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Moustache

language culture Maturity 11-13 Next article →

A moustache is a patch of hair grown on the upper lip, right under the nose.

Mustache Growing over 30 days
Mustache Growing over 30 days

People around the world have worn them for thousands of years. Some people call it a "mustache" in American English. In British English, it is usually spelled "moustache." Having a moustache can change how a person looks to others. Some people might see a man with a moustache and think he looks older. Research shows that moustaches can make a person seem more mature or even more aggressive.

Stone sculpture of celtic hero
Stone sculpture of celtic hero

There are many ways to care for and style this facial hair. People use tools like small scissors, combs, and special brushes to keep it neat. Some use moustache wax to help the hair stay in a certain shape. In Edwardian England, people even used a special moustache spoon to protect their hair while eating soup.

Moustache spoon 1904 VA M18-2000
Moustache spoon 1904 VA M18-2000

Some people even undergo a medical procedure called a follicular unit extraction. This is a type of transplant used to make the hair look fuller. This helps people achieve a very impressive or thick look.

History shows that moustaches have been around since very ancient times. For example, a moustache is seen on a statue of an Egyptian prince named Rahotep from around 2550 BC.

Stone sculpture of celtic hero
Stone sculpture of celtic hero

Iron Age Celts also used them, and they appear on the famous Sutton Hoo helmet. In the 1880s and 1890s, moustaches became very popular in Western countries. This happened because they were linked to military virtues of that time. In fact, British soldiers were not allowed to shave their upper lips until 1916. This made the moustache a very common sight in the military.

Different cultures use moustaches to show different things. In many Arab countries, a moustache can be a symbol of power. For followers of the Yarsan religion, it is a religious symbol. In Islam, trimming the moustache is a recommended way of life known as a sunnah. There are also many famous styles you can name. The "Handlebar" is bushy with curled ends, while the "Pencil" style is very thin and straight. The "Walrus" style is big and bushy, often covering the mouth entirely.

Scientists have even studied why moustaches change in popularity. One researcher named Nigel Barber looked at how moustaches relate to marriage. He found that when there are many single women, more men seem to grow moustaches. He suggests that moustaches might make men look more attractive or mature. This could help them when they are looking for a spouse. Moustache styles change like fashion trends, moving in and out of style over many years.

Haguenau Musée historique décembre 2016 (04)
Haguenau Musée historique décembre 2016 (04)
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🖼️ Images & Media (8)
File:Gaishi_Nagaoka.jpg
Gaishi_Nagaoka.jpg
File:Stone sculpture of celtic hero.jpg
Stone sculpture of celtic hero.jpg
File:Sergey Sergeyevich Kamenev.jpg
Sergey Sergeyevich Kamenev.jpg
File:Moustache spoon 1904 VA M18-2000.jpg
Moustache spoon 1904 VA M18-2000.jpg
File:Mustache Growing over 30 days.gif
Mustache Growing over 30 days.gif
File:Haguenau Musée historique décembre 2016 (04).jpg
Haguenau Musée historique décembre 2016 (04).jpg
File:Amish Man in straw hat, suspenders, and shenandoah beard.jpg
Amish Man in straw hat, suspenders, and...
File:Abhinandan Mustache.png
Abhinandan Mustache.png
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