Noticing a lot of lip-rugs around university? Are you questioning whether there has been a time warp to the 1800s on a daily basis?

Movember is the reason for the sprouting of moustaches in the UK and worldwide, to raise funds and awareness for men’s health with focus on prostate and testicular cancer, writes Samantha Booth.

One student rolling in the Movember movement is 20-year-old International Business Management student, Rob Kerr.

The long time ‘Mo Bro’ has been renowned to his friends for his superior lip fringe.

“I do love a great big bushy tash, more commonly seen on the older gent. There’s no maintenance in mine. It grows, it’s filthy and I like it.

“However, as a rule, if it hangs over the lips too much, I chop it back so I look less like a walrus.

It’s not just Mo Bros that take part in Movember, but Mo Sistas are those women who love men with a moustache.
Rob tells how the Sistas are reacting to his Mo: “The ladies go nuts for a tash. It’s called the pleasure slug for a reason.”

Jacques Tsiantar, second year English Literature student, uses his Greek roots (no pun intended) to conquer a Mo this month.As president of the Dead Poet’s society, his moustache is part of his character: “It’s not the tash on the outside that counts, it’s the tash on the inside.

“In terms of Movember, there is no shame if you’re not particularly gifted in trying it, the real shame is in quitting. Luckily, my Greek ancestors passed on a gene that has meant I’ve had a tash since the age of 12.

“Invest in a good set of clippers, is the best advice I can give to fellow Mo Bros.”

Ceinwen Cloney, 21-year-old Medical Genetics student, is a Mo Sista that appreciates a Bro with a Mo, but thinks the 1920s moustache should not resurface:

“It definitely depends on the boy. If you’ve got the right kind of face, a moustache can definitely look good. Especially if it’s accompanied with a bit of designer stubble.

“I think that handlebar moustache is one to be left in the past. Although it’s a great fashion icon, in reality, it just doesn’t sit so well!”

To mark the end of Movember, there are several national official events. The ‘Mo Run’, held at different locations across the country, asks the Mo Bros and their less hairy loved ones, to dust off their shoes and take part in 5k or 10k runs.

There is a serious side to Movember. Those with moustaches become a walking advert and promoter to raise awareness for prostate and testicular cancer.

The moustache is the ribbon for the cause and Mo Bros and Sistas are encouraged to register online and donate to the charities.

In 2011, celebrities such as Stephen Fry, Keith Lemon and Gary Oldman flaunted their attempts at facial hair for the charitable cause.

This year Stephen Fry has uploaded his second brandishing of a tash to the newly created ‘Mo Space’.

This platform allows the reformed gentlemen to donate money to one another’s causes and rate their comrades.

For those who are gifted in the facial hair department, there is plenty of other ways to donate to the cause. As seen over the last year, the moustache merchandise has become a trend that is set to stay.

The official website uk.movember.com boasts a range of Mo themed items, including limited edition Toms, a range of Mo accessories and exclusively designed tweed suits, to complete the gentleman look.

It’s not too late to start – if your male instincts are threatened by the increase of hairy fellows, set up your own Mo Space to boast what your inner gentleman can grow for charity.