

Beard Season is a non profit charity championing the early detection of melanoma – Australia’s national cancer. It started back in 2010 after our mate died from a suss looking spot on his neck at the age of 26. Since then, we’ve been growing our beards from the 1st of June until the 31st of August. Using them as ruggedly handsome billboards for early detection, inspiring our friends and family to get a skin check with a GP or dermatologist.
By joining the crew and signing up as an ambassador you’ll not only be able to document your growth, start a team and be a better huMAN, you’ll be helping us raise much needed funds towards free, educational skin check sessions. Bringing skin specialists to where they’re needed most.
Ideally, people will be asking you a whole bunch of questions during your Beard Season. So here’s a few A’s to deal with the Q’s:
Growing a beard is magnificent symbol of commitment. From the moment you retire your razor, you’ll be bravely bristling in the footsteps of Sea Captains, Bush Rangers, Lumberjacks and Lords. Growing the ultimate conversation starter which can literally save lives. Your mission is to use your majestic neck mane as a talking billboard for early detection – convincing at least ten people to get a skin check, and help us raise funds for targeted community skin check programs.
The reality is, two out of three Aussies are likely to get some form of skin cancer before they’re 70. Crazy right?! The most dangerous form of this is melanoma – and it’s one of our biggest killers, claiming one person every five hours. Which is 12 X the global norm, a figure we’re determined to change.
Thankfully, melanoma is one of the most successful to treat cancers if it’s found early. Which is why our primary focus is on early detection. Something no other charity was doing when our mate passed away. So we went to work solving this problem in a hairy, unique way.
The colder months of June, July & August provide the ideal growing conditions for beards, not only keeping you warm but to make you more wonderful. Attracting the attention of everyone around you. Winter also happens to be the best time to get a skin check. Doctors can find suss looking spots easier because you’re less likely to be tanned. Plus, if you need treatment, you won’t be out in the sun straight after (which can trigger mutations – and sadly not the X Men kind).
Blokes are most likely to get melanoma and the most difficult to get in to see a doctor for anything, let alone a suss looking spot.
We reckon it’s because of two things:
So, by doing something ‘manly’ like growing a beard, it’s turning those most at risk into our biggest advocates. Making blokes proud of being responsible, and committing to be part of the solution.
Heck yeah!! Beard Season wouldn’t flourish without the support of the wonderful women in our lives – fondly known as… #BeardSeasonGardeners. Those who tend to the facial follicles of friends and family.
Because as we all know, it takes a team to grow a beard, and partners/pals play a very important part in the health and impact of an impactful chin thicket. Coaching them through the itchy stage, making sure they’re looking their best and encouraging them to get out there.
Your hard earned will be used with responsible efficiency, helping us fight melanoma in two massive ways:
AWARENESS
ACTION
Apart from the immense satisfaction of knowing you’ve potentially saved lives, we’ve teamed up with some of the finest brands, businesses and organisations in Australia. Offering you the chance to win what we call #BeardSeasonTrophies.
Here’s some of the milestones we’ve achieved over past few years. Imagine what we can do in 2020…
”"As a former pale kid who is now a current pale adult with a religious skin check regime, I couldn’t be happier to support Beard Season. I had my own skin cancer scare and it really wasn't pleasant. The more people we can get checked the better. Plus it's given me the perfect excuse to grow a big busy beard. Something that's been on my to-do list for years. A beard which now has the power to save lives!! All it needs is a little super hero cape. If anyone out there can help with that let me know."
HAMISH BLAKEONE OF THE BEST BEARDS IN RADIO
”"I’ve experienced so much change over the years. I’ve explored different business opportunities; gone from a single man, to a grandfather of three; moving with the times and technology. One thing, however has remained constant. My beard. After hearing about Beard Season in Sydney I had a skin check and found a couple of things on my shoulder I had no idea I had. This has given my beard so much more meaning and I'm honoured to now call myself an ambassador for the cause.
SIR RICHARD BRANSONONE OF THE BEST BEARDS IN BUSINESS
”"As an Aussie who loves the surf and the great outdoors, I'm proud to help Beard Season spread the word. So when I shaved off my mate Sam Hargrave's beard, we dit it live on social media - going out to 25 million people. We encouraged them to get a skin check and it was awesome to see how many people did. What the Beard Season crew are doing really saves lives. Making a huge impact on one of the world's deadliest cancers. A super hero effort if I've ever seen one. So sign up and get involved."
CHRIS HEMSWORTHONE OF THE BEST BEARDS IN HOLLYWOOD