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Read time: 4 minutes
Each November, men in the UK and around the world grow out their moustaches in support of the global movement known as Movember. What began as a lighthearted challenge between friends has grown into one of the world’s most well-known and impactful charity events, raising awareness and funds for men’s mental health, suicide prevention, prostate cancer, and testicular cancer. The movement’s motto is “Grow a Mo, Save a Bro.”
Movember started in 2003 in Melbourne, Australia, when two friends, Travis Garone and Luke Slattery, jokingly discussed bringing the moustache back into fashion. Inspired by a friend’s mother who was fundraising for breast cancer, they decided to give their facial hair a purpose and raise awareness about prostate cancer in men, which wasn’t receiving as much attention as it should.
What began as a local idea quickly caught on globally. By 2004, the event had its own website, and men—nicknamed "Mo Bros"—around the world began growing moustaches throughout November to raise both awareness and money for men’s health causes. By 2023, Movember had raised over £873.9 million for men's health.
Men’s health issues are often neglected or stigmatised, with many men feeling uncomfortable talking about their health or seeking medical help. Movember helps break this silence, encourages conversations, and raises much-needed funds for research and support programmes.
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting men, and testicular cancer is the most common cancer in young men aged 30-34. Mental health is another major concern, with men making up the majority of suicide cases globally. Movember works to reduce the stigma around these issues and fund initiatives that provide resources and support to men and their families.
To date, the Movember Foundation has funded over 1,250 men’s health projects worldwide, and its impact continues to grow. Whether it’s funding prostate cancer research or providing support for men struggling with mental health, Movember is making a real difference in saving lives.
How you can get involved
There are plenty of ways to get involved in Movember, whether you can grow a moustache or not! Here are a few ideas:
Grow a Mo: The classic way to participate is to grow out your moustache for the month of November. This fun and visible way to support the cause sparks conversations and gets people talking about men’s health.
Move for Movember: You don’t have to grow a moustache to make a difference. Another great way to support Movember is by participating in their Move challenge, where participants commit to walking or running 60km (that’s just over 37 miles) over the month. That’s 1km for every man lost to suicide each hour across the world. It’s a powerful reminder of the importance of mental health while helping to raise funds for the cause.
Host a Mo-ment: Hosting a gathering, whether it’s a coffee morning, dinner party, or sports event, is a great way to raise money and awareness for Movember. Use the opportunity to talk about men’s health, encourage others to get involved, and raise donations for the cause.
Donate: If growing a moustache or participating in an event isn’t for you, you can still contribute by donating to someone else’s campaign or directly to the Movember Foundation. If you tick the Gift Aid box on the donation form, for every £1 you donate, the government will chip in another 25p, so a £20 donation from you becomes £25—and it doesn’t cost you a penny extra.
Growing the perfect moustache can be a fun (sometimes itchy!) and rewarding challenge. Whether you're aiming for something subtle or bold, here are some tips to help you grow your Mo with confidence:
Start with a clean shave: Begin Movember with a fresh, clean shave on the 1st of November. This will give you a blank canvas to work with, and it's the traditional way to kick off the campaign.
Be patient: Moustaches take time to grow, so don’t be discouraged if it doesn’t look impressive straight away. By mid-November, you’ll start seeing real progress.
Keep it trimmed: While you’re growing out your moustache, keep the edges neat and trim to maintain a sharp look. Use a quality beard or moustache trimmer for precise shaping.
Moisturise: Growing facial hair can lead to dryness or irritation, so make sure to moisturise your skin to keep it soft and healthy during the process.
Choose your style: There are plenty of moustache styles to choose from, whether it’s a classic Chevron, a neat Pencil, or a bold Handlebar. Pick a style that suits your face and personal taste.
Use moustache wax: For a refined look, use moustache wax to shape and style your ‘tache. This can help keep stray hairs in place and add definition to your look.
Movember is more than just a fun excuse to grow a moustache—it’s a movement that makes a real difference in men’s lives. By raising awareness, encouraging conversations, and funding vital health projects, Movember helps to save lives.
This November, why not take part and be part of the solution? Grow your Mo, start a conversation, or move for Movember. Whatever you do, you’ll be helping to improve men’s health and create a lasting impact.
