Did you start growing a new beard for No-Shave November? Today’s the last day of November. Now what are you going to do? Will you be all set to shave off your new beard growth at the stroke of midnight at the end of November 30th? There are men who do that. Don’t be one of them!
Don’t pick up that razor just because No-Shave November comes to an end. Keep your beard-growing going!
Whether it’s at the end of No-Shave November or any other time of year when you’ve freshly produced three or four weeks of new beard growth, it’s a great time to contemplate what you’ve achieved.
Look back on what your new beard-growing experience has been like. Recall the times when you may have doubted your beard-growing commitment and almost ran for the razor, but didn’t. Consider the change in your appearance and how you feel about it. Think about how differently you see yourself now. And think about how differently others now see you. Think about the comments, compliments, and criticisms your new beard provoked and how you dealt with them. Think about the whole experience and how you’ve changed.
You’ve been through a lot in a short time, you and your beard. Why even think of stopping now? Keep your beard-growing going and the best is yet to come. Make a commitment to stay with your beard.
At three or four weeks, some will have beards that already look well established. Others will need more time for their beards to fill in better. Whatever the case, keeping the growing going will help you realize the full potential of your beard.
You can’t beat the feeling of having a great beard! Keep your beard growing! You’ll be glad that you did.
Now is the time to press onward and continue your new beard growth. If you give up now after three or four weeks of growing, all your beard progress will be wiped out. It will take you another three or four weeks just to get back to where you are now if you were to decide to start a new beard again. Take advantage of what you’ve already achieved to grow your beard to new levels. Don’t deny yourself this opportunity.
As November begins, it’s that time of year to remind men to participate in No-Shave November. This movement brings the importance of men’s health to the forefront as men are encouraged to grow out their facial hair in support of men struggling with cancer.
No-Shave November serves as a platform for men to drop their razors and let their hair grow. The movement aims to trigger conversations and raise cancer awareness. Does it sound like a movement you can get behind? Join No-Shave November to officially be a part of it and raise money for men’s health charities. However, you can participate in a number of ways! Read on for your definitive guide on all things you need to make the most of this hairy month!
Let Your Beard and Hair Go and Grow
Let it go and grow. Seriously. Close your bathroom drawer, leave it that way for the month, even toss out those razor blades! (Why go back to shaving after November?!) No-Shave November is meant to be a month in which you fully embrace hair growth for a cause. Nearly 65% of cancer patients lose hair while undergoing chemotherapy treatment. Your longer hair and budding facial hair is a sign that you stand with those men struggling with cancer-related hair loss. However, never fear, it’s okay to trim your hair or tame your new beard if you have to for your job. Maybe see how far you can push the envelope.
Let your beard and hair grow for No-Shave November. Beard: Chris. Click on image to view larger.
You may be wondering how you can participate if you’re a man who struggles with natural hair loss, thinning, or balding. No need to fear! Applying a topical hair loss treatment can help you grow back head hair over time and give you a stronger head of hair. While the hair on your head grows back, don’t forget to also focus on growing your beard by following our guide on how to do it right! Even in the early stages of growth, using a beard oil will help maintain hygiene, soothe your skin, and give your beard a lush look along with a fresh scent.
Start a Conversation
A major part of No-Shave November is being an advocate for the cause. Be sure to know your stuff and read up on statistics surrounding men’s cancer. Being able to participate by growing out your hair is a great start. But when people ask you why and you’re able to share some valuable stats, your role becomes that much bigger.
Start a No-Shave November conversation. Beard: Chris. Click on image to view larger.
You may wonder why there aren’t ongoing conversations already on the topic of men’s health. A major reason for this is that men traditionally talk less about their health than women. By growing out your hair, you naturally make people curious as to what you’re doing. A primary goal of No-Shave November is not only to raise money for treatment, but also to get people talking on the topic.
Donate
Finally, one of the biggest impacts you can make is to donate. Get a team of men together to participate in the month-long journey. Donate at least the amount of money you would normally spend in November on shaving products or trips to the barbershop. The funds you raise go directly to cancer research and to help educate men as they navigate their personal battles. No-Shave November benefits a number of foundations that specialize in men’s cancer issues.
Donate! Beard: Chris. Click on image to view larger.
As the month comes to a close, you may consider shaving your new beard or longer hairdo. Well, don’t consider shaving the beard! But whether you decide to cut back on your new quantity of hair or let it continue to grow, you’ve made an impact either way! Despite November coming to an end, everything you’ve worked to promote and advocate for does not. Men’s health and cancer-related health issues are a year-round cause you should continue supporting. Keep up on health statistics, lend an ear to friends who want to talk and visit a healthcare professional for screenings.
Make 2021’s No-Shave November a No-Shave November to remember.
2020 and 2021 have been rough, or worse, for nearly everyone. They haven’t been full of the best times and happiest memories. Maybe we’d like to just forget about these two years altogether.
When times are bad we just have to do our best and make the most of it.
So why not use the opportunity of No-Shave November to get your beard-growing going and grow your beard? This especially applies to you guys who have never grown your beards before. Wait no more. Make your move and start growing.
Take a stand and get your beard-growing going. Make No-shave November 2021 the one to remember. Now’s your time to be the man you were meant to be: a bearded man! Click on image to view larger.
Even if the rest of 2021 so far hasn’t been the greatest, you can finish it off with a beard-growing adventure starting right now in November and continuing through December and beyond.
At the very least, you can still experience the joy of growing a new beard in 2021. And that will definitely be something to remember…and to keep and cherish for years to come! Come on now, let’s grow!
Ice hockey’s tradition of growing playoff beards is in full force right now as this year’s battle for the Stanley Cup nears the end. It’s a great, pro-beard tradition that always sparks a lot of interest in and enthusiasm for beard growing. Over the years, professional hockey has been a showcase of some fierce and legendary beards.
Whether the playoff beards help their teams achieve victory remains a subject of debate. What effect do the beards have on the players? A scientific answer to that question ought to be fascinating. After watching game four of the 2021 Stanley Cup finals, a friend commented via email, “…’the fierce beard look’ is in full force. I have a feeling it matters and the players feel more fierce and intimidating on the ice.”
For the players, the camaraderie that comes from growing their beards can give the team a boost. However, it can be a little rough on players who are beard-growth challenged. They deserve a lot of credit and respect for putting up with some ribbing. And I don’t condone ribbing them at all.
For hockey fans, the playoff beard tradition is a can’t-miss part of the fun. It’s a great opportunity for fans to grow their own playoff beards to show support for their favorite teams. This phenomenon has been successfully used to raise money for charities on multiple occasions.
Bud Light, an official sponsor of the National Hockey League, put out this cool video tribute to playoff beards as part of the company’s “playoff beerds” promotion. Video: Bud Light.
This year Bud Light, an official sponsor of the NHL, has come out in support of playoff beards with a promotion to cut beer prices in US cities that are home to NHL teams. In a clever play on the spelling, the promotion is for “playoff beerds“. The longer a team’s playoff beards grow by advancing in the playoffs, the more money is “shaved” off the price of Bud Light in that team’s hometown. Fans in the US city of the ultimate winner of the Stanley Cup in 2021 will be eligible for a free twelve-pack. That means Tampa, Florida if the Tampa Bay Lightning prevail. However, if the Montreal Canadiens pull off a win, our Canadian friends will have to pay for their own beer.
Regardless of who comes home with the Stanley Cup, playoff beards are definitely a win for the bearded cause.
UPDATE: With a victory in Game 5, the Tampa Bay Lightning won the Stanley Cup for the second time in a row. Congrats to the Lightning and their fans!
How big will he grow? Attorney William’s beard story is one of perseverance and dedication. He resisted onslaught after onslaught of criticism against his beard. Yet he never gave up his beard to please his critics. For years now, William has been a proud and unapologetic beard grower. You will have a hard time finding a stronger supporter of the bearded cause.
Over the years, William has kept his beard modest in size. A look back through his previous photos here on All About BEARDS, reveals that as time passed, William has slowly increased the size of his beard.
Recently, the pandemic and its restrictions provided William with the opportunity to let his beard grow out bigger than ever before. We asked William to tell us all about his newest beard adventure. Read on to learn all about William’s biggest beard yet. Click or tap on any of the photos in William’s interview to view a larger version.
Left: William’s beard in 2019. Right: William’s beard in April 2021. The size difference is significant.
In 2020, with the onset of the pandemic and the many accompanying restrictions, what did that mean for your regular beard care and maintenance routine?
It didn’t change a lot in the beginning. I’d just had my regular barbershop visit when the “partial lockdown” started on March 16, 2020 in The Netherlands. I had a full beard, but much longer than from the year before. It grew longer and longer until June when the lockdown was “lifted”. In the meantime, I didn’t trim it a lot myself but chose to let it grow naturally. By June my beard had become a bit longer but not as long as it is now.
Under these new circumstances, how did you choose between maintaining your beard as usual versus growing your beard bigger?
I always wanted to grow it out, but never did. Because of work circumstances, I would keep the beard neat and well taken care of. For example, I have to deal with going to the tribunal for my work. So I wanted my beard always to be well taken care of. Meanwhile, the longing and desire to grow it out longer had been my wish for a few years already. For quite some time, I felt a little checkmate in my choice and my feelings versus my state of showing myself to the “outside”. But I always chose the neatest yet strongest beard variant. And that was not the bigger length I have today.
Here is William’s beard in January 2021.
Was it easier for you to let your beard grow bigger than to keep it the same as usual?
It was easier in the second half of the year. In The Netherlands the longest period of the lockdown (e.g. cafés, restaurants) started mid October 2020. In December 2020 it expanded by including the barbers and normal shopping. The start of the expanded lockdown was on December, 16th, the day of my new appointment for my beard maintenance at my barbershop. My prior visit had been six weeks earlier on November 4th. I thought again to give a try to grow it out a bit because it shouldn’t take long before I could have a new appointment when the barbers would be allowed to open. However, the government remained in their opinion to leave the barbers and hairdressers closed. So the opening in January never came. Then the opening never came in February. Finally the government announced that the barbers could open. I went to the barber on March 3rd, 2021 . Four full months had passed since my last visit. During that time, I cautiously took care of the most “wild” things of my beard. But when I looked in the mirror, the thickness and length pleased me. So I didn’t change a lot of that.
Eventually, did the decision to let your beard keep growing bigger result more from your preference for a bigger beard instead of the pandemic circumstances?
At first it was the combination…the fact of a fait accompli. I couldn’t go to the barber. So I had to wait for the next time. But later on, the delayed ending of the lockdown encouraged my curiosity and desire to let it further grow out. So the combination was still there but it was changing into my own desire to let it grow. The pics with the snow are from that time. My bigger beard felt awesome in those cold periods!
William’s big snow beard is keeping him warm!
Prior to the pandemic did you ever envision your beard reaching its current size?
It was a hidden desire. But I never did. I did not dare to do it because of my working situation, like I mentioned above.
Do you think you would have ever grown your beard this big without the pandemic happening?
It would have been maybe after my working period. That would be fifteen or twenty years later in life, but not now.
By April 2021, William’s beard had become much larger.
What was the physical and visual experience like for you to have your beard gradually become bigger and bigger? Does the experience of having a bigger beard differ much from that of having a shorter and smaller beard?
Oh yes, the feeling of having a beard and being bearded is much more intense. The wind going through your beard, the look in the mirror, I feel myself as really more male. Of course, I felt this way it with my smaller beard, to a lesser extent. And I was happy with it then. A smaller beard is also a beard style that I still like. But this new big one is really awesome. And I have to mention, I have the beard genes to grow it out, and I am very grateful to have them. So I never doubted my “situation”. In fact ,I became more and more curious to grow out my beard even more.
William’s bigger beard is seen close up from the front. The mirror view shows the volume of his beard from another angle.
Have you encountered resistance from others to you new beard size? If so, how have you responded?
So far there has been only one rare reaction. There has been nothing like what I encountered eight or nine years ago after I first decided to grow my beard. In fact, I noticed that people are now used to my choice to be bearded and growing it out more doesn’t make any difference to them. That’s very remarkable!
How do you like having your beard at this new size?
A lot! I want it to keep it this way and still a bit longer… Although I don’t want to be a Father Christmas. Hahaha…
You can appreciate the increasing size of William’s beard in this photo.
Do you plan to keep your beard at its new size, grow it even bigger, or go back to a shorter and smaller beard?
For the time being and that will be certainly this year, I plan to keep my beard in its new size. That means also in the summer period. My experience with hot summer weather is that being bearded gives me more the protection of coolness than of heat. And the length of the beard makes more people notice my choice, including men without a beard. One beardless man even indicated, “It seems as if you have a carpet under your chin. And actually I’m quite jealous of you. It really suits you.” A nice response, isn’t it?
William’s beard here is definitely bigger.
You recently visited your barber for some specialized care for your bigger beard. What did the barber do? How often do you see the barber to work on your beard?
I visit my barber once about every six weeks. Mostly he has taken care of my beard in its shorter forms. But now he is caring for my beard in its new, bigger form. I requested that he leave my beard longer. After viewing pictures of other men with big beards, my barber takes a lot of care to work on my beard with the size I now have. Another barber who was in the shop and not working observed his colleague’s work on my beard and said, “Man, you could go to some sort of magazine. It is growing into an iconic style with the thickness and the length. It really is awesome…” My barber then acknowledged the other barber’s words and confirmed my beard is now very stylish. At that moment I realized that my decision to give it a try and to grow it out was a very good one. I felt proud for my choice!
William’s beard is looking bigger and stylish.
Has your big beard experience changed your opinion on bigger and longer beards?
No, I always thought of men with longer beards men as having courage and dedication to choose to have those beards. A big beard is a beautiful possibility to show your human way of being male. I always find men with beards are great examples; they are men who have a powerful, and above all, distinguished face and appearance. The inaccessible radiance of masculinity reaches its peak with a fantastic full, thick beard, when you have the opportunity to grow one. Then you are blessed, I think! And I am. I see that I really am.
William’s bigger beard is seen here shortly after his barber performed some skillful work on it.
Do you think that more men should feel confident and grow their beards bigger?
Yes, but I also realize that circumstances may make it difficult for many to have the freedom to grow the beard of their choice. Partners may not like it. Relatives may not always be positive. There may be difficulty to grow it out when you have to face the different stages of less neat outgrowth. But where you have to go through it and above all is when men in your environment envy the bigger beard and do not want to allow yours because they cannot grow one themselves.
When I look again at my choice of being bearded, and staying with this choice after a short ten years now, the negative comments no longer affect me and have disappeared more and more. Most people these days react with approval and admiration. So, I am happy with my choice and my style! Overall, an excellent choice for then and for NOW!
What if you are still shaving this late into No-Shave November? All right then: Gentlemen, start your beards.
It’s not too late! You can still start growing. Sure, any time is a good time to start growing your beard. But No-Shave November is a great time to start a new beard. If you are a hesitant potential beard grower, No-Shave November gives you some cover along with justification and support for growing a new beard.
Even this late into No-Shave November you can still explain that you’re growing your beard to support the cause of men’s health, especially the fight against prostate cancer and suicide. To learn more about No-Shave November’s focus on men’s health issues, see No-Shave November: More Than An Opportunity To Grow Your Beard.
First-time beard growers during No-Shave November benefit from the strength in numbers provided by all the other new beard growers. New beard growers see that they are not alone in their beard-growing adventure. You feel less isolated when you see others growing new beards at the same time. You feel the strength that comes from growing as part of a group. This boosts new beard growers’ confidence and helps you stay the course.
Don’t wait. Don’t hesitate. Grow your beard.
All you new beard growers can become permanent beard growers. And you should! You will add to the ranks of established beard growers, increasing our strength in numbers. The more bearded men there are, the more common beards are. As beards become more common, people become more accustomed to seeing beards and being around them. With the increasing familiarity of beards, beards naturally become more accepted. As acceptance of beards grows, more men feel empowered to grow their beards. Remember, strength in numbers. Join us.
You don’t need No-Shave November as an excuse for starting to grow your beard. You should start growing your beard whenever you like. However, if you could use a boost of courage to get growing, No-Shave November is one of the best times to start a new beard. Go to our expert guide to growing your beard and start growing today! Then, be sure to keep growing through December and into the next year. Consider becoming a permanent beard grower. That would be GREAT.
Every year should be the year of the beard. And every decade should be the decade of the beard. So let’s make it official. From here on out, every year is the Year of the Beard and every decade is the the Decade of the Beard: each one stronger than the one before. Let’s keep it that way by continuing to grow our beards and encouraging all others to grow their beards. There is strength in numbers. The more beard growers there are, the better it is for all beard growers. While beards are more commonly seen these days than they have been for a long time, we still have a long way to go and grow!
Beard acceptance and even beard appreciation are on the rise. But the old anti-beard bias still persists, often more than you might think. Anti-beard bias may pop up unexpectedly at any time and anywhere. One way to fight anti-beard bias is simply for more men to grow their beards. As beards become increasingly more common, increased acceptance generally follows. More and more people see beards as something normal. And as beards are viewed more and more as something normal, they arouse less suspicion or negative thoughts.
Take a stand for the bearded brotherhood and grow your beard!
Another way to deter anti-beard bias is to politely and respectfully challenge it whenever it arises. View this as an opportunity to maybe change someone’s negative opinion of beards or at least to get them to re-examine their perspective on beards. If someone makes a negative remark about your beard, the beards of others, or just beards in general, ask them why they hold such negative views towards beards. See if you can engage them in a constructive conversation and get them to reconsider their bias against beards.
Meanwhile, let’s continue to grow, grow, grow our beards and encourage as many others as we can to grow theirs. Keep this up and every year will be an even better year of the beard and every decade will be a better decade of the beard than the one before.
If you started growing your beard for No-Shave November and shaved already, start growing again! If you haven’t yet started growing your beard, start today! The beginning of a new year is always a great time to start growing your beard. Really, any day is a great day to start growing your beard. Just make the decision and commitment and start growing.
All about beards has been helping men all over the world grow better beards since 1996. Be sure to grow your new beard the right way by following our tried-and-true guide on how to grow a beard.
Happy beard-growing and best wishes to all for a wonderful new year 2020!
Jimmy, our favorite avid beard-growing attorney on a Mediterranean island, is famously dedicated to his full beard. Jimmy’s full beard is a hallmark of his appearance. So when one day it suddenly was gone, what could have happened? I had to investigate this baffling mystery. To get answers, I directed my questions to the source, Jimmy himself. Read below to learn what happened and see a series of progress photos in Jimmy’s new beard growth photo album.
Attorney Jimmy is normally fully bearded in abundance.
I thought you were clearly happy with and proud of your beard. What led you to rid yourself of your illustrious beard?
It was more a necessity than a choice because of minor issues with dry skin. I felt I needed the skin on my face to re-balance and, although products do help, I have been raised on an island that believes in fresh air and sunlight and that idea is too ingrained in my personality to ignore.
Jimmy’s usual appearance features his luxuriant full beard.
Did you reduce your beard in size before the shave?
I took it down gradually, starting the shortening process about three weeks before the actual shave down to a stubble. The reason was for me to transition slowly into the drastic change since when I did the same some years ago, I had gone straight down from a full beard to stubble and the change was shocking to the point where I could not enjoy the re-growth; I was just anxious about it.
What was the process you used for the beard shave-off?
The fact that the beard was considerably long demanded that the shave-down take place in stages. This was to avoid the pain of pulling hairs, mostly, but also to secure the stubble look I was after. I didn’t want to go full clean face with a traditional blade shave. Henceforth, I started trimming off the length over some weeks. Also this was for me to get used to the shortening, until it was short enough that I could go right in and trim it off to a stubble, always using a trimmer. The trim-down also gave me the opportunity to treat the skin on my face with some good skin products and to assess the situation. I am happy to report that the skin was, and is, in very good shape, hence the re-growth commenced the day of the shave-down!
How did you see yourself when the beard was gone? How did you feel about suddenly being beardless?
Shocking! And way too young! I must be one of a handful of people in the world who actually prefer to look older than their years. Perhaps this is also because in my profession experience is still attributed to age. So the shave down brought about a drastic change in appearance which I cannot say I liked, or like, but which I knew was necessary. The fact I trimmed the length down in stages did, however, help in reducing the shock factor I had experienced in the past and helped me enjoy the short-beard look while it lasted!
Here’s Jimmy’s beard in the early stages of re-growth. Be sure to scroll down for the full set of beard re-growth progress photos.
You are growing the beard back soon, correct?
The re-growth process started the day of the shave-down. I shaved down intending to re-grow straight away. So it was a matter of necessity and responsibility towards my facial skin, too. I do use skin products while I am fully bearded but I do feel that the application thereof is not as easy with a beard as long as mine was. So I know my skin appreciated the effort.
Are you eager to resume your full-bearded status?
I am! And always will be! The full beard is my aesthetic and I cannot quite see myself without any sort of facial hair any time soon.
Do you have any specific plans for your new beard?
I am aiming at a tapered-at-the-chin look which I have had before and which I feel suits my face and gives me added character. What I do wish is for my beard to go whiter at the same fast rate as my hair is. But it seems to be taking its sweet time!
How long did you have your beard prior to your recent shave?
I am actually not entirely sure since I’ve had some form of facial hair for a very long time. But I think I’ve become more aware of my “bearded-man” status in the last six years. This does not mean I would not be trimming my beard and experimenting with styles. But it’s been a time when I certainly had a full face beard rather than just a goatee or ‘stache and also an actual beard, never having gone down to a stubble in said period of time prior to the recent shave.
What was the biggest or longest you let your previous beard grow before the recent shave?
The longest my beard has ever been is five inches on the chin but shorter on the sides of my face (about two inches on the sides). The reason I’d have the sides shorter is to decrease volume and take the full beard from a spherical shape beard to a more tapered look. I loved the length and I am thinking I might go that long again with this current growth. In fact, since the last shave down to a stubble I’ve not touched my beard in any way, no trim, no shaping; just pure growth into a spherical shape until I feel there is enough length to taper it at the chin in the look I wish to achieve.
Here is Jimmy’s beard at one of its bigger sizes.
How did you like your beard at its biggest or longest?
Better! The only reason I shaved down (and to a stubble no less!) is because I felt I needed my facial skin to be exposed to sunlight and also more air. I was having some minor issues with dry skin on my chin and shaving down helped. But I much prefer the full beard and I feel it is such a big part of my aesthetic now that I feel a lack in my identity without it; no matter what anyone else has to say about it.
Jimmy’s new beard growth photo album
From day one to eight weeks and a day, here are photos of Jimmy’s new beard growth progress. Click on or tap any photo below to view a larger version and for the number of days of growth.
This is Jimmy’s beard on the first day of new growth following his beard removal down to the stubble.
This is Jimmy’s new beard growth at 8 days.
Here Jimmy’s beard growth has reached day 12.
Jimmy’s beard growth is seen here at two weeks.
Here is Jimmy’s beard growth on day 16.
Jimmy’s beard growth is just shy of three weeks on day 20.
Jimmy’s beard growth is coming along nicely on day 24.
Jimmy’s new beard growth here has reached four weeks.
Here’s Jimmy’s beard growth at five weeks.
Jimmy’s beard growth here is at six weeks.
This is seven weeks of Jimmy’s beard growth.
At eight weeks and one day, Jimmy’s new beard growth is quite full. His beard restoration effort is pretty much complete.
Jimmy’s beard mystery solved
Jimmy reminds us that taking care of one’s facial skin is important. A healthy beard grows out from healthy skin. By trimming his beard down to the stubble, Jimmy could give his face’s skin all the best care it was needing. With his dry skin issues quickly addressed and his facial skin fully refreshed, Jimmy was well prepared to take on his next big beard-growing adventure.
The disappearance of Jimmy’s beard came as a shock, especially because he is known to be fiercely dedicated to carefully maintaining his full-bearded appearance. But he had a good reason for taking such drastic action. Jimmy shows us just one example of why a dedicated beard man might need to temporarily shave off his beard.
Shaving off a well-established beard sounds unthinkable. However, it doesn’t have to be permanent. It just opens up the opportunity to grow out the beard again. And if you ever find yourself needing to shave off your beard for whatever reason, follow our expert guide to shaving off your beard. Just be sure to grow your beard right back again — like Jimmy!
Be sure to also see Jimmy’s beard feature interview and photos:
It’s November. Make that No-Shave November. In the United States, Halloween is over and Thanksgiving is fast approaching. No matter where you are, 2019 is nearing its end. The next couple of months are a favorite time of year for many thanks to the holidays and traditions of time spent with family, surrounded by laughter and good food. It’s also when No-Shave November rolls around.
Now is the time when we can all get on board to help raise awareness for men’s health, including men who are battling cancer along with the common side effect of hair loss associated with their treatments. No-Shave November is a great way for us to join together, similar to American Heart Month and National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in February and October, to support those living with illness.
What is No-Shave November?
A lot of guys may not be aware of what No-Shave November is really about. Some see it as an opportunity to save time each day by not shaving and maybe gaining a little extra sleep every morning. Others just think November is a month to let their beards grow because the weather might be getting colder. Or they might see it now as the traditional month to start growing a new beard.
Of course No-Shave November offers the perfect excuse for growing a new beard. But the real purpose of No-Shave November is to support men fighting prostate and testicular cancer and to prevent men’s suicide. No-Shave November means raising awareness about men’s health and the importance of early detection and prevention. To do this, men are encouraged to grow out their facial hair as a symbol of support and donate the regular costs of grooming to the cause.
Why is it important?
Men’s health is often brushed aside. But the causes that No-Shave November support are important concerns for all men.
Prostate cancer begins in the prostate gland where it may grow slowly or it may grow aggressively and spread quickly to other organs and tissues. About one in nine men will be diagnosed with this disease in their lifetimes, making it one of the most common cancers for men. Early detection is key for the best treatment outcomes.
The Mayo Clinic classifies testicular cancer as being relatively rare. Yet it is the most common cancer for American men between the ages of 15 and 35. It’s always a good idea to check with your doctor to see if you should give yourself regular testicular self-exams to aid in early detection.
Never let suicidal thoughts overtake you. There is always hope and there is always help, even if you feel that there is none. Resources are available. Please reach out to someone for help.
Men’s suicide rates are alarmingly high. It’s a disturbing crisis that is difficult for many to acknowledge. Reports indicate that women are more likely to think about suicide while men are more likely to carry it out. Recent data revealed that men died by suicide 3.5 times more often than women. If someone you know is in crisis, reach out to help connect them with resources to prevent a potential tragedy. In the United States if you are in crisis, or know someone who is, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline anytime, 24/7, at 1-800-273-8255. In other countries, please seek out appropriate suicide-prevention resources.
What if you can’t grow a beard?
Growing a beard fit for a lumberjack isn’t always realistic. Some guys have never been able to grow one. If that’s you, don’t worry. The lack of ability to grow a beard is genetic and you just can’t help it.
One way you might participate in No-Shave November is by letting the rest of your hair grow for the month. For some, that option presents its own challenge. As we get older, it can get harder to grow our hair like when we were younger. And even young guys may experience male pattern baldness much earlier than they might have ever expected. Unlike the inability to improve beard thickness, you can treat hair loss, if it’s right for you, with a doctor’s prescription for male pattern baldness. This could help you show your support for the No-Shave November movement without having to stress about lacking the genetics for beard-growing.
Another way to participate in No-Shave November if you cannot grow your own beard is to suggest to beard-capable men that they grow their beards. Encourage them to grow and support No-Shave November themselves.
What if you already have a beard?
If you’ve already got a beard and are a pro at beard growing, don’t scoff at No-Shave November as “amateur beard month”. Encourage all the first-time beard growers out there and welcome them as newcomers to the bearded brotherhood.
Not a necessity, but a way to make a big statement would be to shave your beard and start growing again. You can think of it like that old saying which states that the only reason to shave off your beard is to experience the pleasure of growing it out again.
Bearded already? Give encouragement to the rookie beard growers and recruit others to grow their beards for No-Shave November!
Even if you’re already fully bearded and opt not to shave and regrow, you can participate in No-Shave November by reminding everyone that it’s all about raising awareness about men’s health issues. Amplify your participation by recruiting others to participate as well.
How can you support the cause?
Be a leader. Don’t be afraid to keep the conversation going around these significant men’s health issues. Keeping the focus on men’s health issues helps to press for needed research to improve treatments and prevention.
Taking part in No-Shave November is a great way to show that you stand for something. People will follow you. People will want to hear your story and know what you represent.
Although No-Shave November ends at the month’s close, your support doesn’t have to end. Spreading your message, beliefs, and support for those fighting prostate and testicular cancer as well as men’s suicide can be a year-round effort. And the end of No-Shave November does NOT mean that you automatically should resume shaving. Keep growing your new beard!
To continue the mission of No-Shave November, consider volunteering at your local hospital or participating in races or walks that support men who continue to fight these awful diseases.
If you feel that a month off from shaving is enough for you, then you might think about getting rid of your new beard growth. If so, stop. Think again. Don’t make a hasty, automatic decision that your new beard growth must go. If after careful consideration you decide that your new beard absolutely cannot remain, do the deed the right way by following our expert guide to shaving off your beard. Then make a commitment to grow again during the next No-Shave November.
Welcome, new beard growers! Don’t be shy. If you’ve never grown your beard, now is the time to boldly grow where you’ve never grown before.
Although, any time is a good time to start growing out your beard, there’s no better time to start than during No-Shave November. There is strength in numbers. You won’t be alone in your beard-growing effort. And if your beard-growing confidence gets a little shaky when confronted with objections or criticisms by others, you can justify your new beard growth by pointing out that it’s No-Shave November.
You can grow your new beard with confidence and success by following our proven guide on how to grow a beard. So don’t delay. Start growing out your beard today!
Grow your beard for No-Shave November…and beyond!
And when November ends, don’t stop there. Keep growing! We hope that once you go beard, you’ll never go back.
