Movember styling school

October was all about the ladies’ cancer initiatives, but November means one thing for guys: Movember. This month, BeautySA and men all around the world are creating awareness for men’s health, more specifically prostate and other cancers that affect men.

‘On Movember 1st, guys register at Movember.com with a clean-shave face and then for the rest of the month, these selfless and generous men, known as Mo Bros, groom, trim and wax their way into the annals of fine moustachery,’ say the guys behind Movember. ‘Mo Sistas are the women who register to support the men in their lives, raising funds by seeking sponsorship for their Mo-growing efforts.’

Need some help styling your ‘stache? No problem. Keep reading these tips by the Movember Styling School…

How to grow a moustache

Every style of Mo has a different personality. So, ask yourself which Mo you want to rock this season and you’ll become that man. The first few days, even weeks, can be uncomfortable as your face crop beings to grow. Stay strong, stay hungry. There is a craft to shaping your moustache; make sure you use proper grooming techniques as a great Mo comes down to good grooming.
1. Nurture your Mo; keep it fed, keep it watered.
2. Keep it clean. As becoming as they are, moustaches collect things and no matter how fine the food, it doesn’t belong in your Mo.
3. Moustache hair is coarse and benefits from regular conditioning. Massage your Mo with a dollop of conditioner then rinse thoroughly.
4. Use a hot face washer to steam and cleanse the skin under your moustache; it can suffer from drying and itching. For the country gentleman, out of sight does not mean out of mind.

How to trim a moustache

1. The correct tools are essential. Equip yourself with a fine-toothed comb for guidance; a bright and large mirror for a good view; a razor, a steady hand and a sensible mind.
2. Dampen the moustache hair to trim. Wet hair is easier to cut but dry hair easier to trim. It is important to note that wet hair does bounce up when dry.
3. Using a fine-toothed comb, tidy your moustache so the hairs run in the direction you intend them to and lasso any strays into line.
4. Outline in your mind the shape of your moustache using your eye or the existing shape that needs to be freshened up.
5. Using the barber scissors, trim longer and stray hairs on the outer edge and bottom line of your moustache. Trim conservatively. You can always go over it again.
6. Run the clippers over the body of the Mo to get a consistent and even level of bush and bounce.
7. Finish with a sharp razor to highlight the outer lines.
8. For more elaborate styles, use a fine and appropriate moustache wax to shape the remaining hair into place.

Types of moustaches

It’s often said that you don’t choose the Mo; the Mo chooses you. Check out what you might be sporting this year.

Foods to approach with caution when sporting a new Moustache

– Cappuccino
– Glass of milk
– Irish Cream Ale, Guiness or any of the nitrogenated brews served with a fine creamy mousse
– Singapore crab
– Milkshake
– Fairyfloss
– Toffee Apples
– Spaghetti Carbonara
– Meat Pie when eaten with your hand
– Souvlaki
– Tacos

Visit the Movember website, register and get involved supporting prostate and testicular cancer initiatives.