A man with the handlebar mustache style.

How to Do a Handlebar Mustache

Few styles turn more heads than the Handlebar mustache. From dastardly cartoon villains to ringmasters to ace relief pitchers, the Handlebar Mustache is sure to get you noticed. Happy twirling!

How to Do the Handlebar Mustache Step-by-Step

  • 1

    Stop shaving your upper lip for at least 6 weeks. Comb your mustache at least once a day and create a part in the middle, combing to the left and right.

  • 2

    Use your Wahl trimmer to trim the center of the mustache, while allowing the ends to grow long.

  • 3

    Apply mustache wax to each end and roll it back and forth between your fingers to create long, slicked hairs.

  • 4

    Curl the ends using a pen or small round object, repeatedly winding as tight as possible. Even the handle of your Wahl mustache comb could work, but it might not be as tight as a flip. Remove the pen or object. Show the world.

What to use

Lithium Ion+â„¢ Stainless Steel Grooming Kit

Lithium Ion+â„¢ Stainless Steel Grooming Kit

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LITHIUM IONâ„¢ MULTIGROOM

Lithium Ionâ„¢ MultiGroom

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LITHIUM IONâ„¢ TOTAL BEARD

Lithium Ionâ„¢ Total Beard

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POWERPROâ„¢ CORDED CLIPPER / TRIMMER

PowerProâ„¢ Corded Clipper / Trimmer

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Beard & Stubble Rechargeable Trimmer

Beard & Stubble Rechargeable Trimmer

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Need help deciding what you need?

Wahl offers trimmers and grooming kits that let you achieve the look you want and keep it looking great.

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More Mustache Style Tips

Combing Your Mustache

A man combing his mustache.

Always comb hair straight down before you trim.

Lining Your Mustache

A man lining his mustache with a Wahl trimmer.

Use a compact precision ground trimmer—like the Wahl Mustache Trimmer—for great lines and hard-to-reach areas like under the nose.

Shaping Your Mustache Without a Guide Comb

A man shaping his mustache with a Wahl trimmer.

Experiment with different styles to see what shape suits your face or personality best.

Shaping Your Mustache With a Guide Comb

A man shaping his mustache with a Wahl trimmer and attachment head.

When trimming with a guide comb, work from inside out and cut in a downward motion.

Applying the Right Pressure

A man using just enough pressure to trim away hair from his mustache with a Wahl trimmer and attachment head.

Applying too much pressure with your trimmer may remove more hair than desired.

Using a Taper Guide to Trim

A man using a taper guide to trim the mustache hair above his lip.

Use the taper guide comb post trim to refine or tighten up any whiskers above the lip.

Maintaining Your Facial Hair Between Trims

A man maintaining his facial hair between trims.

Remember, style dictates the amount of time you need before trims.

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