We all know the famous Freddie Mercury mustache that inspired millions to follow suit during the 1980s, but another colossal force of nature in the music industry also had one of the best facial hairstyles – Frank Zappa.
Known for his “Rock, blues, experimental jazz fusion, classical, pop avant-garde, doo-wop comedy music,” Zappa is one of the most respected and idolized musicians in history.
But, aside from his incredible music, Zappa was easily recognizable thanks to his distinctive mustache, which was characterized by its thick, bushy growth that extends downward beyond the corners of the mouth.
Arguably one of the best styles of facial hair ever, the Zappa mustache is named after the man who popularized it and exudes a sense of individuality, rebellion, and creativity, reflecting the artistic spirit of its namesake.
Want to find out more about the Zappa mustache? Stick around as we explore the history of how it came about and how to grow and style one yourself.
The Zappa Mustache Origins
Originating in the late 1960s and 1970s, the Zappa mustache quickly became a symbol of counterculture and nonconformity. Mustaches were all the rage during the 1970s, with many actors and musicians sporting bushy top-lip facial hair.
Some of the best-known mustaches from that era include Burt Reynolds, David Crosby, Mark Spitz, and Billy Dee Williams.
No mustache was more famous than Frank Zappa’s, though. Frank Zappa himself was known for pushing boundaries and challenging societal norms through his music, and his unique facial hairstyle became an extension of his unconventional persona.
The Zappa mustache gained further recognition in popular culture, with numerous admirers and imitators embracing the style as a way to express their own distinct personalities.
Sporting a Zappa mustache requires commitment and patience, as it takes time for the hair to grow long enough to achieve the desired length. Regular grooming and trimming are essential to maintain its distinctive shape, too.
Whether you’re a die-hard Zappa fan or simply looking to make a bold style statement, the Zappa mustache allows you to channel your inner rebel and embrace a timeless, iconic look that is sure to turn heads and ignite conversations.
How To Create Your Own Zappa Mustache
If you’re in the mood to grow your own Zappa mustache, there are some tips to help you in your hairy way. Let’s take a look at how to grow and style your Zappa mustache below.
Begin by giving yourself a general trim using a full-size trimmer, setting it to approximately 3 to 5 mm. For areas above and below your mouth, opt for a slightly longer setting, as you’ll shape them in the next step.
Use a precision trimmer to trim the outline of your mustache, extending it down towards your chin by approximately 5 cm. Aim for a width of around 2.5 cm.
With the precision trimmer still in hand, create a downward line starting from the corner of your mouth, right at the edge of your lower lip. Maintain a 2 cm gap between your mustache and the Soul Patch on both sides.
Now that your Soul Patch is separate from your mustache, employ a mini foil shaver to shape and define the area on your lower lip.
Use a rotary shaver in a gentle, circular motion to clean your cheeks and neck. Additionally, utilize the mini foil shaver to tidy up and enhance the definition around your Zappa Beard.
Embrace the authenticity of a true Zappa mustache by allowing it to grow friendly and full. Avoid excessive maintenance and embrace a slight stubble look, as it adds to the genuine appeal of this style.
Channeling Creativity – The Artistic Significance Of The Zappa Mustache
The Zappa mustache holds a unique artistic significance that goes beyond its distinct appearance. This facial hairstyle serves as a symbol of creativity, individuality, and a rebellious spirit.
Frank Zappa, known for his avant-garde music and fearless exploration of different genres, embraced the Zappa mustache as a reflection of his artistic persona.
Just like his groundbreaking compositions, this mustache style pushes boundaries and challenges conventional norms.
By sporting the Zappa mustache, you are not only paying tribute to the musician but also channeling your own creativity. This facial hair can become an expression of personal style, allowing individuals to stand out and showcase their artistic side to the world.
The Zappa mustache encourages individuals to embrace their uniqueness and take pride in their unconventional nature, ideal for artists and musicians.
It serves as a visual statement that breaks away from societal expectations, encouraging others to think outside the box and pursue their own artistic endeavors.
Whether it’s musicians, artists, or anyone seeking a symbol of self-expression, the Zappa Mustache acts as a reminder to embrace creativity in all aspects of life.
It serves as a conversation starter, sparking discussions about art, music, and the power of individuality.
Best Face Shapes For The Zappa Mustache
The Zappa mustache is versatile and can suit various face shapes. However, certain face shapes tend to complement this style particularly well, such as:
Square Face Shape – The Zappa mustache can accentuate the angular features of a square face shape, adding a touch of rugged charm and enhancing the facial structure.
Oval Face Shape – An oval face shape is considered to be the most balanced and versatile. The Zappa mustache can beautifully complement the natural proportions of an oval face, enhancing its symmetrical appearance.
Rectangular Face Shape – The fullness and downward growth of the Zappa mustache can help soften the length of a rectangular face shape, adding a sense of width and balance to the overall look.
Similar Mustache Styles To The Zappa
If the Zappa is a little too out there for you, try out some of these similar styles:
The Handlebar Mustache
Similar to the Zappa mustache, the Handlebar Mustache features long, upwardly curled ends. It exudes a classic, sophisticated charm and requires regular grooming to maintain its shape.
The Horseshoe Mustache
Also known as the “biker mustache,” the Horseshoe Mustache extends downward along the sides of the mouth, resembling an inverted U shape. It shares the Zappa mustache’s rebellious and rugged appeal.
The Chevron Mustache
This style is characterized by a thick, full mustache that covers the upper lip. Like the Zappa mustache, the Chevron is bold and prominent, but without the extended downward growth.
The Fu Manchu Mustache
Inspired by traditional Chinese mustache styles, the Fu Manchu features long, downward-pointing extensions that extend beyond the chin. It shares the Zappa Mustache’s flair for individuality and unorthodox styling.
The Dali Mustache
Named after the surrealist artist Salvador Dali, this mustache style involves long, thin, and meticulously curled ends that can be twirled upwards. While more flamboyant than the Zappa Mustache, it shares a sense of artistic expression.
In Summary
If you can, we fully recommend you try the Zappa mustache at least once! Best of all, it suits different face shapes, including oval, square diamond, and rectangular face shapes.
And, if you’re a fan of the avant-garde musician and composer, it’s a perfect way to honor the genius that was Frank Zappa.
