No Shave November: Why do men observe this month-long tradition
We are at that time of the year when several men around the world forgo trimming, shaving, or grooming their facial hair to observe a month-long tradition called No Shave November. While many may think that they do so for cosmetic reasons, it turns out that the purpose is much beyond one's imagination. Let's acquaint you with everything about this thoughtful step.
No Shave November was first observed in 2009
Founded in 2009 by a Chicago-based family, No Shave November is an organization that encourages men to stop shaving for 30 days. The reason behind this initiative was to honor their father, Matthew Hill, who lost his life to colon cancer in November 2007. The organization encourages men to embrace their hair, which many take for granted until cancer takes it away.
It is done to raise awareness about cancer in men
No Shave November evokes conversations and awareness about cancer by letting the hair grow wild and free. It also involves donating money that one spends on facial hair grooming, to organizations working for cancer patients. Founders believe that this can help save lives and support those fighting against this fatal disease. People can also open their own No Shave November fundraising page.
The idea is a subset of a concept called 'Movember'
It's probably safe to say that No Shave November is a subset of a concept called Movember which was first organized in 2003. Movember was started by a group of young men in Australia to encourage men to let their beards and mustache grow and put their razors down during the month. The money saved for grooming was donated to men's health charities.
Men's health organizations have raised over $2 million so far
With Movember and No Shave November campaigns, the Chicago-based family, along with several men's health charities, have raised more than $2 million since 2009. With the money raised, they have been able to support innumerable organizations that carry out research on and treat patients with prostate, testicular, and colorectal cancer. This charitable effort has grown into an annual tradition.
The movement was criticized in 2012 and 2015
In 2012, there was a study titled "Is Movember misleading men?" that said there has been a lack of evidence that the campaign is helping men. It further added that "far more pressing concerns" about men's health like alcoholism, substance misuse, smoking, obesity, etc. have been completely sidelined. In 2015, the Journal of Cancer Education stated Movember Canada 2013 didn't achieve its campaign goals.
How can you participate in this movement?
Men can participate by not shaving their facial hair. However, if you have a strict office dress code that doesn't allow it, you can do a bit of grooming and styling to meet that. Women can also join in by organizing and raising awareness about fundraisers for male cancer patients. They can also support their partners, husbands, fathers, and friends practicing No Shave November.
