What is Movember? Is it the same as No Shave November? What are the No Shave November rules? Let’s find out.
You may be asking yourself, what is No Shave November all about? November is Men’s Health Awareness Month, which highlights awareness around key health concerns that affect men, such as sexual wellness and mental health issues.
Movember and No Shave November are two causes that became popular in the last two decades, both of which aim to bring awareness to these health concerns. They both challenge men to grow out their facial hair to bring awareness to these issues; if you can’t grow a mustache, body hair counts too.
The Causes
Movember is a combination of the word "moustache" — that’s how Australians spell it — and "November." In 2003, two friends thought up the idea over a round of drinks. They were initially trying to bring back the “mo” but decided to also support men’s health awareness after being inspired by a friend’s mother (who was raising funds for breast cancer). They recruited friends to join the cause and by the next year raised over $40,000. The cause has grown to more than six million Mo Bros and Mo Sisters and over 1,200 men’s health projects funded globally.
No Shave November originated in 2009 in Chicago when the Hill family decided to create an organization after the passing of their father just two years prior. They ask participants of No Shave November to let their hair “grow wild and free,” and afterward to donate the money they would have spent on grooming to their cause. Since 2009, the organization has raised over $12 million.
The Rules
The rules are so simple you might miss them if you blink! Whether you decide to grow a mustache or a full beard, just let it grow! That’s it, that’s the only rule.
However, if you want to let your hair grow wild and free, know that maintenance will help you feel more comfortable throughout the month. Keep these things in mind for maintenance:
- Start clean-shaven to see how much your hair grows in a month.
- Buy facial hair products like shampoo, conditioner, moisturizer, and beard oil. These will help keep your facial hair clean and soft; we recommend you start using the shampoo and conditioner after a week’s growth.
- Don’t want a full beard? Trimming is allowed! Whether you have a stricter dress code at work or just want to grow the ‘stache, trimming a little here and there is not looked down upon.
Men’s Health Awareness Month
As you grow your ‘stache or beard, people may ask about it; use this as an opportunity to bring awareness to the cause. If you can, donate to your organization of choice. And if you’re concerned about your own health and wellness, check in with your physician and seek ways to help support your well-being, such as ways to increase your flexibility.
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