No Shave November

A lot of interesting things happen in the month of November: The weather gets brisk in preparation of winter, college football teams get a glance at the Bowl Championship Series while pro football teams begin establishing playoff spots, our veterans are celebrated, and our thanks is given. But something is happening to people. Companies like Gillette and Barbasol are losing money because a few brave men decided that November was going to introduce a whole new tradition.

No Shave November is exactly what it sounds like; during the month of November, you don't shave. But just like any other strange tradition, why do people do it? After doing some research, no one person has been credited with starting No Shave November. Instead it's an annual tradition that is growing each year. When you walk around a college campus around this time of year, you sense that something is a little different. Not only are people bundled up in their jackets, but their chins are bundled up under a more natural coat.

There are several reasons people participate: Some for charities, some to test their beard growing abilities, and most for shear bragging rights. I asked an avid No Shave November contender, James Templeton, the reason for his partaking in the ritual. "Well, first off I'm lazy," laughed Templeton. "It's nice not having to shave everyday. And one time this girl told me I looked sexy and manly with a beard, so that pretty much sold me."

Obviously something like not shaving for a month will attract more of a male demographic. It comes down to men wanting to test the capabilities of their ruggedness. But, with every experiment you need a control. Michayla Lynn, a member of the Oregon State dance team, told me, "I think that it would be funny if guys tried to keep their beards all month, but most of the time they'll get self-conscious and chicken out. But for the most part I really don't like when guys do it."

Those who are daring might explore something like No-Shave November, but let me tell you it's no easy task. I decided to participate this year, and it's agonizing to say the least. I can't find any other reason that people would do this besides bragging rights. But it's a tradition that many others and I will continue to associate ourselves with. But for now, the day I look forward to the most is December 1st, so that I'm able to rid myself of this curse I've bestowed upon myself.