Beard transplants, the saviour of Movember.

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November: a time when men grow their facial to raise awareness for prostate cancer and college ‘bros’ stop shaving to raise awareness for their inability to grow a beard.

“Yes, it is okay that your chinstrap has three discontinuations on one side, and no, your almost-a-mustache does not make everyone feel uncomfortable.”

If these are things you’ve told yourself recently, perhaps you should just sit this one out, champ. Unless, you have $5000-$15000 to blow because beard transplants are a thing.

Beard transplants are performed by a plastic surgeon in Toronto with purportedly promising results. Beard transplants are a growing trend (get it? growing…); increasing by 10 per cent globally between 2010-2012. Beard transplants have also increased during that time by an astounding 263 per cent in the Middle East.

Facial hair transplants (1.5%) are now the third most common type of hair transplant behind scalp (93%) and eyebrow (4.5%). Initially impressive, however in considering the lack of body areas remaining in which people actually want hair to be, less so.

The cost of the procedure is relative to how many grafts or follicles you wish to transplant. The norm tends to range from 500 to 2000 follicles for most patients.

Movember is not just about growing a flashy moustache. It is not even limited to the supporting of prostate cancer research, either. Movember began in Australia in 2003 when a couple mates decided they wanted to try to pioneer the return of the moustache into social trending status. The conversation-starting abilities of the moustache was noticed and in 2004, the Movember Foundation was registered as a charity, with all proceeds going to the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.

Movember has evolved exponentially since then. It is relevant across Europe, North America, South Africa, and parts of Asia as well. Proceeds go to all kinds of funds regarding men’s health; whether it be cancer research, mental health, heart disease, etc.

Since 2003, the Movember Foundation has raised over CAD $677 million and has funded over 832 men’s health projects.

For those follically challenged in the beard department, there may be hope, transplanted follicles start growing immediately, just in time for Movember.

If you want to be a part of the cause, go to ca.movember.com

Emily is in her fourth year of Political Science. She loves studying and academics which follows into her research work. She's a stern black coffee drinker and is a proud Acadienne. When she's not working or doing school work, you can find Emily listening to 70s music on vinyl and watching Parks and Recreation. If you ask her about parliamentary institutions, she won't stop talking.