For some men, November is not just about preparing for winter—it is about growing a beard.
No-Shave November has begun. The month encourages men to grow out their beards in order to raise funds and awareness for cancer research.
No-Shave November, which is also the name of the foundation that created the month-long fundraiser, dates back to 2003, when it began in Australia.
The nonprofit organization’s mission is to “grow awareness by embracing our hair, which many cancer patients lose, and letting it grow wild and free.” Both men and women can participate in the fundraiser. In addition to beards, participants can grow out a mustache or other body hair. Those interested in raising funds as well as awareness may create a fundraising page, or donate to the pages of other participants, at No-Shave.org.
Participants are encouraged to drop their razors for 30 days and to donate money normally used for grooming to cancer research. However, those with a strict dress code at work may trim or groom as necessary.
No-Shave November says it will give no less than 80 percent of donations equally to charities including The American Cancer Society, Prevent Cancer Foundation, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, and Fight Colorectal Cancer.
While No-Shave November is often discussed interchangeably with “Movember,” the two November hair-growth fundraisers are different. Movember, run by the Movember Foundation, encourages men to grow out mustaches for men’s health. Since 2003, the Movember Foundation says it has raised more than $650 million for causes including prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health.
Find out which kind of beard you are by taking this quiz!
Looking for other ways to boost your beard? Check out the newest installment of Taste for Life's Trendspotters.
Using Oils for a Better Beard
Whether you are growing out your beard or other luscious locks, try using these ingredients to boost hair health and shine.
- Argan oil fights free-radicals and hydrates the hair and scalp.
- Almond oil is rich in vitamins and protein that benefit hair strength.
- Coconut oil can be used on the skin as a moisturizer and on the hair as a hydrating conditioner.
- Jojoba oil helps to rejuvenate and strengthen the scalp’s skin.
- Sesame oil contains antioxidants and can also be used as a conditioner.
- Extra-virgin olive oil can add shine to the hair.
Learn more about how to do an oil treatment on your hair.
