An Expert’s Guide to Growing a Great Moustache

Thanks to Hollywood’s favourite ‘it’ boys, moustaches are having a real moment. Paul Mescal, Jacob Elordi, and—most recently—Timothée Chalamet are just a few of the A-listers sporting red-carpet-ready moustaches that could rival Tom Selleck’s.

Sadly, for the average man, achieving a great moustache takes both effort and patience. For those willing to put in the work, we caught up with Olly Walker, Grooming Expert at Harry’s, to understand what’s required to grow and maintain the perfect moustache.

Be Patient

According to Walker, the first step in growing a moustache is to give it time. Many men feel inclined to trim or shape their moustache prematurely. However, it’s advisable to let the hair grow uninterrupted for the first few weeks to achieve sufficient fullness before styling. As he explains, “A great moustache begins with patience—good things truly come to those who wait. It can take around five weeks to achieve the thickness you’ll need for styling, but the payoff is worth it.”

Walker notes that itchiness is to be expected during the early stages of hair growth, explaining that it occurs when coarse hair breaks through the skin, causing irritation, inflammation, dryness, and discomfort. To minimise irritation during this stage, Walker recommends regularly washing, exfoliating, and conditioning both the moustache and the skin underneath.

Choose the Right Style

“When your moustache has reached sufficient length and density, it’s time to choose a style that best complements your features,” says Walker. “Chevron styles suit oval and square faces, handlebar moustaches enhance diamond and triangle face shapes, while pencil moustaches are ideal for those with oval or heart-shaped faces.”

Shape and Define

“Once your moustache is clean and conditioned, it’s time to shape it,” explains Walker, emphasising that proper shaping ensures a polished, well-groomed look. “Use a small comb to guide the hairs into place, starting at the top of your moustache and brushing downward toward your upper lip. Once the hairs are neatly in place, trim sparingly along the edges, the upper lip, and the corners of your mouth to maintain balance.” Walker stresses that regardless of the style you choose, a precision trimmer is essential for defining clean lines and keeping edges sharp and tidy.

Maintain That Moustache

For optimal moustache maintenance, wash and condition it regularly while keeping it neatly trimmed. According to Walker, those with sensitive skin should take extra care to keep their moustache and the surrounding skin well-nourished. “For those with sensitive skin, aftercare is essential. Regularly moisturising the skin beneath your moustache can help prevent dryness and irritation, and using a soothing oil or balm can calm any redness after trimming.”

Although it may seem daunting, growing and maintaining a moustache doesn’t have to be complicated. With patience, the right grooming tools, and practice, anyone can achieve a well-groomed, enviable moustache that suits their style.