Frederick Benjamin Grooming Review (2024): Best Hair Care for Black Men

Finally, finally, FINALLY, I have found a hair care brand that sells the best all-natural hair products for black men. This natural hair care brand is called Frederick Benjamin. They create haircare products and regimens for men with only natural oils and clinically proven ingredients.

I will discuss the company, its products, and my experience with this brand in my Frederick Benjamin Grooming review. But, most importantly, I will share why I believe Frederick Benjamin is a great brand for finding the best all-natural hair products for black men. Frederick Benjamin is also great for men who want to transition to more natural and safe hair care products.

Disclaimer: This post does contain affiliate links. This means I will earn a small commission if you purchase any of Frederick Benjamin’s grooming products featured below via the links provided. Do not worry, there is no additional cost to you. Please read all of my Disclaimers for more infofrmation about my partnerships.

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About Frederick Benjamin Grooming

Frederick Benjamin Grooming is an all-natural hair care brand for men, particularly black men. According to their website, Frederick Benjamin’s grooming began in 2010 by Michael James. The company is inspired by his grandfather, the original Frederick Benjamin.  

Michael created Frederick Benjamin grooming because he saw black men, like me, losing hope in finding the right hair care products. When it comes to hair grooming, problems that black men face include: 

  • Dry scalp. 
  • Sensitive skin. 
  • Razor bumps, ingrown hairs, and cysts under our chin. 
  • Long-term issues with our hair stem from harmful and ineffective chemical ingredients found in products currently on the market. 

Michael aims to create hair care regimens that address these common issues for all men with any hairstyle. His regimens blend natural oils with ONLY clinically proven ingredients. Common irritants and harmful chemicals are left out. 

Why I Like & Recommend Frederick Benjamin

I recommend Frederick Benjamin Grooming because they reject ordinary men’s hair care approaches. Not only are standard hair care products bad because of their ingredients, but they are also awful for black people’s hair. Our hair has a different texture than people of other racial and ethnic backgrounds. Our texture stems from our ancestral African environment. Therefore, our approach to hair care must differ from everyone else.

Unfortunately, too many standard hair care products are not made to consider the specific needs of black people’s hair. However, Frederick Benjamin’s hair care line is black-owned. It is designed with clean and natural ingredients to help hydrate, restore, and protect black men’s hair, scalp, and skin. Any other ingredients used are clinically proven to be safe. Their only job is to keep the product intact and functioning so the natural ingredients can work.

All these reasons are why I switched to Frederick Benjamin’s grooming products. I was tired of using hair care products that would still leave my hair dry, dull, flaky, itchy, and with dandruff after each use. Keep in mind, I never had a problem being consistent with washing my hair once or twice a week. Yet, I still experienced the issues above.

Clean & Safe Ingredients

I appreciate that Frederick Benjamin products only use natural and clinically proven safe ingredients. Also, because they are black-owned, I know their products are specifically designed for me and my hair type. They know what is best for me and my hair. I’ve noticed an improvement in my hair, as have people I encounter. As a result of the switch, I feel more confident knowing my hair is healthy. I no longer deal with persisting dryness, itch, flakiness, or dandruff.

Main Ingredients in Frederick Benjamin Hair Care Products vs. Common Hair Care Products

Frederick Benjamin Grooming
Other Hair Care Products

Even though there are popular hair care brands for black people, like Cantu and Shea Moisture, I could not continue using them. These brands, among others, do promote natural ingredients. However, those natural ingredients are still mixed with ingredients that are not entirely safe. At the same time, those natural ingredients are also processed and diluted for mass production.

All of these factors can cause damage to someone’s hair over time. But, for me, they just were never 100% effective at cleaning my hair.

Frederick Benjamin Products & Regimens

Frederick Benjamin sells a variety of natural hair care products for men. As mentioned earlier, their products blend natural oils and clinically proven ingredients. Common chemicals and irritants, such as alcohol and petroleum, are left out.

Primary natural ingredients found in Frederick Benjamin products:

  • Spearmint Oil to help your scalp stay strong and energized.
  • Clove Oil to help stimulate blood flow through your scalp.
  • Nettle Oil to help promote hair growth.
  • Hemp Seed Oil to help hydrate and moisturize your hair.
  • Aloe Extract – Heals and moisturizes your skin.
  • Witch Hazel – Cleanses and soothes inflammation.
  • Sunflower Seed Oil – Softens and hydrates dry skin.
  • Avocado Oil – smoothes and softens your skin.
  • Olive Oil – Lubricates and hydrates your skin.
  • Grapeseed Oil – firms and soothes skin irritation.

Grooming Regimens

While all Frederick Benjamin products can be purchased separately, they are best if bought together. Most products are packaged into regimens with step-by-step routines. These grooming regimens, when following their routines, deliver long-lasting results.

Frederick Benjamin Grooming has regimens for:

  1. Hair Care
  2. Shaving

The Regimen – Hair Care

Frederick Benjamin The Regimen – Hair Care
The Regimen – Hair Care

This hair care regimen is how I was introduced to Frederick Benjamin Grooming. It is also their best-selling regimen.

Frederick Benjamin’s Hair Care Regimen includes three products:

  1. Shampoo
  2. Conditioner
  3. Daily Hydrator

Natural Ingredients in All Products in this Regimen:

  • Spearmint Oil to help your scalp stay strong and energized.
  • Clove Oil to help stimulate blood flow through your scalp.
  • Nettle Oil to help promote hair growth.
  • Hemp Seed Oil to help hydrate and moisturize your hair.

I recommend this regimen to any black man looking for a safe transition from standard hair care products to more natural ones. This regimen is excellent because it strikes the right balance. The natural ingredients in the products of this regimen do all of the work, while the clinically-proven ingredients help maintain their overall quality.

Since I started using this regimen, my hair has been the healthiest it’s ever been. I no longer deal with issues like instant dryness, flaky or itchy scalp, and build-up.

Shampoo – Invigorating Cleanser
The Shampoo – Invigorating Cleanser, is sold by Frederick Benjamin Grooming.
Shampoo – Invigorating Cleanser

Step one of the three-step hair care regimen. In addition to the essential oils listed above, the Shampoo – Invigorating Cleanser includes cool mint. This ingredient gives a cool and comfy tingly feeling to your scalp.

This shampoo is excellent for eliminating build-up from the scalp, excess oil, and sweat. Moreover, it does all of this while maintaining your hair’s natural moisture. I can attest to eliminating build-up from the scalp and more. In addition, since using Frederick Benjamin’s shampoo, I have no longer dealt with lingering build-up or persistent dandruff. Best of all, my hair maintained some moisture afterward.

Finally, this shampoo has no sulfate, alcohol, or parabens. These ingredients are harmful to our hair. However, they are included in many popular hair care products.

Shampoo Ingredients:

Water

Cocamidopropyl Betaine

Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate 

Lauryl Glucoside 

Cocamide Mea 

Glycol Distearate 

Dimethicone 

Menthol 

Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein 

Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonoum Chloride 

Citric Acid 

Polyquaternium-10 

Disodium Edta 

(Vegetable) Glycerin 

Phenoxyethanol

Ethylhexylglycerin 

Conditioner – Invigorating Moisturizer
The Conditioner - Invigorating Moisturizer, is sold by Frederick Benjamin Grooming.
Conditioner – Invigorating Moisturizer

Step two of the three-step hair care regimen. In addition to the essential oils listed above, the Conditioner – Invigorating Moisturizer makes you feel cool and tingle on your scalp. This helps your hair feel replenished and hydrated. Also, it allows your hair to be more manageable and prevents a flaky and itchy scalp.

This conditioner makes my scalp feel cool and tingle as soon as I apply it to my hair after the shampoo. Also, my scalp has not been flaky or itchy since using it.

Conditioner Ingredients:

Water

(Vegetable) Glycerin

Cetyl Alcohol

Behentrimonium Chloride

Glyceryl Stearate

Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil

Dimethicone

Dicetyldimonium Chloride

Polyquaternium-32

Paraffin Liquidum

PPG-1 Trideceth-6

Triticum Vulgare (Wheat Germ Oil)

Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil

Polyquaternium-10

Amodimethicone

Trideceth-12

Cetrimonium Chloride

Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein

Phenoxyethanol

Ethylhexylglycerin

Daily Hydrator Styling Cream
Frederick Benjamin Grooming Daily Hydrator Styling Cream
Daily Hydrator Styling Cream

Step three of the three-step hair care regimen. The Daily Hydrator Styling Cream works like a leave-in conditioner. It is an everyday hair moisturizer that, like the shampoo and conditioner, provides a cooling “tingle” for your scalp for added relief. Also, this natural hair moisturizer does not have any grease. This is why I think this is one of the best moisturizers for black hair.

Daily Hydrator Ingredients:

Water

Stearalkonium Chloride

(Vegetable) Glycerin

Cetyl Alcohol

Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil,

Polyquaternium-37

Ceteareth-20

Glyceryl Stearate

Dimethicone

Dimethicone PEG-7 Isostearate

Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil

Polyquaternium-32

Paraffinum Liquid

PPG-1 Trideceth-6

Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonoum Chloride

Citric Acid

Disodium Edta

Sodium Chloride

Phenoxyethanol

Ethylhexylglycerin

The Shaving Regimen

The Shaving Regimen is sold by Frederick Benjamin Grooming.
The Shaving Regimen

Black men are more likely to have sensitive facial skin. This, along with the texture of our hair, makes shaving more difficult because we are prone to ingrown hairs, razor bumps, and rashes. Frederick Benjamin’s Shaving Regimen is designed for black men with these issues.

The Shaving Regimen includes two products:

  1. Hydro-glaze Shaving Gel
  2. Bump Clear

Together, they help provide a smooth, hydrated face that is perfect for shaving. They allow your razor to glide on your face without tugging your facial hairs. After use, they ensure your face is smooth and free from bumps, rashes, and ingrown hairs.

Natural Ingredients in All Products in this regimen include:

  • Aloe Extract – Heals and moisturizes skin
  • Witch Hazel – Cleanses and soothes inflammation
  • Sunflower Seed Oil – Softens and hydrates dry skin
  • Avocado Oil – Smoothes and softens
  • Olive Oil – Lubricates and hydrates
  • Grapeseed Oil – Firms and soothes irritation
Hydro-Glaze Cooling Aloe Shave Gel
Frederick Benjamin Hydro-Glaze Cooling Aloe Shave Gel
Hydro-Glaze Cooling Aloe Shave Gel

Step two of the three-step shaving regimen. The Hydro-Glaze Cooling Aloe Shaving Gel’s main natural ingredients are aloe extract and witch hazel. Aloe extract helps heal and moisturize the skin. Witch hazel helps cleanse and soothe inflammation.

These ingredients and the citrus scent allow this shaving gel to help your razor glide on your skin. As a result, you can reach your target areas precisely with no pain.

Ingredients:

Bump Clear – Post Shave & Bump Treatment
Frederick Benjamin Bump Clear - Post Shave & Bump Treatment
Bump Clear – Post Shave & Bump Treatment

Step three of the three-step shaving regime. The main ingredient of the Bump Clear – Post Shave & Bump Treatment is sunflower seed oil. This helps hydrate, soothe, and moisturize the skin post-shaving. In addition, this aftershave does not sting and protects your face by preventing future shaving bumps and ingrown hairs. Daily use also helps clear your skin from pimples and ingrown hairs within two weeks.

For post-shaving, if you are prone to breakouts, using this natural bump clear daily after washing your face is best. Applying on the affected area twice daily, every day, on a clean, dry face is ideal for bump treatment. Treat this as a face lotion for the beard and neck area.

Ingredients:

Additional Products

Sleek Water Pomade

Frederick Benjamin Sleek Water Pomade
Sleek Water Pomade

The Sleek Water Pomade is a lightweight water-based cream that acts like a hair gel. With hemp seed oil as the leading natural ingredient, this pomade keeps your desired hairstyle moisturized, firm, and in place all day long. This pomade is perfect for curls and waves.

When I first started using Frederick Benjamin’s hair care regimen, the Sleek Water Pomade was my chosen fourth-step product. After the Daily Hydrator, I would wait a few minutes for my hair to dry before applying this pomade. The goal was to keep my hair firm while I styled my usual curly hair mini afro with a sponge brush. However, over time, I found this product uncomfortable for my hair and the style I usually rock. Therefore, I concluded that this pomade is best for men who like to maintain waves in their hair.

Ingredients:

Crown Control – Curl and Twist Cream

Frederick Benjamin Crown Control
Crown Control

The Crown Control – Curl and Twist Cream is perfect for curly hair, twists, and locks. This lightweight cream acts like a gel and helps hold the above styles together. With the natural ingredients below, this moisturizer also helps make your hair appear thicker.

I transitioned to this product from the Sleek Water Pomade as my fourth step of the hair care regimen. The crown control does a better job of moisturizing my hair. Plus, I can still rock my sponge brush style curly afro after using this product. While the Sleek Water Pomade is best for that style, it did leave my hair too dry and firm for my liking.

Natural Ingredients:

  • Spearmint Oil – Invigorates the scalp
  • Clove Oil – Stimulates blood flow
  • Nettle Oil – Promotes hair growth
  • Hemp Seed Oil – Hydrates and moisturizes
Crown Control Ingredients:

Water

PVP

Stearalkonium Chloride

(Vegetable) Glycerin

Cetyl Alcohol

Dimethicone

Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil

Polyquaternium-37

Dimethicone PG-Diethylmonium Chloride

Propanediol

Cetrimonium Chloride

Glyceryl Stearate

Ceteareth-20

Parfum

Polyquaternium-32

Paraffinum Liquidum

PPG-1 Trideceth-6 

Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil

Dimethicone PEG-7 Isostearate

Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride

Sodium Chloride

EDTA

Citric Acid

Phenoxyethanol

Ethylhexylglycerin

Benzyl Benzoate

Benzyl Cinnamate

Citral

Limonene

Linalool

Safe Ingredients

The top safe clinically-proven ingredients found in all Frederick Benjamin Grooming products (in order from most to least commonly used):

Dimethicone

A form of silicone that helps form a protective layer on the skin, improves water retention, coats hair cuticles, and improves detangling, among other benefits for your hair and the product itself (Source: Puracy). This ingredient is widely accepted to be safe. The only concern with this ingredient is that it can cause build-up when you wash your hair too frequently. (Source: John Frieda)

Found in the Shampoo, Conditioner, Daily Hydrator, and Crown Control.

Phenoxyethanol

An oily and slightly sticky liquid that acts as a preservative. This ingredient is widely accepted as safe when used less than 1%. (Source: Cosmeticsinfo)

Found in the Shampoo, Conditioner, Daily Hydrator, Bump Clear, Crown Control, and the Sleek Water Pomade.

Ethylhexylglycerin

A vegetable glycerin preservative that mainly comes from plant sources of glycerin, like soybean or palm. It can act as a surfactant, preservative, and conditioning agent. Also, it is an alternative to parabens and sulfates typically found in most hair care products, which Frederick Benjamin avoids using. (Source: Byrdie)

Found in the Shampoo, Conditioner, Daily Hydrator, and Crown Control.

(Vegetable) Glycerin

A more naturally derived glycerin with the same benefits as the more popular synthetic version. Glycerin helps hydrate the scalp, stop breakage, and keep it healthy by adding moisture to the hair and scalp. At the same time, it helps prevent moisture from leaving the skin and hair follicles. (Source: Byrdie)

Found in the Shampoo, Conditioner, Daily Hydrator, Bump Clear, Shave Gel, Crown Control, and Sleek Water Pomade.

Cetyl Alcohol

A fatty alcohol that has moisturizing properties. It helps seals the hair cuticles, making it feel soft and smooth. (Sources: Mane Addicts and Naturally Curly)

Found in the Conditioner, Daily Hydrator, and Crown Control.

Citric Acid

A natural ingredient usually found in citrus fruits. It is also used to help lower the pH levels in shampoo and other hair care products with high alkaline pH levels. (Source: Byrdie)

Found in the Shampoo, Daily Hydrator, and Crown Control.

Glyceryl Stearate

A waxy ingredient with moisturizing properties because it comes from natural sources like coconut, palm kernels, or olives. It helps trap moisture in the hair to prevent dryness and damage. It also binds other ingredients in the hair products together. (Source: SpecialChem)

Found in the Conditioner, Daily Hydrator, and Crown Control.

Polyquaternium-32

Used for its conditioning, protective, and antistatic properties. It can provide a protective barrier against external stressors in your environment. As a result, it helps maintain hair moisture, prevent dryness, and improve its overall appearance. In addition, the antistatic benefits help reduce frizz and static electricity in the hair. This helps keep it smooth and easy to style. (Source: HairSwiss)

Found in the Conditioner, Daily Hydrator, and Crown Control.

Polyquaternium-37

Similar to 32, this is another antistatic agent. It provides a positive charge to counteract the negative charge in hair care products. As a result, it helps make combing the hair more manageable while also helping with hair alignment, shine, and elasticity. (Source: SpecialChem).

Found in the Daily Hydrator, Shave Gel, and Crown Control.

PPG-1 Trideceth-6

Has thickening and stabilizing properties. Therefore, it helps prevent hair products from separating. At the same time, it helps the hair feel smooth. (source: Wella Company)

Found in the Conditioner, Daily Hydrator, and Crown Control.

DmDm Hydantoin

A preservative and antimicrobial agent. It helps keep products fresh and free from contaminants. Also, it help keeps products from spoiling quickly and prevents harmful bacteria from growing. (Source: WebMD)

Found in the Bump Clear, Shave Gel, and Sleek Water Pomade.

Fragrance Oil

A mix of natural and chemical compounds to produce a desired scent. (source: New Directions Aromatics).

Found in the Shave Gel, Skin & Beard Oil, and Sleek Water Pomade.

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Bundle & Save Grooming Kits

One way to buy Frederick Benjamin grooming products specific to your hair goals and save money is through their regimens. However, another way is through their kits. These kits and collections bundle entire regimens with additional products tailored to specific hair goals.

Frederick Benjamin Grooming has kits for:

The Sponge Twist Kit

Originally called the ‘Twist & Curls Kit,’ the Sponge Twist Kit is my very first Frederick Benjamin grooming purchase for three reasons:

  1. It is curated specifically for men like myself who style a natural curly afro. Therefore…
  2. …It recommended the Sleek Water Pomade for my preferred hairstyle. Unfortunately, I could not choose between the Pomade and the Crown Control then.
  3. It includes a sponge brush. Unfortunately, at the time, I had to replace the one I already had. By the way, my guys, if you use a sponge brush to style your hair, please replace it after a few months. Or, consider purchasing the Red by Kiss Bow Wow X Twist King Luxury Twist Styler Washable and Durable Twist Brush for Afro Curl. It is available on Amazon if your local beauty supply store has yet to stock.

Read More: Luxury Twist Styler Review: The Best Alternative to Sponge Brushes >>>

Read More: Why Black Men (and Women) Should Ditch Sponge Brushes: A Guide to Better Hair Care >>>

The products in this kit include:

The Ultimate Wave Kit

Frederick Benjamin The Ultimate Wave Kit
The Ultimate Wave Kit

The Ultimate Wave Kit is a men’s grooming kit for black men who want to show off and maintain their waves.

The products in this kit include:

 

The Curly Hair Kit

Frederick Benjamin Grooming sells the Curly Hair Kit. Part of Tyler Jurelle's Frederick Benjamin review.
The Curly Hair Kit

The Curly Hair Kit is my preferred men’s grooming kit. It is curated for men who want to show off and maintain their soft curls.

The products in this kit include:

Where to Purchase Frederick Benjamin Grooming Products?

Since first discovering Frederick Benjamin in 2021 on Instagram, they have been growing as a company. First, exclusively sold online, they are slowly increasing their retail presence. Still, purchasing from the brand directly is always the best route. Buying in-store is excellent for convenience.

frederickbenjamin.com

Ordering your hair care products directly from Frederick Benjamin’s website is the best route. Not only do you save money by ordering from the brand directly, but you can also take advantage of more savings. For example, you will receive 10% off your order if you subscribe to my website via this review. However, the discount code only works for orders placed on Frederick Benjamin’s website.

Shipping

Rest assured, Frederick Benjamin’s shipping is overall reliable. Whenever I order from their website, I typically receive it within a week. However, there have been instances where I have received my order within three days.

All Frederick Benjamin direct orders are eligible for package protection through a third-party service called Route. With Route Package Protection, you can track your package and file a claim if it gets lost, stolen, or damaged. The cost of this service is only $0.98. You have the option to add it to your order.

Subscribe for 10% Off Your First Order

You will receive email notifications on new posts, all other updates, and 10% off your first order with Frederick Benjamin Grooming.

Target & Walmart

There has been an increase in black-owned hair products at Target lately, and I love it. You can now add Frederick Benjamin to that list of black-owned hair care brands at Target. Also, they are now at Walmart too. So you can now purchase Frederick Benjamin grooming products in-store and avoid waiting for shipping.

From personal experience with Target, the following Frederick Benjamin products are likely to be readily available in-store:

  • Shampoo – Invigorating Cleanser
  • Conditioner – Invigorating Moisturizer
  • Daily Hydrator Styling Creme
  • Sleek Water Pomade
  • Crown Control – Curl and Twist Cream

Final Thoughts

To reiterate, Frederick Benjamin Grooming has quality natural hair care products for black men. They only use ingredients that are both natural and clinically proven to be safe for our hair. Since using the hair care regimen, my hair has been the healthiest it is ever been. This hair care brand is perfect for black men looking to transition to more natural hair grooming products.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my article. I hope you enjoyed it and learned something new. Please leave a comment below with your thoughts. If you want to stay updated on new content, please subscribe to my website. You will receive 10% off your first Frederick Benjamin order as a reward. 

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You will receive email notifications on new posts, all other updates, and 10% off your first order with Frederick Benjamin Grooming.

This post was originally published on: 06/04/2023

34 Responses

  1. It’s great that you have breakdown and lots of information about each product. Thanks for sharing this with us

  2. I had no idea about either of these things but I learnt something new today abd these Frederick Benjamin products look good and I guess I would love read to use them.

  3. Love this and it looks like such a great selection of hair care and skin care products for the guys! I love that they are coming up with the products that people need and love all of the ingredients used in these products too! Great self care as well 😉

  4. It’s great to know that now I can find Frederick Benjamin brand products at Target! I will check it out!

  5. This isn’t a brand I’ve heard of myself, but this sounds like a really good grooming range for men. I don’t know much about ingredients in haircare, but it sounds like a good mixture x

  6. thank you for the introduction to this product; need to check these out for my husband who has tried a few different products for dryness and flakes..

  7. It is so wonderful when you find products that truly serve you. the fact that they are more naturally derived is a bonus! I love that they use sunflower oil and grapefruit oil.

    1. Thank you for your feedback. Yes, finding naturally derived products that truly serve you is very important. Seeing sunflower and grapefruit oils were deciding factors for me.

  8. I have heard of this brand before but didn’t know much about them until now. Great informative post, I may look into grabbing a few products to try for my sons hair. I will be reading up on them!

  9. Sounds like a great skincare line. I love when products are more natural. It’s crazy how many products have so many chemicals in them.

  10. Great breakdown and explanation of each product! You’re right about the importance of clean ingredients, it makes such a difference. Thank you for sharing your insights and making it easier for other looking for products that work!

  11. Wow, it’s incredible how many chemicals go into everyday use products and still there are no regulatory bodies to check how it affects people. I wonder if that ever is going to change. Maybe more pressure from consumers is needed…

  12. While I’m no expert in haircare and don’t know what some of the ingredients are, the ones I do know (mostly the different oils) sounds really good. The ones especially with spearmint/grapefruit oil I bet smell amazing! Reliable and fast shipping is always a bonus. Do they ship worldwide?

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