Gentlemen, it’s that time of year again! No Shave November, AKA “Movember,” is here – and as always, for a fantastic cause. The money goes towards cancer-fighting organizations and promoting cancer awareness. Many cancer patients lose their hair during treatment, so letting your hair grow wild and free all month long is a way to start the conversation and show your support for those struggling with this disease.
The idea started back in 2004, when two guys from Australia created the Movember Foundation with the plan to raise money for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia. Since then, the organization has raised over $2 million dollars and more than 20 countries have joined in the cause.
18|8 San Diego is a large supporter of No-Shave November, and we are happy to participate every year. Here are some ideas for growing out an epic ‘stache this month!
1. The Chevron
Popularized by actor Tom Selleck, the Selleck mustache (AKA the Chevron mustache) relies on coarse hair, which can take months to grow out. Relatively neat, this style is one of the most simplistic takes on mustaches. Something you should consider before trying this out is what kind of facial hair you have. It works best on those with straighter hair and can be maintained by trimming longer hair that begins to grow over your mouth.
The edges of the mustache should extend just half an inch beyond both corners of the mouth—use a razor to shave hairs growing any further towards your cheeks. Brush the mustache hairs upward using a small mustache comb and trim any stray hairs hanging over your upper lip using a pair of grooming scissors.
2. The Modern Handlebar
If you ever feel the urge to resemble an 18th-century politician or a carnival strong man, a handlebar mustache is the look for you. The key to a memorable Handlebar mustache is pinpoint control. Without enough wax or an improper curling motion, you can wind up with a more extreme style than you intend. in the blink of an eye.
The handlebar’s signature curved ends spiral toward the cheekbones. To style it, use a small dab of mustache wax on each end of your mustache and wind/curl it outward, creating curved ends. To make this classic favorite more modern and fresh, pair it with an ultra-modern haircut. [source]
3. The Cowboy
The cowboy mustache emerged from a time long before Woody made his mark in Toy Story. Mostly a messier, longer and scragglier version of the Selleck mustache, this version should not be too neat, but rather rugged and less groomed. You may want to tidy up this ‘stache with a pair of scissors so you’re not totally unkempt, but avoid precise cuts of large portions of hair to maintain the roughness of this version. [source]
4. Van Dyke
Named after the celebrated Flemish painter, Anthony van Dyck, the Van Dyke is one of the oldest mustache styles (it’s also referred to as the “Musketeer” or sometimes the “Charlie” after King Charles I of England). This is an epic facial hair duo that combines a thick mustache with your typical goatee. The most stress-free way to achieve this is to grow out a full beard or a Circle Beard. Once the beard has achieved a satisfactory length, the undesired growth can be shaved away. [source]
5. The Paintbrush / Painter’s Brush
The Paintbrush is similar to the Chevron, but there are a few key differences. First, the Paintbrush never extends past the mouth and is capped off with rounded edges by the sides of your lips. And secondly, the moustache needs to be neatly trimmed so it never dips below the top of the upper lip.
Although it is a thicker style of mustache, the Paintbrush is generally closely cropped and neat. While we’re not entirely convinced that this style resembles any paintbrush we have ever seen, it’s a timeless look that blends the masculinity of the Chevron with the precision of the pencil-thin look.
18/8 San Diego serves Northern San Diego, including 4S ranch, Rancho Bernardo, Rancho Santa Fe, Del Mar, and Encinitas so we encourage you to come in for all your grooming needs this November! It’s also important to keep grooming your beard throughout the month and use beard oil and shampoo at least once a week. When November comes to an end, you’ll probably want a classic clean shave to finish off the month. Make an appointment here!