How Long Does It Take to Grow a Mustache​ Back?

A well-grown mustache will never go out of style. Whether it is a chic chevron, a dashing pencil, or a hearty handlebar, facial hair is making a huge revival in men’s grooming culture. At our grooming salon at First & Mane, men of all kinds come in with a newfound love for the ‘stache, and they see it not just as facial hair, but an expression of their personal style. 

If you would like personalized advice on any aspect of mustache grooming, contact us for expert guidance. Of course, sometimes things go awfully wrong. Perhaps a haircut went sour, or perhaps you shaved yours off in a moment of madness, and an instant regret followed. Now, you are left staring into the mirror, wondering how soon your upper lip will recover.

Well, to cut a long story short, how long does it take to grow a mustache? Facial hair grows at an average speed of half an inch every month. However, to get back to your pre-shaving glory, you have to focus on more than just waiting for time to pass.

Factors Influencing Mustache Development

Every man does not have an equal rate of hair growth. The main influence on this is your genes. If your lineage can grow a thick beard over a weekend, you have every chance of getting a thick mustache. But if your lineage grows in a patchy manner, you will have to be very patient.

Age is another important consideration. A man will notice peak facial hair production during his 25th to 35th year because this is when levels of testosterone, a hormone which activates hair follicles, are at their peak. Your personal health is another thing to consider. When your body is well-rested and well-nourished, it will have extra energy to devote to non-essential functions such as hair production.

Growing a Mustache – Stages

The process of regrowing a mustache takes time and progresses in different mustache growth stages. The first stage is referred to as the “stubble stage” which takes place in the first few days of growing a mustache. During this stage, hair is at its shortest and can appear prickly or itchy.

Then comes the awkward stage, which will likely be at week two. Here, your hair will be a bit longer but may not be lying flat in one particular direction yet. In this stage, you might notice a bit of a messy look, and this is where most guys will be tempted to start shaving all over again.

Then, finally, after four to six weeks, you will reach the fill in stage. Your mustache will start to appear thick and purposeful. This is an important milestone in the mustache growth timeline, as it allows you to have sufficient length to style your mustache as you want.

Tips to Encourage Growth

Although you can’t do anything to your genes, we always advise our clients to make their environment conducive for growth. Let’s talk about diet. Foods high in protein, biotin, and vitamins A, C, and E promote keratin production, which is hair’s building blocks.

Grooming practices also matter. Taking good care of your skin underneath your mustache can help you avoid ingrown hairs, which can hinder your progress. Applying a good quality beard oil from your stage of stubble can help you keep your skin hydrated, and you will avoid the itchiness which can cause most men to stop.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The most common error people make is over-trimming in the early growing phases. To try to style a mustache before it gets a chance to fill in will just give you patchy lines or bald spots, and you’ll have to start all over. Just let it grow wild for a month before you do anything else.

The other mistake you can make is not taking your skin into consideration. Dry and scaly skin can impede your follicles from functioning properly. Refrain from using harsh soap on your facial skin since it will remove your natural oils.

Applying Lessons

To grow a mustache back takes patience, biology, and proper maintenance. Although a typical growth rate is rather standard, your individual time frame will greatly depend on how well you take care of your body and your facial hair. Perhaps you are dealing with the awkward stage, or perhaps you need tips on how to style it when it fills in. Either way, come visit First & Mane!