Beards Had Their Turn. Now It’s the Mustache’s Time to Shine.

Pedro Pascal - Dominique Charriau/Stringer

For years, beards have dominated the spotlight. All the grooming ads, barbershop debates, and conversations about a man’s face have been about chin hair. Meanwhile, the mustache (the unsung hero of the upper lip) has been waiting quietly for next. Mustaches are back and sharper than ever. This is not the 80s Hulk Hogan handlebar or the creepy porn stash. We have officially leveled up, fellas.

Facial hair moves in cycles. In the 70s, mustaches were everywhere (a la Doobie Brothers, Shaft, and even Alex Trebek). The 90s and early 2000s favored clean-shaven looks. Today, the hottest celebrities like Michael B. Jordan, Pedro Pascal, Paul Mescal, and even Rushi Kota have been spotted rocking mustaches, making them look stylish and modern. Rushi Kota, known for Never Have I Ever and Grey’s Anatomy, occasionally sports a barely-there stash that makes his stubble look like subtle sophistication. Grooming expert Alex Costa said, “The mustache has always been a symbol of individuality. Its comeback shows that men are once again willing to experiment with their style.” A mustache brings a special confidence. Beards can sometimes feel like you're hiding (not gonna lie, some need to hide behind it), but a mustache puts your face full front and center.

Popular Mustache Styles And Who They Work For

Not all mustaches are created equal, and not all hair types grow them the same way. Choosing the right mustache style for you means working with your natural growth pattern. Here are the most popular options and who they suit best:

Donald glover - Maya Dehlin Spach/Stringer

Chevron

Thick and bold across the lip. Ideal for men with coarse, dense hair, such as many Black and Latino men. Wavy or curly growth works too if trimmed along the edges. Polynesian men with naturally dense, straight or wavy hair can also pull this style off with precision trimming.

Dev patel - Pascal Le Segretain

Handlebar

Long with curled ends styled with wax. Best for straight or slightly wavy hair, often seen in White, Latino, Arab, and Indian men. Polynesian hair that is thick and slightly wavy can also be trained with wax and length to hold the curve. Coarse textures will need more effort and a strong product.

manny jacinto

Hybrid Stache

A mix of light pencil with a slightly fuller center. This style is versatile and can work on almost any hair type, making it ideal for men of mixed heritage or those unsure which classic style suits them best.

gillette

Pencil

A narrow, clean line just above the lip. Works well for straighter or finer hair types, often common among Asian, Arab, and Indian men. The strands lie flat to create a sleek, vintage look. This style requires regular precision trims to maintain sharpness.

Paolo Roldan

Playboy Stache

Thin, sleek, and retro. Works well on finer or medium hair that grows evenly, common among Asian, Arab, and Indian men. Coarser textures can also work, but shaping and trimming are key to keeping it sharp.

David Oyelowo

Walrus

Full, rugged, and covering most of the lip. Thrives on fast-growing, coarse hair, ideal for Black, Latino, and Polynesian men who want a bold look. Regular trimming keeps it polished rather than scruffy.

A good mustache is intentional, and Shaboozey is a perfect example of a well-groomed one. Keep it clean with daily washing and comb it in the direction it grows to maintain shape. Use a trimmer like the Andis T-Outliner for definition and scissors for touch-ups. A versatile mustache wax, such as Suavecito Mustache Wax, helps with styles like the Handlebar. Do not forget the skin underneath. Moisturize regularly to prevent dryness, especially if you shave nearby.

Facial hair is a form of personal branding; it speaks for you before you ever open your mouth to say a word. A mustache can sharpen your jaw, add a hint of vintage flair, and show the world your unique style. Changing your upper-lip game is one of the simplest ways to refresh your look. The beard has already had its moment; now the mustache deserves its time to shine. No matter what mustache style you choose, your upper lip has some serious style potential in 2025. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different looks to see what best suits you. That’s all part of the fun!