Get Hairy this November!

What is No-Shave November?

No-Shave November is a web-based, non-profit organization started by the Chicagoland Hill family of eight siblings who lost their father to colon cancer in November 2007. According to the official site, No-Shave November is a month-long journey during which participants stop shaving and grooming in order to raise cancer awareness and raise funds to support cancer research, prevention, and education. “The goal of No-Shave November is to grow awareness by embracing our hair, which many cancer patients lose, and letting it grow wild and free. Donate the money you typically spend on shaving and grooming to educate about cancer prevention, save lives, and aid those fighting the battle,” says the site.

How can I get involved?

Participating in No-Shave November couldn’t be easier - just put down the razor or beard trimmer for the entire month of November! Start the month clean-shaven, then forgo any trimming or shaving tools. Share your hair-raising journey by posting pics on social media using the hashtag #LETITGROW. Chart your progress and be a part of the official leaderboard by signing up to participate on no-shave.org as an individual or gather a group of friends and represent your team as one. You can also participate by donating to organizations that have partnered with No-Shave November this year like the Prevent Cancer Foundation, Fight Colorectal Cancer and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

What is Movember?

The Movember Foundation is a non-profit organization founded in 2003 by two Australians, Travis Garone, and Luke Slatter. Inspired by a friend’s mother who was fundraising for breast cancer, they decided to grow mustaches (or mustaches if you’re an Aussie) and make the campaign about men’s health and prostate cancer. Today, millions of men across the world participate in Movember by rocking a carefully crafted mustache for the whole month. Participants, known as “Mo Bros” or “Mo Sistas,” are encouraged to sign up on movember.com and then choose to grow a mustache, walk or run 60 kilometers (37 miles) throughout the month, or host a “Mo-ment.” Take this month to grow the mustache you’ve always wanted - handlebar, chevron, pencil-thin...there are so many options!

Can women get involved?

Absolutely! Both organizations encourage women to get involved, either by participating or supporting a special guy in their lives. For No-Shave November, women can forgo shaving or waxing for the entire month and set up their own personal fundraising page. For Movember, Mo Sistas can help raise funds and awareness, host an event for friends, family or coworkers, or encourage the dudes in their lives to be proactive about their health. Why not sport a fake mustache, too?

What can I do outside of November?

Movember and No-Shave November may ramp up activity during the month of November, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t participate for the rest of the year. Both organizations are committed to raising funds and awareness for cancer research and prevention. Browse the web to find charity or fundraising events in your area, whether it’s a 5K run or pancake breakfast. Find a non-profit or charity you are passionate about and donate your time or funds to support their cause. You can also spread the word about the importance of cancer screenings and checkups, especially to men in your life! We know for guys going to the doctor can be as dreaded as being stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic, but it’s so important. Think of it as necessary to your health as going to the gym and maintaining a healthy diet.