7 Movember Rules to Help You Do No Shave November Right

This November, it's time to grow your 'stache. Here's how and why.

By Louis Baragona, Men’s Health

No matter your facial hair preference, it's likely you're not much of a solo mustache guy. It's rare that a mustache is seen without the companionship of a beard or goatee. A lone mustache is a pretty strong statement.

When No Shave November rolls around, though, a lone mustache takes on a whole new meaning. As Movember begins, the mustache represents advocacy, conversation, and contributing to the benefit of your fellow man. After all, Movember might be a fun way to flex your hair-growing skills, but it's for a purpose.

The Movember Foundation is leading the way in championing men's health everywhere, including fighting against testicular cancer, depression, and suicide. By 2030, the foundation hopes their efforts will reduce the number of premature deaths in men by 25 percent.

You can be a part of the movement by following these eight Movember rules.

Rule 1: Start clean, get mustache inspo, and sign up.

November. It's a new start, a new chapter. Time to start fresh. And the very best place to begin is with a bald face, including your upper lip.

Maybe you hate your face without hair or you're just not sure which style to go for. Either way, do some research, check out iconic 'stache styles, and focus on growing the goal.

Part of that goal is signing up on Movember.com. You'll learn more about their different causes, can get involved even if you're not growing whiskers of your own, and be able to set up donations.

Rule 2: Pick your shaving products.

To live your best life with your best mustache, you're going to need some handy products on your side.

You'll have to choose razor, which will help carve your facial hair and get rid of any unwanted hairs.

And because you're shaving, you're going to need a post-shave tonic or gel. This will help cool down and soothe any pesky irritation or redness.

Scraggly, scratchy hairs? Grab a beard oil and massage a couple tiny drops into your hair. It will soften and condition the follicles.

Rule 3: Grow, grow, grow that facial hair!

This is the most integral step. Though it might be awkward to see yourself with demi-hairs wispily springing below your nose, it's necessary.

Eventually, the whole growth process will sort itself out and you'll hit your 'stache stride.

Rule 4: But don't grow too much of a beard.

The whole point of Movember is to use your mustache for advocacy and discussion, not your beard.

Your mustache should be the star of the show and all other facial hair should be kept to a minimum, thanks to your razor and some product.

Rule 5: Resist the urge to shave.

Come on. Don't do it. You've made it this far. Why turn back now?

Instead of shaving, focus on making your mustache the very best of all. And once you can't do that, you could go for a run, lift some weights, or learn more about the story behind the Movember Foundation.

Rule 6: Make yourself an advocate for male health.

Thanks to the new look, you're bound to get a few compliments – and probably some confused questions from friends or family. That's ok. It gives you the opportunity to share exactly why Movember is an important time of year.

Your mustache will give you the platform to give people the facts behind illnesses like depression, prostate cancer, and testicular cancer.

Rule 7: Once the time comes, own whichever scruffy look you'd like.

Once you've let your mustache grow, acted as an advocate for the health of men, and made it through the month, it's your decision how to move froward.

Whether or not to shave is up to you. Remaining dedicated to the cause, though, can last all year long.