Dali Mustache Guide: How to Get Salvador Dalí’s Famous Look

Some facial hair says “laid-back.” Some say “tough.” The Salvador Dalí mustache says, “I woke up and chose theatrical genius.”

Whether you're into surrealist art or just want a mustache that turns heads in the grocery store, Dalí’s iconic look remains one of the most recognizable (and frankly, fun) grooming styles of all time. Equal parts precision and flair, this style is all about embracing your eccentric side.

Below, we’ll walk through the story behind the Dalí mustache, how to grow and groom one, and the tools you’ll need to master the curve. Mustache wax included.

The Story Behind Salvador Dalí's Stache

Salvador Dalí was a surrealist painter and brand unto himself. Nothing said “Dalí” more than his gravity-defying mustache, curled upward at the ends like two question marks on a mission.

This wasn’t an accident. Dalí reportedly modeled his mustache after Spanish painter Diego Velázquez, but made it more exaggerated. His version was waxed, sculpted, and famously sharp. Over time, the “Dalí mustache” style he created was part historical homage, part surrealist signature.

Who was Salvador Dalí?

Salvador Dalí was a Spanish surrealist artist known for his eccentric personality and dreamlike, often bizarre works of art. Born in 1904 in Figueres, Catalonia, Spain, Dalí became one of the most famous and influential figures in 20th-century art. One of his best-known artworks is The Persistence of Memory, featuring melting clocks.

Where was Dalí from?

Dalí was born and raised in the Catalonia region of northeastern Spain. His hometown of Figueres is also home to the Dalí Museum, which he designed as a surrealist experience and where he is now buried. However, he spent a good portion of his life in New York, collaborating and inspiring some of America's well-known creatives, like Walt Disney and Alfred Hitchcock.

Why is Salvador Dalí’s mustache so famous?

Dalí’s mustache became a visual trademark and work of art of its own. It symbolized his unique persona, blending precision, rebellion, and theatrical flair. He once described it as “very aggressive.” The style helped him cultivate an instantly recognizable image, and it remains one of the most iconic mustaches in history. 

Today, this bold look still draws attention, and you don’t need to have a paintbrush in hand to pull it off.

How to Grow a Dalí-Style Mustache

Step one: grow out your mustache. You can expect a growth period of about 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the pace of your growth. By then, you should have enough length to shape and start curling the tips.

Avoid trimming the outer edges and keep them moisturized with beard oil to avoid breakage. Focus any shaping on the center to maintain a narrow silhouette. Keep cheeks and chin clean-shaven for an authentic contrast. The Dalí look works best when it’s the star of the show.

If your mustache is patchy or grows slowly, patience is key. Some men’s facial hair takes to the Dalí shape quickly, while others may need more training time (and wax) to see that upward curl.

Trimming & Shaping the Dalí Way

This mustache has an intentional shape with sharp edges and a clean middle. Let’s be specific because not every curled mustache qualifies, including a handlebar mustache.

• Thin and narrow
• Strongly upturned at the ends
• Styled with wax for structure
• Often grown longer at the tips for maximum curve

Once you’ve got length, shaping becomes essential. Comb the mustache straight out using a fine-tooth mustache comb.

Trim the middle to keep it neat above your lip, but don’t overdo it (this isn't a pencil mustache). Leave the tips long and avoid cutting the hair at the corners. As needed, use a precision trimmer to remove any stray hairs from the cheek or upper lip line.

To keep the mustache narrow, you may need to taper the sides inward slightly, creating a defined flow toward the ends.

Styling Tips: Wax, Curl, and Hold

This is where the magic happens, because no Dalí mustache stands on its own. 

Use a mustache wax with high-hold. Look for beeswax-based products for firm structure. Warm the wax between your fingers and apply from the center outward, twisting the ends. From there, shape the curls upward, not outward. Think handlebars on espresso.

Use a mustache comb to smooth the hairs into place and even out the wax, then hold in place for a few seconds after curling the tips to help them set.

If your hair resists curling, try training it with a small round brush and blow dryer on low heat. Over time, your facial hair will start to curve more naturally. 

Tips to Maintain the Look Day to Day

Wearing a Dalí mustache takes a little daily maintenance. A few minutes every morning and night make the difference between “artfully eccentric” and “forgot your razor.”

• Wash thoroughly at night for beard and skin health. Salvador Dalí actually shared in an interview that he cleaned his stache every evening, "allowing it to become soft and droop down overnight." 
• Wash and dry before applying wax because the product sticks better to clean, dry hair.
• Reshape midday if needed with a mini mustache comb and wax tin or stick for touch-ups.
  
• Reapply wax only to dry hair for best results. Moisture and water can weaken your desired hold and texture.

In time, you may be able to get to Salvador's routine, where he said it took just 3 minutes to style his stache in the mornings.

Can I Pull Off The Dalí Mustache?

This look isn’t for everyone, and that’s the point. The Dalí mustache is a statement. It's for guys who like vintage or avant-garde styles and don’t mind drawing attention. You likely have an interest or passion for grooming and shaping their facial hair, and looking for a defined, artistic look.

It pairs well with a clean-cut wardrobe, sharp tailoring, or even a minimalist beard—but avoid combining it with other “statement” facial styles. Let the mustache do the talking.

Final Thoughts: Turn Your Mustache into a Masterpiece

With patience and daily care, this bold, historical look is surprisingly wearable, whether you're headed to an art opening or just trying something new. So twist the ends, lean into the drama, and let your mustache speak for itself.

Because if Salvador Dalí taught us anything, it’s that the boldest look in the room usually belongs to the guy who dares to grow it.

Need mustache wax that actually holds the curl? The Beard Club has you covered with high-hold grooming products built for facial hair that want to make a point—literally.