Movember (“mo” Australian accent for moustache plus November) is upon us — the month where lots of men around the globe grow facial hair in an effort to raise awareness about prostate and testicular cancer. “When you’re growing a moustache, it changes your look. Mos are great conversation starters, especially if it’s for a cause. You need to know how to put the attention to good use,” says designer Fibin V. Raj, who sported a mush resembling the 70s retro style for Movember in 2013.
The cause may be serious, but some men go all out and get themselves the wackiest beards. Pinterest and Instagram are plastered with men sporting interesting beards — some resemble woven baskets, octopus tentacles, floral beards with leaves neatly tucked into them, spiralling moustaches wound into alien-like forms…
When you are experimenting with facial hair, whether you realise it or not, you are making a style statement. No wonder the Movember Foundation organises an online contest that’s open to 21 countries. Started in 2010, this annual competition gives the International Man of Movember title to the Mo-Bros (that’s what the male participants are called) with the most unique look. Unfortunately, India hasn’t still made it to the competing list.
However, the Movember movement is gradually gaining popularity and there’s proof. Social networking sites have men posting images of their well-groomed, carefully-grown moustaches and beards. “Models not wanting to shave in spite of the designer’s demand is the extent of Movember’s reach in India,” says fashion choreographer Karun Raman.
Men’s facial whiskers and beard practices are far-ranging and diverse. The key to a truly successful look depends on your face cut, and how you groom yourself according to the beard and moustache that you have adopted. “It’s quite challenging to design costumes for actors growing beards and moustaches, because you need to really make sure that the outfit goes with their get-up. For example, while working with actor Jiiva in his upcoming movie, his beard and moustache didn’t go with many casual outfits,” says stylist Sruthi Kannath.
With more men sporting beards in different shapes and lengths, a bit of guidance on the subject never hurt.
Check out our pick of six looks to sport this month
Look 1
Sport the versatile handlebar moustache and a full beard, for a rugged natural look. Keep your moustache wild, your beard meticulously combed and you’re good to go. This might become the focal point of your appearance, like Ranveer Singh, who wore this look for quite a long time.
Look 2
This distinctive look has a neatly groomed wiry beard, a soul patch and a moustache, all in one, but none connected. “A mature confident look,” says Dinesh Kumar, Style Director at Toni&Guy. For reference, look at Zac Efron (in this picture). Doesn’t he make you weak in the knees?
Look 3
Go for the short boxed beard, where whiskers are limited to the cheeks, upper lip and chin, and extend just an inch or two beneath the chin — luckily, this look is widely accepted in many workplaces. A little bit of trimming is all it needs. Keanu Reeves looks artsy without trying too hard, doesn’t he?
Look 4
The stylish horseshoe moustache with a ducktail beard is extremely trendy. It’s an amazing style to try out if you can pull it off. Brad Pitt showcases this with just the right amount of stubble.
Look 5
According to designer Fibin, classics never go out of style. Try sporting a well-groomed full goatee that extends up and around the mouth. Keep the rest of the face clean shaved. This works as a chic corporate look. Idris Elba rocks this style.
Look 6
Who can forget Tony Stark from Iron Man? A slightly thick pencil moustache, along with a Balbo beard, can get you close to Robert Downey Junior’s look. It’s in trend, elegant and a favourite among most men.
