How to Rock the Pencil Mustache: An Expert Guide

The pencil mustache is a classic, pencil-thin mustache style that sits on the upper lip. While it was most popular in Hollywood during the 1930s and 1940s, the pencil mustache has come back in style many times throughout the years. If you’re thinking of getting a pencil mustache, keep reading. We’ll explain what a pencil mustache is , how to shave and maintain it , and how to decide if it’s right for you, all with the help of expert hair stylists, facial hair specialists, and barbers!

The Pencil Mustache at a Glance

A pencil mustache is a narrow, pencil-thin mustache that sits on the top of the upper lip and ends at the corners of the mouth. Cut your mustache down to about ¼ inch (0.635 cm) with a straight razor, then use the razor to even out the top and sides. If the top is uneven, fill it in with eyebrow pencil.

Section 1 of 8:

What is a pencil mustache?

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The pencil mustache is a thin, narrow mustache on the upper lip. A pencil mustache is a pencil-thin mustache made from a brief line of facial hair that sits just above the upper lip and sometimes sports a shaved gap in the center. It’s called a pencil mustache because the narrow width makes the mustache look as if it were drawn on with a pencil. ^{[1]
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- Pencil mustaches are typically less than 1 inch (2.54 cm) thick and neatly trimmed, but you can style them however you choose.
- The pencil mustache is great if you’re looking for a style that’s still sharp, clean, and minimalist.
- The pencil mustache does require frequent trimming, so it isn’t necessarily low maintenance.
Meet the wikiHow Experts

Timmy Yanchun is a professional barber and the co-founder of Svelte Barbershop + Essentials, who has been cutting hair since age 13 and opened his first barbershop at 18.

Marlon Rivas is a barber, the owner of MGX Professional Men's Grooming, and the founder of Busystyle.com, with over 15 years of experience.

Joshua Pompey is a relationship expert and the founder of Next Evolution Matchmaking, with over 15 years of experience.

Tiffany Carnevale-Russo is a licensed cosmetologist and salon manager at men's salon Jaxson Maximus, with over 19 years of experience in the beauty industry.

Section 2 of 8:

How to Shave a Pencil Mustache

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1
Wash your mustache with beard shampoo and conditioner, then comb it. Before trimming, professional barber Timmy Yanchun suggests washing your mustache with beard shampoo and conditioner. ^{[2]
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Expert Source

Timmy Yanchun
Professional Barber

Expert Interview} If you don’t have beard shampoo, regular shampoo will suffice. Once your stache is washed and conditioned, use a fine-toothed comb to bring the hairs out for an even trim.
- Buy beard shampoo and conditioner online or at most big box stores.
2

Shave any facial hair on your cheeks and chin. After you’ve washed your facial hair and combed it out, use a razor to shave your facial hair like normal. Avoid shaving the mustache, but make sure you get your cheeks, chin, neck, and any other areas where you grow facial hair. ^{[3]
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3

Trim your mustache down to the desired length. Use your trimmer or a razor to bring your mustache down to its desired length. Pencil mustaches are usually only ¼ inch (0.635 cm) thick, so shave yours down to around that length. ^{[4]
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Use a straight razor to even out the top and sides of your mustache. Once you’ve brought the pencil mustache down to your desired length, grab a straight razor and carefully trim the top into a straight line. Use the base of your nose as a reference point for drawing a straight line. Once you’ve got the top straightened, shave the sides to the corners of your mouth. ^{[5]
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5

Fill in the mustache with an eyebrow pencil if the top is uneven. If you’ve managed to cut the top too low, draw a straight line with an eyebrow pencil and fill in the patches underneath. That way, your pencil mustache will still look sharp and clean, even if your hands were a little shaky during the shaving process.

Section 3 of 8:

How to Maintain a Pencil Mustache

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1
Regularly trim your pencil mustache. Facial hair specialist Marlon Rivas suggests keeping a trimmer and using it to maintain the mustache line above your lip so it doesn’t grow over the sides or mouth. Not only will it give you a much more groomed appearance, but it only takes about 30 seconds to a minute to do. Check your mustache daily and trim it a couple of times a week. ^{[6]
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Expert Source

Marlon Rivas
Facial Hair Specialist

Expert Interview}
- Depending on how fast your facial hair grows, you may have to cut it more or less than twice a week. The general rule of thumb is to trim it whenever it grows over a ¼ inch (0.635 cm) thick.
2
Wash and condition it regularly. Wash and condition your pencil mustache using beard shampoo and conditioner two to three times a week. If you live an active lifestyle where you often get sweat, food, and other things in your mustache, you may want to wash it three to four times a week. ^{[7]
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- Consider adding beard oil to further soften your stache.
- Use mustache wax to shape your stache.
3

Be patient if it’s your first time cutting the pencil mustache. Practice makes perfect, and if it’s your first time, chances are you haven’t had any practice with cutting the pencil mustache. It requires a steady hand that you may not have yet, but don’t sweat it! The more you practice cutting the pencil mustache, the better you’ll get. Just be patient and take your time.

Section 4 of 8:

Is a pencil mustache right for you?

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1

Shave a pencil mustache if you don’t mind a high-maintenance style. The pencil mustache requires regular trimming to keep it clean, as the style relies on contrast between the face to shine. You’ll need to get used to using a straight razor on your upper lip daily or every other day, depending on how fast your facial hair grows. So, if you prefer a lower-maintenance style, the pencil mustache may not be for you. But if you don’t mind, get your tools ready and prepare to trim! ^{[8]
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Try a pencil mustache if you can’t grow thick facial hair. Not everyone can grow a full beard, and there’s nothing wrong with that! If your facial hair typically grows in patches and tufts, opt for a pencil mustache instead. This style gives you a face-defining look that makes use of the hair you can grow.
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Consider your face shape and whether the style complements it. According to Rivas, the type of style you’re going for really determines how your face is complemented. ^{[9]
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Expert Source

Marlon Rivas
Facial Hair Specialist

Expert Interview} The pencil mustache usually works best with diamond, heart, oval, or round face shapes, as it creates a sharp look that helps accentuate the chin and jawline. Diamond faces tend to work best with thicker pencil mustaches, while heart, round, and oval faces are practically made for the pencil-thin look. ^{[10]
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- Triangle, square, and oblong face shapes are also acceptable matches for the pencil mustache, but with light stipulations:
  - Pair oblong face shapes with a wide, thick pencil mustache to offset the size of your face.
  - Pair square faces with thick pencil mustaches to offset your face’s other strong features.
  - Pair triangle faces with pencil mustaches that have enough volume and width to offset your face length.
- Even if you don’t have one of these face shapes, it’s totally okay to rock a pencil mustache! It’s more important to choose a style that you like and that makes you feel confident.
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Choose a pencil mustache if you’re looking for a vintage or artistic look. The pencil mustache has been worn by iconic artists and filmmakers like Salvador Dalí and John Waters, making it a look that’s just as classic as those who wore it. ^{[11]
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Research source} So, if you’re looking to call back to that classic, vintage, artistic look while putting your own personal spin on things, the pencil mustache is a good fit for you.
- Dalí wore the mustache with a curly twist, cleaned it every evening, and used it as a tool for artistic inspiration. ^{[12]
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Rock a pencil mustache if it makes you feel confident. Ultimately, choosing a mustache style is about confidence and how the mustache makes you feel. According to relationship expert Joshua Pompey, you can’t fake confidence. Doing something as simple as getting a new haircut (or facial hair style) to feel like your most physically attractive self is a step in the right direction, though. ^{[13]
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Expert Source

Joshua Pompey
Relationship Expert

Expert Interview} Your decision to wear the pencil mustache is up to you, but as long as you keep it clean and wear it proudly, it’s the look for you!
- You may need to seek outside help sometimes, but it will help you become more authentically confident.

Section 5 of 8:

Different Pencil Mustache Styles

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1
Classic pencil mustache The classic pencil mustache is a simple look that’s been around for decades. It’s typically thin and requires darker hair to be noticeable, but it’s still possible to achieve the look if you have lighter hair. This style sits on the upper lip and is generally ¼ inch (0.635 cm) thick. ^{[14]
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- How to Shave:
  - Trim your mustache to a fine line with a T-blade trimmer.
  - Cut the top of your mustache into clean edges with a straight razor.
  - Apply beard oil to soften, or mustache wax to hold it in place.
2
Parted pencil mustache Also known as the double pencil mustache, this look is iconic, as it’s been worn by plenty of celebrities throughout the years. The two sides of the mustache are parted at the philtrum (the gap in the center of your upper lip) and are both well-defined and narrow. They can be kept straight or styled into pointed ends. ^{[15]
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- How to Shave:
  - Trim your mustache to a fine line and cut the top into a straight line as you would for a classic pencil mustache.
  - Use a straight razor to carefully cut a small gap in the center of the mustache and part it.
  - Apply beard oil to soften or use mustache wax to hold it in place.
- Want to know who rocked the pencil mustache? We’ll list some iconic celebrities in the section below!
3
Pencil mustache with a goatee Pairing the pencil mustache with a goatee is a great way to add some volume and definition to your face while still keeping your stache thin. A goatee is thinner than your average beard, so it won’t overpower your pencil mustache. Some goatees can even be a patch on the chin, which can be a unique look when paired with the pencil mustache! ^{[16]
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- How to Shave:
  - If you have a beard, cut it down to a goatee with a razor or trimmer.
  - Shave your mustache into the parted-pencil style by trimming down, straightening it out with a straight razor, then shaving a thin gap into the center.
  - Shave the cheeks for a stronger contrast.
4
Curly pencil mustache The curly pencil mustache is a classic, slightly whimsical look. This fun style takes the classic pencil mustache, elongates the edges a bit, and curls them outward. While you’re trading in the subtlety that typically comes with the pencil mustache, it creates a noticeably unique, defined look.
- How to Shave:
  - Trim your mustache down to a thin line and straighten the top with a straight razor, following your upper lip’s natural curve.
  - Use beard scissors to gently taper the sides.
  - Apply beard oil to soften, then use mustache wax to pull the ends outward.

Section 6 of 8:

Celebrities Who Wear Pencil Mustaches

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Many iconic celebrities have worn pencil mustaches. The pencil mustache has been popular since the early-mid 20th century, when legendary actors and singers like Errol Flynn, Vincent Price, Ronald Colman, and Little Richard rocked the look. Since then, it’s seen even more growth, with modern celebrities like Michael B. Jordan donning the look. Other celebrities who wear or have worn the pencil mustache include: ^{[17]
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- Clark Gable
- David Niven
- John Gilbert
- William Powell
- John Waters
- The Weeknd
- Milo Ventimiglia
- Will Smith
- Johnathan Rhys Meyers
- Andre 3000
- Sean Penn
- Brad Pitt
- Dacre Montgomery
- Nick Cannon

Section 7 of 8:

Other Types of Mustaches

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According to Yanchun, the handlebar mustache is a popular mustache style. ^{[18]
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Expert Source

Timmy Yanchun
Professional Barber

Expert Interview} It is a mustache that drapes over the lips enough to form a look resembling motorcycle or bike handlebars. Depending on your style and preference, Rivas suggests using mustache wax or beard oil to give the stache some shimmer. ^{[19]
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Expert Source

Marlon Rivas
Facial Hair Specialist

Expert Interview} You can even twirl the handlebar mustache for a unique, curly look.
2

Chevron The chevron mustache is a thick, full mustache that covers your upper lip. It’s shaped like an inverted V and stops at the corners of your mouth with a simple shave on the sides. Popularized by celebrities like Burt Reynolds and Tom Selleck, this fluffy mustache is commonly associated with a masculine, tough demeanor. ^{[20]
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Walrus A walrus mustache is a thick, shaggy mustache that hangs down loosely over the mouth at each end, similar to the whiskers of a walrus. ^{[21]
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Research source} It fully covers the top lip and is typically combed straight for a look that’s bold, yet practical. This thick style has been worn by celebrities like Teddy Roosevelt, Sam Elliot, and Andy Reid.
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Painter’s brush The painter’s brush is a thick mustache that covers the width of the mouth. It’s typically worn short with slightly rounded corners, resembling a paintbrush. ^{[22]
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Research source} The painter’s brush can slightly drape over the edges of your mouth, but not too much, or else it’s considered a handlebar mustache. This thick style has been sported by celebrities like R.L. Stine and Henry Cavill.

Section 8 of 8:

Frequently Asked Questions

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How can I thicken my mustache? According to hair stylist Tiffany Carnevale-Russo, facial hair is like the hair on our head, so the options for thickening it are similar. ^{[23]
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Expert Source

Tiffany Carnevale-Russo
Hair Stylist

Expert Interview} Try wax or brushes to bring your hair out. Alternatively, use supplements and minoxidil to promote hair growth. Use them as a last resort, though, as they can impact hair growth on the rest of your body.
- Carnevale-Russo says that you can’t grow hair in places it doesn’t want to grow, and advises eating whole foods and avoiding processed foods to encourage growth. ^{[24]
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  Tiffany Carnevale-Russo
  Licensed Cosmetologist
  
  Expert Interview}
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What are some pencil mustache styles? Some styles for the pencil mustache include the parted pencil mustache, the Zorro, the painter’s brush, and the lampshade. While those styles have slightly different shapes and lengths, they can all be cut pencil-thin to achieve the pencil mustache look.
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Can I grow the pencil mustache if my hair is lighter? Of course you can! Everyone is allowed to grow a pencil mustache if they’d like. Lighter hair simply means you’ll need a bit more mustache for contrast. If you want to grow a pencil mustache, grow it to a thicker length so it’s more noticeable. Keep it trimmed, but grow it a bit past that ¼ inch (0.635 cm) mark.

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[2]

Expert Source

Timmy Yanchun
Professional Barber

[3]

[4]

[5]

[6]

Marlon Rivas
Facial Hair Specialist

[7]

[8]

[9]

[10]

[11]

[12]

[13]

Joshua Pompey
Relationship Expert

[14]

[15]

[16]

[17]

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[21]

[22]

[23]

Tiffany Carnevale-Russo
Hair Stylist

[24]

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How to Rock the Pencil Mustache: An Expert Guide

The Pencil Mustache at a Glance

Steps

What is a pencil mustache?

How to Shave a Pencil Mustache

How to Maintain a Pencil Mustache

Is a pencil mustache right for you?

Different Pencil Mustache Styles

Celebrities Who Wear Pencil Mustaches

Other Types of Mustaches

Frequently Asked Questions

Expert Q&A

Video

Tips

Other wikiHows

References

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