Benjamin Thigpen

Benjamin Thigpen started his career in a small salon in Savannah, Georgia in 2000. There, he attended Savannah College of Art and Design and received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Photography and a minor in writing and advertising. Upon graduating, he landed a photo-assisting job in New York City with renowned photographer Arthur Elgort. While working with Arthur, Benjamin decided to explore another approach to image and attended – and was certified by – the internationally renowned Aveda Institute. He furthered his education under Dutch hairstylist Christiaan Houtenbos, which led him to move on from photography and focus on hair styling, subsequently landing multiple television and editorial jobs.


After working with a number of male models, it became apparent that they required more than just hair styling but didn’t quite need the work of a make up artist. To address these needs, Benjamin expanded his work to become a groomer – which includes tasks such as skin care, moisturizing, body contouring, shaving and trimming, or whatever it is that the client requires.

Benjamin has worked with top television shows including America's Next Top Model, One Tree Hill, ABC's Thin Ice Figure Skating, E's Bank of Hollywood, The Nate Berkus Show, David Letterman, Rachel Ray, TODAY, Good Morning America, Martha Stewart and MTV’s The City. He has also styled covers and stories in L'Officiel Magazine, W Magazine, Japanese Vogue, American Vogue, Brazilian Vogue, Vanity Fair, Women's Health, Men's Health, Lucky, Good Housekeeping, TAR, Cosmopolitan, Essential Homme, Glamour, Seventeen, Tatler, Paper, New York Magazine, and Maxim, among others.

Through his various grooming projects, Benjamin has worked with top photographers such as Bruce Weber, Steven Klein, David Sims, Nigel Barker, and Arthur Elgort.

Benjamin’s men’s grooming clients include: Bruce Willis, Marc Jacobs, Chris Noth, Nate Berkus, Vincent Piazza, Will Forte, Tony Hale, Steve Buscemi, Alan Cumming, Harry Shum Jr, Troy Polamalu, Nick Swischer, CJ Wilson and Demarcus Ware.

Ben is currently the spokesperson for Men’s grooming line, Recipe for Men.