Let's hair about it!

Though many are seen sporting a moustache and a beard this month, some of them are not aware of what it is about. They are just growing their facial hair to make a fashion statement. With the  movement becoming a symbol of prostate cancer and depression, the money saved from not going to the barber or grooming is given to charity.

There are also a few groups who have taken it upon themselves to spread awareness on the cause. Vishal Singh, the founder of ‘Bangalore Beard Club’ is one such person who is excited about it. He says, “We are hosting India’s first beard and moustache competition at the end of the month and walking the ramp on ‘International Men’s Day’.”

He hopes that this topic would be discussed more often. “There is not much talk about this issue among Indians as we are not aware of it. But with us sporting a heavy beard and holding events, people ask us about it and we pass on the information. And even if they cannot participate in the events that we are hosting, they still  contribute to the people they know who have health issues.”

Patrick Ignatious, a sales professional, learnt about this movement a few years ago even though he has been sporting a beard for a long time. He says, “I started growing my beard because it suited my style. But when I read about ‘No-Shave November’, I took it more seriously. It’s important for others to realise that men also have problems that need to be spoken about. If this one month can encourage others to talk, I am happy to be a part of it.” 

While the initial idea of ‘Movember’ is to just grow a moustache, given that Indian men predominantly carry a moustache, Sriram Aravamudan, a professional, believes a beard helps better. “Growing a moustache wouldn’t start a conversation as much as a long beard. In India, if one does want to spread awareness for men’s health, growing a beard will be the right way to do it.” And is he participating in the movement?

“When people ask me if I am participating for the cause, I say ‘yes’ and ‘no’. I started the month with my beard so I failed at the first requirement for it. However, if I say ‘yes’ because if my having a beard does help raise awareness on men’s health, I am glad to be a part of it.” Though this issue has been brought to light by two Australian brothers in 2003, not many know about it. 

Prajval Jagirdar, an HR manager, says, “I learnt about this movement four years ago and I think it is a great cause. Everyone these days think that it is a trend but it is not fair to brush it off as a fad. So I am spreading awareness on it by uploading pictures on Instagram and Facebook People have started asking me what I am doing and why I am doing this. It’s good to know that people are interested in it.” With these motivated men in the city, it is going to be quite a hair-raising month!