Remember the saying “the secret to your success is hidden in your daily routine?” Well, we like to say the secret to your hair growth and restoration begins (and ends) with nettle oil.
Known in scientific circles as Utica silica or stinging nettle, this multipurpose additive is responsible for breathing new life into your hair. It pulls double duty not only to revitalize the natural shine and softness, but restoring any current hair loss.
Loaded with high amounts of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, the leaves are rich in minerals like zinc, iron, vitamin K and magnesium giving the hair follicles a much needed boost and stimulating blood flow back to the scalp.
Nettle oil is the king of restoration, revitalization, and the only hype man you hair deserves; treat him well and it will protect your hairline.
Surprise, surprise: this miracle worker is also found in Frederick Benjamin’s best-selling shampoo, conditioner, and daily styling cream. Trust, we are working on your hair’s behalf to provide it with scalp-forward ingredients, so you can enjoy a head full of healthy hair. In a world full of chemically-enriched alternatives, we got your back.
Beyond grooming benefits, nettle can also be used for medicinal purposes to help combat allergies, acne, and a host of other skin issues. Furthermore, you can actually boil the leaves for a refreshing and energizing cup of tea.
Your hair growth potential lies in the products you use (and the way you use them), so groom responsibly. Until next time!
]]>I'm frequently asked how I achieved such a thick and full beard. Focusing on beard care for Black men is essential for nurturing a thicker, healthier beard. The unique texture and growth patterns of afro-textured hair demand specialized care. Here’s a comprehensive guide tailored to meet these specific needs:
Afro-textured beard hair is often curly and coiled, making it more susceptible to dryness and breakage. (Check out our tips to combat dryness and irritation.) Recognizing this will improve your hair care routine, emphasizing moisture retention and gentle handling.
Moisturizing is not negotiable. Use products specifically formulated for textured hair, rich in natural oils like jojoba, argan, or castor oil. These oils mimic the natural sebum of your skin, providing deep hydration without clogging pores.
Clean your beard 2-3 times a week with a sulfate-free shampoo. Harsh detergents strip natural oils, leading to dryness. A gentle cleanser will remove buildup without compromising moisture. (We recommend our Invigorating Moisturizer Conditioner.)
Conditioning after every wash is crucial. It replenishes moisture and softens the beard, reducing the risk of breakage. Look for a conditioner that caters to curly, coiled hair types. (We recommend our Invigorating Cleanser Shampoo.)
After washing and conditioning, apply a beard oil or balm to lock in moisture. These products also add an extra layer of protection against environmental stressors.
When your beard is slightly damp, try using a wide-toothed comb or a soft bristle brush to detangle it. Start from the tips and work your way to the roots to minimize breakage.
Even if you’re aiming for length, regular trims are necessary to remove split ends and promote healthy growth. Use sharp, clean scissors or a professional trimmer.
Think about using a satin pillowcase or donning a silk scarf while you sleep to minimize friction and help retain moisture throughout the night.
The condition of your beard mirrors your general health. To encourage healthy hair development, ensure you eat a well-rounded diet that's abundant in vitamins A, C, E, and Biotin, as well as minerals such as zinc and iron.
Drink plenty of water. Hydration from within is crucial for maintaining the overall health of your hair and skin.
Beard growth is a journey that requires patience and consistency. Don’t get discouraged by slow progress. Stick to your beard care routine, adjusting as necessary to find what works best for your unique beard.
Remember, the foundation of a great beard is not just in the products you use but in consistent care, a healthy lifestyle, and understanding the unique needs of your hair type.
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Razor bumps, known in the dermatological world as Pseudofolliculitis Barbae, are not picky about where they show up—as long as there’s hair being removed, whether through shaving, waxing, or tweezing, they’re likely to make an appearance. These troublesome bumps and pustules emerge when hairs decide to curl back into the skin.
It's akin to your body mistaking them for intruders, similar to how it would react to a splinter, sparking off an inflammatory response. This battle under your skin can lead to an array of unwanted signs: bumps, pus-filled blemishes, skin discoloration, and even keloidal scars, turning what should be a smooth aftermath into a battleground of irritation and discomfort.
Razor bumps are not just any irritation. They're ingrown hairs that curl back into the skin instead of rising out, leading to raised bumps or painful sores that mar the landscape of your jaw, neck, or even the back of your neck. According to Black Enterprise, a staggering 80% of African-American men will face this issue at some point, a statistic that highlights the urgency for an effective solution.
Razor bumps don't discriminate by the blade or your age; they result from improper hair removal techniques, whether it's through shaving, plucking, or tweezing, putting you at risk of infection and inflammation. And if you thought the latest multi-blade razor could spare you the trouble, think again. Coarse, curly hair types (such as Black men or men of color) are especially prone to this dilemma, making an impeccable shaving routine not just preferable but essential.
Achieving a bump-free shave starts with the right routine. First, prepping the skin with the right moisturizing is key. Next, using a sharp blade is crucial to a razor bump-free face. Finally, add a soothing moisturizer to finish. Here are three simple steps for the best razor bump remover routine:
Alternatively, check out the routine in this video:
Understanding the direction of your hair growth, or grain mapping, is crucial. This technique reduces the tension between blade, hair, and skin, allowing for a shave that's 'with the grain' and less likely to irritate or cause ingrown hairs.
The right products can make or break your shave. Traditional aerosols and foams can obscure your view and lack the necessary slip. Opt for a pre-shave routine that maintains moisture, like the Easy Primer Pre-Shave & Beard Oil, followed by the Hydro-Glaze Shave Gel for a clear, smooth shave that cools and soothes.
Why did we develop these products? These are products specifically designed for men of color by men of color. They contain aloe extract, which heals and moisturizes the skin. Plus, it contains witch hazel to cleanse and soothe inflammation.
Over 97% of men saw results in days with daily use of Frederick Benjamin Grooming's Bump Clear razor bump cream.
If razor bumps have already made their unwelcome appearance, Bump Clear offers a clinically proven respite. With over 97% of users reporting a significant decrease in bumps within 14 days, this treatment addresses current issues and prevents future ones. Its blend of natural oils, anti-bacterial, and active ingredients provides a gentle yet effective solution without the harsh sting of alcohol-based after-shaves.
Bump Clear razor bump cream gets rid of annoying razor bumps. It stands out not just for its effectiveness but for its understanding of the problem. It goes beyond treating symptoms and addressing the root causes with a formula designed for the unique challenges men of color face. Its combination of hydration, protection, and treatment makes it a comprehensive solution for anyone looking to improve their grooming routine and say goodbye to razor bumps for good.
To swiftly banish razor bumps, embrace a multi-faceted approach: initiate with a gentle exfoliation to free trapped hairs, follow up with a soothing, anti-inflammatory aftershave like Bump Clear to calm irritation, diligently apply a targeted treatment formulated with salicylic acid or glycolic acid to exfoliate and clear the pores, and moisturize with products rich in natural oils to heal and protect the skin. Additionally, give your skin a break from shaving to allow it to heal, ensuring your next shave involves a sharp, clean razor and proper technique to prevent future bumps.
While not a cure for razor bumps, Vaseline can act as a barrier to protect the skin and lock in moisture post-shave, potentially reducing the risk of irritation and helping to soothe the skin.
However, it's crucial to address the root causes of razor bumps—such as using a sharp razor, shaving in the direction of hair growth, and employing proper aftercare—with targeted treatments and products designed specifically to prevent and treat razor bumps for a more effective solution. Furthermore, Vaseline is a petroleum-based grease known for clogging the pores, creating greater skin irritation issues post-shave.
Razor bumps are more than just a cosmetic concern; they're a barrier to confidence and comfort. But with the right knowledge, tools, and products like Bump Clear, you can transform your skin's health and appearance. It's not just about looking good; it's about feeling your best, every day. Welcome to a future where razor bumps are a thing of the past and your skin's health shines as brightly as your confidence.
]]>On Valentine’s Day, a fresh, striking look is crucial for their night out (or in). You have to bring your A-game! There are thousands of articles and YouTube videos available for the ladies, but guys need to look their best too.
Here are a few of last minute tips to keep your hair and your overall look on point for Valentine's Day.
Make time in your schedule to get cleaned up. A fresh fade will ensure you look your best and beats looking unpolished. Your date will notice your hair before any other accessory! “If your hair looks right, chances are you’ve already won her over! A woman will appreciate an edge up, clean beard, and a spritz of your cologne”, James says.
If your shampoo has any sulfates, alcohol, or leaves your hair feeling squeaky clean, it’s time to let it go. Wash with a moisturizing, gentle shampoo that cleanses the scalp but keeps the natural oils. Frederick Benjamin’s Invigorating Shampoo ($12) is sulfate-free, refreshes the hair, and removes sweat and product buildup.
You can wear a $50 outfit and look like a million bucks by following this tip. My grandfather hammered this home growing up. A pressed, wrinkle-free piece was always better than a brand new, wrinkled one. Focus on the small details of your outfit to make the biggest difference.
Wear monochromatic, solid colors: Now’s not the time to experiment with new trends or pieces you don’t feel yourself in. Wear something that fits well and makes you feel confident and comfortable – It doesn’t have to be red or pink, but extra props if you go the festive route!
Whether you're doing hard-bottoms or an upscale sneaker, make sure they're cleaned and shine. Visit a local cobbler to get a full service or do it at home with a soft rag, leather cream and some good ol' elbow grease.
Don’t show up to your date with razor bumps and stubble. A soft and smooth face is crucial to any Valentine’s Day event. Apply Hydro Glaze Cooling Aloe Shave Gel ($12) to damp skin to prep for your shave.
This gel is transparent, so you’re able to see exactly where you’re shaving and avoid any sensitive spots. Use it to perfect your beard, mustache, and goatee.
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Afro-textured hair, with its majestic curls and coils, has a natural tendency towards dryness. This dryness isn't just about lack of appeal; it's the breeding ground for scalp issues. As a hair care aficionado, I've seen firsthand how the lack of natural oil journeying from the follicle down the hair strand leaves Black men grappling with itchy and flaky scalps. But what exactly triggers this dryness? Let's break it down:
Black men often find themselves in a battle with dry scalps, and it's not just about bad luck. It's rooted in the unique characteristics of Afro-textured hair.
The natural oils from the scalp face a real trek trying to navigate those twists and turns to moisturize the hair. Combine that with a penchant for products that might be a bit too harsh, stripping away what little moisture there is, and you've got the perfect storm for dryness.
Add in some heat styling, which is like an open invitation for moisture to pack its bags and leave, and it's clear why a dry scalp is such a common annoyance for Black men. But, understanding the why is the first step in waving goodbye to the itch and embracing healthier, happier hair.
Dodging the dry, itchy scalp dilemma is about embracing the right moves and ditching the no-nos.
For starters, hydration is king. Quench your hair's thirst with products packed with natural oils like avocado or jojoba – think of them as a refreshing drink for your scalp.
Next, show some love to pH-balanced shampoos and say a firm "no thanks" to those harsh chemicals. They're not your hair's friends. And don't forget, conditioning isn't just a luxury; it's a must-do. It locks in that precious moisture and keeps your hair feeling like silk. A few minutes of conditioning after shampooing can alleviate dry scalp.
Products like our Frederick Benjamin Regimen include a shampoo, conditioner, and daily hydrator. Black men do not have to shampoo as often. I frequently get asked how often. In my expert opinion, 1-3 times per week. Less is better for Afro hair. Additionally, try to condition each time you shampoo to retain moisture.
Dandruff isn't just about those pesky white flakes cramping your style; it's like your scalp sending out an SOS. Think of it as a tale of imbalance and irritation. At the heart of it, there's often an overgrowth of a microbe called Malassezia. This little critter is a fan of feasting on your scalp's natural oils, but the party doesn't stop there. Its leftovers can irritate your scalp, leading to more skin cells being shed than usual – hello, flakes!
But let's not just point fingers at microbes. Your lifestyle choices are also in the mix. Whether it's stress cranking up the dial, hair products that are a tad too harsh, or even just the weather playing its tricks, each plays its part in the dandruff drama. The good news? Once you crack the code of what's causing your personal flake fest, you can take the reins and show dandruff the door.
Now that we've pinpointed the culprits, let's talk about solutions. Your scalp deserves relief and rejuvenation, and we're here to guide you through it:
Embracing these tips and integrating them into your hair care routine is more than a regimen; it's a commitment to the health and vitality of your hair and scalp. Keep an eye on the responses your scalp gives you. Remember, a healthy scalp is the foundation of great hair, so make sure you're giving it the attention it deserves.
With the right care, your journey to a flake-free, itch-free scalp is not just a possibility, but a promise. Wave goodbye to dry scalp woes and welcome a future where your hair's health shines as brightly as your style!
]]>Even if you aren’t a fan of the look — one thing we can all agree on is that dry hair is an absolute no-no. Keeping your hair healthy— even in the heat of summer — means it needs to stay hydrated. To help, we've compiled some of our favorite tips to moisturize your hair all summer.
You read that right. Some shampoos help to retain moisture, but part of the cleaning process is actually stripping the hair and scalp of oils and build-up that can clog your pores. Instead of washing with shampoo everyday, limit shampoo use to 3 times a week. That way, you allow your hair to recover some of its natural oils and keep it feeling fresh.
For more men, time is precious — and getting out of the door in ten minutes (or less) is a priority. But that doesn't always work if you want to take your grooming seriously. And it starts from the top, having healthy hair makes it easier to style. Dry hair is the enemy of your tight schedule.
To avoid dry hair, make sure that you are replenishing moisture to your hair. Make sure you use hair conditioner the right way. After shampooing with warm water, coat the hair and scalp with conditioner. Let it sit for at least two full minutes, then rinse with cool water to lock in the moisture.
When you get out of the shower, allow the hair to air dry slightly before applying any products or use a T-shirt (or microfiber towel) to dry the hair. Why? It’s gentler on textured hair.
Here’s a fact: Summer heat leads to air conditioning. It may feel great to cool down, but the changing elements throw your hair and skin’s moisture levels out of whack —just like going from the cold into a heated room in the winter.
Thankfully, you can combat dryness by being proactive and using a leave-in moisturizer is your best bet. Not only will it maintain moisture in natural hair throughout the day, but also keep anything from deep waves, loose curls to locs looking fresh this summer.
Want to keep dry scalp and hair at bay? Try our Regimen for just $30!
]]>So we're here to help!
In this blog post, we'll share four of our favorite hair care tips (with examples) to make your decision and morning routine a lot easier.
Maybe you've heard it before but you still shampoo everyday to get the gunk and grease out of your hair from that styling product (more on that later). Or maybe you've never heard the recommendation and are wondering why.
Well, here's the simple answer: it's all about one nasty chemical.
Most shampoos that you can grab off the shelf contain SLS or sodium lauryl sulfate. It's a detergent that cleans the hair but unfortunately it tends to strip away the natural oils that your scalp produces to protect your hair.
That means overexposure to SLS (i.e. shampooing day in and day out) will leave your hair dry and brittle—and no one wants that Brillo-pad feel.
Solution: Cut down to shampooing only twice a week, preferably with a product that doesn't contain SLS. Our invigorating shampoo is sulfate-free and blended with natural oils and other ingredients to keep moisture in while it cleans.
You hair has a tendency to dry out across the day. Whether from dry air in the fall, indoor heating in the winter, or even hats in the summer or spring, every day is a battle to keep those locks smooth. But you have to get to the root!
Hydrating at the scalp helps keeps the hair that grows from it soft and (most importantly) easy to style.
Solution: Even when you don't shampoo (but especially after you do) use a rinse-out conditioner to replenish moisture to your scalp and hair.
You can also use a hydrating creme like our award-winning Daily Hydrator or any number of oils or oil blends (including sweet almond oil or coconut oil) and apply it directly to the scalp.
Be sure to distribute evenly throughout the scalp and hair for best results.
A little everyday can go a long way!
Sometimes it can feel like your only options are a low caesar or the baldy. But taking care of your hair the right way means that you'll have a lot more range to wear waves, short curls or even longer styles based on your hair type.
Solution: Find something that works for you or ask a trusted groomer for their expert opinion. You can always go back to the low cut but you'll never know if you'll find a better look—something that really makes an impression—unless you do a bit of (controlled) experimentation.
Just make sure it doesn't make you late to work!
Remember we said we'd get back to this? Well here's the hard truth: most of what we have access to at the local drug store is either (1) not formulated for our hair type or (2) full of grease to force things to lay flat. In each case, you're not doing your hair any favors.
Solution: Make sure you're in the ethnic section, which should usually be more curly-hair friendly, and do your best to avoid options that contain alcohol, mineral oil or petrolatum--good to hold things in place but dries out the hair and gives off that crazy shine.
Opt for a natural solution like our Sleek Water™ pomade, infused with grapefruit seed oil to moisturize hair and give medium hold—without the greasy residue. Consult your barber for their recommendations as well since more and more shops are carrying trusted products.
Use code: BESTHAIR and save 20% off your purchase now!
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A wave brush is essential to getting and maintaining 360 waves.
While soft wave brushes are designed for shorter hair lengths, medium and hard brushes are for thicker, kinky, or lengthy hair. You can gradually introduce medium-to-hard brushes as your hair grows because longer lengths can bear greater tension because of the stiffer and denser bristles. As your hair grows longer and becomes harder to manage, you’ll require them to help maintain the wave pattern. The following is essential information to help you choose the correct wave brush for your hair.
Although there is nothing complicated about brushing your hair while you use a wave brush, there’s a specific technique that you must follow. You should always brush your hair from the crown of your head and extend it away to form a wave pattern. Brushing your hair consistently throughout the day is required to maintain a wave hairstyle. Removing tangles from your hair is also necessary to ensure a well-maintained hairstyle.
Your brush choice for a wave hairstyle depends on the size and texture of your hair. The reason is that soft brushes are typically best for people who have hair of concise length because stiff or medium-sized brushes can easily irritate and hurt their scalp.
On the other hand, a stiff or medium brush is ideal if you have denser and thicker hair of a slightly longer length, as a soft brush won’t do the job here. You will undoubtedly need a medium or hard brush to tackle and direct your hair in the right direction for your desired look.
As time passes, your hard wave brush will also start seeming medium to you, and a medium brush will feel like a soft wave brush for your hair. This is when you need to change your hairbrush and get a new firm wave brush for the growth and grooming of your hair.
Soft and medium wave brushes offer the best of both worlds for wavers.
There are also hybrid wave brushes with medium and soft bristles for maximum versatility. (If you have kinky hair, such as 4A, 4B, or 4C hair, then a medium to hard bristle brush in combination with a soft bristle brush is highly recommended.)
Soft brushes provide a finishing and delicate look to your hair, while hard brushes provide a more rigid and stern combing to your waves. While medium to hard brushes is made of boar bristles, they do feel harsh and firm on the scalp, which is also needed if you have a thicker and denser hair texture.
On the other hand, soft brushes are made with extra soft bristles that quickly help you manage your hair; they never feel hard and harsh on your scalp. They also provide an evenly layered texture to your hairstyle and greatly help spread and equalize any applied product on the hair evenly.
The main difference between hard and soft wave brushes is the material they are made of and the feel they provide to your hair. Using a soft brush is ideal for you if you have shorter or longer silkier hair. However, if you are wolfing your hair, opting for a hard brush will provide you with the needed stimulation and growth of hair.
Wave brushes are ideal for 360 waves.
As discussed, it is greatly based on the size and texture of your hair, so choosing a soft wave brush for shorter hair will be the best option for you. As hard brushes might help you get the wave shape quicker than other options, they can significantly damage and weaken your hair roots and length.
If you have thicker hair (such as 4A, 4B, or 4C hair) or longer hair, using a hard brush will directly help tame the roots and set up your hair’s shape. A hard brush can directly and quickly get down to your roots and shape them in the way and direction you want.
In the other case, if you want to frizz down the layering of your hairstyle, you can opt for a soft brush to gently lay and style your hair.
Brushing your hair downwards, starting from the crown of your head, is the best and ideal way to create waves in your hairstyle. As the hair stays on the top line of your head, brush your hair in the downward direction towards your forehead, sides, and back. This will help the wave style form in an equal and right shape- even assuring an equal distribution of oils in your scalp. The right direction and growth also ensure an equal 360 wave hairstyle.
Yes, wave brushes can easily be used for beard grooming. These brushes can brush, groom, and even style your beard without damaging or breaking the hair.
Again it depends on the length and texture of your beard regarding which type of wave brush you should go for; a soft, medium, or hard brush. Always consider your beard length and hair growth tendency when choosing the right brush for your beard.
Wave brushes are primarily used to acquire wave hairstyles. However, there are some things that one needs to consider while choosing a wave brush for their ideal hairstyle. Considering the size, texture, and length of your hair, you should decide wisely which wave brush (or brushes) is the best for you and what is the most accurate way of using it. If you are looking for a wave brush, have a look at our inventory!
]]>360-degree waves, formerly known as "brush waves" due to the amount of brushing required to create the waves all the way around the head, have grown in popularity among men with naturally curly hair. Whatever the case, Black guys were always known to wear waves in a pattern.
It not only helps your hair look tidy, but it also draws attention to your hair in any situation and event. Everything you want to learn about getting 360 wave patterns and more are included in this article. Here are five easy steps that can help you get the 360 waves hairstyle:
360 Waves. Notice how the waves spin from the crown of the head. Source: Kado via Instagram
The first step is meeting a professional and skilled barber and asking him to provide you with a tapered haircut. Each wave journey must begin with a haircut. Your haircut will change depending on where you are in the wave journey. You should start fresh with a low haircut if you are only beginning your wave journey. However, the first haircut for these waves will not have to be too short if you've been waving for some time.
As it is always best to read the ingredients and components of anything that you purchase to consume and apply yourself, the same should happen when you take care of your hair. To preserve the cleanliness and moisture in your hair from becoming dry, shampoo and condition it.
Brushing while shampooing is great for 360 waves.
When shampooing and conditioning the hair, use all-natural products. This will maintain the hair's hydration and healthy look. Make sure to brush your hair with a wave brush throughout the shower while shampooing. Each time you take a shower or even when your hair is damp, you must make it a practice to brush your hair.
We recommend washing your hair up to three times a week and conditioning your hair daily. To replace the oils shed in the shower, use a conditioner every time you shampoo, letting the conditioner sit for up to two minutes before rinsing out. Some wavers use conditioners to keep their hair moisturized instead of shampooing it.
Additionally, it aids in flattening the hair, which is perfect for forming waves. A dime-sized amount of pomade should be applied to the hair, and it should be worked through. After that, brush your fingers over the hair in the exact direction you would do when using a brush.
Soft and medium wave brushes offer the best of both worlds for wavers.
Now comes the time to brush your hair from the crown of your head and outward to create the 360 waves hairstyle you require. Use a gentle brush when getting your hair cut for the first time. It would help if you began to use the medium bristle brush as the hair grows. There are also hybrid wave brushes with medium and soft bristles for maximum versatility. (If you have kinky hair, such as 4A, 4B, or 4C hair, then a medium to hard bristle brush in combination with a soft bristle brush is highly recommended.)
Beginning at the crown of your head at the rear- brush your hair forward, towards your forehead, sides, and back. Repeat between five and fifteen more times. The fact that this is the one thing you must do consistently to obtain and maintain waves. Get into the habit of constantly brushing your hair inside the shower, at home, while watching TV, in the bathroom, or wherever. Bring your hairbrush to work or school. Brush again and again, as much as you can (when your hair is not compressed.)
Compressing your hair is the last but most crucial step of getting the 360 waves hairstyle, as compression locks in the moisture and protects your hairstyle to stay in shape for a long time. You can either wear a durag or even a wave cap to save the texture of the hair that you have just created.
A durag is a silk garment that keeps your hair laid in a wavy pattern. The durag should be placed on the head so that it is pressed down but not so tightly that it causes you pain. Every day, immediately following your brushing session, and while you sleep, you must wear the durag. You should wear the durag for at least one hour following brushing sessions, but it is best to wear it for extended periods as it helps intact the moisture and the hairstyle effectively.
Alternatively, wearing a wave cap can achieve the same goal of compression. It's a preferential question of using a durag or a wave cap. The difference between a durag and a wave cap is that the former allows you to tighten to your comfort, whereas the latter is a one-size-fits-all compression level and may lose its tightness over time.
Maintaining or achieving 360 waves is relatively easy. The video above quickly illustrates the process. However, achieving this hairstyle requires a lot of dedication and consistency. Using the right products and the effective technique mentioned above can quickly help you achieve this look that not only would look good on you but will also make heads turn where ever you go!
]]>In order to have the healthiest beard, it’s critical that you are aware of the products you’re using. The wrong ingredients can leave your beard dry and irritated. Some chemicals can cause hair loss or worse.
But the right ingredients can revitalize and moisturize your beard, boosting sheen, growth and overall health. The following essential oils for beards can not only invigorate your facial hair, but, in the right amounts, they can make you look great in the process:
One of the most fragrant essential oils for beards is derived from the bergamot citrus fruit. It acts as a perfume additive, yet studies like this one notes the bergamot’s ability to stimulate hair growth and protect the skin and scalp from inflammation and bacterial infection. This is critical because an improperly treated beard can become a haven for germs and bacteria.
Extracted from fragrant flowers known as cloves, this oil soothes the skin underneath your beard, especially if it’s itchy and irritated. Products with clove oil can also replenish and moisturize the skin, leading to healthy growth.
Not to be confused with CBD oil, hemp or hemp seed oil has been used for hundreds of years for nutritional and food purposes. Yet, the omega-3 fatty acids in hemp seed oil increases blood circulation in the skin and nourishes hair follicles, leading to growth.
Add this to the class of essential oils for beards that provide numerous benefits. Nettle, derived from the stinging nettle plant, has been used as a herbal remedy and food source for generations. But it also has the ability to revitalize the hair and skin on multiple fronts. When applied to the beard or scalp, nettle oil endows the beard and hair with a natural shine and softness, but it also has the ability to restore hair loss, according to Frederick Benjamin Grooming, a leading men’s hair care brand.
When used in excess, any hair and skin ingredients can be harmful to the skin. But products like Frederick Benjamin Grooming’s Beard Creme contain the recommended amounts of these essential oils for beards, which can promote optimal growth and health.
This article is a content collaboration between Black Men’s Health and Frederick Benjamin Grooming. For more information on Frederick Benjamin Grooming’s all-natural products, visit their site.
]]>Shampoos that moisturize the hair and scalp while not stripping all of the natural oils from the hair follicles are the best shampoo for waves. Do your research on the shampoo's active ingredients before purchasing. Make sure the product does not contain sulfates, alcohol, or parabens.
No. You cannot use any shampoo for waves. There is a balancing act with the ingredients as it should contain essential oils which moisturize the hair and scalp while cleansing. And avoid shampoos containing sulfates, alcohol, or parabens.
Durags or wave caps help make waves because they compress the hair while protecting the hair follicles from weather exposure and locking in moisture. It is just one of a few steps needed to get and maintain waves.
Shampooing and conditioning the hair are vital steps in the haircare regimen. Most men neglect the process. You should not wash and condition daily to maintain 360 waves. However, we do recommend brushing often and compressing your hair daily. Here are our top tips for getting waves, maintaining waves, and how often guys should wash their hair.
(This product can be found in Target stores nationwide. Click here to find your local store.)
The 360-wave hairstyle can be worn by many cultures with wavy hair textures. However, the style is predominantly worn by Black men or men of color. That stated, the key factors to developing and maintaining 360 waves are moisturizing the hair, brushing, and compression (with a wave cap or durag.)
The first step starts with moisturizing the hair and scalp. This regimen starts with cleaning the hair with a non-drying shampoo. You will notice most experts agree with the usage of shampoos that do not contain sulfates, alcohol, or parabens- as these ingredients dry the hair and irritate the scalp.
Hence, we recommend the Invigorating Cleanser Shampoo by Frederick Benjamin Grooming as one of the best shampoos for 360 waves. The gentle formula removes build-up from the scalp, oiliness, and sweat without stripping natural moisture from hair, so it feels refreshing.
(Please note: to prevent biased, we used the Cons from real customers for this product recommendation.)
We reached out to dermatologists, hair experts, and hair stylists for their recommendations on the best shampoos for 360 waves. Here are the benefits and disadvantages from the experts:
Dr. Sanusi Umar, MD, FAAD, is a results-oriented, board-certified dermatologist and hair restoration expert. He explains, "To achieve the best 360 hair waves, we first have to start with a healthy dandruff-free scalp and robust, healthy hair. To keep your scalp and hair in top condition, choose a super hydrating shampoo that won’t strip your hair and scalp of natural oils. You want to carefully read all the ingredients on the back of your shampoo to avoid harsh chemicals, such as parabens and sulfates." He recommends...
Arrogant Smith is a professional hairstylist and hair Consultant. He explains, "The Wavebuilder Wash in Waves Wave Saving Shampoo is the best shampoo for 360 waves because it contains a unique formula made with Kukui Nut Oil and Sea Kelp that helps to provide moisture, strength, and shine to your hair while you wash. This shampoo will help to cleanse your scalp and hair while helping to maintain the wave pattern you have worked so hard to achieve."
Laura Roncagli is a professional makeup artist and hair stylist in Venice. She explains, "360 waves need a lot of moisture and maintenance, which makes finding a good shampoo that cleanses and enriches the hair a bit tricky." However, she recommends...
Ghanima Abdullah is a hair expert, stylist, and cosmetologist. She explains, "Waves require that the hair be made as moisturized as possible before brushing. It's the moisture that clumps the hair to form into waves, in a similar manner that it defines curls. If you're going to shampoo your hair anyway, and you need something that's as wave-friendly as possible, try a foaming co-wash instead so your hair doesn't dry out." She recommends...
Gwenda Harmon is a hair and beauty expert. She explains, "This sulfate-free formula is blended with nature’s remedies for scalp health and softness, which is exactly what 360 waves need. A healthy scalp and strong hair are prerequisites for 360 waves." She recommends...
Calvaniece Mason is a hairstylist and recommends...
The experts have given their best shampoos for 360 waves, along with the pros and cons. We've also included links to where to buy each product. We recommend researching the ingredients in each to ensure they are a match for your hair and skin, then give each a try to truly determine the perfect match for you.
]]>As you get older, you may begin to see the signs of aging appear in your appearance.. Your body shape fluctuates, your hormones change, and even your hair quality can shift. The change in your hair can mean excessive hair loss or even male pattern baldness. How does hair loss come to be? It could be various reasons including stress, genetics, underlying medical conditions, or even a sign of aging. In order to avoid having the quality of your hair deteriorate, let’s look into some helpful tips that will improve your hair quality in the long run.
How You Can Improve Your Hair Quality
Recognizing the basic steps to improve the structure of your hair will eliminate the stress you gain in figuring out how to fix the problem and avoid major issues in the future. These tips are going to be very beneficial to becoming proactive about your hair health. Let's take a look at what steps to take:
Massage Your Scalp
Massaging your scalp is one of the most simple steps you can follow in the journey to improving your hair quality. With a scalp massage, you’re encouraging the hair follicles on your scalp to grow faster as it helps increase moisture and hair thickness. Scalp massages can stimulate circulation and strengthen the extra follicles. Be sure to be gentle so you don’t damage any healthy hair follicles. If you feel like you need extra effort in having a thorough scalp massage, invest in a scalp brush—they’re waterproof of course and can get into spots that are easy to miss on the head. As long as you focus on doing a little scalp massage daily in your routine, you have mastered one of the steps to improving your hair quality.
Take Vitamins
Not only are vitamins important for daily nutrition in the body, but there are certain ones that help with improving your hair quality as well. Vitamins such as Biotin and Vitamin E can have the most benefit in reaching your hair quality goals. Whether your goal is maximizing hair growth, improving hair thickness, or establishing shinier hair, Biotin and vitamin E are the main ingredients for maintaining quality hair health. Before you go out and purchase these supplements, be sure to do your research and determine the highest quality product. Consult your doctor as well, since they’re going to have a better knowledge of vitamin intake and your specific medical needs.
Research Medication
Vitamins are one thing but if you know that your condition with hair loss is more severe or that male pattern baldness and/or hair loss is within your family genetics, it is best to look into medications that will help treat the condition before it progresses. Research the best hair loss solutions for your specific needs and get a headstart on your hair regrowth journey. Talk with your doctor to find the best solution for you and your health. Working together will give you optimal results and cater to your individual requirements.
Use Less Shampoo
It does sound a little abnormal to use less of a product that is supposed to maintain great hygiene. The thing is with a lot of shampoo products, they contain sulfates which actually aren’t very good for your hair. In fact, that is partially the reason why others deal with having low-quality hair or show patterns of hair loss. A major culprit of this is due to products that can be hazardous to the locks on your head. Looking into shampoos that are free of sulfates and parabens or follow the trending “low poo” criteria is the best route to take. Depending on how thick your hair may be or the level of its porosity will determine the right product to use in keeping your hair clean and healthy.
Rinse in Cool Water
Water temperature is your friend. Making sure that the water temperature is set to a cooler setting will help in improving hair quality. With warm or hot water, the moisture in your hair won’t be able to lock in. In fact, it will strip the oils from your hair and dry out your scalp. By using cold water, it actually helps with breakage and frizz by allowing your scalp to retain moisture and stimulates pore closure to protect it from dirt and oil build-up. Not only will this improve hair quality, but it does help keep your hair stay clean longer and prevent frequent greasiness. Rinsing in cold water does help prevent hair loss by protecting hair follicles and vulnerability from using excessively hot water.
Look into all of these tips and see which works best for you. If you want to try them all, don’t forget to thoroughly research certain tips before implementing them into your new hair care routine. In the long run, these suggestions will be of great use to not only yourself but other people you know that are dealing with hair loss.
]]>For those wondering, a hair moisturizer’s job is to ensure your hair has enough moisture. Spending too much time outdoors, especially in dry and windy areas, can make your hair look dull and dry. When your hair becomes hard, brittle, and dry, not only does it not look presentable, but styling it can also become quite challenging. This is why using a moisturizer can come in handy and ensure your strands are full of moisture and don’t have any dullness.
]]>For those wondering, a hair moisturizer’s job is to ensure your hair has enough moisture. Spending too much time outdoors, especially in dry and windy areas, can make your hair look dull and dry. When your hair becomes hard, brittle, and dry, not only does it not look presentable, but styling it can also become quite challenging. This is why using a moisturizer can come in handy and ensure your strands are full of moisture and don’t have any dullness.
Your hair can become dry during the day because of weather, various outdoor elements, indoor heating, or cooling. It would be fair to say that almost every day is a challenge to make sure your hair looks smooth and shiny. However, merely applying shampoo wouldn’t do the trick. Instead, you have to get to the root. How do you do that? Well, the best place to start would be using a moisturizer.
One of the biggest advantages of using a moisturizer is that it hydrates your scalp. Doing so can ensure your hair grows soft, making them quite easy to style. Remember, even if you do not have the habit of shampooing your hair every day, consider using a rinse-out conditioner to moisturize your hair and scalp.
Using a hydrating crème or different oil blends like hemp seed oil, which hydrates and moisturizes, can be an excellent option. When applying these, make sure you evenly distribute the moisturizer on your scalp for the best results. Applying even a tiny amount can go a long way.
Black men find styling their hair, especially challenging because of the lack of moisture. It is a major reason why most Black men prefer keeping their hair very short (such as 360 waves hairstyles) while others go fully bald. While there is nothing wrong with choosing these options, it is important to keep in mind that using a high-quality moisturizer can help you style medium-length or long hair.
Of course, you will need to put in some extra effort in maintaining your hair, but it will be worth it. When you moisturize your hair on a regular basis, it becomes softer and smoother.
As mentioned earlier, Black men tend to have dry hair, which can get quite irritating. The lack of moisture causes great difficulty when styling your hair and can feel uncomfortable too. Fortunately, steering clear from these issues is quite straightforward as you must prioritize your daily hair care routine. Most men seek a quick and easy regime without loads of products. Here are some great haircare tips for Black men.
If you're seeking the best shampoo, conditioner, and daily moisturizer products, try our products below!
Moisturizing your hair is vital to ensure it remains healthy, hydrated, and shiny for a long time. If you take the time to moisturize your hair daily, it will grow stronger even when you grow older. Many studies show that African American hair can break down over time because of how dry it is. Therefore, moisturizing it on a regular basis is a surefire way to combat breakage.
You can also lock the moisture in by using the LOC method. Start by applying a water-based moisturizing product, followed by sealing in the moisture using essential oils, as water evaporates from hair quite quickly. While there are plenty of oil options, spearmint, clove, or nettle oils would be ideal. Finally, use a restoring shampoo, invigorating conditioner, or moisturizing cream, and you will see the wonders it works for your hair.
For Black men with longer hair, an excellent way to lock moisture in once you wash your hair is to twist or braid your hair before you go to bed. Doing this will help ensure your hair strands are close together, allowing the moisture to flow freely down your hair shaft. You can also wear a bandana, durag, or headscarf for compression and extra protection.
Following a hair moisturizing routine has plenty of benefits, like improving scalp health, reducing hair loss, and making your hair look shinier. With so many benefits to offer, it only makes sense to make hair moisturizing one of your priorities.
There is a common misconception that moisturizing hair is difficult for Black men compared to guys from other races. While there is some truth to the statement, it is not too difficult as plenty of fantastic hair moisturizing products are out there. There is shea butter, shampoos, leave-in conditioners, different types of oils like coconut, argan, or almond oil, and much more.
While all of these items are quite helpful, you must especially keep an eye out for petroleum and sulfate in hair care products and avoid them. The main purpose of sulfate in haircare products is to rinse all oils and residue. While that may seem like a beneficial aspect initially, there are some problems associated with it.
First, sulfates remove more natural oils than necessary from your hair and scalp, causing your hair to dry faster. Parabens are another chemical that you must avoid if you want your hair to become soft and smooth. Many shampoos and conditioners contain this chemical, which is used to preserve their shelf life. However, parabens are harmful to the hair, causing them to become dry and weak quite quickly. It is okay to use products with a low level of parabens and sulfates sometimes but using them every day would not be a wise choice.
People with dandruff should especially avoid products with these chemicals to give their hair a chance to improve. Remember, the more you care for your hair early on, the longer it will stay healthy. So, if you want a stand-out head of hair, then it’s important to start a moisturizing routine today and use sulfate and paraben-free products for the best results.
We get many questions from customers asking, "Is this product good for waves?" or "Can I get 360 waves from this product?" Before we get into the product recommendations, we must first alert you to the fact that the product alone will not guarantee waves. It's the process involved that gives you waves. We've written our top three most recommended tips here. In a nutshell, achieving 360 waves starts with brushing, then compressing the hair with a wave cap or durag, and the final step requires patience and repetition of the steps mentioned above.
Wave products are an essential piece of this process, and they help moisturize the hair, offering shine and holding to the wave curl pattern. Here is a comparison of the top products on the market:
As mentioned, Murray's Pomade is a good product and is versatile enough to satisfy many hair types for African Americans. However, a few hair types are unsuitable for, such as those with oily scalps. Because of the ingredients, it is known to clog the pores, be cumbersome to apply and be difficult to wash out. Let's delve into the ingredients to better understand why it's helpful for 360 waves:
Here is what some real customers had to say about the product. We'll give the good and the bad, so you can make a better-informed decision about whether the product is suitable for you.
The Bad
"First, this stuff is no joke. My barber hates this stuff. It clogs his clippers and makes the cut hair stick to his hands. It is very thick and doesn't wash out well. I use only a little bit and work it in allot. There isn't much buildup and it lasts all day. And after a week you can use your pillow case as a candle." -JK
The Good
"Does your hair not want to cooperate? Welcome to the nuclear option, Murrays. I would not suggest this for your average person. It does not wash out of your hair. It requires a slight lifestyle change, to be honest. But it will tame your hair, if nothing else will. For best results use a water based pomade or some other gel in small amounts, mixed with the Murray's. Hair will stay where you set it. Smells great. Use Aussie 3 Minute Miracle (sitting in dry hair for about 20 minutes) to strip out." -Tom
The Verdict
As much as we love this product, it does have its drawbacks. Substituting water-based pomades for petroleum-based pomades alleviates the greasy mess associated with this hair product for waves. We recommend you try each product and see what works for your specific hair type.
One of the best Black men's hair products for waves is Sleek Water Pomade by Frederick Benjamin Grooming. It's designed to hydrate your hair and scalp without weighing it down. It's a lightweight water-based pomade that won't leave behind any unwanted buildup. Plus, it contains hemp seed oil to help keep your hair healthy and looking its best. Let's delve into the ingredients to better understand why it's helpful for 360 waves:
Here is what some real customers had to say about the product. We'll give the good and the bad, so you can make a better-informed decision about whether the product is suitable for you.
The Bad
"Just be careful if your allergic to wheat/glycine this product is not for you. Otherwise it smells good but not for me." -Omari M.
Via Frederick Benjamin Grooming
The Good
"The pomade is NOT sticky like some are and it does not leave a messy residue. It is also good to put a light film on my hair and wrap it in a du rag for a few minutes for a fresh look when there is not time to do serious grooming. My bald spot is filling in thanks to some other stuff and the Sleek Water is a constant feature in my regimen. Thanks for such an excellent product." -Jon B.
Via Frederick Benjamin Grooming
The Verdict
Although we're biased here, this product excels in holding 360 waves like a gel, yet it does not contain petroleum. The Sleek Water Pomade will leave a soft-to-the-touch, medium-to-strong hold, and matte shine. We recommend you try each product and see what works for your specific hair type.
These products hold 360 waves well:
There are many products in the market to try for 360 waves. It's important to pay attention to the ingredients to ensure they are suitable for your hair type, hold the wave pattern, and foster a healthy scalp. The best hair products for 360 waves help keep the hair and scalp nourished and prevent breakage, which contributes to healthier hair growth. Beyond product recommendations, we strongly encourage training your hair with a brushing and wave cap regimen. If you need advice on common problems most people experience with their waves, check out this page. When it comes to proper haircare... you do better when you know better!
]]>Sponge Twist hairstyle for Black men, also known as "Sponge Curls."
For the sake of clarification. Twist hair does have subclassifications. By default, and irregard of sex, most people think of long hair that is being twisted out into a curly pattern. For our sake, and targeting most Black male youth and Black men, twisting the hair with a sponge brush after a haircut is also considered a twist curly style. Some even call the hairstyle "sponge curls." Most barbers complement the look with a razor-sharp lining and tapered fade. Though it may not be as involved as longer twist hairstyles, it gives a neat and rugged look all at the same time.
The sponged twist curl look is achieved by leaving the top of the hair mostly unshaped. It's recommended to apply a moisturizing product before sponging. Why? To add and retain moisture to the hair so that it won't look dried out. This will make the hairstyle look nourished days after the haircut when oftentimes the hair starts to look dry after the barber's finishing spray of oil sheen.
As a leader in hair care products for Black men, we often get many questions about regimens and recommendations. We love to educate our customers with the best advice for their haircare needs. When you know better, you do better...
Here is a great video showing the following details; first start with shampooing and conditioning. After drying, apply a hydrator product. After a haircut, apply a water-based or an essential oil-based moisturizing product. Then style the hair with a hair twist sponge brush.
Most Black men have a natural curl pattern. However, this curl pattern can vary from loose curls to tight kinky curls. The best way to achieve healthy and moisturized-looking curly hair is by using products rich in essential oils. Why? Hydration is the key to holding curly hair.
In general, we recommend Black men use water-based or essential oil-based products in their hair. Avoid harsh chemicals in products that dry the hair and scalp, stripping them of natural oils.
In our opinion, these recommended Black-owned products are some of the best on the market for men of color. Why? We're not just pulling the Black card. Frederick Benjamin Grooming is a Black-owned company with products specifically created for textured hair.
We've put years of research into our product ingredients. We do not use ingredients like parabens or phthalates, which improve product shelf life, yet studies have shown these products have increased health risks. Nor do we use alcohol and petrolatum, which strip natural oils and can clog hair follicles. We do use all-natural essential oils like spearmint, clove, hemp seed, and nettle to hydrate, restore, and protect your hair, scalp, and skin.
Most men (especially Black men) take haircare for granted. Most of us do not properly educate ourselves on the importance of hair care and grooming until we are older. Weekly (or periodic) trips to the barbershop aren't enough to be considered "haircare grooming." In fact, the barbershop is the last stop on the haircare train. The beginning starts at home with your routine and the products you apply to foster a healthy scalp, growth, and nourishment of your hair. So without further ado, here are the best twist hair products for Black men:
The Frederick Benjamin Grooming Twists & Curls kit is one of the best twist hair products for Black men. Why? It contains a carefully hand-selected group of products designed to cleanse, condition, moisturize, and style curly hair for men.
The kit consists of:
As mentioned, proper hair care starts with the scalp first. Hence the reason why we include our invigorating shampoo and conditioner. Think of your scalp like a forest. For healthy growth, you must clear the debris to allow for hair growth. Our gentle shampoo cleanser does not strip natural oils from the hair and scalp. In fact, it uses essential oils such as spearmint and nettle oils for revitalizing the scalp and promoting hair growth. Our conditioner locks in moisture and stimulates blood flow in the scalp while hydrating the hair follicles.
Also included in the kit is a water-based pomade for lightweight styling. It acts like a gel without the messiness of it. For those who need a hair care product that can hold a curl pattern longer, we've included a styling cream that can be used daily to moisturize the hair in between cleaning. It's a cream and not a petroleum-based grease (which is known for clogging the pores). The styling cream provides a good hold without leaving a flaky residue. Lastly, we've included a hair twist sponge brush for styling the hair into the desired sponge curl look.
Purchasing each product at your local Target store will cost $62. However, by purchasing as a kit, you'll save $12 buying online.
If you're looking for a great set of hair products to twist your hair, we highly recommend the Twist & Curls Kit. The kit comes with a variety of products that are specifically designed for Black men with curly or kinky hair, and it's been formulated with natural ingredients that help to keep your hair healthy and hydrated. So what are you waiting for? Grab the Twist & Curls Kit today!
]]>And while it’s important to stay warm this season, let’s also make sure we’re taking care of our hair as well. Below you’ll find the top 5 ways to care for dry hair.
Wash Frequently (But Not Daily)
It may be tempting to pull out shampoo every time you shower, but it’s not the best idea for your hair. Why? Simple answer. While shampoo is great for cleaning, washing every day can strip your hair of it’s needed. natural oils.
We recommend using our Invigorating Cleanser every other day for a month. You’ll be surprised in the noticeable difference in your hair in a few weeks!
Keep It Moisturized
While daily shampoo-ing is off the table, moisturizing is not. We’ve already mentioned the importance of taking extra care of your hair in the winter. It’s important to use the following two products on a daily basis.
The Invigorating Moisturizer stimulates blood flow (which promotes hair growth) as well as invigorates the scalp. Follow up with the Daily Hydrator Styling Creme that works like a leave-in conditioner.
Wear Your Hat
Protect your hair from the elements by wearing a hat. Save the fitted for the summer time and opt for a breathable wool beanie instead. Not will it feel good but covers your hair better and won’t cause you to sweat.
Style Without The Gunk
Avoid products that have alcohols listed in the ingredients list. Alcohols are used to speed up the drying process of the styling product so that you can get out of the door quicker— and have style that lasts all day. But, they also contribute to consistency dry hair and scalp. Opt for natural alternatives, like featured in our products, instead.
Our Sleek Water™ pomade was created to add natural shine and medium hold, without the drying effects of other styling products. Natural grapefruit seed oil keeps hair moist and the water based formula makes it easy to rinse away, so you won't feel tempted to have to do a deep clean every day.
Check Your Toolkit
If you're a waver, grab a boar-bristle or nylon brush with a tight bristle pattern. This helps distribute oils evenly throughout the hair as you style to keep you looking your best-- and help your scalp and hair feel their best.
]]>Even if you aren’t a fan of the look — one thing we can all agree on is that dry hair is an absolute no-no. Keeping your hair healthy even in the heat of summer means it needs to stay hydrated. To help you out, we’ve compiled some of our favorite tips to moisturize your hair all summer.
Wash Less
You read that right. Some shampoos help retain moisture, but part of the cleaning process is stripping the hair and scalp of oils and build-up that can clog your pores. So instead of washing with shampoo every day, limit shampoo use to 3 times a week. That way, you allow your hair to recover some of its natural oils and keep it feeling fresh.
For many working men, time is precious — and getting out of the door in ten minutes (or less) is a priority. But that doesn’t always work if you want to take your grooming seriously. And it starts from the top; having healthy hair makes it easier to style, and dry hair is the enemy of your tight schedule.
Condition More
To avoid dry hair, make sure that you are replenishing moisture to your hair. Make sure you use a hair conditioner the right way. After shampooing with warm water, coat the hair and scalp with a conditioner. Let it sit for at least two full minutes, then rinse with cool water to lock in the moisture.
When you get out of the shower, allow the hair to air dry slightly before applying any products or use a T-shirt (or microfiber towel) to dry the hair. Why? It’s gentler on textured hair.
During the summer, you might find yourself needing to wash your hair more often. The shampoo is the step to clean your hair. However, it can also strip the natural oils from your hair if overused.
This is where washing with conditioner comes in, or what some would call “co-washing”, which helps you retain moisture between the times you’re not using shampoo while cleaning your hair at the same time.
Moisturize Often
Here’s a fact: Summer heat leads to air conditioning. It may feel great to cool down, but the changing elements throw your hair and skin’s moisture levels out of whack —just like going from the cold into a heated room in the winter.
Thankfully, you can combat dryness by being proactive, and using a leave-in moisturizer is your best bet. It will maintain moisture in natural hair throughout the day and keep anything from deep waves, loose curls to locks looking fresh this summer.
Want to keep dry scalp and hair at bay? Try our Regimen for just $34!
Stay Hydrated
Drinking water should be done all year, but in the summer months, it’s a must if you want to get the best out of your hair. If you already drink water daily, you’re already in a good position to protect your hair from the heat.
If you don’t drink water daily, start now, and within the next two weeks, you should begin to see a difference. For additional moisture, it’s recommended to use a cream or oil during the summer months.
Growing Your Wave
If you’re are looking to get wavier hair, wolfing is not necessary to gain progress. Instead, keeping a low cut when starting will help keep your hair manageable even when you sweat. A low cut is also ideal for building your foundation; your go-to brushes should be medium and soft when keeping a low cut.
Why You Should Start Grooming
We all know the benefits of a new outfit or a good sweat at the gym. Endorphins are going and the sidewalk becomes your runway. And what does that translate to?
Well, you probably feel like you can take over the world! That’s the difference that confidence makes, and it’s one of the key factors that separates underachievers from the risk-takers and game-changers.
Confidence makes you memorable. And whether you’re in the boardroom or on the ball field, having confidence takes your performance to the next level. But what does grooming have to do with it?
Positive Attention
From direct compliments to knowing smiles, being well-groomed makes you a point of attention. People notice a well-groomed guy. And that undoubtedly makes you feel good. At Frederick Benjamin, we believe that when you look good, you feel good and perform better.
The confident guy makes more consistent eye contact, has a firmer handshake, makes bold decisions, and can walk up and interact with anyone.
Builds Discipline
Grooming is all about maintenance, doing the little things consistently over time that bring results. When you see results, you’re motivated to continue the routine. And nothing makes a guy more confident than being able to control an outcome. When you know that what you do in one area brings positive results, it carries over to other areas of your life.
The discipline you build when you create a routine also gives you more time to do other things. For example, when you know how long your grooming routine takes, you can squeeze in an extra set at the gym or read a chapter of a book that’s been on your to-do list for the last three months. Personal care is an investment in your personal development. And personal development is the key to success.
Improves Your Health
We’re big believers that health starts from the inside out. And whatever you do on the outside can always be maximized by changes in things like your diet. Products can make your hair more manageable and skin smoother, but it wouldn’t hurt to add in a few more glasses of water, an extra salad, and one less carb. Then, when you start to look and feel better, you will be motivated to maintain that.
No More Bad Hair Days
A good grooming regimen starts the conversation about a well-groomed life. Your body is an engine; you get out what you put in. That’s why we use natural ingredients in all of our products. And that’s why we want to make grooming simple--no-nonsense, no fuss, no 20 step rituals
There are many things you can do to help protect your hair in the summer months. Following the tips above will give you a good head start in the right direction. Check out our quick how-to videos and find your regimen from Frederick Benjamin. If you have any questions or want to show us your progress, feel free to hit us up on Instagram. Until next time, stay cool and keep those brushes moving.
]]>Haircare products geared toward Black men are not as prevalent in the marketplace. So it's refreshing to find all-natural products that help foster a healthy scalp and hair. When you know better, you do better...
Black men can maintain curly hair in a few simple steps. Start with gently cleansing the hair, followed by conditioning the hair to lock in moisture. This is not a daily procedure for Black men, however. Instead, we recommend once per week. Next, use a hydrating styling cream or water-based pomade. Finally, use a hair twist sponge to define the curl pattern.
Hydration and conditioning are key factors in gaining soft curls. Avoid greasy petroleum-based styling products. Although they can initially make the hair feel soft, they can cause build-up in the scalp. Instead, we recommend water-based products when styling the hair.
According to All Things Hair, 3C hair is the void between 3B and 4A hair types in the scale for hair. 3C hair is very curly and can hold its S or Z-curve even after being stretched out. 3C hair can naturally coil the circumference of a pencil.
4C hair is very coily and in a tight zig-zag pattern and is often subject to shrinkage and dryness. However, with daily moisturizing, dryness is a non-issue especially if the scalp is healthy!
The hair sponge is designed to lock in chunks of hair while twisting into a hairstyle. Use circular motions to rub the sponge on the hair without pressing into a section of your hair for one to five minutes before moving on to another. It's important to make sure to twist only in one direction. Why? Your hair will look uniform, and you won’t “undo” your style.
What men's products are good for curly hair?
We recommend the following products for men with curly hair- especially if you have 3C or 4C hair!
The key factors for Black men to maintain healthy hair are scalp care, shampooing less, conditioning more, and hydration. Each of these products we recommend satisfies those important factors.
Many commercial shampoos on the market cleanse the hair but also strip it of natural oils produced by the scalp. It's best to use a shampoo that cleanses without removing needed moisturizing oils.
Hair is clean and healthy-looking with our Invigorating Shampoo. The gentle formula removes build-up from the scalp, oiliness, and sweat without stripping natural moisture from hair so it feels refreshing. It also does not contain harmful chemicals such as sulfate, alcohol, and paraben. Unfortunately, some of the aforementioned ingredients commonly found in shampoo products result in dryness and scalp irritation.
In contrast, this shampoo contains Spearmint Oil (for invigorating the scalp), Clove Oil (which stimulates blood flow), Nettle Oil (promotes hair growth), and Hemp Seed Oil (for hydration and moisturizing). These oils have been proven to help your hair grow and stay healthy.
Moisturizing Conditioner
Most people make the costly haircare mistake of skipping the conditioner. However, conditioning your hair is an essential part of protecting it. Conditioners lock in moisture and nutrients to keep you from having dry, brittle hair or an itchy scalp that can lead to dandruff. When applying this moisturizing shampoo, it instantly tingles with a cooling sensation, which ensures that the natural oils are working. With this conditioner, flakes and an itchy scalp will be a thing of the past. It will have your hair feeling refreshed, hydrated, soft, and manageable.
Daily Hydrator Styling Creme
This styling cream can be used daily to hydrate the scalp and moisturize the hair. It's grease-free so your hair won't be weighed down or trap debris build-up. Upon application, it provides a cooling “tingle” for added scalp relief. Think of it as a leave-in conditioner with a hint of holding strength.
Here's a real barber's testimony illustrating how he uses the shampoo and conditioner combo on this client before cutting their hair:
Sleek Water Pomade
This pomade is water-based (not petroleum-based) thus it minimizes build-up when styling curly hair. It provides medium hold as a gel does, yet offers soft-to-the-touch high shine to keep you looking groomed (and dapper) all day long. Best of all, it hydrates and moisturizes the hair and scalp.
Double-Sided Twist Hair Sponge
Now that you've gently cleansed, conditioned, hydrated, and styled your hair. It's time to secure a solid curl pattern with a twist hair sponge. A double-sided hair sponge is a must-have product for Black men with curly hair. The flat side pulls hair inside for a finer curl while the spikey side offers a more textured twist.
Putting it all together…
Twist & Curls Kit
Are you looking for a complete kit of curly hair products for Black men? Look no further as all haircare products mentioned earlier are packaged in this convenient twists and curls kit. In addition, it contains a gentle cleaning shampoo, moisturizing conditioner, hydrating styling cream, water-based pomade, and hair twist sponge. Best of all, you save some coins when it's purchased as a kit versus individually.
The challenge for Black men is finding products that consider all of these factors. We’ve recommended a few products that we believe meet these key criteria, but it’s important to find what works best for you. Experiment with different types of shampoos, conditioners, and styling products to find the combination that leaves your hair looking and feeling its best. Remember to scalp massage and hydrate regularly; both will improve blood circulation to the scalp and keep your curly hair looking healthy and shiny. What are your favorite curly hair products for Black men? Let us know in the comments below!
]]>Razors bumps, known as Pseudofollicultis Barbae (PB) or ingrown hairs, are the bane of many men's existence. How many? According to reports, up to 80% of African American men suffer from razor bumps at some point in their adult lives. When hair curls back into the skin, causing bumps or pustules, this painful ailment is not only irritating but can reek havoc on one's self-esteem.
Usually occurring under the neck or along the jawline/cheek area, the formation occurs when the hair, that has been cut beneath skin-level, grows back inward therefore causing inflammation--when you continue to shave over the razor bumps it only worsens the situation. Because the body's natural defense is to produce collagen to repair the damaged skin, keloids or scarring as well as pus can develop as a result of excess collagen and is more noticeable in darker skin. This is not a life-or-death situation but it can be cured if cared for properly.
Now that Spring has finally sprung most men tend to ditch their beards for a more cleaner, sleek look and that requires little trimming.
Our 3 simple step shaving process can aid in alleviating your skin of razor torture and achieve a smooth face just in time for Father's Day. Many call our shaving regimen the "supreme upgrade" to their existing grooming arsenal. Products include the Easy Primer Pre-Shave Oil, Hydro-Glaze Cooling Aloe Shave Gel and the piece de resistance Bump Clear- Post Shave & Bump Treatment. An advance treatment that is ultra hydrating and fragrance free that works double time to soothe and moisturize.
The magic lies in the active ingredients: sunflower seed oil and a patented soothing complex that reduces, eliminates and prevents razor bumps, ingrown hairs and razor rash. This is your new best friend who happens to hang out in your medicine cabinet and will help you see clearer skin in just 14 days!
How To Use
After The Shave:
1. Pat damp skin dry with a clean face towel.
2. Apply evenly onto just shaven area and instantly feel a cool, calming sensation.
3. Repeat daily and use until the irritated area is completely healed.
4. Wash, exfoliate, shave and repeat again!
NOTE: The Bump Treatment can be used as a daily face lotion and travels well without spillage in your overnight bag and easily fits inside your desk drawer for a mid-day fix.
Click HERE to purchase Frederick Benjamin products online and in select retailers and barbershops across the country.
#FrederickBenjaminSleek #DemandMore
]]>We all know the benefits of mint. Whether it's a hot tea to help sooth aching stomachs or strips of gum to keep bad breath at bay, the extracts have been used in a wide variety of ways from medical cabinets to recipe books. But what about for the hair and scalp? At Frederick Benjamin, we strive to provide the best natural solutions for healthy and hydrated hair and part of that is using active essential oils in our formulations. Spearmint oili in particular has an array of uses, especially when it comes to haircare.
The first, similar to nettle, is that it promotes circulation. Blood flow is essential to feed nutrients to the scalp, and your hair can only be as healthy as the scalp it grows from. Spearmint essential oil is also a great moisturizer, working to control oil production in the scalp. That means less greasy buildup, which is why--unlike most men's grooming products-- we use it in our invigorating shampoo, moisturizing conditioner, and Daily Hydrator styling creme to seal and protect the hair.
Want to learn more? Head to our website for more information and sign up for our weekly newsletter to get exclusive content right to your inbox! And get 15% off of your first order as our gift to you!
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Now that your hair is clean, styled, and laid the way you want it. We still need to add moisture to our clean hair so our waves doesn’t become brittle and dry.
After your hair is completely dry remove your durag or wave-cap. We’ve done enough brushing during our 360 wave wash session while wolfing, so brushing during this time won’t be needed.
3. We’re going to apply the Frederick Benjamin Daily Hydrator styling cream for 360 waves with the grain. For wavers it’s recommended to apply this moisturizer in sections. For example you can apply a dime size to the top, right, left, back, and crown to make sure every section is moisturized. Let the product sit in your hair for about 5 mins before applying the sleek water pomade for 360 waves. You can also put on a wave cap while you wait.
After 5 minutes remove your wave cap. Your waves should still be laid down and moisturized from the Daily Hydrator.
4. Next we’re going to add the sleek water pomade to keep our hair in place under our durag. Apply the sleek water pomade in sections the same way we applied the daily hydrator with the grain of your waves. Once you’re finished applying the wave pomade, you can use a plastic bag to help lay your hair down before you rag up.
For added compression, put your durag on and add a wave cap on top your durag. The next time you unrag, your hair will be clean, moisturized, and your waves will be laid in place the way you desired.
360 Wave post wash routines differ from person to person. Depending on how much hair you have, you may need to apply more or less shampoo/product. If you already have a routine, some of these tips will still help in your regimen. Stay safe and stay wavy!
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Key Topics in this article: 360 waves wolfing too long; wolfing waves; wolfing waves haircut, what is wolfing waves, wolfing hair, combing waves, how to lay down waves when wolfing, 360 waves wolfing, how to get waves, how long does it take to get waves, wolfing, how to wash waves
Ingrown hairs suck. We know it, you know it. So what are they? Why do you get them? And how do you prevent or get rid of them? In this blog post, we’ll tackle all the tough questions to keep you looking your best—without the frustration, pain and irritation.
They’re defined as curled hairs that grow under the skin as opposed to outward—the result being a raised bump or painful, sensitive sore. Ingrown hairs are the consequence of the removal of hair, by shaving or plucking. That means whether you use your razor, tweezers, or even your hands, you’re putting yourself at risk.
Shaving is equal parts art and science. Ingrown hair or razor bumps, classified as psuedofolliculitis barbae, is a common skin condition for men anywhere from age 14 to well over 60. Yep, that means you can start having issues from your very first shave! And no, they don’t only happen when you use a straight razor or single blade.
The fact is, razor bumps can happen even if you use the most high-tech multi-blade. And the coarser your hair pattern is, the more likely it is that you’ll suffer from ingrown hairs.
Now, some recommendations include growing a beard, shaving less frequently, or changing your tool. But it’s really all about how you shave.
You gotta trust the process. The best kept secrets to a pain-free, bump-free shave are keeping a sharp razor, pre-shave prep, shaving with the grain and consistent lubrication. The first is critical. Dull blades tend to pull hairs instead of cutting them. Blades usually become dull after use if they stay wet. So rule #1 is: don’t let your blades air dry! Make sure that you pat your razor dry with a towel before storing it away.
The second key is knowing how your hair grows. The old adage ‘go with the flow’ applies here too. Grain mapping (or seeing the direction your hairs grow before shaving) is a great way to decrease the tension between the blades and your hair and skin. Just pull your skin taught and get into the mirror. You’ll start to see the patterns that form with new growth and you’ll then know how to position your blade to consistently cut with the grain.
The third key is to maintain moisture before, during and post-shave. That’s where we come in! Our three step system is designed to do just that and it’s been clinically proven to reduce and prevent razor bumps in as little as two weeks.
It starts with our Easy Primer pre-shave oil. A great shave starts by softening the skin and hair before applying the razor. The next step is our foam-free Hydro-Glaze cooling aloe shave gel. And yes, it’s as awesome as it sounds. The clear shave gel lets you see exactly where you’re shaving, meaning less strokes, nicks, and irritation. Plus the cooling aloe maintains moisture on the skin while reducing friction between the skin and blades. The final step is our soothing Bump Clear post-shave moisturizer. Just like your daily lotion, you can apply the post-shave liberally to commonly affected areas along the jawline and neck. Plus it’s infused with natural oils, anti-bacterials and prescription actives to eliminate razor bumps and prevent future irritation.
See it in action!
Purchase your Shaving Regimen today!
Bumps, irritation, scratches...nobody wants to feel uncomfortable before, during, or after their shave. If you've had to deal with even a handful of bad shaving experiences, you’ll begin to dread your next shave session. Whether that means taking extra time to avoid cuts (or abrasions) —or worse, desperately doing damage control for any self-inflicted battle scars post-shave. This doesn't sound fun to anyone, right?
Several different components go into a clean shave that leaves you looking and feeling good. The first being a modern razor which utilizes innovative blade technology allowing for a smooth glide along your face. All of this decreases friction, overall causing less tugging, irritation, and helps you to quickly finish your shave (and go on about your day!)
Next, but equally important, is the type of shaving lubricant you chose. To maximize your experience, you need to learn if your skin reacts better to butter, cream, foam, or gel. Don’t sweat it, this doesn’t have to be a tall task — we’ll walk you through four options, so you can learn by example versus trial-and-error.
Shaving butter is light and thin, making it one of the sleeker options available from for those with sensitive skin. The transparent formula is typically low-lather and can be applied directly to your face. It has a thicker consistency that helps deliver more nutrients to the skin, providing for a hassle and pain-free experience.
Shaving cream typically delivers an airy, light lather, which is a partial contrast to shaving butter. We’ve seen a resurgence in popularity for this classic technique. Most guys use a boar bristle brush to apply the cream more evenly across the skin.
The rich texture make it great for smoother skin post-shave and the brush helps to lift the hair. But it does require a lot of one thing: time. If you need to leave the house in ten minutes, this might not be your best choice. Preparation, application, and clean up can eat up valuable minutes if you're grooming on-the-go.
This is probably what you grew up on. Who can forget the classic sound of foam leaving a can ?!On the plus side, foam takes some of the hassle out of applying a traditional cream by using an aerosol can to speed up the process. The thick foam coats the skin, moistening the hairs pre-shave. You save time on lathering up and most guys can usually remove any residual foam with a wet towel.
However, much like cream, shaving foam creates a heavy lather that obscures the shaving purpose. This makes it more likely you'll miss a hair or two, requiring you to risk irritation by re-shaving freshly shaved areas of your face.
Naturally, we are pretty partial to shave gel — it offers a unique experience that provides the best of both worlds. Here’s what our Hydro-Glaze Cooling Aloe Shaving Gel offers that others don’t: smooth application, no lather time, moisturizing ingredients to soothe the skin (and encourage razor glide) all to help prevent abrasions, bumps, and cuts.
Plus, our formula is foam-free, goes on clear, and helps guide your blade smoothly along your face. We’d gladly put our product against any other shaving gel on the market. And that’s on that. See it in action for yourself below:
By Walter Yeates
]]>Men can, and will, grow out their hair whether society likes it or not. Oftentimes these acts are celebrated (or even encouraged) which is great for a young man’s self-esteem and freedom of expression.
No different than a high bald fade or wavy caesar, your growth journey begins at the end of your comfort zone. Here are the ways in which you can successfully achieve those longer lengths, starting today.
WHERE IT ALL BEGINS: CLEANSING AND CONDITIONING
Declaring you’re going to grow our hair out is easier said than done. It involves more than just the actual lengthening of the hair follicles; it begins and ends with your regimen.
As with anything grooming, drastic changes are not recommended. We ask that you consult with a hair care professional (a.k.a your barber or stylist) to give you the greenlight and keep you on task.
This also may mean consulting your significant other, mother, sister, etc. on what steps they use to gain their glorious lengths...and they will probably tell you this:
1. Trimming is king! Eliminating those dead ends and stray hairs will prevent breakage.
2. Attempt to drink at least 8 glasses of water daily. Not only will you hydrate your skin, the body’s largest organ, but you supply moisture to aid your health and scalp health.
3. Switch-up your diet! Include a few helpings of water-rich fruits and vegetables (like cucumbers, watermelons and tomatoes), and reach for fish like salmon, sardines, and mackerel, which are packed with omega-3 fatty acids to help keep hair shiny, full, and healthy.
Now that you have mastered the art of “it’s all about maintenance to maintain," this should be a breeze since it follows your current regimen traditionally involves cleaning and conditioning your mane.
Here's the deal: you must shampoo your hair at least once a week. Why once a week? Because you don’t want to strip the hair of its natural oils. This is especially important during the winter months and to keep your already dry scalp feeling hydrated and protected enough to withstand the elements of rain, wind and snow.
When rinse use cool water instead of your typical lukewarm (or hot) temps to avoid frizziness and damage; this is especially true for those who are currently rocking locks or even braids. After cleansing, allot of time into your schedule for a good ole, deep conditioning. This can be done while in the shower or afterwards sitting in your favorite recliner, reading a magazine comfortably in your own space like the boss you are.
AT THE START AND END OF THE DAY: MOISTURIZE
After the cleansing and conditioning, it's time for one of the most crucial steps in this hair journey: hydration. During the winter season, you have to take extra interest into what you're putting on your scalp (and roots), so stick to what you know, our best-selling Daily Hydrator Styling Creme.
Keep in mind this will be your saving grace along with protective gear (like a winter hat or even a silk du-rag and...no judgment, all love my brothers!) Style as normal and repeat these steps daily to ensure you look your best, even if you are working or holidaying from the comforts of your home!
LESSONS LEARNED
Pop quiz, what did you learn? Hopefully, if you want to achieve long hair, you must treat it as a priority. It's more than just growing it out and going about your day. You need to brush, comb, nourish, cleanse, style and, most importantly, embrace your hair. You need it as much as it needs you and during these cold, dark months so make sure to treat it as such. Groom well brothers!
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Tell us a little more about yourself
I’m 47 years old with an amazing wife of 12 years and two awesome boys, ages 9 and 5. I’ve lived in Atlanta for most of my adult life and have been fortunate
enough to travel to many places across the U.S. and around the world. Golf has been a part of my life since I was 23. Since then, golf has been a factor in any significant decision I’ve made personally and professionally. The game has allowed me to meet some amazing people and develop many relationships. Some relationships so strong that those friends became family. As I’ve grown older, I’ve been on a quest to play as many of the top 100 courses in the United States and the world. I’m happy to say I’m up to 11top 100s. I value those experiences over anything material. I estimate that I’ve played over 600 different courses across four countries. I’ve had a successful professional career in technical sales, but it’s always been just what I do rather than who I am. If you were to ask my family and friends what I’m motivated by, I’m confident golf would be mentioned in 100% of the responses. The game feeds my competitive spirit and I enjoy playing in amateur tournaments across the country. I also appreciate the mental and physical benefits of playing the game. Over the past few years, I’ve introduced my boys to golf and that’s been a different level of enjoyment of the game for me.
How was Another 9 Golf Apparel born?
Another 9 was born from the phrase Make Time 4 Another 9. That phrase was title of a tribute I gave to my friend of 20+ years, Steve McFarland, who passed away in 2017 from testicular cancer. Initially, the brand was something personal for me and I never considered going into business with a full apparel line. In 2018 I had the phrase on my golf bag and balls and got so much positive feedback that I decided to take it a step further as a brand. Another 9officially launched in January of 2019 as a lifestyle brand with a purpose of promoting men’s health, testicular cancer awareness, and bringing more diversity into the game of golf. With every phase there’s been encouragement to grow the apparel offering. When we launched in 2019, we started with two hats. Fast forward to 2021 and a full line of hats, tees, base-layers, and hoodies for men and women. It’s been a great journey and the opportunities where this brand can go are endless.
How did the loss of your friend impact your mental health and how did you cope with it?
We’ve all suffered loss of someone close and you never stop thinking of that person, nor can the void from that loss ever be filled. Steve was always my go-to for phone calls about life and particularly golf. We always celebrated the highs and motivated each other through the lows of the game. A good golf buddy is a lot like a good fishing buddy and Steve was that. We traveled all over playing different courses and I never felt the need to add anyone else to my golf circle. The first couple of years after he passed was tough because I felt alone in the game of golf. I didn’t have a lot of motivation to expand my golf circle and certainly didn’t really want to play golf with anyone. It’s amazing how an unfortunate circumstance can change your perspective. Currently, my golf circle of friends is so much larger now. Another coping mechanism has been my quest to play as many top golf courses in the U.S. and world as I can. Steve and I started on this quest right before he passed and every time I tee it up on a new track I know he’s looking down on me proud and jokingly a little jealous. : )
How do you personally “Make time for Another 9?
Our brand catch phrase is What’s Your Another 9? Of course, golf is my Another9 but family, travel, exercise would be my other Another9s. When I think of golf, family, and exercise there is a common determination to figure out a 25th hour in a day to make sure I have an appropriate balance of all three.
Why do you think men are so reluctant to talk about their overall health?
How does society play a role in that and what are some ways we can all work together to create more comfortable environments for these types of conversations? When you look at mental health for my generation, I think there has always been a stigma around it. With physical health it’s so much easier for men in their 40’s and older to stop investing as much into it. Life can distract you so much that working out, eating healthy, and keeping up with check-ups with physician scan seem like an inconvenience. I’m glad to see momentum gaining with my generation with health. The more men are willing to open up about their health experiences the more others can learn and make better choices.
What advice can you offer to other men about the importance of catering to their physical and mental health and wellbeing?
I would say it’s never too early to make exercise part of your regular routine. You don’t have to bench 300 pounds or be a triathlete but just be active. I’m always on my soapbox to other men about walking the golf course rather than jumping on a cart. There is no better way to get exercise and enjoy the course than walking. Walking a typical 18 holes is over 3 miles and you burn so many calories that you can eat that cheeseburger post round with pride! Finding an interest in exercise or a physical activity can bring increased physical fitness and mental clarity.
For those not growing a mustache/facial hair this year, how can they support Movember and Another 9?
You can visit our website at maketimefornine.com if you are interested in purchasing or learning more about our apparel line. Additionally, our brand makes donations on a portion of sales to the Sean Kimmerling Testicular Cancer Foundation. You can visit their site at seankimerling.org.
]]>What really makes a man is how he cares for himself — and, since your face is your official calling card, you must remember to be kind to yourself and unwind. What else really matters? That you feel good and look good. Whichever style you choose to rock, clean shaved, goatee, or a full beard, you must care for your facial hair properly.
From the rookie to the veteran, we teach all types of men about the art of beard care. Welcome to beard care 101, take copious notes because the class is in session!
Bet on Au Naturale
Staying true to our brand’s mantra, we infuse natural ingredients into each one of our products. However, we also hate when things get complicated, so we created several regimens to help you navigate the natural grooming path towards your best beard yet.
The Bald and Bearded Grooming Kit
Start with a warm shower (p.s. the steam will help soften facial hair). Once those pores are open and ready for more nutrients, apply a generous amount of Easy Primer formulated with avocado, grapeseed, soybean, and olive oils.
Why this specific mix? These oils are beneficial for beard care and have been proven to provide healthy hair growth, moisturize hair, and prevent dry, flaky skin.
Wash Your Beard
Are you walking around, grinning at people with all types of debris and food stuck on your face? Like who raised you? Seriously, you have to wash your entire mug.
Sometimes we get so caught up in the vanity and maintenance of the beard that we momentarily forget there is still skin underneath. Fellas, do what is right for your beard by simply washing your face fur regularly to assist with some of the most common issues like dried out or itchy follicles.
We suggest washing and conditioning twice a week with our beard wash and following-up with our beard cream to alleviate this problem – this is sure to leave your beard soft and irresistible.
Keep It Consistent and Shave
Many of us are not called to serve in the beard ministry, so let it go and shave it off your face. Behind every man’s clean-shaven face is a bevy of Frederick Benjamin products designed with him in mind. After all, who wants patchy stubble?
Of course, we recommend purchasing our shaving regimen for the best shave possible. Our Hydro Glaze Cooling Aloe Shave Gel is a specially formulated clear shave gel that provides a natural protective barrier to help the razor glide for a comfortable, pain-free, and precise shave. Plus, it contains one of nature’s best beauty secrets, aloe vera, to help heal and moisturize the skin.
Post-shave, it's important to ensure that no razor or hair bumps occur. Our clinically- tested and dermatologist-approved Bump Clear, After Shave & Bump Treatment is a hydrating and fragrance-free treatment lotion that soothes and hydrates skin. Apply it twice a day to your razor bump area after shaving to start seeing results as soon as possible.
Remember: it’s not about being the fastest or most skilled; it is about who has what it takes to care for your facial hair during a strike, no-shave November or worse, a pandemic.
What Is the Secret to Getting Rid of Ingrown Hairs from Shaving?
Ingrown hairs suck. We know it, you know it. So what are they? Why do you get them? And how do you prevent or get rid of them? In this blog post, we’ll tackle all the tough questions to keep you looking your best—without the frustration, pain and irritation.
What Are Ingrown Hairs?
They’re defined as curled hairs that grow under the skin instead of outward—the result is a raised bump or painful, sensitive sore. Ingrown hairs are the consequence of the removal of hair by shaving or plucking. That means whether you use your razor, tweezers, or even your hands, you’re putting yourself at risk.
Why Do You Get Them?
Shaving is equal parts art and science. Ingrown hair or razor bumps, which is classified as pseudofolliculitis barbae, is a common skin condition for men anywhere from age 14 to well over 60. Yes, that means you can start having issues from your very first shave! And no, they don’t only happen when you use a straight razor or single blade.
The fact is, razor bumps can happen even if you use the most high-tech multi-blade.
Additionally, the coarser your hair pattern is, the more likely it is that you’ll suffer from ingrown hairs.
Now, some recommendations include growing a beard, shaving less frequently, or changing your tool. But it’s all about how you shave.
How Do You Prevent Them?
You have to trust the process. The best-kept secrets to a pain-free, bump-free shave are keeping a sharp razor, pre-shave prep, shaving with the grain, and consistent lubrication. The first is critical. Dull blades tend to pull hairs instead of cutting them. Also, blades usually become dull after use if they stay wet. So rule #1 is: don’t let your blades air dry! Make sure that you pat your razor dry with a towel before storing it away.
Understanding Your Hair Growth Patterns
The second key is knowing how your hair grows. The adage ‘go with the flow’ applies here too. Grain mapping (or seeing the direction your hairs grow before shaving) is a great way to decrease the tension between the blades and your hair and skin. Just pull your skin taut and get into the mirror; you’ll start to see the patterns that form with new growth. Then, you’ll then know how to position your blade to cut with the grain consistently.
Prime. Shave. Moisturize
The third key is to maintain moisture before, during, and post-shave. That’s where we come in! Our three-step system is designed to do just that, and it’s been clinically proven to reduce and prevent razor bumps in as little as two weeks.
It starts with our Easy Primer pre-shave oil. A great shave starts by softening the skin and hair before applying the razor. The next step is our foam-free Hydro-Glaze cooling aloe shave gel. And yes, it’s as awesome as it sounds. The clear shave gel lets you see exactly where you’re shaving, meaning fewer strokes, nicks, and irritation. Moreover, the cooling aloe maintains moisture on the skin while reducing friction between the skin and blades.
The final step is our soothing Bump Clear post-shave moisturizer. Just like your daily lotion, you can apply the post-shave liberally to commonly affected areas along the jawline and neck. It’s also infused with natural oils, anti-bacterial, and prescription actives to eliminate razor bumps and prevent future irritation.
However, if you're still experiencing bumps, irritation, scraps, or cuts, they are signs that your shave is taking a wrong turn somewhere.
Naturally, as grooming experts, we want to help, and we know that several factors go into an efficient, effective, and pain-free shave. With the help of our products, we want to make you look and feel confident every time you pick up a razor. Read on to find out the top five mistakes most men make while shaving – and of course, how to fix them fast!
Mistake No. 1: Skipping Out on Exfoliation
I know, I know, this seems like an extra step. But, a pre-shave exfoliating solution will remove unwanted (and unnecessary) dead skin cells from your face, allowing for a cleaner cut and reducing the likelihood of getting razor bumps on the back end. Incorporating a little exfoliation between 2-to-3 times per week could make all the difference in your shave. However, don’t go too crazy; over-exfoliation will leave your skin feeling sensitive and raw. #NotCool.
Mistake No. 2: Selecting a Sub-Par Razor
Take it from us who has experienced too many trial-and-errors and gone through many razors to count before finding the perfect match. Buying a razor can feel a bit complicated at first, but it all boils down to the blade technology when selecting the proper one.
Different strokes for different folks—listen, one-size-fits-all is not the answer here. If you find that multi-blade razors aren’t leaving with baby-smooth skin, it is time to make the switch to a single-blade razor. We're personally a fan of shopping online for razors — you can read more reviews, plus have it delivered right to your doorstep.
Mistake No. 3: Using Old School Shaving Cream
Butter, cream, foam, or gel? Who knew there were so many options in the shaving arena. If you're still using thick, lathery shaving foam (or cream), that could explain why you’re still having problems with bumps and irritation. It’s time to embrace the new era of shaving gel. Meet Frederick Benjamin’s best-selling Hydro Glaze Shave Gel.
Not only is it foam-free, but it is also designed to maximize comfort and efficiency, plus it leaves little-to-no mess to clean up. Believe us, shaving butters and gels are the top-shelf shaving solutions—especially if you have sensitive skin. Post-shave, try our best-selling Bump Clear to calm and soothe skin, plus stop bumps before they start.
Mistake No. 4: Using Too Much Pressure
If you have selected the right razor (see mistake no. 2 for context), the blade should already be sharp, which means you don't have to use a lot of pressure to get decent results. Muscling up and using too much force with your razor could result in irritation, or worse, cuts. After all, nobody wants a cut-up face from shaving. So, be calm, be cool, and don't use too much pressure while you shave. That’s it, that's the tweet.
Mistake No. 5: Not Prepping Your Skin Properly
If you got this far in this article (and plan on following our advice), consider this option: plan your shaves in advance. Downtime may be limited, but during your next shave, consider drenching a cloth in hot water and either drape or run it across your face until it cools down.
Why? Doing so will open your pores and soften the hair on your face — all making it less likely to irritate your skin. Opt for this method before applying FBG’s Easy Primer Skin & Beard Oil to shield the skin against razor burn.
Three Myths about Shaving and the Truth You Need to Know
Looking your best and feeling great does not have to come with the cost of painful and unsightly shaving irritation. We all know the pain when the razor nicks your neck, causing a dark rash or, even worse, ingrown hairs!
However, there isn't a need to fret – we've got you covered with the right information (not all advice is good advice and are ready to help you separate the truth from fiction. Trust us; your face will thank you later!
Myth #1: Pre-Shave Routines Are Only for Sensitive Skin
FALSE! In fact, every guy should be doing proper shave prep before putting a blade to their face. The key to a great shave is to reduce friction between the skin and the razor. To ensure a superior experience make sure your face is squeaky clean and exfoliated; you will need a clean mug to achieve maximum success.
A great way to do that is to apply pre-shave oil to increase razor glide and soften the hair to protect against irritation, bumps, and burns.Try Easy Primer to start your shave the right way!
Myth #2: You Need a Good, Foaming Lather to Get a Close Shave
FALSE! We are programmed to believe a thick lather ensures a better shave. The thick foam stops you from seeing where you're shaving, leading to more cuts, nicks, and irritation. Instead, get knocked out, go foam-free with a clear shave gel. Fewer strokes, less irritation, less drama, AND more accuracy? What more do you need? Plus you'll get the cooling sensation and moisturizing effect of aloe. Never miss a spot with Hydro-Glaze shave gel!
Myth #3: If Your Aftershave Doesn't Sting, then it's Not Working!
FALSE! Alcohols in some aftershave tighten and dry the skin; instead of giving the moisture, you need post-shave, causing irritation and, in some cases, acne. In addition, your skin needs to recover and be rehydrated. So stop reaching for your father’s aftershave and venture over to a safer, less aggressive solution.
That's why you need a post-shave lotion to soothe and moisturize your skin--plus, you can keep razor bumps and in-grown hairs at bay with our clinically proven Bump Clear.
Shop the Complete Line Here!
It's all about the right system to achieve the right shave. That's the Frederick Benjamin way. That’s the Frederick Benjamin difference. That’s the Frederick Benjamin lifestyle!
But you don’t have to add harsh chemicals to the mix to get looser-looking, hydrated curls. Instead, it starts with the right hair care and styling regimen. And that’s why we created our Natural Curls Kit at Frederick Benjamin. That way, guys with curly hair can have a great-looking style without permanently damaging their hair and scalp.
A Good Shampoo and Conditioner
The key to looser-looking curls is moisture. Therefore, you must have a shampoo that gives a deep clean without stripping your hair of the moisture it needs. That’s why we’ve infused our shampoo with active natural oils like spearmint, clove, and nettle to restore moisture to the hair and, most importantly, the scalp.
The same thing goes with our conditioner, a refreshing combination of natural oils with a creamy texture that soothes the scalp and softens the hair naturally. When you start your day with these, you make your hair easier to manage in addition to the light, fresh scent.
Moisturizers
After washing and conditioning, keep the hair damp and rub in a moisturizer like our Daily Hydrator. It’s a great way to add an extra layer of defense to your hair and scalp and keep moisture sealed throughout the day.
You can also follow up with our Sleek Water pomade to mold your hair into your desired look without the weight and residue of traditional grease. Our water-based formula makes applying the pomade to the hair and even easier to rinse it away at the end of the day.
How to Style Your Hair for the Summer
We always recommend a sponge brush to add some texture to your look. Just apply it lightly in a circular motion over parts of the hair you want to curl. Some hairstyles may take a bit longer to achieve at different lengths, but a sponge brush like our Twists sponge makes the technique easy and saves you time in front of the mirror.
Frederick Benjamin’s Daily Hydrator is a lightweight, grease-free styling crème that reinvigorates dry scalp and hair, leaving the scalp conditioned and the hair soft and shiny. If you’re looking for a product that does the same trick as gel but without the added flaky results, this will do the trick. In addition, the product contains spearmint, clove nettle, and hemp seed, which are needed for maintaining a hydrated scalp.
The second product to apply is our Water-Based Pomade, which provides a classic, sleek finish without the weight of grease. Our Sleek Water includes natural oils like hemp seed and grapefruit, which will thicken your hair and replenishes your scalp.
Both of these products are petroleum-free, mineral oil-free, and paraben-free.
How to Achieve These Five Summer Styles
Even though ladies love natural hair, wearing your hair off your face is important to stay cool with this heat setup. Our first style trend for summer 16’ can be seen on Omarion, The Game, and Chris Brown. Cornrows (not box braids) are a major trend for both sexes.
The Cornrows-Mohawk
Adding these braids to your Mohawk is perfect for staying cool and in-trend. When creating this style, add our Sleek-Water Pomade to your edges for a clean look while hydrating your scalp with our Daily Hydrator.
The Ombre
Our next style trend for curly hair can be seen featured on Chris Brown. Add a spin to your natural curls by giving your hair an ombre look. Ombre features one starting color from roots to the decided point, with another color (blonde, red, teal, etc.) transitioning down to your ends. Brown’s ombre is worn with a high-top fade and blonde ombre curls.
Be aware that color can damage your natural hair. Therefore, it is important to replenish your hair with oils and hydration, which the color’s chemicals can strip. Keep your hair hydrated by adding our Daily Hydrator to your hair routine.
Man Buns
Man buns are third on our list of natural hairstyles for curly hair. So whether you’re continuing with a high-top fade or have a full head of curls, you have the option to wear a high bun or low. First, apply our Daily Hydrator to your hair, followed by using our Sleek-Water Pomade to your edges. Man buns can be worn tight, pictured here, or messy, featuring natural, bold curls.
Free-Flowing Curls
Here’s another alternative to avoiding more heat on your face with free-flowing curls. Quincy has lately been seen sporting this style, while A$AP Rocky has implemented this look to his image. Like achieving cornrows, apply our Daily Hydrator to the hair and our Sleek Water Pomade to the edges. This look can be done with damp hair.
The Natural Look
Women love free-flowing natural curls, which is why this natural look is last on our list of styles for the summer. To achieve this look, apply our Daily Hydrator to your hair and then use a twist sponge to add more definition to your face. Continuing on-trend, this male is featured with a high-top fade and fresh shape-up. You can also grab our natural curls kit to care for and style your hair. With any of these options, your girl is sure to play with your hair.
How to Grow Your Hair for Winter
Many of us are fearful of growing our hair out due to past traumas – being told long hair is feminine. However, that falsehood needs to stay in the past. Men can, and will, grow out their hair whether society likes it or not. Often, these acts are celebrated (or even encouraged), which is great for a young man’s self-esteem and freedom of expression.
No different than a high bald fade or wavy caesar, your growth journey begins at the end of your comfort zone. Here are how you can successfully achieve those longer lengths, starting today.
Where It All Begins: Cleansing and Conditioning
Declaring you’re going to grow your hair out is easier said than done. It involves more than just the actual lengthening of the hair follicles; it begins and ends with your regimen. As with anything grooming, drastic changes are not recommended. Instead, we ask that you consult with a hair care professional (a.k.a, your barber or stylist) to give you the green light and keep you on task.
This also may mean consulting your significant other, mother, sister, etc. on what steps they use to gain their glorious lengths, and they will probably tell you this:
Now that you have mastered the art of “it’s all about maintenance to maintain,” this should be a breeze since it follows your current regimen traditionally involves cleaning and conditioning your mane. However, here’s the deal: you must shampoo your hair once at least once a week.
Why once a week? Because you don’t want to strip the hair of its natural oils. This is especially important during the winter months and keeps your already dry scalp feeling hydrated and protected enough to withstand the elements of rain, wind, and snow.
When rinsing, use cool water instead of your typical lukewarm (or hot) temps to avoid frizziness and damage; this is especially true for those who are currently rocking locks or even braids. Then, after cleansing, a lot of time into your schedule for a good ole, deep conditioning.
This can be done while in the shower or afterward sitting in your favorite recliner, reading a magazine comfortably in your own space like the boss you are.
At the Start and End of the Day: Moisturize
After the cleansing and conditioning, it’s time for one of the most crucial steps in this hair journey: hydration. During the winter season, you have to take extra interest in what you’re putting on your scalp (and roots), so stick to what you know, our best-selling Daily Hydrator Styling Creme.
Keep in mind this will be your saving grace along with protective gear (like a winter hat or even a silk du-rag and...no judgment, all love my brothers!). So style as normal and repeat these steps daily to ensure you look your best, even if you are working or holidaying from the comforts of your home!
If you want to achieve long hair, you must treat it as a priority. It’s more than just growing it out and going about your day. You need to brush, comb, nourish, cleanse, style, and, most importantly, embrace your hair. You would need it as much as it requires you and during these cold, dark months, so make sure to treat it as such.
How to Deal with Dandruff in Three Steps
Seborrheic dermatitis, AKA heavy dandruff, is a common condition among men. So what exactly is it? Dandruff is skin cells renewing themselves in greater volume and frequency than normal. As new skin cells develop, the old skin cells push their way to the front and flake off. Dry hair tends to make skin cells renew at a more rapid pace.
For black men, hair tends to be less oily, which makes treating dandruff much more difficult. In addition, washing with over-the-counter medicated shampoos may cause the scalp to dry out to the point that dandruff worsens. So what can you do?
Moisturize
A healthy scalp is a moisturized scalp. So if you’ll be using a powerful shampoo, make sure that you’re balancing it with a moisturizing conditioner. Slower sebum (oil) production is one of the reasons why moisture is also needed throughout the day. So whether you’re using natural oils like jojoba or coconut or using a hydrating creme, you want to seal in the moisture as much as possible. Try to avoid products that contain mineral oils or petrolatum--they make your hair shiny but do nothing for restoring moisture at the root.
Check the Weather
For most guys, catching the weather report gives you just enough information to get dressed. But it can also help your hair. Extreme hold or cold can lead to an even drier scalp and make your dandruff worse, so opt for appropriate headgear before heading. However, if the weather is shaping up to be nice and breezy, pack something for the commute home just in case you encounter strong air conditioning--or a non-working one.
Be Conscious of Your Choices
It’s a vicious cycle. The more styling products you use in your hair, the greater the buildup frequency of washing your hair, the greater the likelihood that your hair will dry out, leading to more products. Keep things simple. Look for styling products that moisturize as they hold for a look that lasts all day without all of the extra gunk.
Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Your Scalp
You heard it here first: scalp care is the new skincare. Here’s why — a healthy scalp promotes hair growth which starts with happy, nourished follicles. Then, like a garden, you want to foster an environment where your hair can begin to flourish (not fail). And, even if you aren’t rocking much hair, you still want to give your baldie some much-needed TLC.
Don’t know where to start? We caught up with cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Michele Green to ask a few burning questions that have been on our mind for a while, touching on everything from hair loss to key ingredients to look for and what to avoid.
Read on to get the scoop on everything you ever wanted to know about your scalp.
Q: How Often Should I Shampoo My Hair?
Shampooing every day is no longer the standard in the hair community. Across the country, barbers and stylists have gradually embraced the anti-shampoo movement, opting not to shampoo as often, instead of using water and friction or even using conditioner (often called co-washing).
The primary reason for this shift is that sulfates (the things that cause all the suds in your shampoo) are also responsible for drying the hair and scalp. Sulfates strip away natural oils that protect the hair and scalp and seal in moisture. Unfortunately, that means hair becomes more coarse, more brittle, and less easy to manage and style.
If you wonder why you’re having to spend so much time figuring out your hair every morning, you might be shampooing too much. Of course, your hair type has a lot to do with what products you should be using and how often. But for most textured hair, issues like this are unfortunately very common.
Q: Is there a recommendation for how frequently to shampoo?
Cleaning your hair regularly is a good thing. The key is to allow your hair to recover naturally. Hair that usually hair a greasy feel results from the scalp producing excess sebum to combat dryness. Excess sebum can result in oily, shiny buildup and even acne on the scalp. That’s why we recommend shampooing your hair no more than three times per week and always using conditioner to replenish moisture.
Want a healthy alternative to treat dry hair and itchy scalp? Get Frederick Benjamin’s Invigorating Cleanser and Moisturizing conditioner today!
Q: What Should I Avoid to Reduce Further Hair Loss?
Many issues can affect the scalp, affecting hair growth, such as stress, chemical processing, coloring, and certain medical conditions. These issues can cause the scalp to become dry and damage the hair follicles. The health of the hair follicle plays a major role in the hair’s health, so when you have a clean, well-functioning scalp, you will, in turn, have healthy, strong, shiny hair that grows.
Q: What Causes Hair Loss?
There are many different types of hair loss. Hair loss can be caused by various factors like genetics, hormones, lifestyle, and stress. To treat hair loss, it is necessary to find the underlying issue or medical condition causing the hair to thin and fall out. Consulting with a board-certified dermatologist is the best way to diagnose the specific type of hair loss and formulate a treatment plan.
Q: What Makes Spearmint Anti-Fungal and Why It Might Be Good for Your Scalp?
Spearmint ( aka Mentha spicata) has anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and antibacterial properties. In addition, it soothes the scalp and prevents the build of sebum.
Q: How Does Clove Promote Hair Growth and Other Hair Benefits?
The essential oil of clove is great for scalp health. Cloves have antimicrobial properties which ease scalp irritation and boost scalp circulation. Thus, applying cloves to the scalp can improve scalp health, reduce hair thinning, and promote hair growth.
Q: How Does Nettle Combat Hair Loss and Promote Hair Growth?
This prickly leafed plant that can inflict pain upon contact can benefit hair growth due to its antioxidant and inflammatory properties. In addition, nettle is rich in minerals such as zinc, magnesium, and iron which are all beneficial to the health of the hair follicles.
Q: What about Hemp Seed Makes It Great for Your Scalp?
Hemp is rich in omega 3, 6, and 9, and hemp oil also contains fatty acids necessary for maximizing hair growth.
Q: What Are the Downsides of Petroleum Clogging the Scalp’s Pores
Petroleum also contains mineral oil that accumulates on the scalp, clogging hair follicles, which slows hair growth. It may make your hair look shiny, but it is a greasy product, not because your hair follicles produce moisture.
Q: What Are the Downsides of Using Mineral Oil on the Scalp?
Like petroleum, mineral oil can also clog the hair follicles and cause scalp irritation and hair loss.
Q: Do I Need to Incorporate a Scalp Scrub into My Routine?
Using a scalp scrub can help maintain a healthy scalp which will, in turn, facilitate hair growth. However, scalp health is also contingent upon external and internal factors. For example, the hair follicles need the right nourishment, and the scalp also needs to maintain the right pH balance. When all are in harmony, hair grows.
In addition to scalp scrubs, using the right hair care products is essential to scalp health—and creating a healthy microbiome. Also, there are treatments such as PRP (Platelet-Enriched Plasma) that is injected into the scalp’s skin. It can stimulate the withering hair follicles to become larger and healthier than before. If the hair follicles get stronger, then this can reverse the hair loss process.
Q: What About In-Office Treatments – Are There Things I Should Consider?
[I’m a fan of the] HydraFacial Keravive, which is packed full of growth factors to hydrate, nourish and stimulate the scalp in a three-step process. This rejuvenating scalp treatment is a facial for the scalp cleansing the scalp and stimulating circulation for healthier hair follicles.
Q: What is Malassezia and How Does It Harm Your Scalp?
Malassezia is a monophyletic genus of fungi. This fungus can be found on the skin surface of over 7 billion humans. The fungus is also associated with various skin and scalp conditions, including dandruff, atopic eczema, dermatitis, pityriasis Versicolor, seborrheic dermatitis, and folliculitis.
Q: How Do You Balance the Microbiome on Your Scalp?
Maintaining a healthy scalp is essential to the balance of the microbiome of the scalp. The scalp is how the hair follicles get nourishment to keep healthy-looking hair, promote hair growth and prevent hair loss. However, dandruff, the buildup of dirt, oil, and product residue, can accumulate on the scalp, causing scalp issues such as scalp dermatitis, thinning hair, or hair loss.
The One-Stop Shop for All Your Hair Care Needs
At Frederick Benjamin, we wanted to create the most effective hair care products and make sure that they were healthy. That’s why we’ve removed sulfates from our formulas, replacing them with natural ingredients like spearmint oil and grapefruit seed extract that have antibacterial and antimicrobial properties.
That means you get the same deep clean without the damage to your hair. We’ve also reinforced our formulas with nettle and clove to encourage hair growth and stimulate a healthy scalp because a healthy scalp produces healthy, soft, and easy to manage hair.
We’ve created our hair care line to serve that exact purpose. See our full range of products here.
Often confused with having “good hair” the obtainable and maintaining of waves is not rocket science; its based on dedication, willpower and patience. And if all else fails (and you will not fail) try, try and try again and again and again!
Don't know where to start? Not a problem. We sat down with veteran barber Darius Davie, who also owns Groom Guy, to ask a few important questions that our followers have, making sure to touch on everything from hair length to proper tools, and what to expect while cultivating your waves.
Keep scrolling to get the scoop on everything you ever wanted to know about achieving the perfect waves.
Q: Why are waves such a coveted hairstyle in the African-American community?
A: Waves have remained a strong identity amongst the African-American community. It reveals the individuality of Black hair and its capabilities amongst others. Various industries within Black culture also celebrate this style, like music or fashion, which makes it more appealing. Achieving waves simply mean an even lay down of hairs with a ripple effect as your pattern. When a person has them, it means their routine was a success: brushing, product placing and head wrapping via durag.
Q: What should one know or do before starting the process of achieving waves?
A: Wash and condition your hair thoroughly before embarking on the waves. You'll want to moisturize the hair so it'll become accustomed to the desired length making it a smooth process.
Q: What should one tell their barber before starting this process?
A: A person should go to the barber to achieve the desired length to begin the wave process. A number 2 or 1 1/2 is the ideal clipper length you'll want to communicate to your barber. A person should know it can take up to one to two weeks to start seeing results.
Q: What tools (brush, cap, products) are essentials to producing and maintaining your waves?
A: You'll want to get equipped with a silk cap. The silk fabric will be a much smoother surface for the hair to lay down on. Traditional waves caps have weak stitching and can fall apart, thus, causing the wave pattern to collapse or even look uneven. Grab a medium-soft bristle brush and be aware of what option works best for you.
Most soft bristles are ideal so they don't irritate the scalp. Frederick Benjamin Sleek Water Pomade is a great wave activator product to begin the process; its ability to lay the hair down immediately is just the "training" it needs for desired wave direction.
Q: How many steps are needed to achieve this look?
A: The wave process can usually be about five steps: moisture, apply, brush, cover, cut. Condition the hair and add proper moisture to prevent product buildup and dandruff.
Apply a pomade, gel, or any product that activates your waves. Brushing is the routine exercise to create and maintain the wave or ripple pattern (with or without the cap on the head). Add a routine haircut to your local barbershop to ensure the length is even, loose hairs are removed, and the barber can review the current status of the waves.
Q: Does hair health matter in achieving this style?
A: Healthy hair is critical in any type of hair texture manipulation. It's often a misconception to not wash during the wave process; that only causes dry and damaged hair. The more brittle hair the less movement it can commit to. Dry patches or an itchy scalp is a common result of poor scalp care.
Irritation can lead to redness and more severe scalp damage. Heavy pomades and gels may give style but, in the long term, can prevent moisture from entering the hair shaft which is a first class ticket to dandruff disaster.
Q: Are there any significant differences in this hair process from earlier times to present-day? In this case, do all products matter?
A: The wave process remains the same but the supplies have seen an upgrade in the present day. A lot of styling products are now water-based, which allows for an easy rinse out during routine shampoos. Leave-in conditions have been an addition as a protectant and used as a pre-styler before applying pomade or gel.
A: What do you say to someone who is having difficulty achieving this look?
Q: If there's troubles aiming to achieve waves, visit a local barber who specializes in giving the haircut to begin the process. At home, create a hair routine that works for you and be patient with the process for results. Try not to change products like the wave pomades or caps too often. Hair works best when there is consistency.
Q: Any other tips you may have? Final thoughts?
A: Using a leave-in conditioner before and after you've used your cap gives a nice shine to the hair. Most of them are sprays and will really help those baby hairs lay down. It also combats any dry patches you may see building in your scalp along the way.
]]>What’s a common misconception?
Frederick Benjamin is for my father or older brother with a 9-5 job.
Although Frederick Benjamin products are not for kids under the age of 8 because it is not tear-free, middle and high schoolers are highly recommended to add our products to their wash regime.
So now that you know that FB is for you, cool. What should you try out first? That’s an easy one.
We carry the best products for many hair styles, but let’s focus on the twist fade, like James Harden, called the Natural Curls Kit. It features four hair products and a sponge brush. This kit carries all the essentials for moisturizing dry hair, but doesn’t have that strong smell, letting people know you used a female’s products.
To make the process easier, here are three quick points for each product in the kit so you can go ahead and purchase them here: You’re welcome.
Shampoo - Invigorating Cleanser
Conditioner - Invigorating Moisturizer
Twist Hair Sponge Brush
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