You are undertaking a dangerous mission, brave one. But we are all here … together. Some helpful hints to get you through:

Be a good boy scout

Do whatever you have to do in the weeks and months leading up to the start of February to prepare for the big month. You may want to sit down with relatives to explain what they’re about to see. Likewise, it’s probably a good idea to tell your friends. Because a mustache party of one is … well it’s still pretty awesome. But it’s better when you can slug down some brews with other people that get to taste everything they eat for days.

You will itch!

If you’ve never grown your face out, you’re at a disadvantage here. First-time growers itch the worst and don’t know the valuable truth: the itching ends. It’s a rough few days somewhere toward the start of your second week. But no one said this would be easy, soldier.

We’ve learned one method to ameliorate the situation, if temporarily: moisturize. Use a facial moisturizer or something on your beard. Dollap that stuff on there, rub it in, and soften those fuzzy bristles. Mmmm … how do you spell relief?

Dream your stash

As your beautiful face mane grows in, spend some time every morning (and afternoon and evening) checking yourself out in the mirror. Picture the big day when you will don the ‘stash. See the subtleties of how your particular mug and your particular beard grow in, and start to think about just where you’ll cut the ‘stash line. Envisioning the glorious reward will get you through those days when you want to be a little bitch and shave.