It is over a decade since the natural hair movement exploded and it has gone from strength to strength. Black men have not been left out of the action with a lot of them embracing their natural coils.
The male grooming industry is worth around £500 million and expected to rise and as a result there has been a growth in skincare and haircare products for men. Black men in the UK now have the choice of a variety of products tailored to them. We feature five Black-owned British male grooming brands
Aaron Wallace
This self named brand has a minimalist appeal but packs a punch with the exotic ingredients they use. Co-founded by Aaron Wallace and Lina Gadi, this brand was created in order to meet the needs of Aaron’s barbershop clients. They wanted products created specifically for Black men with natural hair. His first range was called Shear & Shine but after teaming up with Lina they rebranded las year and the brand, Aaron Wallace was born. Their products consists of a 3-Step Haircare System and Hair & Beard Oil.
Goodman Factory
Goodman Factory - now there’s a name that sounds like salt of the earth. Founded last year by Malik and Rizzy, the brand offers products specially for beard care. Goodman Factory’s mission is to build a community of Black men who embrace their own identity. Sharing knowledge on self-love by starting with growing and maintaining their crown to their community. Their range includes; Beard Oil, Face Oil, Wooden Beard Brush and a Beard Comb. Proudly plant based, they use ingredients such as Moroccan Oil and Grape Seed Oil.
Dark Horse
This brand is created by Mike Edwards, an elite high jumper and entrepreneur. He is also the founder of Britain’s first Black owned cigar line. Mike now brings us Dark Horse Beard Oil. In 2018 Mike won gold at the British Indoor Championships, not wanting to be a sportsman forever, he’s on a mission to create a legacy. Along with a clothing line, fashion accessories and cigars.
Kurl King Sponge
Kurl King is the tool of choice used by Mark Maciver, better known as Slidercuts. He has used this tool on the likes of Tinie Tempah, Reggie Yates and Anthony Joshua, to name a few. So what does the Kurl King Sponge do? Well, the sponge has holes on the under-side which assists in creating twists and curls without the aid of chemicals. Built with three layers; Firm EVA top-layer handle grip, The Kurl King Sponge was created using a higher grade sponge technology that is extremely durable, firm and even eco-friendly. Plus it is easily portable, you can take it with you on hols or staycation to keep your fro looking tip top.
Beard Connecx
Beard Connecx was founded last year by Justina Naik and Katrena Lawford. They offer self-care and grooming products and services for men. Their USP is to establish connectivity with mind and body through their products. The brand is committed to using natural ingredients within their products which are sulphate and paraben free, cosmetic safety assessed, and cruelty-free.
