How to Make a Mustache

Co-authored by Ashley Adams

Last Updated: October 21, 2021

A mustache can be a fun accessory for a costume party. If you're looking for a fake mustache, you can make a realistic one using craft hair or quirky, fake mustaches from things like pipe cleaner and yarn. If you want to grow a mustache of your own, let your facial hair grow out and then trim the mustache into your desired shape. With a little time and effort, you can make whatever kind of mustache you want.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Using Craft Hair to Fake a Mustache

1
Flat iron your craft hair. You can purchase craft hair online or at a craft store, such as Michael’s. Make sure to purchase hair designed to be used in costumes or on things like dolls. Run a flat iron over your craft hair to make it smooth and easy to work with before you start forming your mustache.^{[1]
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- Craft hair can sometimes be very fine, so it's best to err on the side of caution and use a low heat setting. A low heat setting is also safer because craft hair may melt if you apply too much heat.
2
Brush out the hair. After ironing your hair, you want to make sure it looks as smooth as possible. Use a fine-toothed comb to brush any tangles out of your mustache so it looks smooth. This will help your fake mustache look more realistic.^{[2]
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3
Cut the hair. Cut out 4 sections of hair from your craft hair. These should be thin sections of 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5.1 cm).^{[3]
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4
Prep your skin. If you have any hair on your upper lip already, shave or wax it off first. Then, use a cotton swab to gently clean your skin with rubbing alcohol.^{[4]
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- Even a small amount of stubble should be shaved off, as this can make removing the mustache later painful.
5
Add a cosmetic adhesive to your lower lip. You can purchase cosmetic adhesive, such as glue or tape, online or at a costume store. Use a cotton swab to dab a thin layer of cosmetic adhesive along your lower lip.^{[5]
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6
Apply half your mustache to your adhesive. Take one of your sections of hair. Pinch the hair between your fingers and push the upper ends onto the cosmetic adhesive. Hold for 30 seconds so the hair stays in place.^{[6]
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7
Remove and trim stray hairs. Some stray hair may not stick to your face. Use your fingers to pull out any stray hairs. Then, take a small pair of scissors and trim away any excess hair that is hanging over your lip.^{[7]
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8
Repeat with an upper layer. Take your second section. Apply just above the first section of hair. Draw a line of adhesive just above the hair on your lower lip and attached the section to your lower lip. Hold for 30 seconds and then remove any excess hair.^{[8]
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9
Apply hair under your nostrils. Cut out a small, square-like section from your craft hair to fit under your nostrils. This will bridge the gap between either side of your mustache. Apply cosmetic adhesive near your nostrils, getting as close as you can. Then, press your square-shaped section of cosmetic hair against your nose. Trim away any excess hair.^{[9]
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10
Repeat on the other side. Using your last two rectangular sections of craft hair, repeat the same process. Attach the first section of hair to your lower lip and attach the second section on top of this. When you're done, you will have a nice full fake mustache to enjoy.^{[10]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Making a Fake Mustache for Fun

1
Use yarn. Cut out 10 to 12 pieces of yarn about 2 to 3 inches (5.1 to 7.6 cm) long. Lie your strands of yarn at the halfway point between a piece of pipe cleaner. The pipe cleaner should run down the center of the pieces of yarn, forming an x-shape. Fold your pipe cleaner together and twist the ends to secure the yarn. Keep twisting until your reach the end of the pipe cleaner. You will be left with a yarn mustache you can hold up to your face using the pipe cleaner.^{[11]
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- You can find yarn in a variety of different colors and textures at a craft store or even at Walmart.
2
Make a pipe cleaner mustache. Simply take a pipe cleaner and cut it 2 to 3 inches (5.1 to 7.6 cm) long. Twist the pipe cleaner into whatever mustache shape you want. You can use some cosmetic glue or craft glue to glue your fake mustache to your face.^{[12]
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- You can purchase pipe cleaners at a craft store or at Walmart.
3
Use felt for a mustache on a stick. Take a piece of black or brown felt. Cut out a mustache shape from the felt. Glue your mustache shape to a small dowel stick. You now have a mustache on a stick you can hold under your nose.^{[13]
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4
Try a popsicle mustache. A popsicle stick mustache is easy to make. Simply use a permanent marker to draw a mustache shape on the end of a popsicle stick. You can then use the popsicle stick to hold your fake mustache under your nose.^{[14]
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5
Make a mustache with your finger. If you want a quick and silly way to make a mustache, simply draw a mustache shape on your index finger with a washable marker. Then, hold it up under your nose for a quick, goofy mustache. This is the easiest and quickest way to make a mustache.

Expert Q&A

Question

How can a teenager grow a mustache?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

Some teens begin to grow mustaches as early as twelve, but this is rare. The age at which you develop facial hair is individual and can't be controlled.
Question

What promotes facial hair growth?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

Massaging the beard area, taking biotin supplements, and eating a healthy, protein-rich diet promote hair growth.
Question

How long does it take to grow a mustache?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

A thick, full mustache usually takes 3-4 months to fully develop. Facial hair grows more quickly than the hair on your head, but it can take a while to fill in.