Workplace Styles and Tips for 'Movember' and No Shave November
Movember: a made-up month (see also Rocktober); alternatively, a men's health awareness movement that takes place in November, which involves growing mustaches as a sign of awareness and solidarity (see also, the closely related No Shave November).
Welcome to the greatest month of the year, gentlemen. Yes, yes, we know: both Movember and No Shave November started on Friday, but for those who were still unconscious from Halloween, you have a few days' worth of scruff built-up either way. (And if you start late, just hold over into December -- we won't tell.)
How does one properly observe this all-important month, while not looking like a hobo or jeopardizing your all-important job? Here are a few tips:
Prepare Yourself and Others
There is a distinct point, between the scruffy stubble of Brad Pitt, and the full mane of Ben Affleck, where you look like a depressed alcoholic who has abandoned personal hygiene. In order to avoid confusion (or termination), we'd recommend starting a Movember or No Shave November movement at your workplace, and promoting the cause on social media so that your family and friends don't start an intervention.
As for supplies, you'll probably need some aftershave gel (to treat and prevent any ingrown hairs) and a decent razor or trimmer for edging.
Pick Your Style
If you're participating in Movember and going for a mustache only, the American Mustache Institute has thirteen "certified" styles (do not sport the Toothbrush style).
Mustaches alone are hard to pull off without looking like a cop, a hipster, or a 1980s baseball player, so you might consider a full beard or goatee, which is allowed for No Shave November.
AskMen.com has a great guide for matching the beard to your facial shape, as well as a list of styles that women hate. (Here's to you, Mr. Lincoln.)
Maintenance is Key
Again, Movember/No Shave November doesn't require you to abandon hygiene. And trust us, your law firm doesn't want you scaring off clients with a full-on neck beard. Then again, if anyone has a problem with your facial hair follicles, you need only say three words: Oliver Wendell Holmes.
While trimming length may be considered cheating during Movember, edging your facial hair is certainly appropriate. If you're going for the full-beard "No Shave November" look, Beards.org has tips for finding your proper neck and cheek lines, as well as a chart of common beard styles. We'd recommend going semi-conservative, with either the full thing, or Breaking Bad's Heisenberg goatee.
Are you joining the No Shave November or Movember movements? Show solidarity with your fellow facial-haired barristers on our Facebook page.
Editor's Note, November 13, 2013: This post was updated to clarify that there are two, yet equally important movements: Movember, for those who grow mustaches; and No Shave November, for those with full beards. This is their month. (Bum bum.)
Related Resources:
- Building Your Professional Wardrobe on the Cheap (FindLaw's Greedy Associates)
- The Rules of Business- or Dress-Casual (For Guys) (FindLaw's Greedy Associates)
- His and Hers Tips for Summer Associate Dressing (FindLaw's Greedy Associates)
