If you’re diving into No-Shave November this year, here’s a look at the meaning behind this annual event.
Like many of us, I once saw No-Shave November as a fun trend, a chance to give our razors a break. But as I delved into its history, I uncovered the personal stories that give this movement its depth. No-Shave November and its counterpart, Movember, are not just about growing facial hair. They are about the individuals and their loved ones who have been affected by men’s health issues.
Every November, people worldwide join in these events by putting down their razors and letting hair grow wild—whether facial, armpit or even leg hair. This movement started in 2003 with two friends from Australia who began growing mustaches for fun. Their idea quickly gained momentum, and by the following year, Travis Garone and Luke Slattery launched a fundraiser alongside their facial hair experiment. Through their nonprofit, the Movember Foundation, they raised nearly $41,000 for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia. Two years later, in 2005, Movember’s collaboration with the Prostate Cancer Foundation became official.
Movember, a fusion of ‘mustache’ and ‘November,’ has grown into a global movement. It now addresses a wide range of men’s health issues, from prostate and testicular cancer to mental health and suicide prevention. With over five million participants from around the world, Movember is a testament to the power of a shared cause. It continues to grow each year, using mustaches as a universal conversation starter about health.
In the U.S., a similar yet distinct initiative called No-Shave November also champions cancer awareness. Founded in 2009 by the Hill family after they lost their father, Matthew Hill, to colon cancer, No-Shave November encourages participants to embrace their natural hair—symbolizing what many cancer patients lose during treatment—and to donate their usual grooming expenses to cancer research and support. Since its inception, No-Shave November has raised more than $10 million for various cancer-related programs.
To join Movember, participants typically start the month clean-shaven, committing to grow only a mustache. Beyond mustaches, Movember offers other ways to engage, like the “Move for Movember” challenge, which involves walking or running 60 miles over the month to honor the 60 men who lose their lives to suicide each hour worldwide. Another option is to host a “Mo-Ment” or a gathering to discuss men’s health and raise funds.
No-Shave November takes a more relaxed approach, allowing participants to grow all hair types—beards, mustaches, leg hair and more. The organization encourages individuals to donate what they would have spent on shaving supplies to support cancer prevention and awareness programs. This means everyone, regardless of gender, can join by letting their natural hair grow, creating a broader reach.
Whether you’re participating in Movember or No-Shave November, these movements raise awareness and encourage open discussions about men’s health. So, consider skipping the razor, embracing your natural hair and joining the movement for a month that’s more than just fuzz—it’s a tribute to life and health.
For more information, you can check out the official websites of Movember (https://us.movember.com/) and No-Shave November (https://no-shave.org/) to learn how you can make a difference this November.
Also, you can submit your ‘stache and share with The Hernando Sun community. If we get enough submissions, there may be a contest at the end of the month for best ‘stache, most growth, funniest ‘stache, manliest ‘stache, etc. Go to https://www.hernandosun.com/no-cache-movember-2024/
[Photo by Julie Maglio]
