'No Shave November' popularity growing nationwide

To see a slideshow on students participating in "No Shave November," click here.

The public has viewed male facial hair as everything from a symbol of virility to a sign of a lack of cleanliness. Beards have been reviled and revered. But in the last few years, they have seen a major comeback during November.

No Shave November, a nationwide movement currently perpetuated by word of mouth and through social networking sites, is an event in which men abstain from shaving facial hair for the entire month.

The purpose of No Shave November ranges from showing off beard growing abilities to raising money for charity.

"[My beard] is part of how I create an identity for myself," said Matt Wyatt, renewable natural resources sophomore.

Stephen Jenkins, psychology senior, said he is growing a beard during November for Breast Cancer Awareness. Jenkins will be sponsored, and if the donator decides Jenkins should shave, he can pay double the donation for him to do so after Nov. 15.

"It's a win-win situation," Jenkins said.

Several Louisiana college graduates have held one of the most popular Facebook events for No Shave November for the last five years, called Man Month, which boasted more than 7,000 people "attended" last year.

"You just have to be a man and get through [No Shave November]," said Michael Steinmetz, an admin for the Man Month Facebook event group. "I'd say girls find it less attractive, but it's about being manly."

Andrew Worrel, kinesiology junior, said this is the second year he has participated in No Shave November.

There are several basic rules for No Shave November, according to the Man Month Facebook group. First, men must shave on the first of November to start the beard from scratch. Second, men must stick out the beard growing through the whole month, or risk ridicule from fellow beard growers. But participants are allowed to trim the beard, so they don't look scruffy.

James Boyd, computer science sophomore, said No Shave November offers a sense of camaraderie.

There are other advantages to beard growing in addition to appearing manly, said Grant George, English senior.

"When I don't have facial hair, I look like I'm 12 years old — people ask me where my parents are," George said.

Arthur Mason, electrical engineering senior, said he likes having a beard because he never has to deal with being carded when buying alcohol.

Robbie Leumas, English senior, said he is participating in No Shave November because, until recently, he had a job at Mockler Beverage Co. that mandated he cut his hair and keep his beard shaved.

"They had signs in the bathroom that said ‘Would you buy beer from this man? Are you clean shaven?'" Leumas said. "I like having a beard because I don't get carded when I have one, and it makes me look a lot older."

Though No Shave November participants find beard growing enjoyable, several students said they would shave if they had an important event to attend or an interview.

"When you go to an interview or a job that has face-to-face interaction, the key is to be well groomed," said Sara Crow, assistant director of communications at Career Services. "It's the same thing as having a haircut that looks nice. Anything unique about your appearance will be noticed, and you just have to be aware that you may be judged for that."

But Crow said it is fairly unusual for employers to discriminate against men with facial hair.
"I would definitely shave my beard for a job — it looks more professional," said Simon Shirazi, mechanical engineering freshman.

Gregory Schufreider, philosophy professor and proud owner of a 35-year-old beard, said people's perception of beards, especially of his long and mature one, has the interesting effect of acting as a filter for the type of people he meets.

"The biggest impact my beard has had on my life is that it keeps away certain people I wouldn't want to be around and attracts the people I would like to meet," Schufreider said. "I had a man ask me once, ‘What are you hiding behind your beard?' and the question I ask is ‘What are you hiding behind your shave?' A beard is what you are intended to look like. You choose to change yourself by shaving."

Schufreider also said his beard is a throwback to the '60s, a time he said he wished would be repeated. Beards remain an icon of rebelliousness, Schufreider said.

"An English teacher in high school told me that on average people don't trust you if you have a beard because they see you as a renegade," said Mason Lipscomb, communication studies senior. "I worked in sales, and [my beard] didn't seem to affect [my ability to sell]."

Tommy Regan, Facility Services employee and known by many students as "Santa," said he's been growing a beard ever since he has been able to grow facial hair.

"I just got tired of shaving, and razors are expensive anyway," Regan said.

Steve Simonson, construction management senior, said he's an advocate of shaving but just learned about No Shave November.

"In cases of extreme cold, I like to shave off some of my beard and use it for kindling for a fire," he joked.



- - - -
Contact Emily Slack at eslack@lsureveille.com