Very Sexy, but hygienic? This is how you take care of your mustache

Recently, we have witnessed a new trend among reservist soldiers of growing their facial hair. Growing facial hair has many motivations, such as fashion, culture, or self-expression. However, it's important to remember that facial hair can affect our hair, both positively and negatively.

So where did this trend come from? Many say it originated from adopting the look of IDF soldiers in the Yom Kippur War, but in general, facial hair is a worldwide, masculine matter with a lot of warrior history.

Here are some examples:

In India and Britain, mustaches was a sign of recognition for the military and was considered a symbol of strength and courage. The British followed the trend of mustaches to such an extent that in the 19th century, growing a mustache was mandatory for every British soldier.

Hungarian mustaches are considered especially thick - covering a large part of the cheeks and ending in a straight edge. The popularity of mustaches grew during the Hungarian rebellion in the 19th century, with the Hungarian mustache being large and dignified.

The American-style mustache is considered relatively new and has become popular in heavy motorcycle culture, heavy rock, and sports - it is called the Imperial mustache.

In Turkey, the mustache is not just decoration but a political statement.

In the battle of the Israeli reserves in 2023, the mustache phenomenon is apparently also an expression of unity, adoption, and social connection. These are great expressions, but it is important to adopt a small guide on proper treatment and care: the hair above the upper lip grows at a different rate from person to person. The growth process is genetic, hormonal, metabolic, and also dependent on epigenetics factors (lifestyle, diet, sun exposure, biological changes, vitamin deficiency). Mustache care also requires careful shaving to avoid injuring the skin and personal maintenance.

@michalmatzov הבנים מהגדוד שלי נפלו לטרנד השפם #שפם #מילואים #חרבותברזל #חייליםבטיקטוק #לוחמים #חילוץוהצלה #קרבי #פלחץ #צהל #צבא #טרנדהשפם #טרנד #מלחמה ♬ עוד יום - שיר הנושא מהסדרה תאג"ד - Full Trunk

So what is the problem?

Mustaches in men grows quickly under the influence of hormones and is not always symmetrical. This area is very sensitive to changes due to the proliferation of sebaceous glands and dense sweat. This leads to the appearance of flakes with the disturbance of bacteria and fungi that are "permanent residents there." Therefore, proper and professional treatment is necessary; otherwise, it leads to itching, dandruff, discomfort, and flakes appearing on the mustache. Under stressful conditions, small ice particles can form in the mustache area. Regarding hygiene, it is important to clean the hair with specific means such as shampoo and a little conditioner.

Dr. Monica Alman is a specialist in dermatology and aesthetics and the medical director of Maccabi Aesthetics.