Growing a walrus mustache requires patience, a bit of grooming, and the right styling techniques. Here's a breakdown of how to achieve this iconic facial hair style:
1. The Growth Phase: Letting it Flourish
The most crucial step is simply letting your mustache grow. Avoid trimming for at least a month, or even longer, depending on how quickly your facial hair grows. Patience is key! The longer it grows, the more substantial your walrus mustache will be.
2. Initial Trimming and Shaping
Once your mustache reaches a significant length, you'll need to start shaping it. Comb your beard and mustache downwards. This will reveal the true length and allow you to trim any stray hairs that are significantly longer than the rest.
3. Sculpting the Walrus
The characteristic feature of a walrus mustache is that it hangs down over the upper lip, often covering it completely. Therefore, avoid trimming the hairs that fall over your lip unless absolutely necessary for eating and drinking comfortably. If you do need to trim, do so sparingly, as you'll be taking away from the length and fullness that define this style.
4. Give it Space to Grow Out
Resist the urge to constantly trim and tidy. The goal is to let the mustache grow outwards and downwards, creating that signature walrus shape. Occasional combing will help train the hairs to grow in the desired direction.
5. Styling with Wax (Optional, but Recommended)
While some walrus mustaches grow naturally into the correct shape, using mustache wax can help train the hairs and provide extra hold, especially if your mustache is particularly unruly. Apply a small amount of wax and use your fingers or a comb to shape the mustache as desired. Start with a minimal amount and add more as needed.
Here's a summary in table form:
| Step | Description | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Grow | Let your mustache grow freely for at least a month (or longer). | Patience is paramount. |
| 2. Trim | Comb downwards and trim stray hairs. | Trim sparingly; focus on outliers. |
| 3. Shape | Avoid trimming hairs that fall over the lip excessively. | The longer the better (within reason). |
| 4. Allow | Give it space to grow outward and downward. | Resist over-trimming. |
| 5. Style | Use mustache wax to train and hold the shape (optional). | Start with a small amount and add more as needed. |
Growing a walrus mustache takes time and dedication, but with patience and the right techniques, you can achieve this impressive facial hair style.
