How to Grow a Movember Moustache

Movember is one of my favourite months—not because I’m obsessed with facial hair (hence the blog name, Beardy Blogger), but because it’s a chance to support men’s health while having a little fun with my face. Over the years, I’ve learned that growing a moustache isn’t just about hair; it’s about patience, care, and a sense of humour when things inevitably look… a bit weird. If you’re thinking about joining the movement, here’s my guide on how to grow a Movember Moustache, including lessons learned the hard way.

What is Movember?

For anyone new to this, Movember is an annual event in November where men grow moustaches to raise awareness for men’s health issues—think prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health, and suicide prevention. I’ve always found it rewarding because it starts conversations that otherwise might never happen. Plus, there’s something oddly satisfying about watching a moustache transform week by week.

A Brief History of Movember

Movember started back in 2003 in Melbourne, Australia, when a group of friends wanted to revive the moustache as a conversation starter. By 2007, it had become international, and today millions of men participate globally. I remember reading about the first participants and thinking, “I need to do this.” The idea that something as simple as growing a moustache could make such a big difference really stuck with me.

Interesting Movember Facts

Here are a few facts that might surprise you: over 5 million men participate each year, raising more than $1 billion for men’s health. Historically, moustaches were symbols of masculinity, wisdom, and sometimes rebellion. Growing one in November feels like a modern nod to that heritage—but with a serious purpose behind it.

Preparation and Starting Your Movember Moustache

Before November 1st, I always shave my face clean. This gives me a fresh canvas, and you can see your moustache growth clearly as the month begins. My first mistake in early years was starting too casually—I didn’t shave beforehand, and the uneven hairs made the early growth phase feel chaotic. Trust me, a clean start matters.

Next, set your expectations. The first week or two are always awkward. Your moustache may feel patchy, or you might look like you accidentally missed shaving. I like to remind myself: it’s normal, everyone goes through it, and it’s all part of the journey.

Register on the Movember Website or App

One thing that keeps me motivated is registering on the Movember website or app. You can track your growth, share photos, and fundraise. I’ve found that weekly updates make me stick with it, and seeing other people’s moustaches evolve is strangely inspiring—and sometimes hilariously terrifying.

Be Patient (Seriously, Patience)

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s patience. Your moustache won’t be perfect overnight. In my first Movember, I almost shaved mine off in Week 2 because it looked sparse. Thankfully, I resisted, and by Week 4, it was actually growing in nicely. Celebrate every tiny win—the first full line above your lip, that stubborn hair finally sprouting, or even just realising you can style it without looking ridiculous.

Grooming and Styling

Grooming makes all the difference. I use a small pair of scissors and a precision trimmer to keep stray hairs in check. Washing with a mild cleanser keeps the hair soft and the skin underneath healthy. I learned the hard way that skipping this step leads to itchy, uncomfortable days.

Styling comes next. Moustache wax is my secret weapon. I apply a tiny amount to shape and hold the hairs in place. Too much wax is a rookie mistake—it can make your moustache look stiff or unnatural. Brushing with a fine-toothed moustache comb distributes the wax evenly and keeps things looking tidy. My personal favourite style is the Chevron: bold, simple, and low-maintenance.

Ongoing Care

Your moustache needs daily attention. I moisturise the skin underneath, trim any overgrowth, and wash regularly. I also realised that my diet and hydration affected growth—seriously, hair is picky. Treat your body well, and your moustache will thank you.

Different Types of Moustache Styles

There are so many styles to experiment with. The Chevron is thick and classic. The Pencil is thin and precise, perfect if you want subtlety. The Handlebar allows for dramatic curled ends, and the Horseshoe frames your mouth in a bold, statement-making way. I’ve tried a Handlebar once, and let’s just say I looked more like a cartoon villain than a suave Movember participant. Lesson learned: pick a style that suits your face and personality.

When to Start Growing Your Moustache

Timing is crucial. I start shaving clean at the end of October so November 1st is Day 1. Start too early, and you’ll be tempted to trim or tweak before Movember officially begins. Start too late, and your moustache won’t reach its full potential by the end of the month.

Essential Tools for Styling

Here’s what I swear by after a few years of trial and error:

• Precision Trimmer or Small Scissors: To keep edges neat.
• Moustache Comb: Distributes wax and keeps hairs aligned.
• Moustache Wax: Medium-hold wax works best for most beginners.
• Moisturizer: Prevents dryness and keeps the skin under the moustache healthy.

Tips from My Mistakes

1. Don’t over-wax early. My first attempt at styling was a wax overload disaster. The moustache became a stiff helmet of hair. Less is more.
2. Embrace the awkward stage. That first patchy week? Everyone’s there, even the pros. Wear it with confidence.
3. Avoid trimming too soon. I trimmed mine in Week 2 once, thinking it was too messy. It slowed growth and made it look uneven for longer. Patience is key.

Growing a Movember moustache is a mix of challenge, self-expression, and purpose. It’s about more than facial hair—it’s about conversations, awareness, and supporting men’s health. Have fun, experiment, and remember that everyone starts somewhere. By the end of November, you won’t just have a moustache—you’ll have a story, a cause, and maybe even a few laughs at your own expense.