How to grow a moustache the right way

Understanding moustache growth

Every moustache (like its owner!) is a little different. Men’s moustache hair can:

• Be naturally thick and cover the whole upper lip area.
• Have lighter, sparser growth.

Some men might find that they have a moustache that doesn’t grow in the middle at all.

These growth patterns are largely determined by your genetics and hormones – essentially, you can’t change where your moustache hair follicles are or how quickly they sprout. Age plays a role too: many younger men find that their moustache fills in more as they get older.¹

The key is to embrace your natural pattern. Trying to force hair to grow where it won’t can lead to frustration. Instead, plan a moustache style and grooming routine around what you have: accentuate the areas that grow well, and don’t stress about any thinner spots (they often end up adding character).

It also helps to start with the right tools. From the beginning of your journey, have a reliable grooming device ready. For example, the Philips OneBlade Pro 360 is a versatile tool that can trim, edge, and shave as needed. It’s ideal for shaping a new moustache as it grows.

How to grow a good moustache

If you’re new to the moustache-growing game, the first step is very simple: stop shaving your upper lip entirely. Let the hair grow freely for at least a few weeks. In this early stage, you might be tempted to trim or shape it – resist that urge! The goal is to understand your moustache’s natural shape and density first. By 3-4 weeks, you’ll see where it’s thick or sparse, and how it wants to grow. Only then should you start thinking about styling or trimming.

Many men find the initial growth phase a bit awkward (as the moustache may look uneven or scruffy). One tip is to grow out your moustache and beard at the same time. This way, the new moustache blends in with your overall facial hair until it’s more defined. After about a month, you can shave off the beard portion to reveal your moustache once it’s established. That trick can make the whole process feel more comfortable socially.

The main point here is to be patient. Starting a moustache means embracing a few weeks of stubble, awkward growth, and resisting the razor. Trust that in time, things will take shape – it’s all part of your journey to growing a good moustache.

How to get a thicker moustache

Ever wondered “how to make my moustache thicker?” You’re certainly not alone. It’s a common goal for new moustache growers is achieving a nice, full look. If you’re wondering how to grow a dense moustache or asking yourself how to get a thicker moustache, the reality is that much of your moustache’s thickness is pre-determined by your hair follicles.¹ You can’t physically increase the number of hairs on your lip or miraculously change coarse hairs into even coarser ones.

However, when it comes to how to make a moustache look thicker and maximise what you have – there’s a lot of ways to do this.

Here’s how to thicken a moustache through smart grooming and styling:

• Don’t trim the top edge: Avoid cutting into the top line of your moustache (near your nose) when shaping. Trimming the upper edge makes a moustache look narrower or thinner. Instead, keep the full height of your moustache to give an impression of greater volume.
• Trim the bottom line carefully: Use a precision tool, like the Philips OneBlade Pro 360, or a pair of small grooming scissors to trim stray hairs along the bottom of your moustache (where it overlaps your upper lip). Keeping this line neat can actually enhance the contrast and make your moustache appear denser.
• Use the right guard length: When you do trim your moustache, start with a longer guard on your trimmer. You can always go shorter gradually. Even if your moustache isn’t super thick, trimming all hairs to an even length (rather than shaving completely off) helps it appear fuller. Experiment to find a length that looks filled-in yet neat.
• Consider a thicker style: Some moustache styles inherently look denser. For example, a classic “walrus” moustache (grown long and bushy) can give the illusion of a much thicker moustache. If you’re aiming for that, patience is key.

Tip: Invest in a high-quality trimmer that makes precision easy. A device like the Philips Beard Trimmer 7000 Series (with a built-in vacuum to catch cut hairs) lets you shape your moustache without fuss. It’s perfect for trimming evenly and creating clean lines, which in turn makes your moustache look sharper and thicker.

Lastly, remember not to fall for myths – for instance, shaving your moustache off and regrowing it will not make it thicker. This common idea is simply not true;² hair might feel coarser as it grows back, but its actual thickness or growth rate doesn’t change.

How to maintain a moustache

Growing a moustache is just the beginning. Keeping it looking great is an ongoing project. Here’s how to maintain a moustache day-by-day:

1. Keep it clean: Wash your moustache (and the skin under it) daily with warm water and a gentle facial cleanser or beard shampoo. This removes any food debris or oils and keeps your ‘stache fresh.
2. Condition and soften: Applying a bit of beard oil or conditioner can prevent your moustache hair from becoming dry or wiry. Soft hair is easier to manage and shape, and it feels nicer too.
3. Brush or comb daily: Use a small moustache comb or soft brush to train the hair to grow in your desired direction. Brushing also helps a moustache appear tidier and can even make it look fuller by fluffing up the hairs a little.
4. Trim the stray hairs: Every few days (or as needed), check for any wild hairs sticking out. Use a small pair of scissors or a trimmer to snip these strays, but don’t over-trim – you want to preserve the shape. Pro tip: trimming is easiest right after a shower when the hair is dry.
5. Edge with care: Use the OneBlade Pro 360 to maintain clean boundaries. Only trim below the nostrils and along the lip line (bottom edge of the moustache). Leave the top edge near your nose natural to keep volume. If you’re ever unsure about shaping, see our guide on trimming a moustache properly for more detailed advice.

By following these steps, your moustache will stay neat, comfortable, and healthy-looking. A little daily attention goes a long way; Your moustache will thank you for it!

How to grow a good moustache: Fixing patchy spots

It’s very common for men to have patchy moustache spots or small gaps. For example, many have a gap at the centre where the moustache doesn’t grow in the middle under the nose. Don’t worry if this is you; it’s simply part of your unique growth pattern. Over time, some patches may fill in a bit more, but if not, there are still ways to work around them:

• Let it grow longer: The simplest trick is patience. If a certain area is patchy, letting the surrounding moustache hair grow longer can help cover or blend the gap. For example, if the centre is sparse, allow the hairs on either side to extend a bit more over the middle. With a longer moustache, many little gaps become much less noticeable.
• Shape strategically: You can also adjust your moustache’s shape to conceal patches. If the ends are thin, focus on a style that’s slightly shorter at the edges and fuller in the middle (so the contrast isn’t obvious). If the middle is patchy, you might aim for a style where the moustache is naturally parted, embracing that gap as part of the look. Using a touch of moustache wax can also help guide neighbouring hairs over a small patch and keep them in place.
• Choose a suitable style: Not every moustache needs to be perfectly even. In fact, some classic moustache styles were born from working with uneven growth. The walrus moustache, for instance, is grown very full and long – it covers the top lip entirely, making any small patch underneath irrelevant. If you’re open to a bold look, a style like that might turn a patchy moustache into a statement!

Remember, often we notice our own patches far more than anyone else does. In the end, a moustache with a bit of character (even a gap or two) can look just as great as a super thick one.

FAQs: Grow a moustache informed

How long does it take to grow a moustache?

It varies from person to person, but most men might start to see a noticeable moustache shape within 4 to 6 weeks. At this stage, there’s usually enough growth to define the style.

For a fuller, thicker moustache, you’ll typically need to let it grow for 2 to 3 months or longer. Consistency and patience are key as the hair gradually fills in.

Why doesn’t my moustache grow in the middle?

A small gap in the centre of the moustache (right under your nose) is completely normal and usually comes down to genetics.¹ Some men naturally have fewer hair follicles in that area, which affects growth. You can make it less noticeable by growing the surrounding hair longer or styling it across the gap.

Alternatively, many people simply embrace it as part of their natural look.

Growing an impressive moustache is a mix of patience, smart grooming, and self-confidence. By understanding your natural hair growth, following a solid care routine, and using the right tools and techniques, you’ll learn how to grow a moustache that suits you perfectly.