Things are getting a little hairy – literally – at the Dartmouth Police Department.

The normally clean-shaven officers have been growing beards and mustaches as part of No-Shave November, a global movement where participants let their hair go wild for the entire month of November to raise cash and conversations about cancer.

Since many cancer patients lose their hair during treatment, the idea behind No-Shave November is that suddenly sporting a beard or mustache is an instant conversation starter about the effects of the grueling disease with family, friends, co-workers, or random strangers. And the more conversations begin about cancer, the more likely information on new treatments, the latest developments, and cancer screenings are to be spread.

Awareness is not the only goal of No-Shave November, however – fundraising comes into play too. Cash normally spent on November grooming – think shave gel, razors, and trips to the barber – are donated back to No-Shave November, which this year is giving funds to the Prevent Cancer Foundation, the Fight Colorectal Cancer community, and St. Jude’s Research Hospital.

And Dartmouth police officers’ beards and mustaches are paying off big-time, according to Det. Kyle Costa, the department’s public information officer.

“Originally our goal was $2,500 but we raised over $6,000,” Costa said. “It was a team effort. We had a 90 to 95 percent participation rate and guys from the department would ‘buy in’ to grow beards and mustaches for $50, and citizens donated as well.”

Both beards and mustaches were pretty equally represented at the station but there weren’t any wacky styles.

“We made an agreement with the chief we’d keep it clean,” Costa said.

And while No-Shave November has come to a close, a number of Dartmouth officers are resisting picking up the old razor – all for the crucial cause.

“Some guys are doing ‘Double Down December’ and will keep it going and buy in for $100 with the money going towards the charity.”

Want to support the department’s No-Shave November efforts? Even though it’s December, there’s still time. And every dollar donated goes towards blasting cancer.

Visit no-shave.org/team/DPD2017 to make a donation to the Dartmouth Police Department team.