How To Trim a Mustache: 5 Tips for Success

It takes hard work to get the best mustache in the game. Even Tom Selleck has to break out the clippers and practice mustache maintenance on a regular basis. If you want a ‘stache like his, you’ll need to snip, trim, and condition regularly.

Keeping your beard clean isn’t the only part of your facial hair care regimen to focus on. Growing a thick, full, healthy beard is a huge win — kudos to you for achieving that! Still, some concentrate more on their beards and neglect their mustaches, which is a no-no. 

A well-groomed mustache adds to the whole ensemble, even if you’re not sporting a massive walrus mustache. It takes patience and practice, but upkeeping your mustache will be worth it. With the right tools and methods, we can teach you how to trim a mustache like a pro and keep it that way!

Let’s examine five grooming tips for achieving a perfect mustache trim and unlocking your ideal facial hair style.

Scissors vs. Trimmers: Which Is Better?

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of trimming, let’s discuss which tool will get you the best mustache.

Should you go for old-school barber scissors or opt for an electric trimmer? Both have advantages, but your choice depends on the mustache style you’re aiming for and the control you need.

Scissors and Clippers

If precision is your goal, beard-trimming scissors are a fantastic option. They give you barbershop levels of control, especially for minor adjustments and shaping. A small pair of sharp, stainless steel mustache scissors can let you carefully snip away stray hairs without taking off too much at once.

Beard Trimmers

Electric trimmers like The Beard Club’s PT45 are your go-to if you want to keep things simple, quick, and uniform. Most beard trimmers come with adjustable guards, which help you manage length without being too cautious about where you're trimming. That’s ideal if you prefer a consistently short mustache or are new to trimming.

How Often Should You Trim a Mustache?

How often you should use your tool of choice depends on how fast your mustache hairs grow and the look you want to maintain. 

On average, trimming every three to five days is ideal for keeping things looking sharp. If you're growing it out, you can stretch that out to once a week.

Now, let’s take a closer look at how to trim your mustache like a pro.

Step 1: Start With Clean, Dry Hair

Before even thinking about trimming your mustache, you need to start with the prep work. Trimming your mustache is an art form, a delicate dance of precision and style. So, whether you're sporting the chevron or a simple pencil ‘stache on your upper lip, let's delve into the basics of trimming and shaping, turning your ‘stache into a statement of bold simplicity and effortless confidence! 

Before you start trimming, make sure your mustache is clean and dry. Wet hair can appear longer than it actually is, and you could end up trimming off more than you intended once it dries. Grab a gentle beard shampoo, wash your mustache, and pat it dry with a towel. You want to work with your natural texture here.

Step 2: Trim Across Your Upper Lip

Begin by focusing on the hair above your upper lip. This step is crucial for keeping things tidy and avoiding that annoying feeling of hair poking into your mouth.

For Scissors

Comb your mustache down so the hairs hang naturally. Start at one corner of your mouth, and use the scissors to trim just above your top lip, working your way across. Make small snips and follow the natural curve of your lip to ensure symmetry. Be patient — this part sets a strong foundation for the rest of your trim.

For Trimmers

Attach a guard that matches your desired length. Start from one side of your upper lip and glide it across, following your lip’s natural line. Keep your movements smooth and steady to avoid sudden cuts or gaps in your beard shape.

Step 3: Sculpt the Middle Mustache Gap

Now that the area above your lip is neat, it's time to maintain the center of your mustache. This area can make or break your look, as it's where your style really comes to life.

For Scissors

Use a small comb to lift the middle section of your mustache slightly above the lip line. Then, using your scissors, make tiny cuts to shape the bulk of your mustache. Maintain symmetry by trimming equal amounts from both sides. You can also use your fingers to guide the length, gently pulling the hair and snipping off the tips for your ideal beard style.

For Trimmers

For a more uniform look, move your trimmer in short, controlled strokes from the center outward. Don’t rush this step — you want to make sure both sides of your mustache look balanced. If you’re going for something bold, like a chevron or handlebar mustache, this is where you can shape it to your desired look.

Step 4: Taper the Edges

Once the middle is under control, the outer edges of your mustache are next. This step gives your mustache a polished look and ensures it blends well with the rest of your facial hair.

For Scissors

Comb the outer hairs toward the edges of your face, then snip them to create a gradual taper. You’re aiming for a smooth transition from your mustache into your beard or clean-shaven skin, so take your time here.

For Trimmers

Set your beard and mustache trimmer to a shorter guard, and carefully taper the edges of your facial hair, working from the outside in. This helps soften your look and makes sure your mustache doesn’t come off as blocky or too thick at the ends — unless a thick mustache is what you want.

Step Five: Final Touches

Now that you’ve got the shape and length you want, you can wrap things up with some final touch-ups that can make a big difference:

Line It Up

Use your trimmer or razor to define the edges of your mustache. Clean up any stray or wispy hairs around the edges, especially near the corners of your lips and along the cheeks of a full beard. This locks in your mustache style for a clean, defined look.

Condition & Hold

For daily beard maintenance and grooming, use a quality mustache wax to hold your masterpiece in place for the day. Don’t forget to condition your facial hair regularly. A small dab of beard oil keeps the hair follicles soft and healthy. Brush and distribute beard products with a mustache comb to evenly distribute them and keep your ‘stache in tip-top shape.

What Are Other Tips for Mustache Maintenance?

Here are a few extra tips to take your mustache-trimming skills to new heights:

Trim in Good Lighting

This might seem obvious, but good lighting is essential. Natural light is best, so if possible, trim near a window or in a well-lit bathroom to avoid leaving long hairs behind.

Brush & Comb It Daily

A beard brush isn’t just for styling. Instead, it trains your beard growth to move in the right direction and distributes natural oils and products. Daily brushing helps prevent ingrown hairs and keeps everything neat and tidy. Getting a pocket mustache comb is perfect for a quick clean up and styling on the go.

Stay Hydrated

Dry, brittle hair doesn’t look good on anyone. Drink plenty of water, ensure your intake of important vitamins, and use moisturizing beard products to keep your mustache healthy and soft.

Patience Is Key

Mustache grooming is a skill that takes time to master. Don’t rush it, and always trim less than you think you need to. You can always go back and snip more, but you can’t undo an overzealous cut.

Mustache = Manliness

Trimming your mustache doesn’t have to be an intimidating task. With the right tools and a little patience, you can master the art of a sharp-looking ‘stache. Keep it tidy, keep it classy, and let that mustache show the world who's boss. 

For more grooming tips and facial hair essentials, look no further than The Beard Club.

Sources:

Anatomy, Hair Follicle - StatPearls | NCBI Bookshelf

Ingrown Hair: What It Looks Like, Causes, Treatment & Prevention | Cleveland Clinic

Water: How much should you drink every day? | Mayo Clinic