Life & Work with Richard Benn, III

Today we’d like to introduce you to Richard Benn, III.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My passion for hair developed as a child watching my older cousin braid and style the hair of our family and friends in the community. It was then that I was first introduced to natural styles.

2012 I received conservatorship over my grandfather and took a break from my undergraduate degree to spend time and care for him in his final year. With the intent of finishing my program, I started seeking employment that would allow me more flexibility in controlling my work schedule so I’d have time to attend my classes.

As much as I avoided it, my best friend continued to encourage me to style my hair professionally. I finally gave in and enrolled at Paul Mitchell the school, Sherman Oaks. I chose this school because I wanted to focus on the areas I had no experience in which were cut and color. Upon completing the program, the Hair Craft President of LOCAL706 reached out to the school seeking a mentee. I applied for a mentorship program and was one of the chosen three.

After about a year, I was the only one of the three remaining. 2 years after proving myself and assisting an opportunity arises with NBC to work on a tv show by the name of A little Late with Lilly Singh. I tried out the position for a week And became the Personal Key Hairstylist for the host Lilly Singh.

Know that I was completely nervous the entire time and wondered if my skill and work as on par with their expectations. To my surprise, it exceeded their expectations, NBC nominated me for an EMMY in 2020 for Outstanding Contemporary Hairstyling For a Variety, Non-Fiction, or Reality Program. The specific style nominated Lilly wore on episode 67, where Karen Gillian was a guest.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Also, managing and maintaining relationships in the post COVID world.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My comfort zone is natural styling, more specifically, braiding. I could part hair and braid with my eyes closed. I’m also skilled in all extensions, cuts (male & female), and colors.

My focus is haircare, I’m all about protecting the integrity of the hair. Currently, my proudest moment is having my work recognized and nominated for an Emmy within the first year of being a part of the union.

So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
I’m currently designing a mobile salon and can definitely use the assistance of a hairstylist and barbers. Always down to collaborate with other dope artists (MUA, wardrobe, and photographers) on dope content shoots.

Also, at the end of August, I intend to have a team hit the streets with me for some community service. We will visit under-served areas and schools and provide hair services. If other organizations are interested in giving back as well and would like to collaborate by offering clothes, food, or school supplies that will be amazing.

If you would like to be a part of my enRICHment project you can contact me on IG – @RichHairLA or email me directly at [email protected].

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.RichHairLA.com
• Instagram: @RichHairLA
• Facebook: www.Facebook.com/RichHairLA

Image Credits
@realOmosexy, @MelyessaFord, @LegendayMax ,Season3 @HBO, @ShermansShowcase Season2, @Hulu, @siennamaegomez, and @themuzmag