How to style a pencil moustache: The complete guide

The pencil moustache has seen a stylish resurgence in recent years. This thin, precisely defined strip of facial hair is often associated with the 1920s moustache era, while offering a bold, distinctive aesthetic in today’s popular male grooming styles. 

Whether you're drawn to the timeless charm of a famous pencil moustache or are curious about adopting a modern pencil moustache style, this guide will walk you through growing, shaping, and maintaining this iconic look.

What is the pencil moustache style?

A pencil moustache is a style characterised by a thin, neatly trimmed line of hair that sits just above the upper lip. The classic pencil moustache style almost looks like it was drawn by a pencil, hence the name. 

Is a pencil moustache right for you?

Before diving in, you might want to consider whether the pencil moustache style suits your face shape, hair type, and overall aesthetic. This thin moustache works best for those with naturally dark, dense facial hair, as it helps the pencil line moustache stand out more distinctly against the skin. If you have a flair for vintage fashion, retro grooming, or you’re inspired by the stylings of the 1920s moustache era, you might find this style particularly appealing. Although there are plenty of more modern variations to this retro look, such as the pencil moustache with goatee style.

Just remember, this style does require precision and regular upkeep, making it ideal for someone who enjoys a bit of routine grooming maintenance.

Choosing your pencil moustache variation

Not all pencil moustaches are created equal. Depending on your facial features and personal taste, you might opt for:

• Thin pencil moustache: A minimalist, clean-cut line ideal for subtle sophistication.
• Thick pencil moustache: Slightly bolder, offering a stronger visual presence while retaining the sleek charm.
• Split pencil moustache: Popularised in the 1920s, this version features a tiny gap in the centre for added character.
• Modern pencil moustache: A more relaxed or edgy take, sometimes paired with stubble or other facial hair for contrast.

Experimenting with these variations allows you to find a style that complements your personality and grooming habits.

Tools you need to execute the perfect pencil moustache style

Crafting a well-defined pencil moustache calls for the right grooming arsenal. Here’s a checklist of essentials:

• A precision trimmer or beard trimmer
• A small, sharp pair of grooming scissors for detailing work
• A high-quality shaver to maintain crisp edges
• A moustache comb to guide the shape
• Beard or moustache wax (optional, but helpful for styling and hold)
• A magnifying mirror or a well-lit mirror for detail work

Having the proper tools will help you create and maintain clean, symmetrical lines—the signature of a polished pencil moustache style.

How to grow a pencil moustache

Though it may seem counterintuitive for a style known for its thinness, growing a pencil moustache begins with letting your upper lip hair grow out fully. Aim to grow the area for at least two to four weeks without trimming. This gives you a fuller canvas from which you can define your ideal moustache shape.

Even if your ultimate goal is a sleek, thin pencil moustache, having more hair to start with gives you the flexibility to experiment with width, curve, and edge. During this growing phase, avoid shaping or trimming your moustache area. Focus on allowing your moustache to fill in as evenly as possible. Patchy growth can make achieving a symmetrical pencil line moustache more difficult, so patience is key during this stage.

Once your facial hair is dense enough, you’ll be ready to shape and define your pencil moustache.

Step-by-step guide to shaping a pencil moustache

Follow these steps to sculpt your ideal pencil moustache style:

1. Clean and dry your face: Begin with freshly washed, dry skin. This ensures that your trimmer and shaver glide smoothly and safely.
2. Comb the moustache: Use a fine-toothed moustache comb to straighten the hairs. This helps highlight your natural growth pattern and exposes stray hairs.
3. Outline the shape: Decide where your pencil moustache will begin and end. Traditional 1920s moustache designs often sit just above the upper lip in a fine, straight strip, sometimes split in the middle.
4. Trim the edges: Use a precise trimmer such as the Philips All-in-One Trimmer Series 9000. With its self-sharpening steel blades, you can precisely outline the top and bottom edges of your moustache, allowing you to achieve sleek, superior results. For a classic thin pencil moustache, keep the width minimal. If you prefer a thick pencil moustache, retain a bit more volume.
5. Shave around the moustache: Carefully shave the areas above and below your trimmed lines using a clean, sharp shaver. This sharp contrast defines the moustache and makes it stand out.
6. Detail with scissors: Trim any uneven or long hairs with your grooming scissors. Precision here is essential to ensure symmetry and cleanliness.
7. Style (optional): If desired, apply a touch of moustache wax to shape and hold your moustache in place. This is especially useful for creating a curled modern pencil moustache or a stylised variation.

Ensure you take your time during this process. A rushed hand can lead to uneven lines or accidental over-trimming. A magnifying mirror and good lighting make all the difference.

How to maintain the pencil moustache style

Maintaining a pencil moustache is all about consistency. Here are some essential tips for keeping your pencil moustache style sharp:

• Trim daily or every few days: The edges of a pencil moustache can grow out quickly. Depending on the rate of your hair growth, regular trimming ensures the lines remain crisp and defined.
• Shave surrounding areas regularly: Keeping the skin around your moustache clean-shaven enhances contrast, making even a thin moustache more prominent.
• Hydrate and moisturise: Shaving regularly can irritate the skin, so be sure to use a soothing aftershave or moisturiser.
• Comb and wax when needed: A moustache comb keeps the hairs aligned, and a dab of wax can provide control throughout the day, especially for more styled versions.

From its roots in the 1920s moustache scene to its modern revival, the famous pencil moustache continues to make a strong impression. Whether you choose a thin pencil moustache for subtle charm or a bold, thick pencil moustache to stand out, the key to success lies in patience, precision, and routine.