When I first tried growing a handlebar mustache, I underestimated the commitment. Sure, it looks effortless on style icons, but behind that signature curl is daily grooming, the right wax, and a little patience. Just like Vince McMahon Mustache, handlebar isn’t an easy task either.
After months of trial and error (and more than a few crooked curls), I’ve mastered a routine that keeps my handlebar looking sharp all day.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how I shape, style, and maintain my mustache, the products that actually work, and the mistakes to avoid.
Whether you’re starting from stubble or already rocking a respectable ‘stache, you’ll learn how to get that timeless, head-turning handlebar style without the frustration.
A handlebar mustache is a classic facial hair style where the ends are grown long and curled upward, resembling bicycle handlebars. It’s usually styled with mustache wax to hold the curl and requires regular grooming. Popular since the 19th century, it remains a symbol of vintage charm, bold personality, and meticulous grooming.
The handlebar mustache comes in more variations than most people realize, each with its own personality, grooming needs, and ideal wearer. From rugged biker looks to refined petite styles, here’s a closer look at eight distinct ways to wear this timeless facial hair classic.
1. Modern Handlebar Mustache With Beard
This style pairs the traditional curled mustache with a well-groomed full beard. It’s perfect for men who want a bold, masculine look while keeping a sense of modern refinement. The beard balances the mustache’s flair, making it less eccentric and more versatile for everyday wear.
A grooming enthusiast I follow on Instagram often features this look, and it consistently gets high engagement from his audience for its balance of style and masculinity.
2. Biker Handlebar Mustache
Thicker, more rugged, and often paired with stubble or a short beard, the biker handlebar is all about toughness and rebellion. The curls are looser or less polished, giving it a raw, fearless vibe. It’s a favorite among motorcyclists and anyone wanting a no-nonsense, badass edge.
I first read about this style in a biker lifestyle magazine, where riders praised it for withstanding wind and helmet wear with the right wax.
3. Handlebar Mustache With Goatee
This combination focuses attention on the chin and upper lip, creating a balanced but striking facial profile. The curled mustache adds personality, while the goatee beard sharpens the jawline. Great for men with patchy facial hair growth or those seeking a refined, artistic look.
A friend of mine wears this style for his stage performances, and it draws compliments for its sharp, theatrical presence.
4. Blonde Handlebar Mustache
Lighter in color but heavy on style, the blonde handlebar works especially well for men with fair hair who want definition without looking overly dramatic. The curl and grooming make the style stand out, even if the color blends subtly with the skin.
I came across this look in a YouTube grooming tutorial where the stylist emphasized that extra shaping helps lighter mustaches stand out in photos.
5. Western Handlebar Mustache
Inspired by 19th-century cowboys, this style features thick, slightly drooping curls and often pairs with rugged stubble. It’s less polished than the modern handlebar, giving off a vintage, frontier feel. Ideal for men who love heritage styles with a bit of grit.
I noticed several actors in classic Western films wearing this, and it’s still popular in cowboy reenactment groups for its authentic, old-school vibe.
6. Short Handlebar Mustache
A compact version of the classic, the short handlebar keeps curls tighter and closer to the lip. It’s easier to maintain and less flamboyant, making it ideal for beginners or those who want subtle sophistication without the full dramatic sweep.
On a beard care forum, many first-time growers recommended starting with this style because it’s manageable and workplace-friendly.
7. Long Handlebar Mustache
The long handlebar demands patience, months of growth, and precision grooming. The exaggerated curls make it a showstopper, best suited for confident personalities who don’t mind extra upkeep. It’s a statement piece, instantly setting you apart from the crowd.
I read an interview with a world beard championship competitor who said the long handlebar always turns heads but needs daily training to keep its shape.
8. Petite Handlebar Mustache
Delicate and understated, the petite handlebar features small, neat curls that frame the lip. It’s great for men with finer facial hair or those looking for a vintage touch without going over the top. Perfect for formal looks and everyday wear alike.
I saw this style worn by a well-known TV host, and it struck me as the perfect blend of professionalism and individuality.
Step 1: Let Your Facial Hair Grow
Allow the hair on your upper lip and around your mouth to grow without trimming. Be patient during this initial phase.
Step 2: Avoid Trimming the Center
Resist the urge to trim the center of your mustache. Let the hair in the middle grow along with the rest, forming the base for your handlebar. Trim is later once you achieve a fully grown handlebar mustache.
Step 3: Regular Washing and Conditioning
Keep your facial hair clean by washing it regularly with mild soap. Apply conditioner to keep the hair soft and healthy, making it easier to shape later on.
Step 4: Shape Once Adequate Length is Achieved
Once your mustache reaches a sufficient length, you can start shaping it according to your desired handlebar style. This typically happens after a few weeks of growth.
Growing a handlebar mustache takes time, so be patient during the process. Resist the temptation to trim or shape prematurely to allow for fuller growth.
Step 1: Prepare and Moisturize
Begin by combing your mustache to remove tangles, and apply a small amount of mustache wax or balm to moisturize the hair, making it more manageable.
Step 2: Define and Trim the Shape
Use small, sharp scissors to carefully trim the excess hair around the edges of your mustache, defining its shape. Trim conservatively to avoid cutting too much.
Step 3: Focus on the Center and Shape Ends
Pay special attention to the center, where the iconic handlebar curls will form. Trim the hair in this area and shape the ends into the classic handlebar style, creating a gradual taper with upward-curving ends.
Step 4: Fine-Tune and Adjust Symmetry
Check for symmetry and make necessary adjustments to ensure both sides are even. Fine-tune the overall shape and balance of your mustache for a polished look.
Step 5: Apply Wax and Style
Finish by applying a generous amount of mustache wax to the center. Use your fingers to twist and shape the ends into the distinctive handlebar curls, experimenting until you achieve your desired look.
Regular maintenance will keep your handlebar mustache looking sharp and well-groomed.
The handlebar mustache has been worn by some of the most recognizable faces in history and pop culture. From legendary lawmen to Hollywood stars, these famous handlebar mustache icons prove the style’s timeless appeal.
1. Salvador Dalí
The surrealist painter turned his handlebars into an art form, literally. Dalí’s ultra-thin, sharply pointed curls became as recognizable as his paintings, inspiring generations of artists and grooming enthusiasts.
2. Wyatt Earp
The legendary lawman of the Old West sported a thick, sweeping handlebar mustache that still inspires handlebar mustache characters in Western films and TV shows. His rugged style remains a favorite for historical reenactments.
3. Rollie Fingers
This Hall of Fame pitcher’s handlebar mustache was so distinctive that it became his trademark. He helped bring the look back into popularity in the 1970s, proving athletes can be style influencers, too.
4. Daniel Day-Lewis (in Gangs of New York)
Among actors with handlebar mustache roles, Day-Lewis stands out. As Bill “The Butcher” Cutting, he wore a fierce, thick curl that perfectly matched his intense on-screen persona.
5. Greg Anderson
Known in strength training circles, Anderson’s bold handlebar mustache adds vintage charm to his strongman image. His social media is filled with fans asking for grooming tips to replicate his look.
Step 1: Start with Clean Hair
Before styling your handlebar mustache, ensure it is clean and free of any debris. Use a gentle facial cleanser to wash your mustache and beard, allowing for better product absorption.
Step 2: Apply Mustache Wax
Use a quality mustache wax to achieve the desired hold and shape. Warm a small amount between your fingers and apply it evenly throughout your mustache, ensuring complete coverage.
Step 3: Comb and Shape
Utilize a fine-toothed mustache comb to distribute the wax evenly and detangle the hair. Comb the mustache in the direction of growth, then shape the curls by twisting the ends upwards and outwards.
Step 4: Trim Excess Hair
Keep the edges of your mustache neat by trimming any excess hair with small, sharp scissors. This helps define the shape and prevents the mustache from looking unruly.
How long does it take to grow a handlebar mustache?
On average, it takes 3–6 months to grow enough length for the curls, depending on your hair growth rate. Some men with faster growth may achieve it in 2 months, but full, styled curls usually need patience and consistent grooming.
What does a handlebar mustache look like?
A handlebar mustache features long ends that are curled upward, resembling bicycle handlebars. The curl is usually shaped and held in place with mustache wax for a neat, defined look.
When was the handlebar mustache popular?
It was especially popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, worn by gentlemen, military figures, and early sportsmen. The style saw a revival in the 1970s and remains a favorite among vintage grooming enthusiasts today.
Where did the handlebar mustache originate?
While curled mustaches appeared in many cultures, the classic handlebar is most associated with European gentlemen of the Victorian era, later spreading to America through military and sporting influences.
Can a Black man have a handlebar mustache?
Absolutely. Hair texture may affect styling techniques, but with proper grooming and wax, Black men can rock a handlebar mustache just as confidently as anyone else.
Can I use a fake handlebar mustache?
Yes, fake mustaches or costume versions are widely available and often used for themed events, theater, or cosplay. While they won’t give the same feel as a real one, a quality fake can still look convincing.
The handlebar mustache isn’t just grown, it’s crafted. Every curl tells a story, whether it’s of a 19th-century cowboy riding into town, a Hollywood actor commanding the screen, or a modern gent turning heads at a coffee shop. It bridges past and present, tradition and self-expression. Choose your style, master the curl, and let your mustache speak before you do.
