Halloween was a few weeks ago, but there was, what seemed to be, a sasquatch checking out in front of me at the grocery store this morning…Ahh, hello November. No Shave November is officially in full effect. It’s the one month of the year that it is deemed acceptable for people to look a little bit more…scruffy. In reality, this month is not just about who can grow their hair out the longest, it’s actually dedicated to men’s health.
Many people know what this trend is, but there is actually a purpose behind it. In 2009, the Hill family organized a charity called “No Shave November” to raise money and awareness for cancer. The charity was in honor of their father, Matthew Hill, who passed away from colon cancer in November of 2007. The idea is to ditch the razor, and donate the money that you would normally spend on grooming.
Whether it be facial hair or the hair on your head, hair is something that people associate with their identity. Cutting, coloring, or otherwise changing the look of your hair is something that a lot of people take very seriously. Even if you may not realize it, our hair is a form of expression. Whether it’s having a half shaved head, dreadlocks, hot pink hair, or slits in your eyebrow, our hair plays an important role in helping us achieve a certain look or vibe.
When we do something different to our hair, it’s inevitable that someone will comment on it (let’s just hope that it’s something good). Participating in No Shave November is a great way to raise awareness for cancer by sparking conversation through facial hair. This also provides an opportunity to donate to cancer foundations and research.
Dawn Papandrea states in her article called “No Shave November: 48% of Americans Think Bearded Men Are Better With Money,” that men spend approximately $42 per month on grooming products and services and women spend around $39 per month. If everyone participated in No Shave November and donated the money that they would typically spend on grooming (products, services, etc.), there would be an abundance of funds going towards cancer research.
Most people have heard of No Shave November, but “Movember” is also a November trend dedicated to raising funds for men’s health. Participating in this movement means growing your mustache out for 30 days to raise awareness and conversations about men’s health, cancer, mental health, and suicide prevention. If you don’t have a mustache to grow out, men and women are encouraged to move and be active to help raise money for this organization.
Between growing your hair out, donating, or being active, there are so many ways that everyone can participate in No Shave November or Movember and contribute to ongoing cancer research or other causes. The small things that we do in our day to day lives can have a huge impact on the world and others around us. You never know who in your life is affected by cancer or mental health disorders. You could be the cure! Find out how to get involved below.
When November is over, make sure that you walk in or schedule an appointment with one of our future professionals! In the month of December, we are offering a “Tinsel Toes” package/gift certificate that includes a haircut, luxury shave, and skin treatment for only $16. This package would make a great self care day or Christmas gift for friends and family!