No-Shave November: Getting hairy for a good cause
More stories from Brooklyn Norrell
Things were a little hairy during November, as many men chose to participate in No-Shave November.
Everybody knows about trends like the ice bucket challenge to bring awareness to ALS or wearing pink to bring awareness to breast cancer especially throughout October. But what comes in the months after?
Once summer fades away, the ice bucket challenge dies down and after October the wearing of pink does too; so the trend of No-Shave November goes into play. No-Shave November is to bring awareness to the issue of prostate cancer.
November is the perfect month for beard growing; it’s not humid or hot, making for the perfect time to keep your face warm with a beard!
This year several of CHS’s teachers participated in this worthy cause, including Spanish teacher Christopher Jackson and science teacher James Wilkinson. Even after November, the men plan on growing out their beards to see how long they can go without shaving them and who can grow the longest.
“This is a good way because seeing bearded men who’ve previously been clean-shaven all year long bring attention to them. When those men are asked why they’re growing a beard, it is an opportunity to share on the issue of prostate cancer,” said Jackson.
Even though No-Shave November is a leading trend, many people lose sight of the actual concept behind the idea.
“No-Shave November is to grow awareness by embracing out hair, which many cancer patients lose, letting it grow wild and free. Donate the money you usually spend on shaving and grooming for a month to educate about cancer prevention, save lives, and aid to those fighting the battle,” according to no-shave.org, the official No-Shave November website.
Wilkinson believes, “There is no right way to spread awareness [about prostate cancer]. However, I do think it’s important for anyone promoting prostate cancer awareness to help build camaraderie among males.”
Overall, the month of November is one out of the ordinary. Growing out facial hair is just one of the small ways someone can bring awareness to an important cause.
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Brooklyn Norrell is currently a senior at Carlisle Area High School and this is her third year in Periscope. Brooklyn is the student life section editor...
As the graphics manager and photographer, Hannah Westbrook hopes to apply her skills with art and digital design to the Periscope board of 2015-2016. Additionally,...
Camera Bailey • Oct 27, 2021 at 9:15 pm
Growing up I have heard of so many people participating in No-Shave November, but I had no idea that it was meant to raise awareness about prostate cancer. I feel like it’s a trend that once was strongly connected to a cause but people tend to do just for fun now.
Matt Fuller • Jan 20, 2015 at 10:58 pm
I didn’t know that No-Shave November was for awareness. I participate because it’s my yearly way of seeing if I can finally grow a beard. One year it’s going to grow in beautifully and I’ll keep it. Now I can wear my stubbly mess of a beard in pride knowing that I’m helping a cause.
Jessica Brumbach • Jan 20, 2015 at 10:58 pm
I never knew about this until my freshman year, and it was a really fun tradition to do every year of high school. There should be more advertising of prostate cancer awareness, though, because a lot of people have no idea that it is why we participate in No Shave November.
Forest Edwards • Jan 20, 2015 at 10:53 pm
I’m a big fan on No-Shave-November, or November, as I like to think of it. I actually like the way it gets men to talk about being men, and do manly things. Not enough manly things at this school, we should have more gym class to make up for it
Jake Milligan • Jan 20, 2015 at 10:03 am
Going into November I always felt that no-shave November was just something guys did because we are guys, but this article taught me that this was to raise awareness for Prostate cancer. Next November, I am going to participate and when people ask why am I not shaving, I will have a valid response now to hopefully prove my cause. “It is for cancer awareness” is a lot more powerful and meaningful than “Just cause”.
Joshua Winton • Jan 20, 2015 at 9:14 am
I wish I was able to grow facial hair so I could participate, but I look dumb if I don’t shave. it is always really cool to see people come together like for the ice bucket challenge or for No Shave November.
Clara • Jan 20, 2015 at 8:42 am
I think that it’s so interesting that many students in CHS can 1. grow beards, and 2. they’re into doing this. I think this article really shows people what it’s about. I love that so many people participate, but it’s good to know the actual reason.
Alex Ruf • Jan 20, 2015 at 1:07 am
This is super interesting to me; I had no idea that No-shave November is to raise awareness for prostate cancer. I think that that message/purpose needs to be better advertised, so maybe then more would participate. I think it’s weird that hair growth was only assigned to prostate cancer though, since all cancer patients are able to lose hair. This is a great idea though, almost anything is great to spread cancer awareness.
Marissa Steck • Jan 15, 2015 at 10:09 pm
I didn’t know that No Shave November was to raise awareness for prostate cancer. As much as I hate untamed facial hair, I suppose it’s tolerable for a month considering it is for a good cause.
Amanda Corrao • Jan 15, 2015 at 2:44 pm
A lot of people participated in No shave November this year! Some guys even realized that they like their face better all scruffy and different. I love these type of events, it brings people closer and it’s for a good cause. Great article!
Cassie Hageman • Jan 13, 2015 at 4:29 pm
I actually did not know that no shave November was to raise awareness for prostate cancer. I just thought it was a fun thing to do.
Devin Stossmeister • Dec 18, 2014 at 12:19 pm
As a man myself, I can say that no shave November is pretty fun. It is interesting to see you and your friends grown things of beautiful and people will not call you gross or dirty. it is a great month.