It's almost November, which means it's time to ditch your razor and grow a moustache for men’s health.
Every year, men around the world are urged to sport some upper-lip hair to raise awareness for physical and mental health.
The month-long moustache growing event also raises vital funds for men's health to "reduce the number of men dying prematurely by 25 per cent" by 2030, according to the Movember Foundation.
If you want to raise money for these worthy causes this Movember, all you need to do is wear a moustache for the whole month.
What is Movember?
The Movember Foundation is tackling men's health on a global scale. Its aim is to reduce the number of men dying prematurely by 25 per cent by 2030.
First launched in 2003 by a group of about 30 men in Melbourne, Australia, Movember soon spread to other countries and by 2006 had made its way to North America.
It now has nearly 6 million participants from at least 21 countries annually and has raised more than £134 million worldwide since its launch, with many big names also getting in on the act.
To participate in Movember, men are encouraged to shave their existing beards or moustaches and grow a moustache for the month of November – all while raising funds for men's health research.
Which charities does the Movember Foundation support?
The Movember Foundation puts this money towards research into prostate cancer, testicular cancer and mental health and suicide prevention for men.
Men are three times more likely to commit suicide than women, and every year 10,000 men die of prostate cancer – that's one per hour.
How to get involved in Movember
Once you've registered, you will have to decide if you want to do the event solo or with a team.
You can host parties to compare facial growth among your friends while there are also events you can take part in – and don't forget to ask your friends and family to sponsor you.
Events to take part in and around London
MoRunning has come to London this year, the running event is aimed at raising awareness and fundraising for partner charity Movember. You can either take on the 5k, 10k or give the half marathon a go, there’s even a kid-friendly version 1.5k Mini Morun.
Unfortunately, the London MoRun is currently sold out, but you can still attend Richmond Park to support the runners.
Bond’s Barbershop, in Hampshire, is holding a charity night with the theme big moustaches, funky shirts and 80s music. The Winchester manager, Sophie Simpson, told the Hampshire Chronicle that 100 people are anticipated to attend, with the goal being raised to £1,000.
She said: “There will be a big raffle on the night with around 20 prizes, all donated by local businesses. We'll have an 80s DJ, cocktails and a Movember burger.”
England Hockey have also created a Movember challenge for clubs across the UK.
Clubs are now able to take up the challenge and help the beloved charity collect much-needed funding. They are urged by Movember to disseminate information, hold fundraisers, raffles, or halftime activities — whatever each club feels comfortable doing.
You can join the challenge here.
What are the rules for Movember?
Participants must start with a clean shave on October 31 and provide a “before photo" – and no beards are allowed, meaning you can't join your 'tache to your sideburns or chin hair.
You must then grow your lip hair over the next 30 days, with kudos given to unusual moustaches, before taking a photo of it on November 30.
Women can wear false moustaches at parties and fun runs.
Moustache styles and ideas
What sort of moustache should you grow this month? Well, any that take your fancy.
If you want to push the boat out, why not try something like these gentlemen below?
Or something like these men have grown?
Or how about this luscious effort?
