No Shave November vs. Movember

It’s that time of year again where you see guys sporting facial hair, beards, moustaches; the whole shebang. You’re probably thinking this November trend is due to either No Shave November or Movember and there’s a pretty good chance you’re right. While it may sound similar, however, there’s actually a difference between ‘No Shave November’ and Movember.

 

While both No Shave November and Movember are month-long campaigns that involve men dedicating themselves to growing out of facial hair to raise money, they are not the same and there are stark differences between the two.

 

 

 

No Shave November

 

The goal of No-Shave November is to embrace the hair that we have and let it grow freely. While this tradition has been around for many years, the children of Matthew Hill – an individual that passed away from colon cancer in November 2007 – took it a step further by using this cause to raise money for charity.

 

The official movement encourages both men and women to donate the money that they’d normally use on any shaving-related products and services to the American Cancer Society. Since many cancer patients lose their hair, the idea is to appreciate the hair that we have and let it grow naturally.

 

How to get started

 

During No Shave November, men can take part by growing a beard, moustache or any facial hair that they want. To get started, you’d simply have to be shaven and donate the money that you would typically use for grooming products. You can even register with the organization to track your progress and the funds you’ve raised.

 

If youw ould like to start your own Funding Project within your Barbershop, you can also get started here, that way you can spread the love and awareness for this great cause that, us Barbers can help spread.

 

Rules

 

There aren’t any blatant rules for No Shave November. It’s understandable that some individuals have guidelines that they need to abide to at their workplace, hence it’s fine if individuals need to groom or trim their facial hair. However, since there are no specific guidelines that you need to adhere to at your workplace, the rule is to let your facial hair grow and not clean up any of the areas around your beard.

 

Since No Shave November is all about letting your facial hair grow, no tools are required! Instead, donate all the money you’d use for shaving cream, razors, clippers, or gels to the foundation. If someone asks why you’re growing facial hair, be sure to spread the word and explain exactly why you’re doing it! Many people don’t know the cause, and think it’s just a fad that people jump on board with.

 

You can check out the how much contributions have been made at this leaderboard.  You can see up to date data for this years No Shave November Stats.

 

It is a great feeling when one can see how much can be done for foundations such as the Prevent Cancer Foundation, Fight Colorectal Cancer, and the St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.

 

 

Movember

The Movember Foundation started Movember in 2003. The foundation is based in Australia and was founded by Travis Garone and Luke Slattery. It aims to raise money for projects and programmes related to prostate cancer, testicular cancer and men’s mental issues.

 

Movember participants are called Mo Bros and are tasked to grow a proper mustache. During November, they’re also encouraged to have conversations with various individuals about men’s health and raise funds for the organization’s cause. There’s a female equivalent of this called Mo Sista and both Mo Bros and Mo Sistas can attend and organize special Movember events.

 

How to get started

 

If you want to participate in Movember and support a good cause, here’s how to get started. At the beginning of November, you’ll shave off all of your facial hair and cannot be supporting a beard or goatee. Once your facial hair develops, you’ll trim your beard area so only your moustache is prominent. Thereafter, you’ll continue to shave the areas around your moustache and let it continue to grow.

 

During these weeks, you’ll get questions why you’re suddenly sporting a moustache. Then, it’ll be the perfect opportunity for you to educate individuals about the issues that you support regarding men’s health and the campaign to raise funds for the foundation.

 

Rules

 

Unlike No Shave November, there’s just one important rule that individuals taking part in Movember have to adhere to. You’ll not be able to shave your mustache during this entire period as it defeats the purpose of the movement – to start meaningful conversations with individuals about the cause.

 

Tools to be used to maintain your Movember Mustache

 

Since you must maintain a moustache for the entire 30-day period, you need to have the proper tools to maintain it properly. Below are tools that will be helpful in ensuring that you have the perfect moustache.

 

Mustacho Comb

To ensure that your moustache is always looking spick and span, you need to have a proper moustache comb to make sure that it’s stylish and ready for anything.

 

Mustacho oil

You might wonder if this is necessary but moustache oil does wonders. Grab a small handy bottle to prevent itching and dandruff.

 

Facial Hair Clippers / Trimmers

These are essential to Movember as you want to make sure that your facial hair stays within the respectable confines of magnificent moustache man instead of being all over the place.

 

Mustache Wax

Don’t forget to grab moustache wax that will help you shape and hold proper moustache structures. You’ve spent a lot of time growing out a moustache and the last thing you need is for it to not look presentable.

 

Is No Shave November or Movamber For You?

 

Whether you choose to participate in No Shave November or Movember, it’s important to recognize that both campaigns are supporting good causes. So, whether you’re sporting a face full of facial hair or a fancy moustache, remember to spread the word and raise awareness for these organizations.