“You don’t see many blondes do you?” This was how a young chap approached me when at a festival some time ago. For most people this would have been an odd statement, but I knew exactly what he was referring too. It had nothing to do with the fairer sex, as I live in an area of the UK famous for blondes, natural or from the bottle, and the park was awash with them at the time. He was of course referring to my moustache.
I am a natural blond; or rather my moustache is, just to put you straight on that front, no Sun-in or dye used here! Interestingly, I have quite dark head hair, and my beard, which has taken a number of forms over the years, is also dark, but my moustache is very blond. When I had a full beard the moustache sort of blended in and didn’t appear to have such a golden hue, but now that it stands proud and alone, it is quite noticeable.
And this young chap from the festival is correct. There do seem to be a distinct lack of blonde beards and moustaches. If you ask someone to imagine the color of a moustache or beard I guarantee a very high percentage will imagine a dark one, maybe a distinguished grey, or loveable white, but almost never blond. Even the saucy redheads have a decent representation, and our brothers who embrace their melanocortin 1 receptor wear their ginger-ness proudly upon their face.
This uniquely blond moustache has been on my face since Movember, 2012, and though I know have a noticeable ‘tash it was not always that way. There are rules for Movember, the most important being you must be clean shaven on the 1st of Movember, and I was one of those that adhered to the rules. With a heavy heart I sacrificed my rather lovely beard and was as fresh-faced as a mole rat that had just been waxed. Good grief my face felt cold. I can also tell you, you’ll soon notice 15 years’ worth of bearded cover on the chin when it’s not there! It’s like having the covers stolen from you in the night, but on your face, ALL THE TIME!!!
I went into work that first week feeling rather naked but was looking forward to the solidarity and camaraderie from my fellow HirsuteforHappiness team mates. But I was in for a surprise; one or two of them had not followed the first rule of Movember and had allowed a week or two “conditioning,” which is tantamount to starting the 100metre race 20m from the end on rocket skates. Slightly jealous of their already visible lip shadows I retired to the staff room to steal a glance at my offering….nothing! However, I didn’t let it get me down. This was a great event to be taking part in and a lot of fun.
As the weeks passed I had to suffer many taunts like; “I thought this was Movember,” and, “Oh are you not growing one this year?” The other guys had full on moustaches while I had downy, pathetic looking peach fuzz. The hairs were there, thick and bushy too, but because they were so blonde you could not see them unless you were right next to me. I had to prevent myself from shoving my face at people and screaming, “LOOOOOK I HAVE GOT ONE!”
Movember came to an end, and by then the moustache was clearly evident. I had really enjoyed having it so I decided that I would not grow back my beard. I chose the Cavalier look instead. I just couldn’t get rid of the moustache. For me it was for life, not just Movember. Over time, as the moustache began to come into its own, I found I didn’t need the comfort and security of the beard. After a couple of weeks of playing with different moustache styles, I took the beard off. And there it was! I had a lovely handlebar in the making, standing true beautiful, blond and bold. I was, and still am a happy man, proud that I didn’t cave in when I felt naked and less manly.
I have not trimmed my moustache for 90+ days now, though I had been in the early days, and it’s really looking like a proper handlebar now. I plan to see what my terminal length is before I reach for the scissors. Though at times it’s tempting, but not worth it in my opinion. Nothing can grow if it keeps getting cut down. I now have a lovely and unique golden lip lawn that makes me feel good. I have fun with different styles, and for the most part people are positive towards it.
So, if you suffer from light coloured facial hair, or a mixture of colours, I say embrace it! Grow it out and do not trim it no matter what. In time you will have a burning beacon of awesome on your upper lip that catches the sun and sparkles brightly. People will think you are magical and should our paths cross someday as we stride through life with confidence we can high five one another and hold our faces high, for we stuck it out in the early days. As the song says, “When the growing gets tough…..”
Grow Strong, Go With the Flow, Be Water…
Stu Morse A 36 yr old British man, with a beautiful moustache in the making, the journey of which he shares on his website. He prefers a natural look even though he has now taken ownership of his beautiful wife’s hairdryer. Incredibly handsome and witty, he also has a love for making beer and an unexplainable hate for cupboards.
About Douglas Smythe
