Hello to the hairiest month on our yearly calendar. Movember. And Westville’s Chris Da Costa is challenging Mo Bros (and sisters) to support this movement to create positive change.
A regular champion for the cause, Chris – a senior graphic designer and marketing assistant at 26 (TMG) – is all for ‘busting the burly look’.
“The rules for Movember are simple. You’ve got to start clean shaven on November 1, then grow and groom your ‘stache and raise funds along the way. There’s no reason not to get involved, even if you can’t grow a mo.”
As the main Mo Bro behind TMG’s upcoming annual Movember Expo, Chris says life challenges and his Portuguese heritage have both had a heavy influence on how he carries himself today, and how he advocates for men’s health, including mental health and suicide prevention, prostate and testicular cancer.
“My grandfather is a barber and a very traditional one at that. My dad, used to have a world class moustache, but because he loves my mom, he had to shave it off as it pricked worse than provoking a porcupine. Lucky for me, my wife Ashleigh loves my furry mane. So does Raphael, my son. I’m like their very own authentic Portuguese teddy bear.”
Back in the day, Chris says he was never much of a groomer, but these days he’s embracing what his heritage is synonymous for – producing well-groomed men.
“Beard and moustache care is a strict part of the family heritage and teachings. This is ingrained from a young age and past down from generation to generation. When you wake up in the morning, your wife is to bring you a warm facecloth produced by the finest linen manufacturer in Portugal. While warming your pores, she gives you a facial massage, strokes your beard, twirls the ends of your moustache and offers your favourite breakfast, because she knows that like Samson, your beard is your strength. After breakfast, you wash your moustache and beard with Sunlight soap (the green bar). You do not use facial oils and mousse, as this weakens the hair. It must feel strong and tough. Then you check for any hairs out of place, trim, and aftershave is a must because it’s manly. Three slaps on each side of your face, a kiss from your wife and you’re ready to go!”
While picturing this ritual that gave us a good chuckle, we thought most men would take advantage of a family member who is skilled in the art of ‘barbering’. But Chris does not, as his grandfather refuses to charge him.
“This doesn’t mean I don’t love my grandfather, just that if something goes wrong, I can’t get my money back.LOL! Another trait taught to young Portuguese children in life skills 101. There is the famous saying, I only hear from you when you need something and I never want anyone to say that about me. So I go to my local guru – a man trained in the art of fine moustache and beard craftsmanship with specialist precision like a surgeon, and he doesn’t touch my face with anything other than a surgical blade. I don’t use any special waxes or oils, but I do carry soap and a small comb in my grooming kit. My dad makes peri-peri sauces and my hidden secret to grow a beard overnight, coupled with being Portuguese, is to rub this sauce on any patches of my face that are being lazy. I swear it works. It also cures any flu-like symptoms.”
When it comes to eating when sporting a mo, Chris says there are some things one should approach with caution. “Frothy cappuccinos and Portuguese rolls are banned! And soups, hot dogs and cheese grillers should all be eaten far away from the beady public eye!”
On men’s mental health, Chris says in today’s chaotic world, the struggles of trying to make ends meet, juggling work, family and South Africa’s current economic crisis, all wreak havoc on society, and men in particular, who he explains are stereotypically expected to be strong.
“Most men are unlikely to ask for help when they need it most. Not me. For myself, my family, my sanity, I found it necessary – and life-changing – to get help from an expert I resonate with. This helps me to cope with different circumstances and helps me to be there for my family, and maybe even make a difference to others too.”
Speaking of family, Chris places huge emphasis on the appreciation he has for Ashleigh and Raphael.
“People don’t understand how much a supporting wife can help with a man’s mental health, and Ashleigh has been incredible to me, as well as our son.”
As such, Chris’ involvement in the TMG Movember Expo is in solidarity with men’s health and, more recently following the death of his beloved grandmother to cervical cancer, raising awareness around cancer.
“I’ve been involved with the event since inception in 2021. The initial direction was to create awareness around men’s health which at the time was under strain as so many small businesses were affected by the riots. We opened it to these vendors for free, and it was really well supported by our local community.”
Fast forward to this year’s event, and Chris is more involved than ever before as there’s a charity angle to it as well.
“My gran was the pinnacle of our family. Losing her hit home, so I made a commitment to becoming as actively invested as I could with this event, alongside my manager who is an avid men’s health supporter. This year’s event is going to be bigger and better than ever. It’s on Saturday, November 4 at the Automark Showroom in Westville and has everything to do with men’s health awareness, and exciting hobbies and interests. Plus we’ve got a celeb or two on board. Doors are open from 9am and entry is R30 online and R40 at the door, which goes to charity. Please support this worthy initiative. Your support could help save a father, a brother, a son, a friend, a partner or a man’s life.”
Chris’ tips for growing a mo …
- Accept that you are not a beard growing specialist. You did not study it, unless you are Mediterranean, so leave the trimming to your local guru.
- Prepare for the itch. When you hit day two, this can be difficult to ignore, but if you can push through, it’s smooth, fluffy sailing after that.
- Don’t use oils and mousse. Do you see lions using oils? No! This is your mane and it must be clean – especially after eating – and rough. Use soap, it’s manly.
- Talk to your face mane. It loves attention, especially twirling the hairs.
- When people compliment your beard, say thank you! That positive feedback helps.
