November has rolled around again, accompanied by the event known as “No-Shave November.” No-Shave November is a month-long excuse for men to not shave their facial hair and show off their beard-growing abilities. This campaign has spread like wildfire and even has young boys attempting to grow out their peach fuzz. However, the real meaning behind the month-long holiday still remains unknown to most people, even those who participate.

No-Shave November is actually a way to raise awareness for cancer and make people appreciate their hair, seeing as cancer patients often lose their hair during treatments. This holiday had been in place for many years but in 2009 gained greater meaning through hopes to raise funds for cancer research by a family who lost their father to colon cancer in 2007. Their idea has grown into an organization that raises awareness and money for cancer, and has over 3,000 followers on Twitter. However, there are other groups that support No-Shave November, but overlook the charitable purpose behind it, instead recognizing only a fun way to grow out your body hair and look as unkempt as possible. Due to the many reasons for participation, this yearly tradition has spread like crazy and has even reached many young men of Oakton High School.

For Bryce Nguonly, 11, participating in this event is mostly for fun. “I’m just feeling a little wacky this year,” says Nguonly.

“I want a ‘Hulk Hogan’ mustache by the end of the month,” says Bennett Fagan, 12, who has set high expectations for his facial hair.

There are some who do understand the meaning of the occasion, such as Jordan Kalfon, 11, who says “At first I was a little bit lazy but then I saw a lot of people doing it and I thought it was for a good cause.”

Clearly, this trend has become very prominent all around and has even reached many celebrities, including Carson Daly, Matt Lauer, and Al Roker, who participated last year. Will the cleanly-shaven faces return in December or will we be stuck with hairy faces forever? As of now, only time will tell how long No-Shave November will last.