GROOMING – Movember Rules

From Dali to Groucho Marx, Poirot to Ron Burgandy, famous or fictional, nothing says ‘True Man’ like the moustache. With November now in full swing, Gentlemen, it’s time to amp up the testosterone in the name of a good cause – Movember.

Over the centuries the moustache has been through a lot, adorning the faces of politicians (good and bad), comedians and celebrities alike, so what better way to raise awareness of an amazing cause than by growing one of your own over the next month?

Here we give you 5 simple tips for the perfect ‘tache. Now, we’re not saying it’s going to be easy, from those initial pubescent bum fluff looking strands, to auburn tints, and rogue bald patches, we’re not going to lie to you, you are in for all manner of stick over the next few weeks, but hey! Why not, it’s all for charity –remember.

1. Choose the right Mo-ment, With it now day 4 of Movember, it’s really time to get cracking with growing your ‘tache. This said, however, many of you will fall prey to the ‘awkward’ stage – this usually appears about a week in and tends to look somewhat terrible. Similar to having to sit through an episode of Sex and The City with your other half, it’s simply something that you have to tolerate and let time do its job, safe in the knowledge that after this – things can only get better. We here at TGJ suggest using a weekend to get a head start, or, one better, an entire weeks holiday. By the time you return to the office, you’re Movember will be in full swing and well and truly over the awkward, unsightly stage.

2. Shower then shave

A simple rule, but one that should always – ALWAYS – be abided. The hot water and steam will have softened the hairs, and opened the follicles, making it the smoothest shave of your life. Add to this your favoured shaving cream or gel and there will be no excuses for a misshaped moustache.

3. Define it

The decision to start growing a moustache is the easy part, it’s deciding what style you’ll be sporting for the next month that’s the hard part. You’ll need to find a style that suits you, and find out what length and thickness is going to be best. Keep it symmetrical – no one likes a lopsided ‘tache. Plus – it’s scientifically proven that people with symmetrical faces are seen to be more attractive. Look to stars such as James Franco and Brad Pitt to help make your mind up.

4. Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise , With autumn now well and truly upon us, the combination of freezing wind outside and boiling hot heating inside can play havoc with your skin, add in regular shaving and it’s a recipe for dry skin. With this in mind, be sure to moisturising day and night, paying particular attention to the skin under your facial hair. The only thing worse than dandruff? Tache-druff.

5. Neaten Up, Speak to any girlfriend or wife and you will quickly discover that women like nothing less than a messy ‘tasch. In fact, we would go as far as to tell you that unkempt moustache is the face equivalent of bad shoes. So, make sure yours is level with your lip line, or just above, and be sure to avoid the grandpa look by ensuring that all food and crumbs are removed post meal, no one wants to know what you had for lunch at 6pm that evening.

So go on Gentlemen, what have you got to loose? Give the Mo a go.

By Holly Macnaghten