With November comes the annual Movember campaign, marking Men’s Health Awareness Month with a hairy twist. As we hit the midway point in the month, let us take a look at various elements surrounding this mantastic campaign.
Just to quickly recap for the uninformed; the Movember movement aims to transform the landscape of men’s health, symbolising its mission with the iconic moustache.
The initiative focuses on three key areas: prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health, and suicide prevention.
Various entities take great pride in the campaign and get behind it in unique ways. But before we look at a private hospital that is supporting the campaign through a supportive WhatsApp group for men and the challenges they face, let us look at some interesting facts about Movemeber’s iconic moustache.
The history of moustaches is both diverse and fascinating, with facial hair styles evolving over centuries and across various cultures.
Here’s a brief overview:
Ancient Civilisations:
Moustaches have been a part of human history since ancient times. In Egypt, as far back as 3000 BCE, men often wore false beards and moustaches as a sign of status and wisdom.
Ancient Mesopotamian and Persian cultures also valued facial hair as a symbol of virility and power.
Greek and Roman Eras:
In ancient Greece, beards and moustaches were commonly worn. However, during the time of Alexander the Great, a trend toward a cleaner-shaven look emerged, influenced by the military.
Romans, on the other hand, often adorned themselves with beards and moustaches. The style of facial hair changed over time, influenced by the preferences of different emperors.
Middle Ages:
During the Middle Ages, facial hair styles varied widely. In some cultures, moustaches were associated with masculinity and authority, while in others, they were seen as barbaric.
Renaissance:
In the Renaissance period, European men often wore elaborate, waxed moustaches. The style was influenced by art and fashion of the time.
18th and 19th Centuries:
The 18th century saw a resurgence of interest in facial hair in Europe. Moustaches, along with beards, became popular among men of different social classes.
In the 19th century, elaborate moustaches became a symbol of masculinity and were associated with military officers and gentlemen. Styles like the handlebar moustache gained popularity.
20th Century:
Moustaches continued to be popular in the early 20th century. During the Victorian and Edwardian eras, various styles, including the pencil moustache and the walrus moustache, were in vogue.
The mid-20th century saw a decline in facial hair fashion, with many men opting for clean shaven looks.
Late 20th Century and Beyond:
Moustaches experienced a resurgence in the 1970s, with iconic styles like the Chevron moustache and the Fu Manchu gaining popularity.
Today, moustaches continue to be a popular form of self expression, with people adopting a wide range of styles, from minimalist to elaborate, as a reflection of personal taste and cultural influences.
Furthermore, there are numerous styles of moustaches, each with its own unique look and characteristics. Now that you are two weeks into Movember it is time to style that mantastic beauty.
Here are some of the most well known moustache styles for facial hair novices:
The Chevron:
A thick and full moustache that covers the upper lip. It’s a classic, timeless style.
The Handlebar:
Characterised by long, upward curled ends, resembling the handlebars of a bicycle. This style often requires grooming and waxing to maintain the distinctive shape.
The Pencil Thin:
A very narrow, thin moustache that closely follows the contour of the upper lip. It gives a subtle, minimalist appearance.
The Walrus:
A large, bushy moustache that covers the entire upper lip and sometimes extends over the mouth. It’s reminiscent of the facial hair sported by a walrus.
The Horseshoe:
Resembling an upside down U or a horseshoe, this moustache style extends down the sides of the mouth and along the jawline, often connecting with a beard.
The Fu Manchu:
A thin, long moustache that extends downward past the lips and sometimes curls at the ends. It’s associated with a stereotypical Asian villain, particularly the fictional character Fu Manchu.
The English:
Similar to the Chevron but with slightly tapered ends. It’s a neat and straightforward moustache style.
The Dali:
Named after the surrealist artist Salvador Dali, this moustache is narrow with long, upward-curled ends. It requires meticulous grooming to achieve the distinctive shape.
The Toothbrush:
Historically associated with Charlie Chaplin, this style is a small, rectangular moustache in the centre of the upper lip.
The Pyramid:
A triangular-shaped moustache that starts narrow at the centre of the upper lip and widens as it extends outward.
The Imperial:
Similar to the Handlebar but with more substantial curls. It gives a regal and distinguished appearance.
The Painter’s Brush:
Resembling a paintbrush, this style is wide and covers the entire width of the upper lip. It’s a bold and distinctive look.
In alignment with the global movement, Mediclinic Newcastle is actively engaging the local community to heighten awareness of men’s health issues. The private hospital is running a highly informative campaign focused on men’s health and it is now urging Newcastillians to participate on their daily WhatsApp group.
During Movember, Mediclinic Newcastle aims to amplify awareness around men’s health issues, fostering open conversations to break the silence.
The hospital emphasises the need to support men in prioritising their wellbeing. “It’s time to support our guys and ensure they prioritise their wellbeing. This Movember, let’s stand by our bros and ensure they are healthy, happy, and thriving,” stated Mediclinic Newcastle.
To actively engage in this cause, Mediclinic Newcastle encourages individuals to show their support by joining the daily WhatsApp group. The hospital underscores the importance of solidarity and collective action in making a positive impact on men’s health.
As the Movember movement gains momentum across Northern KwaZulu-Natal, individuals are urged to get on board, fostering a sense of community and shared responsibility.
To show your support for your “bros,” click here to join the Mediclinic Newcastle WhatsApp group – Movember Movement.
Getting behind local brethren and armed with the history, some style choices and a great cause, be sure to share your thoughts with us in the comment section below.
