Ah, Movember. The month of the year where the facially-challenged commit crimes against facial hair fashion. We do this to help raise awareness of and provide funds for men's health issues, including prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health and suicide prevention.
Movember has been with us for over 15 years. Like the best of ideas, it was conceptualised in a pub in Australia. Yep, that's right, a few mates got together over beers and decided to grow moustaches for charity. As the Fosters lads would say, "Good Call".
This year, stars including Stephen Fry, Bear Grylls, and Nichole Scherzinger are backing the campaign. Nicole (tongue firmly in cheek) even stated, "A recent survey found that men with moustaches are better in bed and more successful in life than those without them".
So if you're jumping on board with the Mo Bro movement, here's everything you need to know.
The Rules of Movember
Of course, one cannot simply establish a worldwide 'tash growing phenomenon without some ground rules. So handily, UK Movember has established "The Rules".
Rule 1: Start with a clean-shaven face.
Seems only fair. One must compete from an even playing field.
Rule 2: For the entire month of Movember, each Mo Bro must grow and groom a moustache.
Totally down with this – and if you're looking for tips, read on…
Rule 3: No beards, no goatees and no fake moustaches.
But… we love beards! If you're a rebel (some rules are made to be broken) and want a little help keeping your beard in shape, don't forget for the best beard sculpt in London – give us a shout)
Rule 4: Use the power of the moustache to create conversation and raise funds for men's health.
Well, it's not Fight Club – you do need to talk about Movember!
Rule 5: Each Mo Bro must conduct himself like a true gentleman.
What can we say – our sentiments exactly.
Keep Your Moustache Looking Tip Top.
Here at Gents of London, we like to think of ourselves as connoisseurs when it comes to making any hair look its very best, whether it's growing from your head or on your upper lip. We know that for some, the struggle is very real when it comes to growing a moustache, so here are our top tips to grow your mo.
Embrace your natural hair growth.
Facial hair can be a weird and wonderous thing – growing at a different rate and in different patterns. While your objective may be to grow a full-on Freddy Mercury, it may be that a more low key 'tash emerges.
Develop a Care Regime.
Ok, so this may not be necessary on the 2nd November, but as your mo grows, so may the need for maintenance. At the minimum, keeping your moustache free of debris and giving it a quick brush may well be enough.
If you're going all out with one of the wilder styles, choosing a moustache oil can be a good way to keep it looking good, but if you're a little hesitant to go all out on a product for just one month, applying a little of our Gents of London Carbon Clay will do the trick (and keep your hair looking sharp too).
Don't take your 'tash too seriously!
Remember – you're growing your mo to help a bro guys! Whether your desired result is a moustache that a Bavarian would be proud of, or just not to look silly. Embrace your moustache growth, whatever it looks like - it's what Movember is all about.
