If you’re here, chances are you’re considering growing out your very own lip sweater. And who can blame you?

A well-groomed mustache can be a powerful symbol of masculinity, style, and individuality. But how long does it actually take to grow a mustache? Is it a matter of days, weeks, or months?
In this article, we’ll explore the stages of mustache growth, the factors that can affect how quickly your mustache grows, and provide some tips for encouraging healthy and speedy mustache growth.
So, get ready to learn all about the art of growing a mustache below!
The Stages Of Mustache Growth
Growing a mustache is a journey, and like any journey, it has its ups and downs. To help you navigate the process, we’ve broken down mustache growth into four stages:
Stubble
The first stage of mustache growth is stubble. This is when the hairs on your upper lip are just starting to sprout, and they may feel rough and scratchy to the touch.
You may not have a lot of hair at this stage, but it’s important to resist the urge to shave or trim too soon.
Early Growth
The second stage is early growth. This is when your mustache starts to take shape and become more visible. You may notice that the hairs are getting longer and starting to form a pattern.
At this stage, it’s important to start grooming your mustache to keep it looking neat and tidy.
Mid-Growth
The third stage is mid-growth. This is when your mustache is really starting to come in, and you may be able to style it in different ways.
Your mustache may also start to connect with the hair on your chin, creating a more cohesive look. At this stage, you’ll want to continue grooming your mustache and experimenting with different styles.
Mature Growth

The final stage is mature growth. This is when your mustache has reached its full potential and looks its best. You may have to trim it regularly to keep it from getting too long, but with proper care, your mustache can stay healthy and vibrant for years to come.
Mustache Growth Timeline
The million-dollar question: how long does it actually take to grow a mustache? Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.
The time it takes to grow a mustache can vary depending on a variety of factors, including those we discussed earlier.
However, here are some rough estimates to give you an idea:
- Stubble: 1-2 weeks
- Early Growth: 2-4 weeks
- Mid-Growth: 1-3 months
- Mature Growth: 3 months or more
Remember, though, these are just rough estimates, and your mustache growth timeline may be shorter or longer depending on several factors like the ones we’ll see right now!
Factors That Affect Mustache Growth

Here are a few things that can affect how quickly your mustache grows:
Genetics
One of the biggest factors that can affect your mustache growth is genetics. Just like some people are naturally more prone to baldness, some people are more likely to grow a thick, luscious mustache.
If your family members have impressive mustaches, chances are you’ll be able to grow one too.
Age
Age can also play a role in how quickly your mustache grows since as we get older, our hair follicles may not be as active as they once were, which can result in slower hair growth.
So, if you’re still in your teens or twenties (Also check out Useful Tips For Teen Facial Hair), you may be able to grow a mustache more quickly than someone in their forties or fifties.
Hormones
Hormones also play a key role in hair growth, including mustache growth. Testosterone, in particular, is known to stimulate hair growth in men.
If you have low levels of testosterone, you may find that your mustache grows more slowly than someone with higher levels.
Diet
Believe it or not, your diet can also affect your mustache growth. Eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals can help support healthy hair growth, including on your upper lip.
Make sure to eat plenty of protein, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to keep your mustache looking its best.
Tips For Caring For Your Mustache At Each Stage

Here are some tips for caring for your mustache at each phase of growth:
Stubble Phase
- Be patient. During the stubble phase, it’s important to resist the urge to trim or shape your mustache too much. Let it grow out naturally for a week or two before you start grooming it.
- Moisturize. Your skin may feel itchy or dry during the stubble phase, so make sure to moisturize regularly to keep your skin and mustache hair healthy.
- Exfoliate. Use a regular exfoliating scrub a couple of times per week to get rid of dead skin cells and promote healthy hair growth.
Early Growth Phase
- Trim regularly. As your mustache starts to take shape, you may need to start trimming it to keep it looking neat. Use small scissors or a mustache trimmer to carefully trim any stray hairs.
- Use wax or balm. To help shape your mustache, consider using a mustache wax or balm. These products can help hold your hair in place and add a nice shine.
- Brush or comb. Brush or comb your mustache regularly to help train the hair to grow in the direction you want it to go.
Mid-Growth Phase
- Keep trimming. As your mustache grows longer, you may need to trim it more often to keep it looking sharp. Use a pair of mustache scissors to carefully trim any hairs that are getting too long.
- Try different styles. Once your mustache is long enough, you can start experimenting with different styles. Consider a handlebar mustache or a horseshoe mustache for a bold look.
- Keep grooming. Regular grooming is still important during the mid-growth phase. Keep using wax or balm to help shape your mustache and continue to brush or comb it daily.
Mature Growth Phase
- Trim as needed. At this point, you may have a pretty good idea of how long you want your mustache to be, so trim it as needed to keep it looking good.
- Keep it clean. Make sure to clean your mustache regularly to remove any food or debris that may get caught in it.
- Keep grooming. Regular grooming is still important during the mature growth phase. Keep using wax or balm to help shape your mustache and continue to brush or comb it daily.
The Bottom Line
Depending on your genetics, lifestyle, and grooming habits, your mustache growth timeline may be shorter or longer than others. But no matter how long it takes, the key is to take good care of your mustache at every stage of growth.
So, whether you’re just starting out with stubble or you’re sporting a full and mature mustache, be patient, be consistent, and enjoy the journey to a well-groomed mustache!
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