As the name suggests, No-Shave November is an annual event during which participants forgo shaving and other hair trimming in order to raise awareness and funds for cancer research and education. Men and women participate by growing a beard, letting their legs go natural, cultivating a mustache, forgoing a haircut, or skipping that waxing appointment—and donating the amount they save in time and money to No-Shave November. The campaign aims to raise awareness and funds by giving up grooming in honor of those who no longer can.

The November hair-growth tradition had been around for years, but the children of Matthew Hill, who passed away from colon cancer back in November 2007, formalized the ritual through their own non-profit and the launching of what is now a global campaign to raise money for selected cancer charities doing great work. All funds raised by No-Shave November go to these charities. AIM at Melanoma is proud to have been selected as a 2022 benefitting charity.

The “rules” are as simple. You abstain from shaving, trimming, or waxing for a month, and you donate the amount you save in time and money to AIM through No-Shave November. And, of course, it’s no fun to be hairy alone, so gather your co-workers, friends, and family to participate. Take the pledge together! Salute the stubble! And help find the cure for melanoma while doing so.

Here’s how to participate:

1. Relinquish your razor and celebrate the shagginess for the month of November
2. Go to NoShave.org and choose AIM at Melanoma in the “Select Partnership” drop-down menu

Take the month-long hairy journey with us and help us #endmelanoma!

ABOUT No-Shave November: No-Shave November is a fundraising campaign operated by the Matthew Hill Foundation, Inc., a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. No-Shave November was reinvented by the Chicago-based Hill Family: grow with a purpose and raise money for charity. This initiative was inspired by the Hills’ late father, Matthew, who passed away from colon cancer in November 2007. From a few Facebook followers willing to donate their hard-earned money to thousands of donors championing against cancer, No-Shave November has become a global celebration. No-Shave November is now operated by the Matthew Hill Foundation, Inc. (est. 2015), but holds the same goals. No-Shave November promises to keep raising money for cancer prevention, education, and research and to let that hair grow in the process. No-Shave November believes that together, anything is possible, and we’ll get closer to eradicating cancer one whisker at a time!