State of the 'Stache: Five Months Later...

I've been pretty busy with a new job and our recent adventure into Steampunk (more about that later). The beard and moustache are coming along.

The 'stache requires quite a quantity of wax. I've settled on the dark version of Firehouse wax. The middle of the road as it were.

Switched from my barber to our friend who styles my wife's hair. She has more experience with long hair. Oh, I forgot to mention that I'm growing my hair long enough to queue and club. I'd like to venture into 18th century reenacting. In a kilt of course.

Well, here's the current look. The photo was taken at the second annual Gears, Beards, and Beers a Steampunk themed Beard & Moustache Competition hosted by Capital Steam and the Jackson Beard & Moustache Club (more about that later). On my left is my sister Lori and on my right is my wife Stacey.

I made the double breasted jacket from a modified McCall's Men's Civil War Costumes pattern M4745. I'll post construction instructions later.

State of the 'Stache: The curl

The mustache is finally long enough to attempt a curl. A "tacky" mustache wax is essential. Firehouse* sets in just a minute.

Next week I'll see my barber to shape the beard.

* Turn your sound volume down before visiting the Firehouse website. The 90's called, they want their "play audio on load" web page back.

State of the 'Stache: November 22, 2014

The "State of the 'Stache" is a series of posts exploring the current state of my beard and mustache as I attempt to create something worthy of a Steampunk outfit. 

I'll describe the products I use and any challenges as they present themselves. 

Yes, probably not the most exciting blog series but, it's my blog after all. 

The beard and mustache

Stacey and I are attending a Steampunk event in the spring. Along with preparing our wardrobe, I've decided to grow out my beard and mustache. I've always had a full beard, but usually have it clipped short each time I visit the barber. 

I knew with the longer hair I'd need some help controlling the beast. If there's one thing the Miller family is good at, it's growing hair. 

I checked a few websites and asked a good friend of mine with a handlebar mustache for advice. I decided to use Firehouse Mustache Wax. 

Not knowing how much hold I would need I started with their "Light" style. It proved to be unable to control my gray bristles. However, the "Tacky" was up to the task. 

I usually keep my hair short but with the full beard my barber suggested I keep it longer. I find that my longer greying hair requires conditioner too. I thought about beard balm or oil but decided to start with some inexpensive hair conditioner. 

The 'stach and beard are coming along. Not sure how long I'll let it grow.