Actor Tom Hardy

Facial hair is sexy, but facial hair for a cause is even sexier.

By Sarah Emily Gilbert

As Breast Cancer Awareness Month, October brought swarms of pink and female unity, but now that it’s November, things are about to get hairy. This week starts a month-long campaign for both cancer awareness and men’s health by encouraging people to put down the razor.

No-Shave November is a web-based organization that dares people to forgo regular grooming habits in order to embrace the hair that is often lost during cancer treatments. Women can participate by growing out their leg hair, and men can do their part by taking their facial hair to woodsman status.

Similarly, the Movember Foundation asks men to grow moustaches this month to bring awareness to four health issues “faced” by men: prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health, and suicide prevention. Their campaign is “Grow a Mo’ help a Bro.’”

You can officially participate in one – or both health campaigns by registering on the No-Shave November or Movember Foundation website. The No-Shave November organization uses funds to support cancer research and current cancer patients, while donations to the Movember Foundation help programs that are improving the lives of men. Over the years, these organizations have raised millions of dollars (and grown millions of mustaches) for their health campaigns. Now it’s your turn to help, so go ahead and show us your ‘stache!

* To avoid any hairy situations in the workplace – or between you and your significant other - both organizations allow occasional hair trimming throughout the month in order to stay civilized.