There's never been a better time than now to start growing your ironic moustache. It's November, after all.

Throughout the country and around the world November has been re-appropriated as Movember, a fun and trendy public health campaign that raises millions of dollars worldwide in efforts to eradicate prostate and other men's cancers.

In 2003, inspired by the successful fundraising and awareness efforts of women's breast cancer health campaigns, a clever bunch of hirsute Australians came up with the concept for Movember over a round of beers (probably Foster's). Together, they agreed upon the concept: Shave it all on Nov. 1 and let one's moustache — and only the moustache — grow uninhibited for the rest of the month.

The campaign quickly caught on in other countries, including the U.S., the U.K., Canada, New Zealand, Ireland, Spain, South Africa, The Netherlands and Finland. Houston has jumped on-board en masse, with dozens of local teams and a handful of hairy Houston Texans helping to raise awareness.

In place of a colored ribbon to try to match to your outfits, the moustache itself serves as the talking point to promote discussions of men's health and represent solidarity. No marathons or walks are necessary (although they're not discouraged), but pledges are heavily encouraged through the Movember members site. Once you register with the site, you can link up your Facebook account, recruit a team and start spreading the news.

In addition to the fundraisers and nationwide video and photo competitions, individual events are planned throughout the month for each city that participates. Houston is always game for good parties, especially when they're for a good cause, so Movember is the perfect reason to celebrate. Everyone can do their best Tom Selleck impression and raise money for men's health. Does it get any better?

Ladies, children and less follicle-y privileged men can participate throughout the month as well with their own homemade or store-bought faux-staches. With Halloween over, there are plenty of awesome options at costume shops to make all your handlebar, horseshoe or walrus dreams come true.

Last year, the campaign raised more than $16 million from more than a million donors. The U.S. came in fourth behind Canada, the U.K. and Australia, so we've still got some room to, ahem, grow.