Gunslinger Beard & Mustache Grooming Tips

When it comes to classic, rugged beard styles, the Gunslinger beard and mustache combo has got to be one of the most iconic. 

It’s the kind of style that screams “badass” with a side of cool confidence. Think of the old Westerns, with the tough-as-nails cowboys, guns drawn, rocking that sharp mustache and defined beard. The Gunslinger beard is just facial hair with an attitude, a throwback to a time when the Wild West was a real place.

In today’s world, the Gunslinger beard is perfect for the modern man who wants to channel that old-school toughness while keeping things fresh and stylish. However, pulling off this look isn’t as simple as growing out some facial hair and calling it a day. To get that sharp, well-defined Gunslinger beard and mustache, you’ll need the right grooming techniques and a little bit of patience.

In this post, we’re going to break down everything you need to know about the Gunslinger beard and mustache. From shaping tips to daily maintenance, here’s how you can master the Gunslinger look and keep it looking sharp. 

What Is the Gunslinger Beard and Mustache?

Before we look at some essential grooming tips, let’s take a closer look at what the Gunslinger beard and mustache style is all about. 

A classic Gunslinger is a full, dramatic mustache that curves out to the sides, paired with a chin beard that can be kept tight or slightly fuller, depending on your style. The cheeks are usually clean-shaven, or you can go for light stubble if you’re feeling more adventurous.

The hallmark of the Gunslinger look is the mustache. It’s bold, defined, and makes a statement all on its own. The sides of the mustache typically extend beyond the corners of the mouth, often curling slightly upward for that classic Western flair. Paired with a neatly shaped beard that highlights the chin and jawline, the overall effect is masculine and timeless.

Overall, the mustache takes center stage, while the beard adds balance and sharpness. It’s a style that exudes confidence, ruggedness, and a bit of rebellious spirit.

A Summary of the Look

Here’s a quick rundown of the essential components of the gunslinger beard:

• Mustache: Full, bold, and often extending past the mouth with a slight curl.
• Chin Beard: Can be trimmed close to the face or allowed to grow out a bit more.
• Cheeks: Typically clean-shaven or with minimal stubble.
• Overall Style: Sharp, defined, and structured — this is a beard that’s all about attention to detail.

Who Can Rock the Gunslinger Beard and Mustache?

Before you commit to the Gunslinger look, it’s important to know if it suits your face shape and beard growth pattern. 

Not every beard style works for every guy, but the best thing about the Gunslinger is that it can be customized to fit your features.

Face Shape

The Gunslinger beard and mustache work best for men with square, rectangular, or oval face shapes. 

The dramatic mustache adds width to the face, so it’s ideal for men with narrower or longer faces who want to create balance. The beard on the chin helps define the jawline, giving a strong, masculine appearance.

If you have a round face, the Gunslinger can still work for you, but you’ll want to keep the chin beard on the shorter side to avoid making your face look wider. The key is to play with proportions to get that defined, chiseled look.

Beard Growth

For this style, you’ll need to have solid mustache growth. The mustache is the star of the show, so if you struggle with patchy or thin hair in this area, you may want to reconsider. However, if your mustache grows in thick and full, you’re ready to roll.

As for the chin beard, you don’t need a ton of growth. In fact, this style works well even if your beard doesn’t fill in perfectly on the cheeks since the focus is on the mustache and chin. If you’ve got good growth around the mouth and jawline, you can pull off this look.

How To Grow Out the Gunslinger Look

Letting your facial hair grow is the first step to achieving the Gunslinger beard and mustache. This part can be the hardest for some guys because it takes patience. You’ll need at least two to three weeks of growth to start shaping the style, and maybe even longer for your mustache to reach its full potential.

Let it Grow

For the first couple of weeks, resist the urge to trim or shape your beard. The goal is to get a good amount of hair to work with, especially around the mustache. 

This is where your willpower comes in—there will be days when the beard looks unruly or patchy, but trust the process. Once you have enough length, you can shape it into the sharp Gunslinger style.

Focus on the Mustache

The mustache will take longer to grow out fully, so make sure you’re giving it the time it needs. You want those edges to extend past the corners of your mouth. Depending on your natural growth rate, this might take a bit of time, but it’s worth it for that iconic look.

How To Shape the Gunslinger Beard and Mustache

Once you’ve got enough growth, it’s time to start shaping. Here’s where things get interesting. The Gunslinger style is all about precision, so you’ll want to take your time with this step.

Step 1: Define the Mustache

The mustache is the key feature of the Gunslinger style, so let’s start there. You want the mustache to be full but controlled. 

Use a pair of mustache scissors to trim any stray hairs and keep the edges clean. The sides of the mustache should extend beyond the corners of your mouth and, ideally, curl slightly upwards for that Western flair. You can use mustache wax to help shape and control the curl, giving it that classic look.

If you want a more dramatic look, let the mustache grow even longer, but make sure to keep it well-groomed. A scraggly mustache can quickly take the Gunslinger style from rugged to messy, and that’s not what you’re going for.

Step 2: Shape the Beard

Now, onto the beard. The Gunslinger beard focuses on the chin and jawline, with the cheeks usually kept clean-shaven or lightly stubbled. 

Use a trimmer to shape the beard along your jawline and keep the lines sharp. The beard doesn’t need to be too thick or long — just enough to frame your face and balance out the bold mustache.

If you prefer a slightly fuller beard, you can grow it out a bit, but the key is to keep it neatly trimmed. The contrast between the clean-shaven cheeks and the sharp beard on the chin is what gives this style its distinct look.

Step 3: Clean the Cheeks

For the Gunslinger beard to really pop, you’ll want to keep your cheeks clean-shaven. This helps draw attention to the mustache and chin, emphasizing the structure of your face. Use a sharp razor or electric shaver to keep your cheeks smooth and tidy. 

If you prefer a more rugged look, you can leave some light stubble, but don’t let it get too thick, or it will take away from the style’s definition.

What Are Some Grooming and Maintenance Tips?

The Gunslinger beard and mustache require regular maintenance to keep looking sharp. Unlike a full beard that can get away with a little scruffiness, this style is all about precision. Here’s how to keep your Gunslinger look in check.

Trim Regularly

To maintain the Gunslinger beard, you’ll need to trim it every few days. Keep the chin beard at a length that suits your face using a beard trimmer, and don’t let the mustache get too wild. A small trim here and there will keep the lines sharp and the style looking fresh.

Use Beard Oil

Even though the Gunslinger beard focuses on the mustache and chin, you still need to take care of your facial hair. Beard oil is essential for keeping the hair soft, hydrated, and healthy. Apply a few drops of beard oil after you shower to prevent dryness and itching.

Mustache Wax for Control

Mustache wax is your secret weapon for getting that perfect curl on the sides of your mustache. It helps keep the hairs in place and gives you control over the shape. Rub a small amount of wax between your fingers, and work it into the mustache, focusing on the ends to get that upward curl.

Keep Your Cheeks Clean

The clean-shaven cheeks are what make this style stand out, so make sure to shave them regularly. Whether you use a razor or electric shaver, keep your cheeks smooth to maintain the contrast between the beard and the rest of your face.

Final Thoughts

The Gunslinger beard and mustache is a classic look that combines ruggedness with precision. It’s perfect for the modern man who wants to channel that cowboy spirit while keeping things sharp and stylish. With the right grooming tools and techniques, you can pull off this bold look and make it your own.

Sources:

Beard Growth: Faster and Bushier | Healthline

Tips for a Smooth Shave Every Time | Cleveland Clinic

Men’s Facial Hair Preferences Reflect Facial Hair Impression Management Functions Across Contexts and Men Know It | PMC

How to Be More Confident: 9 Tips That Work | Verywell Mind