With the pencil mustache, you will never go unnoticed no matter where you are headed to. The style gives your appearance a polished and refined flair, which is why you may wear it in any ambiance, from informal to professional. While you will need to make a bit of effort to achieve and maintain the look, the styling will be a real blessing. Last but not least, the range of options available allows you to match the style to your taste. So, feel free to explore our guide for full insight into the look.
What Is A Pencil Mustache?
A pencil mustache is a thin moustache style that features a narrow strip of facial hair on the top of your mouth. It was a trademark facial hair style of gentlemen in the 30s-40s, popularized by fashion legends of the Golden Age of Hollywood, like Clark Gable Errol Flynn, Douglas Fairbanks and Douglas Fairbanks Jr. You could also have spotted this iconic mustache on such trendsetters as Robert Donat, Sammy Davis Jr, Omar Sharif, David Niven, Little Richard, Vincent Price and Basil Rathbone.
A pencil stache is an epitome of an exquisite taste. It is elegant, chic and sophisticated. Although it became less popular over time, it never disappeared completely. In 2011, the movie The Artist was introduced to the world. Its main character, played by Jean Dujardin, sported a line up mustache and that is when the style made a huge comeback as a fashion trend to stay forever. Nowadays, such influential celebrities as Brad Pitt, Eddie Murphy and George Clooney have adopted this mustache style, giving it their personal twist.
How To Trim And Style A Pencil Thin Moustache?
It comes as no surprise that the pencil stash requires much maintenance so it is better to become friends with the trimmer. Also, if you have lighter facial hair, it may be a little challenging for you to grow decent pencil stashes. No worries, you have two ways out. First, you can opt for a thick rather than thin mustache. And second, you can simply dye your whiskers. Now here is how to trim a pencil thin moustache:
- Trim your hair on the face or shave it clean, leaving the area above the upper lip intact.
- Run the trimmer over your mustache to give it the length needed.
- Choose the style of the pencil stache you are going to get.
- Outline the shape of the mustache by shaving the hair underneath your nose downward. So that it is easier to shave, the skin should be tight. You can pull your upper lip down to achieve it.
- Move the trimmer or razer in short strokes so as not to overdo it.
- Make sure the line mustache is straight, not curved on the ends. You can help yourself with the edge of the trimmer or scissors and comb for this.
- Optionally, you can add a center part for added definition by trimming the hair in the center of your mustache.
While the maintenance of the thin trimmed mustache requires pretty much time and effort, it pays off by the ease of styling. You can begin to style the pencil stache once it shows up, which usually happens in a couple of weeks after you have started growing your facial hair. Yet, it may take around a month of growth for your hair to become pliable and dense.
Pencil Mustache Styles With Celebrity Examples
Now that you know how to trim and style the pencil staches, it is time for a dose of inspiration. Below, we have put together the most popular pencil mustache styles. So, you can use our collection as a guide.
Classic Skinny Mustache
Classic thin mustache styles are something you can never go wrong with. They are timelessly stylish and chic. What is more, they work for any face shape and hairstyle, which makes them incredibly versatile.
Source: @urednistvo.pricesk.robert via Instagram
Brad Pitt Mustache
It is hard to tell exactly how many hair, beard and mustache trends the actor set off. Yet, the pencil Brad Pitt moustache is arguably one of the most popular. Since his facial hair is relatively fair, he opts for a thicker version of the look. However, it does not make it any less elegant or sophisticated.
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Thick And Long
When it comes to the modern pencil mustache, there are no strict requirements for its length and thickness. So, if you decide to get an elongated version that is also a bit thicker than a standard one, you are welcome to do so.
Dacre Montgomery Thin Mustache
Dacre Montgomery made a lot of stir when he revealed his lined up mustache at the Red Carpet event. His facial hair style of choice is perfectly groomed to frame his lips and enhance masculine features.
Kathy Hutchins/Shutterstock
Imposing Pencil Mustache
To take thin moustache styles to another level of boldness, why not go for a thicker and denser facial hair style? As this look comes out so imposing, it makes everyone stare in awe at your mustache style.
Source: @urednistvo.pricesk.robert via Instagram
Michael B. Jordan Pencil Thin Mustache
Michael B. Jordan’s mustache line up is elegance at its finest. This is one of those facial hair styles that instantly make you camera ready. So, it is a safe bet for any occasion, be it a casual meeting with friends or a fancy dinner.
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Modern Thin Mustaches
A modern pencil mustache can be paired with a bunch of facial hair on the chin and cheeks. What it is going to be is up to you. Yet, do not go for overly long or pushy beard styles. You do not want them to draw attention away from your mustache.
Almost Invisible Staches
Those who struggle to grow thick mustache should not despair. One of the best things about the pencil mustache is that your facial hair can be barely there to pull off the style. Plus, it is less likely that you are going to mess up with trimming when you choose subtle staches.
Source: @r.braid via Instagram
Jonathan Meyers Pencil Mustache
Jonathan Meyer prefers a mustache style that lines up his lips without overpowering the look. That is to say, if you want your pencil stache to be the focal point, then consider thicker and darker variations. Yet, if you are aiming at a more balanced appearance, then this mustache style is your way to go.
Everett Collection/Shutterstock
Pencil Stache Black Men
The Black pencil mustache is already prominent and edgy during the first several days of growth. So, it should be pretty effortless for you to achieve this impactful and stylish look. In addition, it suits the majority of popular Black hairstyles, such as a high top, twists with a fade and others.
Source: @lanedorsey via Instagram
FAQs
What is the point of a pencil Moustache?
Pencil mustaches emulate a line a pencil would live if you drew with it above your upper lip. Thus, you need to have good precision if you want to get the look right.
How do you get a pencil Moustache?
You can get pencil mustaches in several easy steps.
1. Shave all of your facial hair apart from that over your top lip.
2. Define the shape of the pencil mustaches, only leaving a narrow strip.
3. Sharpen the outline and apply a moisturizing product as a finishing touch.
How long does it take to grow a pencil mustache?
You may expect to grow your facial hair anywhere between 2 and 4 weeks to get a pencil moustache. This period depends on the color of your facial hair. As the rule of thumb, if your hair is dark, you will need less time, as the mustache will become noticeable sooner than when you have light hair.
Who has a pencil mustache?
Many celebrities choose pencil mustaches as their signature facial hair style, such as Clark Gable, J. K. Simmons, Chris Cornell, David Niven, Prince, Don Ameche, Dave Wyndorf, Sammy Davis Jr., Ron Mael, Leslie Phillips and others.
REFERENCES:
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- A pencil moustache is a thin moustache found adjacent to, or a little above the lip. Source
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