There is no real obligation for men to participate in No-Shave November, but there is a small sticking point to whether or not a guy can grow a beard. It's not anything that serious, but it is something that ever guy notices, even if it is because we have to shave pretty often.
However, even when guys decide to go all out and grow a beard, there are some real problems that must be addressed.
The first big one is how anyone is able to make the time in between shaved and a full beard look good. Particularly for guys that are usually clean-shaven, it can be a weird few days, possibly weeks, as the hair starts to grow in.
The catch here is that rarely does it come out evenly or cover the entire face.
For some guys, it comes down from the sideburns, for others it can move up from the neck and chin and for many still, it comes out just plain patchy and unkempt. There are creams and other products sold to make guys' hair appear faster and more evenly, but at some point you just have to suck it up and take any names that might come along with you not being able to cover your face in 24 hours.
The second problem is the sudden upkeep needed with having a beard. That is where many beauty companies can make their money off of men by having a whole line of various razors, trimmers and cleaners specifically for the beard.
I know my own limits and have never reached this point personally, but I know many guys have to deal with not only trying to grow it, but making it look good as well, and not look like some animal has decided to rest on their face.
Therein lies the difference, and it's not as easy as it seems.
The last, of course, is keeping the whole thing clean day-to-day when there is suddenly a bunch of hair by your mouth. Spatial awareness and all that is important, but there is still plenty of getting used to when trying to eat anything and all the sudden difficulties that come along with it.
Just take it easy with the soup.
No-Shave November is technically a way to raise cancer awareness as the patients lose all of their hair, but it still is something enjoyable for men to do as a way to not only see if they can, but try some new look for themselves.
That kind of confidence can be good for anyone.