A previous version of the story incorrectly called the event No Shave November.

The air is getting colder, the layers are getting thicker, and that can only mean one thing: It’s “Movember,” the one time of the year when men can get away with not shaving at all. During this time, men everywhere unite in a laziness marathon to see who can go the longest without shaving.

The monthlong event, promoted by the “Movember” Foundation since 2004, is actually a fun way to raise awareness about prostate cancer, as well as other cancers associated with men. Participating “Mo-Bros” are encouraged to go get checked out for potential early detection that can save lives. In 2012, the Global Journal listed “Movember” as one of the top 100 non-government organizations in the world.

As the popularity of “Movember” grows, so do the beards. Men have become highly creative with their clippers in order to achieve no-shave November looks. Some go for the Salvador Dali look, while others "free beard" it and let the whiskers fall where they may. Whatever you choose to do, “The International Man of November” award is the ultimate achievement for any man who participates. The big winner. chosen from 21 finalists from all over the world, gets to wear the coveted “Movember” crown all year round.

However, in order to be eligible for the award, and to just be an all-around awesome member of the “Movember” club, you must follow several rules. Here are the guidelines to a successful “Movember”:

Rule #1: Get rid of everything

On Nov. 1, all razors are to be disposed of or put away for an entire month. At first it's liberating -- after all, who wants to waste time shaving? But then the difficulty of the challenge starts to become apparent.

Rule #2: Withstand the uncomfortable feeling

The first week in, the itchiness commences. Your face will probably be on fire from scratching, but you have to power through for the cause.

Rule #3: Get used to looking cool

By the end of the first week, your 5 o’clock shadow may look more like 10 o’clock, but don’t worry, just tell everyone you’re going for the Clooney look.

Rule #4: Don’t take criticism

Around Thanksgiving, your beard will be in full, braidable swing and your family simply won’t understand. As you’re sitting at the dinner table, your grandmother will probably give you the why-aren’t-you-shaving look, but try to ignore it. Tell her that this is for the greater good, something the folks should appreciate.

Rule #5: Take pictures

Toward the end of your bearded journey, it’s time to start taking pictures and showing off your colossal coolness. This can also be considered a contest between you and all the other men to see whose beard came in best.

Rule #6: Have some fun

This is the stage where you’re just about to shave, so you can certainly take a few days to have some fun with how far you’ve come. Take some clippers to that manly beard and give yourself a cool "salon-finished" look, maybe even a goatee.

Rule #7: Shave

On Dec. 1, and not a second earlier, you finally get to shave. Until next year, guys.