If you have a “bad boy” personality and want your facial hair to signify that side of you, it doesn’t get much better than a Fu Manchu-style mustache. Popular amongst bikers, this is a look that tells people not to mess with you!
The Fu Manchu mustache has stood the test of time, surviving many trends, only to come out the other side, still looking as epic as ever. It ignites a sense of timeless elegance and is a sure-fire way of channeling a suave, sophisticated aura.
It’s also a great style if you simply want to reinvent your look! This mustache style became famous when worn by Fu Manchu, a Chinese supervillain from a series of novels by English author Sax Rohmer.
We’re not saying you’re a supervillain (at least we hope not), but the Fu Manchu style is guaranteed to give you confidence and gain respect from those around you.
If you’re looking to change things up in terms of facial hair and the Fu Manchu mustache is to your liking, you’re in the right place.
In today’s blog post, we’re going to guide you through five great Fu Manchu styles to inspire your new look. We will also look at the history of the iconic style and some tips on how to grow and maintain it.
Fu Manchu Mustache History
The Fu Manchu mustache is a distinctive style of facial hair that is long, narrow and extends downward beyond the lips (though it can be bushier, as you’ll see below).
It is most often associated with Dr. Fu Manchu, a fictional supervillain character created by British author Sax Rohmer in the early 20th century.
Dr. Fu Manchu was a cunning and sinister Chinese villain, and his portrayal popularized the style of mustache that bears his name, inspiring countless villains in movies and TV shows ever since.
The mustache style associated with Fu Manchu was not entirely new when Sax Rohmer introduced it. Similar mustache styles had been worn by individuals in China and other parts of East Asia for centuries.
However, Rohmer’s portrayal of Fu Manchu helped popularize the style in Western culture. The mustache became particularly prominent in popular culture during the mid-20th century.
It was often associated with fictional villains, exotic characters, and sometimes even martial arts practitioners. The mustache style was featured in numerous films, TV shows, and comics, further cementing its association with villainy and otherness.
It is important to note that the Fu Manchu mustache has faced criticism and backlash over the years due to its association with racist stereotypes and cultural appropriation.
The character of Fu Manchu perpetuated harmful stereotypes about East Asians, and the mustache style became an unfortunate symbol of that representation.
In recent years, there has been a growing awareness and understanding of the need to challenge and move away from such stereotypes.
Consequently, the popularity of the Fu Manchu mustache has significantly diminished, and it is now seen less frequently in mainstream culture.
That doesn’t mean there are certain Fu Manchu styles that can still be worn today, though. Let’s take a look at some contemporary examples of Fu Manchu mustache styles below to hopefully inspire you.
Fu Manchu Mustache Styles
1. The Dali Mustache
We all know the famous Dali mustache, but did you know it’s essentially a version of a Fu Manchu mustache? By adopting this style, you can demonstrate that choosing to wear it doesn’t restrict you in terms of styling options.
However, most folks who wear this mustache have a bright, bold personality with a large amount of flair to go with it!
If this is you, and you want to incorporate Dali’s flamboyance into your Fu Manchu, shape it in such a way that it points upwards instead of hanging down.
This ensures that the mustache doesn’t droop and captures the distinctive upward direction associated with the Dali style.
2. Fu Manchu Beard
The Fu Manchu style extends beyond just the mustache and includes a variation that resembles a beard. Known as the Fu Manchu beard, it is characterized by a lengthy tendril growing from the center of the chin.
This tendril can be as long as the mustache, or even longer. To achieve this style, it is crucial to maintain some facial hair on both sides of your mouth and beneath your lower lip whenever you groom or trim your face.
This ensures that the distinct Fu Manchu beard shape is preserved, with the prominent tendril originating from the central chin area.
3. Long Fu Manchu
For those who embrace bold and edgy styles and are comfortable with some additional facial hair, the longer Fu Manchu mustache style is an ideal choice.
This particular style focuses solely on the mustache and does not include a full beard, allowing all the attention to be directed toward the mustache itself.
4. Cossack
If you are not yet familiar with the Cossacks, it is worth noting that they are considered a Slavic ethnic group. Interestingly, members of this group had their own variation of the Fu Manchu style before its popularization.
If you are interested in adopting their style, you can achieve it by growing your facial hair denser and fuller.
The hair should extend almost to cover your mouth and hang below your jawline, and it can resemble a long mustache combined with a densely grown and fully filled short beard.
5. Corkscrew Fu Manchu
In this playful variation of the Fu Manchu, you have the option to let your mustache grow long on the sides and shape it into two or more corkscrews.
By embracing this whimsical twist on the Fu Manchu, you are guaranteed to leave a lasting impression on those lucky enough to bask in its glory!
How To Grow A Fu Manchu Mustache?
To achieve the Fu Manchu mustache style, follow these steps:
Step 1
Allow your mustache to grow freely, ensuring that you trim it one to two times per week to maintain a well-groomed look. Be careful to preserve the tips of the mustache.
Step 2
Shave off the remaining facial hair three to four times per week. Use a beard trimmer to maintain the desired shape and length of the mustache.
Step 3
Create a disconnect between the mustache and the rest of your facial hair. This means that the mustache should not be connected to any beard hair. Shape the mustache in a way that the tips hang down, providing an authentic and genuine Fu Manchu appearance.
In Summary
The Fu Manchu mustache style certainly divides opinion. Some people love the look, while others think it’s a little too “out there.”
But, as you can see, there are variations on this iconic facial hair, so you can choose between a thick, bushy Fu Manchu or a pencil thin, sophisticated look.
Play around with different styles and see what suits your face best. Just be prepared to grow it out for a month or so first if you want a bushier, longer style.
Patience is the key to growing a remarkable mustache; just like life, it takes time and care to shape something truly extraordinary.
