The Key Movember Rules You Need to Follow to Succeed
You catch your reflection, clean-shaven and ready for the challenge ahead. It’ll soon be the first day of Movember and the start of a significant month for men’s health awareness. During November each year, the simple act of growing a moustache becomes a symbol of purpose, connection and change.
Recognising the official Movember rules gives you clarity, credibility, and a meaningful path. These aren’t suggestions; they are guiding principles every participant follows.
1. Begin on 1st November with a Clean Shaven Face
At the start of November, participants (known as Mo Bros) must begin the challenge with a completely shaven face. This means no beards or moustaches whatsoever. Starting clean not only ensures everyone starts from the same point, but also ensures the authenticity of your Movember. Everyone starts from the same baseline, so regardless of your background, you’re a Mo Bro for life.
2. Grow and Groom Your ‘Tache for the Entire Month
The second rule is equally as clear. For the entire month of Movember, each Mo Bro must grow and groom their moustache. This means that you need to maintain your look for 30 days, and beyond if you decide to keep it. It’s also fun to groom or style your moustache in different ways, as it’s just a fun way of keeping the challenge fresh.
3. No Faking It
It might seem obvious, but the next rule is that you cannot under any circumstances fake your moustache. This also means that beards and looks that incorporate some upper lip styling are forbidden.
For similar reasons as the first two rules, it’s important to stay true to the challenge and encourage conversations about why you’re taking part. If you don’t have the moustache, then nobody will know that you’re part of the gang!
4. Creating Dialogue and Raising Money
Here’s where the purpose of Movember comes into play. This rule states that Mo Bros should “Use the power of the moustache to create conversation and raise funds for men’s health”.
There are plenty of ways you can do this, but from a university standpoint, it could mean hosting a coffee morning in the student union, posting your growth progress on social media, or simply talking to your mates about men’s mental and physical health. In a busy world, we can forget to check up on our pals, especially as men. Movember is not just about growing hair; it’s about increasing awareness and helping people.
5. Be a Gentleman
The final official rule of Movember is that “each Mo Bro must conduct themselves like a true gentleman.” This is about respect, integrity, and using the challenge as a force for good. Whether you’re organising a fundraiser, showing off your moustache at a lecture, or just chatting in the common room, how you carry the movement matters. Inclusivity, kindness, and purpose define the spirit of Movember.
Quick Movember Wins
- Capture your beginning on the 1st November. Maybe it’s the first time you’ve been clean shaven in years? Make sure the moment lasts forever.
- Schedule a moustache check-in. Once a week, trim and groom your facial decoration. Then, share your progress with your friends. It can become a key part of your new November ritual.
- Raise chat, not just cash: Use your moustache as a conversation starter. Ask one pal per week about their mental health perspective or attitude to men’s health.
- Respect your community: If you’re living in student accommodation, be considerate with your grooming, donations and awareness events. Keep the tone welcoming and inclusive.
Why These Rules Matter
The five official rules we’ve looked at today provide structure and sincerity to the challenge. They also ensure:
- Equality: Everybody starts and ends in a similar place.
- Commitment: Once you start, there’s no backing out.
- Honesty: No shortcuts or disguises.
- Purpose: The moustache is the symbol, but what it represents is the point.
- Respect: The Movember movement is grounded in positive attitudes and genuine care about men’s health.
Download the complete list of Movember rules, and display them around your flat or campus for maximum impact.
Moustache Grooming Tips for Movember
A great moustache doesn’t just grow; it’s shaped, cared for, and occasionally guided into a certain style. Use a fine-toothed comb daily to train the hairs to grow in the direction you want. Trim once a week to maintain shape and avoid the ‘overgrown caterpillar’ effect. A touch of moustache wax can go a long way in keeping strays in check and adding definition. This is especially helpful when your ‘mo’ starts to develop beyond stubble.
It’s also important not to forget to clean your moustache as part of your normal skincare routine to avoid irritation or trapped food particles (no one wants that).
A Note for the Mo Sisters and Allies
Movember isn’t just for the moustache growing folks of campus. ‘Mo sisters’ and allies can play a vital role in spreading the word, donating, and supporting their friends who are taking part. You could also take on your own challenges if growing a moustache isn’t for you.
Keep the Momentum
Even after Movember has come to an end and you’ve returned to your usual appearance, the message should live on in your everyday life. Keep talking to each other, keep checking on your mates and always challenge the outdated ideas the world has surrounding masculinity.
Movember, Your Way
Whether you’re moustache comes in thick and fast or you spend a month questioning if you can actually grow one, it’s the message that matters. So, take the rules seriously and keep the challenge fun. Grow your moustache, raise awareness and encourage meaningful change.