Beard and 'stache experts, I need your advice

[Todo Duro]

Ok, here's the story. My facial hair has always been on the patchy side, so I've spent my teens and most of my twenties completely clean-shaven. It only started filling in a few years ago and since then I've been swinging between either a closely-trimmed stubble or a short Van Dyke with no mustache, only ever shaving clean for job interviews.

Now a few days ago I got it into my head to grow a 'stache. Partly because why the hell not, partly because it's a bit of a family tradition (every male on my dad's side has been sporting a chevron since dinosaurs roamed the earth) and I'd like to follow it up.

This is the result of about 8 days growth.

Still pretty much a rat tash effort and that's the question: based on the amount of growth, does it look like it can it be a keeper eventually? I know it may take time to fill in and I'm prepared to wait, but then again, some people can and some people can't, and being new to the scene I'm not really sure which field I'm in.

On a side note, I should say that even though it's ratty, I freaking love it

[Beardman]

I'm sure you've learned by now that facial hair is a big patience game. From what I can tell, you certainly have some potential there.

Have you heard of the 30 day rule for head shaving? We like to apply a similar rule here with facial hair. Let it grow for 30 days, by then you will definitely have a pretty good idea of how it's going to look. So give that a go, and I hope by then you'll be pleasantly surprised 

[Todo Duro]

Thanks Beardman! Yeah I've read about it so I'm playing the waiting game now... the 24-hour rule especially is making all the difference, usually in the past whenever I wasn't happy with my scruff I'd just go "ah sod it" and get the blades out.

[D.A.L.U.I.]

On a side note, I should say that even though it's ratty, I freaking love it

Although you may consider it a side note--if you like it--own it!
As Beardman pointed out facial hair is patience.  You may find additional information that can assist you and answer questions at http://jefffsbeardboard.yuku.com/topic/3688/Rules-of-Beard-Acquisition. 
One of the pairings that seems to hold true is that if your genetic makeup has provided you with a tendency to mpb, it will often also provide you with a substantial ability for facial hair--although it can come in later years.  The hairs on your face may also grow at a slightly different rate depending where they are, staches can often be a slow growth area.  If you're showing 8 days--I'd place a wager that in 30 days you'll see where you're going and in 3 months you will have added a great addition to your family's upper lip development collection. 

[Switchy]

I know it will look great, agree with the other guys.  Let if grow for 30 days and I am sure you will like it.   

[Lynchy]

Slow and steady definitely wins that race!

My mo is still filling out and it's been nearly a year I think?

[Todo Duro]

Then I'll just sit back and wait... will post pictures soon as I see some progress. Thanks everyone for the encouragement

[Beardman]

That's the best way to do it mate, just sit back and enjoy the ride.

the 24 hr rule is one of my favourites, it saved my beard many times in the early days, and I am so much happier for it.

My most favourite rule though (not exactly a beard rule, but could work), If it sounds like the best idea in the world after 2am, it probably isn't.

I look forward to the progress reports 

[Lynchy]

That's the best way to do it mate, just sit back and enjoy the ride.

the 24 hr rule is one of my favourites, it saved my beard many times in the early days, and I am so much happier for it.

My most favourite rule though (not exactly a beard rule, but could work), If it sounds like the best idea in the world after 2am, it probably isn't.

I look forward to the progress reports 

+ 1 on the 24 rule. I still miss mine :*(

[Switchy]

That's the best way to do it mate, just sit back and enjoy the ride.

the 24 hr rule is one of my favourites, it saved my beard many times in the early days, and I am so much happier for it.

My most favourite rule though (not exactly a beard rule, but could work), If it sounds like the best idea in the world after 2am, it probably isn't.

I look forward to the progress reports 

+ 1 on the 24 rule. I still miss mine :*(

  +3

[Todo Duro]

I promised an update and now it's been almost a month since i started out with the stache, here it comes - there have definitely been a few changes of plan along the way! So now it's a Balbo (sort of), but I've decided just yesterday to let the chinstrap grow out too and see what comes of it. Still some patchy spots but it's filling out a bit more each day and I'm very pleased with the progress so far... now I just can't wait for the heating engineer to come fix up my faulty boiler so I can get some hot water and start shaving the dome again 

[leighmundo40]

Really suits you, keep it up!

BTW I thought you were making a porn film reference with the Plumber fixing the boiler thing!

[slybeard]

It has really filled in nicely.  Looks like you have a keeper started.  Just avoid the temptation to become too aggressive with trimming.  It will thicken more over the next two months or so (my rule of thumb is to always give facial hair at least 3 months).

[Todo Duro]

Really suits you, keep it up!

BTW I thought you were making a porn film reference with the Plumber fixing the boiler thing!

Thanks Leigh. As to the boiler thing, I'd be happy enough if it was just that (no heating/hot water during a cold spell in London is no fun) but then again if the engineer turns out to be a tall blonde Amazon, and brings a friend or two, I guess I won't be too disappointed

[Todo Duro]

Thanks for the encouragement and the advice Slybeard! rest assured there's no trimming planned until at least the end of March, then we'll see... to be honest I'm not really aiming for anything epic like yours or Beardman's (that'd be a problem at work too) but if I can get a decent-looking Riker style thing going on by summer I'll be more than happy enough.