The Ultimate Guide to Mustache Mastery: From Handlebar to 70s Style and Everything in Between

The mustache is having a moment. Again. From the gritty cops of 1970s cinema to the hipsters of modern Brooklyn, the humble mustache has transcended trends to become a timeless symbol of personality, rebellion, and craftsmanship.

But with so many styles out there—from the curled handlebar moustache to the rugged cop moustache—how do you find the best moustache for your face? And what about accessories like the moustache septum ring?

Whether you are chasing that retro moustache 70s vibe or need a quick fake moustache for a costume party, this guide covers every angle. We will explore famous moustache people, teach you how to use scissors moustache grooming techniques, and help you find the moustache best products on the market.

The Heavy Hitters – Iconic Mustache Styles

The Handlebar Moustache

The handlebar moustache is the king of statement facial hair. Named for its resemblance to bicycle handlebars, this style features long, sweeping ends that curl upward toward the eyes.

History: This style dates back to the Iron Age, but it exploded in popularity during the late 19th century. Wild West figures like Wyatt Earp sported handlebars, and in the 1970s, Oakland A’s pitcher Rollie Fingers brought it back with a vengeance.

Who It Suits: Oval and rectangular face shapes. The horizontal width of the handlebar balances longer faces beautifully.

How to Grow One:

1. Grow everything for 4-6 weeks minimum. Do not touch the trimmers.
2. You need length at the ends (the “tips”) to create the curl.
3. Mustache wax is non-negotiable for this style.

The Styling Routine:

• Warm a pea-sized amount of wax between your fingers.
• Brush hairs downward, then outward from the center.
• Twist the ends upward and outward.
• Use a hair dryer on low heat to set the wax.

Pro Tip: Apply wax before bed and wear a silk sleep cap to train the hairs overnight.

• Search Link for Mustache Wax (Essential for Handlebar): Click here to browse Mustache Wax on Amazon

The 70s Style Moustache / Moustache 70s

When people think of the moustache 70s, they think of one thing: pure, unapologetic machismo. The 70’s style moustache is typically full, thick, and often styled as a chevron or a slightly longer walrus.

The Vibe: Disco, detective, and dad energy. Think Tom Selleck in Magnum P.I. or Burt Reynolds in Smokey and the Bandit.

Why the 70s Loved It: The 1970s was a decade of rebellion against the clean-shaven 1960s. Mustaches symbolized masculinity, independence, and a certain “I don’t care” attitude.

How to Get the 70s Look:

• Grow a full, natural mustache that covers the top lip.
• Do not curl the ends (that is handlebar territory).
• Keep it thick and slightly bushy.
• Let it droop slightly over the lip for that classic “dad” feel.

Modern Take: The 70s mustache is back in a big way. Pair it with a modern haircut (like a textured crop or a mullet) to avoid looking like you stepped out of a time machine.

• Search Link for Beard Trimmers (to shape that 70s thickness): Click here to browse Beard Trimmers on Amazon

The Cop Moustache

The cop moustache is a specific subset of the 70s style. It is the mustache of authority, donuts, and mirrored sunglasses. Think of the stereotype: a gruff police detective with a perfectly trimmed, thick upper-lip warmer.

Characteristics:

• Full and dense – no patchiness allowed.
• Slightly wider than the mouth – extends just past the corners.
• Neatly trimmed – no stray hairs.
• Often paired with aviator sunglasses.

Famous Cop Mustache Wearers:

• David Soul as Hutch in Starsky & Hutch
• Erik Estrada as Ponch in CHiPs
• Nick Nolte in 48 Hrs.

How to Achieve the Cop Mustache:

1. Grow for 2-3 months to achieve full density.
2. Use scissors moustache trimming to keep the bottom edge clean.
3. Shave the rest of your face completely – this is a solo mustache, not part of a beard.

Why It Works: The cop mustache projects confidence and authority. It says, “I have seen things, and I am in charge.”

• Search Link for Mustache Scissors (Precision trimming): Click here to browse Mustache Scissors on Amazon

Grooming Tools – The Scissors Moustache Technique

One of the most underrated skills in facial hair grooming is the scissors moustache trimming method. While electric trimmers are fast, they can easily ruin weeks of growth with one wrong move. Scissors give you precision and control.

Why Use Scissors?

Electric Trimmer	Scissors
Fast but imprecise	Slow but accurate
Can create uneven lines	Allows single-snip corrections
Risk of cutting too much at once	You control every millimeter
Better for bulk removal	Better for detail work

The Scissors Moustache Trimming Routine

Tools You Need:

• Sharp, small mustache scissors (blunt tips are safer for beginners)
• Fine-toothed mustache comb
• Small handheld mirror

Step-by-Step:

1. Comb downward – Brush all mustache hairs straight down over your lip.
2. Define the line – Use the edge of your upper lip as a guide.
3. Snip carefully – Cut only the hairs that extend past your lip line.
4. Comb outward – For handlebar styles, comb outward and trim only split ends.
5. Check symmetry – Look straight into the mirror. Uneven sides are obvious.

Pro Tip: Trim when your mustache is dry. Wet hairs appear longer, and you will cut too much.

• Search Link for Mustache Scissors on Amazon: Click here to browse Mustache Scissors

Finding the Best Moustache for Your Face

What is the moustache best style for you? The answer depends entirely on your face shape and hair type.

Face Shape Guide

Face Shape	Best Mustache Style	Why
Oval	Almost anything (Chevron, Handlebar, Walrus)	The most versatile shape
Round	Chevron or Cop Mustache	Adds length and structure
Square	Handlebar or Walrus	Softens sharp jawlines
Heart	Pencil or thin Chevron	Avoids overwhelming the chin
Long/Rectangular	Handlebar (wide) or Walrus	Adds horizontal width

Hair Density Considerations

• Thick, dense hair: You can pull off a Walrus or thick Chevron.
• Thin or patchy hair: Stick to a Pencil or trimmed Cop mustache. Avoid long, hanging styles that expose gaps.

The Universal Truth

The best moustache is the one you maintain. A perfectly trimmed Chevron will always look better than a neglected Handlebar with split ends.

Famous Moustache People (For Inspiration)

Throughout history, certain famous moustache people have defined eras and inspired millions of men to grow their own facial hair.

Hollywood Icons

Name	Signature Style	Era
Tom Selleck	Full, thick Chevron	1980s – Present
Sam Elliott	Massive Walrus	1970s – Present
Clark Gable	Thin Pencil	1930s-1940s
Burt Reynolds	Thick, rugged Chevron	1970s
Henry Cavill	Modern, groomed Chevron	2010s – Present

Historical Figures

• Friedrich Nietzsche – Massive, bushy Walrus
• Salvador Dalí – Extreme, upturned handlebar
• Teddy Roosevelt – Classic Walrus
• Charlie Chaplin – Small, toothbrush mustache (controversial today)

Fictional Characters

• Ron Swanson (Parks & Rec) – The ultimate cop mustache
• Yosemite Sam – Cartoon handlebar
• Mario (Super Mario Bros.) – Thick, friendly Chevron

Athletes

• Rollie Fingers – Hall of Fame handlebar
• Hulk Hogan – The definitive horseshoe mustache

The Fake Moustache – For Costumes and Pranks

Not ready to commit to months of growth? Need a quick disguise? A fake moustache is your answer.

Types of Fake Mustaches

Type	Best For	Pros	Cons
Self-adhesive	Costume parties, one-time use	Cheap, easy to apply	Falls off easily, looks fake
Spirit gum applied	Theater, professional costumes	Stays on for hours, realistic	Requires remover, messy
Magnetic	Quick on/off	Reusable, no glue	Requires magnetic clip on nose
Crepe wool (DIY)	High-end costumes	Most realistic, can be styled	Time-consuming to apply

How to Apply a Fake Mustache (Spirit Gum Method)

1. Clean and dry your upper lip area.
2. Apply a thin layer of spirit gum to your skin.
3. Wait 30 seconds until tacky.
4. Press the fake mustache firmly into place.
5. Hold for 30 seconds.
6. Use spirit gum remover (or isopropyl alcohol) to take it off.

Best Fake Mustache Styles

• Classic Handlebar – For the villain or dapper gent costume
• 70s Cop – Perfect for a disco or detective party
• Pencil – For a Charlie Chaplin or Clark Gable look
• Search Link for Fake Mustaches on Amazon: Click here to browse Fake Mustaches
• Search Link for Spirit Gum & Remover: Click here to browse Spirit Gum on Amazon

The Moustache Septum Ring – A Bold Combination

One of the hottest trends in men’s grooming and piercing is pairing facial hair with a moustache septum ring. This combination creates a striking, edgy aesthetic that blends traditional masculinity with modern body modification.

What Is a Septum Ring?

A septum ring is a piercing through the nasal septum (the cartilage wall between your nostrils). It can be a simple hoop, a clicker, or a decorative piece with jewels or spikes.

Why Pair a Mustache with a Septum Ring?

Effect	Description
Visual anchor	The septum ring draws attention to the center of your face, complementing the mustache
Edgy contrast	A classic mustache + a modern piercing = unique style
Balance	For thick mustaches, a septum ring adds visual interest to the upper face
Subculture signal	Popular in punk, metal, and alternative communities

Best Mustache Styles for a Septum Ring

• Chevron – The classic look, balanced by the ring
• Handlebar – The ring adds a modern twist to a vintage style
• Pencil – Thin mustache + delicate hoop = refined alternative look
• Cop Mustache – Authority meets rebellion

Considerations Before Piercing

• Healing time: Septum piercings take 4-8 weeks to heal.
• Pain level: Low to moderate (the “sweet spot” is thin cartilage).
• Hiding it: You can flip a horseshoe barbell up into your nostrils to hide it.
• Mustache interaction: Long mustache hairs can get caught on jewelry. Keep trimmed or choose a snug-fitting hoop.
• Search Link for Septum Rings on Amazon: Click here to browse Septum Rings
• Search Link for Septum Piercing Aftercare: Click here to browse Piercing Aftercare on Amazon

Part 7: Complete Mustache Toolkit

No matter your style, these tools will help you achieve and maintain the moustache best possible look.

Product Category	Purpose	Amazon Search Link
Mustache Wax	Styling handlebar and curled styles	Search on Amazon →
Mustache Scissors	Precision trimming without over-cutting	Search on Amazon →
Beard Trimmer	Shaping and maintaining thickness	Search on Amazon →
Mustache Comb	Training hairs and distributing wax	Search on Amazon →
Beard Oil	Softening hairs and hydrating skin	Search on Amazon →
Fake Mustache Kit	Costumes, parties, or trying before committing	Search on Amazon →
Spirit Gum & Remover	Securing fake mustaches professionally	Search on Amazon →
Septum Rings	Piercing jewelry to pair with your mustache	Search on Amazon →
Piercing Aftercare	Keeping your septum piercing healthy	Search on Amazon →

Part 8: The Movember Movement – Growing for a Cause

While we have focused on style, there is a serious side to mustache growing. Movember (a portmanteau of “Mo” – Australian slang for mustache – and “November”) is an annual event where men grow mustaches to raise awareness for men’s health issues.

The Mission:

• Prostate cancer
• Testicular cancer
• Mental health and suicide prevention

The Rules of Movember:

1. Start November 1st clean-shaven.
2. Grow a mustache for the entire month.
3. No beards, no goatees – mustache only.
4. Raise funds and awareness.

Why It Matters: By 2024, over 285,000 people took part across 20 countries, raising millions for charity. So, if you are growing a handlebar or a cop mustache in November, you are doing it for a good cause.

Quick Reference Summary

Keyword	Key Takeaway
Handlebar moustache	Curled ends, requires wax, vintage cool
Moustache best	Depends on face shape – Chevron is universally safe
Moustache 70s	Thick, full, chevron style – think Tom Selleck
Scissors moustache	Precision trimming tool – safer than electric trimmers
70’s style moustache	Same as above – the decade of the thick ‘stache
Best moustache	The one you maintain consistently
Cop moustache	Full, dense, authoritative – Starsky & Hutch energy
Fake moustache	Great for costumes – use spirit gum for best results
Famous moustache people	Selleck, Elliott, Gable, Reynolds, Hogan
Moustache septum ring	Edgy combo – piercing + facial hair

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Individual results may vary based on genetics and hair growth patterns. Consult a professional piercer for septum piercing advice.

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