Masculinity can be measured by many rulers: strength, athleticism and courage, for example.
But none can compare to that which grows upon the male upper lip — the mustache.
On Oct. 30, men and women will come together and celebrate their “flavor savers” at the annual Stash Bash in St. Louis — and UNC could have its own mustachioed delegate.
Hair product company Zenagen is sponsoring a mustache-themed costume contest for college students, with two tickets to the event as a prize. Students are asked to send in pictures of themselves incorporating a mustache into a Halloween costume, perhaps Mario and Luigi, Ron Burgundy or Hulk Hogan.
While the mustache has declined in popularity since the 1970’s, when celebrities and NASCAR drivers alike sported upper-lip hair with pride, it has seen a resurgence in college-aged youth, said Aaron Perlut, a self-proclaimed “nuclear mustacheologist” and Chairman of the Board of the American Mustache Institute.
He said the recent resurgence of the mustache is due to youth wanting to stand out.
“It’s an easy way to express yourself,” Perlut said.
He added that celebrities sporting the look have lead to more young people appreciating the mustache. Actors Brad Pitt and Johnny Depp have both donned mustaches.
Perlut said well-groomed upper lip plumage can help men improve weak-looking or disproportional facial features. He said a mustache increases a man’s attractiveness by 38 percent.
And the UNC community is full of impressive nose lawns that could make a good showing in the competition.
With a bare-lipped chancellor, Interim Provost Bruce Carney’s mustache is the highest ranking on campus.
He grew his mustache while in the Army because his hair and his sideburns had to be cut short when he was drafted. Carney sports the impressive lampshade style, though he humbly called it “the best mustache I can do.”
Carney said he maintains it with a small pair of Swiss Army knife scissors. He can curl the tips if he wants without the assistance of wax.
Carney said his wife enjoys the mustache and has never complained about it.
Some female students at UNC feel that a certain set of criteria must be met before a man can be worthy of the prestigious facial feature. Junior Meredith Fulton said men must look the part before growing a mustache.
“Like if you are a rugged mountain climber or a cop,” she said, adding that the mustache should also come with a certain amount of knowledge and experience.
But Perlut warns there can be downsides to a “lip tickler” if not worn correctly. A man must consider which look works well with his face and personality. A mismatched face-mustache combination could prove disastrous.
“A mustache must be worn at your own risk,” Perlut said.
Zenagen mustache mayhem photo contest
Submit the best photo of your mustache by 11:59 p.m. Sunday to:
mustache@zenagen.com
Text (312) 699-1833
Zenagen’s Facebook page
Contact the University Editor at udesk@unc.edu.
