Shaving and Styling a Pencil Mustache

Shaping and Styling a Pencil Mustache

Classic. Old school. The pencil mustache is a thin, bold style that’s been around for decades and is still popular today. We’ve got all the tools and tricks you need to make this look your own.

Is the Pencil Mustache Right for You?

Before going all in, first ask yourself: is a pencil mustache the right look for your face? This style works great for darker hair, but not so much with very light facial hair. If you’re uncertain about this particular style, you can check out some other mustache styles first to find one that works best for you.

The upper lip is where facial hair usually grows the fastest, so a pencil mustache can be quick to grow if you want to change up your look for a special occasion.

There are also two different styles to consider: a double pencil mustache (one that’s in two halves with a slight gap in the center) or one that’s just straight across. If your face is square-shaped, a straight mustache might look too angular. But with an oval or heart-shaped face, this style can look great.

Our Top Shaving Tools

Before you trim and style your facial hair, make sure you’ve got the right equipment.

Our Top Shaving Tools

Mustache Grooming Tools

  • The Gillette All Purpose Styler and Beard Trimmer is great for trimming, shaving, and edging your facial hair. Use it for everything from trimming longer mustache hairs to shaving a clean line down the center of your stache for an edgier look.
  • Sharp blades are key for avoiding shaving cuts. You’ll get a ProGlide razor blade included with your Gillette Styler, but you can make sure you never run out of fresh, sharp blades by signing up to the Gillette Shave Club.
  • Use a product like the Fusion5 Men’s Ultra Sensitive Shaving Gel before you start shaving. This will help you get a closer shave while protecting your skin from razor bumps and ingrown hairs.
  • After shaving, keep your skin hydrated with the Gillette Aftershave Balm.

Tips for Shaping Your Mustache

When you’re styling any type of mustache, take it slow. Trim only a little hair at a time to avoid mistakes. Our All Purpose Styler has a precision trimmer to make this part easier, while its ProGlide blade keeps your shave as close as possible. The Styler is waterproof too, so you can even do your mustache shaping in the shower; just make sure you’ve got a mirror handy.

If you have sensitive skin, the Gillette SkinGuard Sensitive Razor is a great option too. Make sure to use a shaving cream that’s designed for your skin too, like the SkinGuard Men’s Sensitive Shaving Gel.

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