No-shave November: growing for a cause
By Monica Subfield | Published by Nov. 26, 2018
A logo representing no-shave November. Photo courtesy of PreventCancer.org.
Continuously shaving that facial hair or leg hair can be tedious and time consuming. No-shave November allows males and females to not only let their hair grow out, saving them a hassle, but also allows for a good cause to be recognized.
The goal is for participants to let their hair grow freely to represent those who cannot.
“No-shave November is a month-long journey during which participants forgo shaving and grooming in order to evoke conversation and raise cancer awareness,” according to no-shave.org.
Individuals who choose to participate can do so just for fun, for awareness, or for the opportunity to raise money for the cause, which officially started back in Fall 2009.
According to no-shave.org, to raise money for the cause, participants can join no-shave.org and be set up with a personal fundraising page. If individuals do not choose to participate, but would still like to donate to the cause, there is an option for that on the site as well.
“It is a great opportunity,” said Samantha Henry, senior majoring in public relations. “It’s just important not to lose the message of what it is really about because some people just think it’s a fun time to grow your hair out.”
In addition to raising awareness, participating in no-shave November also has health benefits, according to 99centrazor. com, a website with a blog about shaving and a company where you can register in a program where four fresh razors are sent each month.
“A beard is a natural toxin filter – it keeps things like pollen and dust from getting into your lungs, because they’re clinging onto your beard instead,” according to 99centrazor.com. “It can also prevent blemishes. Shaving gives you a risk of getting bacteria into your skin, especially if you’re not using proper methods. Growing out a beard can combat this.”
Some people have trouble growing out their hair because it is either unflattering to them or they don’t naturally grow hair quickly. Junior David Janes, media and film major, has dealt with these issues when trying to participate in the past.
“I participated one year, but I wanted to shave right away,” said Janes. “To me, facial hair doesn’t fit me but it’s for a great cause. I’m just too into a shaving routine but, who knows. Maybe this year [I’ll grow it out], I’ve been feeling lazy.”
Janes also wants to participate because he has close family members who have had to fight cancer and he wants to represent and support them. Many working individuals have dress codes, which include rules and expectations regarding facial hair. Because of this, grooming and trimming are acceptable to the cause, according to no-shave.org.
In addition to work related restrictions, if a loved one or someone whose opinion matters to you doesn’t like wild facial hair or body parts to be hairier than expected, taking the grooming approach is an option that still allows participation.
“I used to not like it,” said Cecilia Freitas, communications senior. “After my boyfriend decided to let his grow, it’s grown on me and I’ve learned to love it. Now, when he doesn’t have it, I actually tell him to grow it back.”
The cause is currently working with multiple organizations to achieve their mission: Prevent Cancer Foundation, Fight Colorectal Cancer, and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
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