When November rolls around, social media will see a surge of selfies by men around the world, sporting a clean-shaven face and then facial hair that gets bushier as the month progresses. On the other hand, you’ll probably notice many others showing off their variation of moustaches.

Yes, ‘tis the season for Movember and No-Shave November. To the less initiated (like yours truly), these two are different movements that share a facial hair fad every November. They advocate different aspects of health, and have different sets of rule when it comes to brandishing your hairiness. Bet you didn’t know that the ladies can take part too!

Carry on reading to discover what sets Movember and No-Shave November apart, and how you (or your family and friends) can meaningfully participate in either global movements. PS: We’ve a little contest for you at the end of this article!

THE HAIRY BUSINESS, EXPLAINED

No-Shave November is a month-long journey where participants stop shaving and grooming in order to “evoke conversation and raise cancer awareness by embracing our hair, which many cancer patients lose”.

Dare you sport the hipster dad look?

Meanwhile, Movember is a charity that tackles prostate and testicular cancers, mental health, and suicide prevention. Participants raise funds by cultivating a moustache.

THE ROOT OF THE STORIES

In 2009, 8 siblings turned what began as a tradition into a means to raise money for charity, in honour of their father who passed away from colon cancer two years prior. The family-run, web-based organisation has grown exponentially ever since, having raised over US$2 million thus far with the contributions of No-Shavers!

Like many great ideas, the Movember foundation was birthed over a beer session. In 2003, Travis Garone and Luke Slattery were joking about reviving the moustache trend. Inspired by a fundraiser for breast cancer, they decided that their campaign should advocate men’s health and prostate cancer. Today, Movember has broadened its focus on men’s health issues and raised over AUD 730 million worldwide to fund over 1,000 programmes.

For illustration purpose only! Not the actual Movember founders.

HOW NOT SHAVING/KEEPING A MO CAN HELP!

By not spending money on hair products, salon visits, and waxing appointments, No-Shave November intends for you to channel your hair maintenance funds to organisations that prevent cancer, save lives, and help those who are in the battle. Besides, letting your beard take their natural course is bound to spark conversation and hopefully, elicit action!

Go on, ask me about my glorious beard.

Similarly, sporting a prominent moustache will likely turn heads and ignite curiosity, giving you the opportunity to inform, educate and raise funds for the Movember foundation.

HERE ARE THE RULES.

For No-Shave November, it’s as simple as starting clean-shaven, allowing your facial and bodily hair grow wild, and donating to the cause.

You also start clean-shaven for Movember, and for the next 30 days you’ll be trimming your beard area to save the limelight for your preferred style of moustache.  

When I grow up, I wanna be just like dad.

WHERE THE LADIES JUMP IN.

For No-Shave November, the same rule applies whether it’s the hair on your head, legs, arms, or your armpits. It’s the thought – and your contribution – that count. Not society’s narrow definition of beauty.

Since its inception in 2003, Movember has added the avenues of participation. You can clock up 60 miles by running or walking over the month, or throw a Mo-themed fundraiser of your own.

You don’t have to grow a Mo to be a Mo Sista and throw a Mo fundraiser.

We don’t know about you, but growing out your facial (or bodily) hair looks like a fun, lighthearted way to express support, build awareness, and raise funds for the fight against cancer and other health matters.

So if your boyfriend or husband, brother or father, male friends and acquaintances are joining the bushwagon this November, we want to commend his effort and contribution with a little prize.

Here’s how to participate in Photobook’s No-Shave November #LetItGrowChallenge:

1. Take a photo of your clean-shaven face on Nov 1st
2. Let your facial hair grow wild and free
3. Take a photo of your face at the end of the month
4. Post your Before-and-After photo from Nov 26th – remember to tag us!

For braving the caveman aesthetics all month long, you stand a chance to win a beautiful Canvas Air 20” x 16”!

We’ll announce the lucky guy on Nov 30th on our Facebook and Instagram. Until then, embrace the forest, ladies and gents. 

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