To Beard or Not to Beard?

To Beard or Not to Beard?

Let the faceoff begin! Hairy versus hairless - what’s your preference?

There is an “observance” for almost every cause, so why not facial hair? We have No Beard Day followed by Movember or No-Shave November. But what does it all mean?

Well, No Beard Day encourages men to lather up and strip their faces as clean as the day they were born. No one really knows the origin of that "holiday," but it is a good lead in to Movember/No-Shave November.

“I will never shave off my beard and mustache. I did once, for charity, but my wife said, ‘Good grief. How awful. You look like an American car with all the chrome removed.” – Rolf Harris 

If you don’t want to be compared to a stripped-down car, observing Movember might be your answer. Movember encourages men to cultivate the finest mustache they can achieve. No matter what style you’re going for - the Wisp or the Handlbar, the Trucker or the Rock Star - you start off completely clean shaven and then, for the next 30 days, trim your beard area so only the ‘stache is prominent.

But, ladies and gents, if Movember doesn’t do it for you, consider No-SHAVE November! In November men (ladies, too, if they’re so inclined) are encouraged to shelve their razors and shaving creams for the entire month and go all Grizzly Adams or Chewbacca.

Ladies, if you’re not comfortable going au natural, you can still participate by supporting your guy’s efforts. Not a fan of facial hair on men? Maybe these words of wisdom can help you get over it.

“Kissing a man with a beard is a lot like going to a picnic. You don’t mind going through a little bush to get there!” – Minnie Pearl 

If you’re still not excited about the prospect of your man going all Neanderthal, you can still use this month to your advantage. 

Admit it, ladies, you’re tired of your men using the same sliver of soap to shower, shave and wash their hair, right? And, moms, we know you love your grown sons, but isn’t it time they found a nice partner and moved out of the house – finally? Band together and help your guys – and your sons – upgrade their grooming regimen. Introduce them to the miracles of the natural, organic products on the market these days. After all, if you must put up with their facial hair, it might as well be silky soft. 

The important thing to remember is that both Movember and No-Shave November are intended to evoke conversation and raise awareness of cancer and other men’s health issues. If you look around in November and see a lot more men with scruffy faces, maybe you’ll understand and appreciate why.

Go ahead and embrace your hair (which many cancer patients lose during treatment). But don’t just get hairy! Set aside the money you would normally spend on a haircut, waxing or shaving creams and donate it. That’s the real purpose behind these observances.

And, if you end up with a funny picture of your hairy adventures and/or story related to No Beard Day, Movember or No-Shave November, send it to me for posting on our LocalWe Facebook page or leave a comment for us there. I’d love to hear about your experience and I’m sure the LocalWe Facebook audience would, too. 

To find out more about No-Shave November, visit https://no-shave.org. 

Natural Grooming Products for the Man’s Man

Whatever your preference - beard, mustache or hairless - you’ll want to put your best face forward. Natural products like those made by The Bearded Bastard, Tame the Beast, Buck Ridge Soap Co. and Savoy Bath & Home contain no chemicals or flowery scents. They’re made for the man’s man and they depend on natural ingredients like Jojoba and Almond oils, Beeswax and Shea Butter to smooth your skin and condition your beard and mustache. If you’d like more information on any of these, email me at glenn.myers@localwe.com.

Check out our collection of Men's Beard Care, Grooming and Shaving Products all of which are made by small businesses.

LocalWe helps people like you discover unique, handmade, natural products and gifts made by small businesses in the U.S. Every purchase supports good jobs and local communities. We are a socially responsible business and we give back a portion of our time and profits to help kids in need reach their full potential. Thanks for visiting us!