I am no stranger to facial hair. I have worn a full beard and variations thereof since 1985. In my youth I dreamed of growing a nice long blond pony tail, but with early hair loss I did not have the personality to pull off a George Carlin. Over the years I dreamed of sporting one of those thick rich long beards long before they were popular. Whenever it gets any length, the beard looks like a wild natty birds nest. I know there are softening and straightening products, but part of the beard appeal for me has always been to go with what is natural. Neatly clipped has been my beard and goatee style. But the dream for some epic hair never died.
A year of mask wearing means keeping things trim. And hidden. On December 1 I began growing what I hope will become an epic moustache. Of course, that requires product. Although contrary to my generally "all natural" philosophy, I do like that wax keeps the hair out of the mouth, and helps guide the hair to a natural swoop. Here are the things I have tried in the last few months.
Making my own wax. 3 parts beeswax, 2 parts coconut oil, melted, blended, poured in tins. I like the natural earthy scent; reminds me of saddle leather and hay in a barn. Requires warming before use. Somewhat difficult to spread evenly on the stache. First thing in the morning, the moustache looks like a plastic stage prop. By the time I get to work, it looks more natural as the hair falls naturally. If I do nothing, I look like a walrus. A quick swipe of the comb set things back in nice natural swoop, but only provides about 20 minutes of stay. Lasts all day, but requires very frequent combing.
Edwin Jagger Moustache Wax, Bergamot and Cedarwood extra hold. First the good, this stuff has a beautiful scent. I feel like a family member at Downton Abbey when I smell this stuff. Extra hold is right, this stuff is a rock. But that is the problem. I cannot get this stuff from the tin to my moustache. No amount of heat will soften it up. I have not tried the fires of Mordor, but that would be inconvenient anyway. Trying to apply it is an exercise in pain, suffering, and lost hair. I really want to like this, but if someone can help me find a way to reasonably soften it, I would be grateful.
Hawkins & Brimble Moustache Wax, Elemi & Ginseng. Calling this a wax is generous. Pleasant gentle scent. But is is soft, a bit more solid than petroleum jelly. Application is very fast and easy, but almost no hold. Moustache gets soft, fluffy, but not held off the lips. Walrus look comes much faster than with my own wax.
Taylor of Old Bond Street Moustache Wax. This is a cream in a tube. Scent is light, pleasant, and very "TOBSy." No hold at all. I hoped that it would dry and provide some hold like a pomade, but no such luck. Leaves a slick feeling on the hair with no hold, like applying hand lotion to your moustache.
I have seen other posts with recommendations for specific waxes. I am not necessarily putting out a call for suggestions. I am really not interested in spending any more money. To be honest, the products I purchased were impulse buys because they had a "clearance" tag online and I am a sucker for a deal.
I had not seen these products discussed elsewhere, and wanted to share my experience. In a perfect world, I would love to have something with the ease of application of the B&W, the hold of my beeswax mixture, and the scent of EJ. Is it possible I am using them incorrectly? I have searched but cannot find more info on these products.
A year of mask wearing means keeping things trim. And hidden. On December 1 I began growing what I hope will become an epic moustache. Of course, that requires product. Although contrary to my generally "all natural" philosophy, I do like that wax keeps the hair out of the mouth, and helps guide the hair to a natural swoop. Here are the things I have tried in the last few months.
Making my own wax. 3 parts beeswax, 2 parts coconut oil, melted, blended, poured in tins. I like the natural earthy scent; reminds me of saddle leather and hay in a barn. Requires warming before use. Somewhat difficult to spread evenly on the stache. First thing in the morning, the moustache looks like a plastic stage prop. By the time I get to work, it looks more natural as the hair falls naturally. If I do nothing, I look like a walrus. A quick swipe of the comb set things back in nice natural swoop, but only provides about 20 minutes of stay. Lasts all day, but requires very frequent combing.
Edwin Jagger Moustache Wax, Bergamot and Cedarwood extra hold. First the good, this stuff has a beautiful scent. I feel like a family member at Downton Abbey when I smell this stuff. Extra hold is right, this stuff is a rock. But that is the problem. I cannot get this stuff from the tin to my moustache. No amount of heat will soften it up. I have not tried the fires of Mordor, but that would be inconvenient anyway. Trying to apply it is an exercise in pain, suffering, and lost hair. I really want to like this, but if someone can help me find a way to reasonably soften it, I would be grateful.
Hawkins & Brimble Moustache Wax, Elemi & Ginseng. Calling this a wax is generous. Pleasant gentle scent. But is is soft, a bit more solid than petroleum jelly. Application is very fast and easy, but almost no hold. Moustache gets soft, fluffy, but not held off the lips. Walrus look comes much faster than with my own wax.
Taylor of Old Bond Street Moustache Wax. This is a cream in a tube. Scent is light, pleasant, and very "TOBSy." No hold at all. I hoped that it would dry and provide some hold like a pomade, but no such luck. Leaves a slick feeling on the hair with no hold, like applying hand lotion to your moustache.
I have seen other posts with recommendations for specific waxes. I am not necessarily putting out a call for suggestions. I am really not interested in spending any more money. To be honest, the products I purchased were impulse buys because they had a "clearance" tag online and I am a sucker for a deal.
I had not seen these products discussed elsewhere, and wanted to share my experience. In a perfect world, I would love to have something with the ease of application of the B&W, the hold of my beeswax mixture, and the scent of EJ. Is it possible I am using them incorrectly? I have searched but cannot find more info on these products.