll need patience, the right tools, and a willingness to push through the awkward stages. Here’s the plan.
First, ditch the razor. For at least 4-6 weeks, let that upper lip sprout like spring. Invest in a mustache comb to train your mustache hairs through the growth. It’ll itch, it’ll look patchy, and your buddies might roast you—tough it out. Use a beard brush to distribute beard oil into the mustache and skin beneath to boost circulation and tame the itch. Around week three, you’ll see the shape emerging.
Resist the urge to trim too soon; length is your friend here. Once you’ve got some thickness, shape it to your chosen style, using mustache wax as needed. A precision t-blade trimmer is perfect to clean up edges, but don’t overdo it—cowboy mustaches thrive on a bit of chaos.
Give it 2-3 months, and you’ll have a worthy cowboy mustache.
Tips for Improved Growth
If your genetics are stingy, don’t sweat it—facial hair growth varies wildly, and even patchy mustaches can look killer with the right styling.
Skincare is one of the keys to healthier facial hair. Think face and beard wash, derma rolling, moisturizing, and more. Not only will your skin thank you, but your mustache will grow thicker.
Lifestyle and diet matter, too. Protein, biotin, and zinc are your mustache’s best pals—think eggs, nuts, and lean meats. No, chugging whiskey won’t help (sorry, partner), but staying hydrated will keep your hair healthy. Add in beard growth vitamins for an extra boost.
Grooming Your Cowboy Mustache: Keep It Rugged, Not Ratty
An authentic cowboy mustache doesn’t need a spa day, but it does need some TLC to avoid looking like a possum crawling on your face.
Start by cleaning it with a gentle beard shampoo a couple of times a week without stripping natural oils. Dirt and grime are part of the cowboy mythos, but greasy tangles aren’t.
Comb it daily to train the hairs and prevent a bird’s nest situation. For handlebars, twist the ends with mustache wax while they’re damp; for walruses or banditos, a quick brush-through keeps it respectable.
Trimming is optional—some guys let it run wild, and others snip stray hairs every few weeks using sharp beard scissors. Just don’t get trim-happy; length is what separates the cowboys from the city slickers.
And here’s a Beard Club secret: a tiny dab of our beard balm will add lightweight shine and hold with a fresh sandalwood or cedar scent.
Wrangling the Cowboy Mustache into Today
A cowboy mustache isn’t just hair; it’s a way of life. Pair it with a flannel shirt, some worn-in boots, and a devilish grin, and you’re halfway to starring in your own retro Western.
Expect interactions—the cowboy mustache is a conversation starter, a compliment magnet, and may warrant a few “yee-haw” jokes.
Saddle Up, Partner: Your Cowboy Mustache Awaits
Growing a cowboy mustache is a journey, not a destination. From the twirled handlebar to the bushy walrus, there’s a cowboy mustache for every face and every soul bold enough to try it.
So, what’s it gonna be, partner? Start today, and by summer, you’ll be the most mustache’d man in town. Kurt Russell would be so proud. Grab your comb, stock up on Beard Club's grooming essentials for men, and let that lip legend grow.
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Sources:
14 Legendary Mustaches That Made Western Movies Unforgettable | Flick Sphere
10 Greatest Mustaches In Western Movies, Ranked Worst To Best | Screen Rant
