British Curlies

Curl Stylist

Jonathan Torch Curl Master

by British Curlies

British Curlies: How did you get your start in the Hair Industry?

Jonathan: I was fortunate enough to start my career in a bustling high end beauty salon, with trendy British hair designers. All you had to do was work hard, listen and learn. Three years of intensive training sparked a passion for hair design that has lasted for 25 years to date. 

British Curlies: What motivated you to create your own line for naturally curly hair?

Jonathan: My passion for curly hair has inspired several curly hair cutting techniques.  However, it takes products that control frizz to have success when styling curly hair. Understanding curly hair made me realize that the current products on the market were not suitable. Every product that was available contained heavy, greasy oils and tons of silicones. As a hobby, I began researching ingredients that I thought would be of benefit to people with curly hair – and above all, eliminate frizz. It took nearly thirteen years of play-time before I found a way of controlling all types of frizz without the look or feel of products in the hair.

 
British Curlies: Who or what inspires you?

Jonathan:Curly hair inspires me – every type, every condition. No two curls are ever the same. They change constantly because there are so many variables, unknown and uncontrolled circumstances. Underneath that unruly mop there is a beautiful butterfly waiting to be discovered.  

British Curlies: Curl Keeper is one of your best selling products internationally. How did you go about creating such an amazing product?

Jonathan: Curl Keeper is remarkable – Curl Keeper is common sense. Oil and water don’t mix; they never have and they never will. So if you are trying to combat frizz with a silicone or oil-based product, you are doomed to failure. There is never any frizz when curly hair is soaked with water. Curl Keeper will duplicate the same control and dries completely clean and soft. Curl Keeper reactivates with water, so Day 2 is better than Day 1 when you learn how to reactivate your hairstyle with wet hands.  It only takes one product - Curl Keeper, to control the frizz.  Practice adjusting your techniques to control individual curl formations. 

British Curlies: Women across the British Isles are realizing the beauty of their naturally curly hair but there are others who need encouraging.  Do you have any advice for these Curlies?

Jonathan: It takes a lot of courage to start wearing your hair naturally, especially in the beginning. Most people who deny their curls have done so all of their lives. When you decide to style your curls naturally, you have to be ready for the unknown. Your look and image will appear more casual, which is good, but different.  Getting used to a new look takes time, but you’ll soon feel more comfortable as you learn that curly hair does not mean frizzy hair. Once you find out how easy it is to style your curls and keep them frizz-free, your new look will attract tons of positive attention. It may take some extra time to grow out straight cut layers and, some curly hair styles may only need trims every 3-4 months. As long as your hair is styled properly, your new image will look better and become easier to maintain. The good news is that, today, wearing your hair curly is mainstream in the world of fashion. The buzz words are:  “Messy is Sexy and Youthful!” 

British Curlies: What products do you recommend for type 2, type 3 and type 4 curls?

Jonathan: As previously mentioned, there is such a wide variety of curl formations that each curl personality requires a unique technique and combination of products.One product that should be used for every curl type is Curl Keeper. This should be applied generously from roots to ends to control all frizz.
For looser curls and waves ( type 2), I recommend adding some Curly Hair Solutions Gel for extra hold and control.  Our Gel is never sticky or flaky. 
For tighter curls (type 3 and type 4), I recommend using extra product and adding generous amounts of my Silk Leave-In Conditioner. This will soften and smooth any stubborn wiry hairs that won’t conform. I also suggest as little movement as possible during the first 10 minutes of the drying stage. 

British Curlies: You are based in Canada. Do you ever have the opportunity to visit the UK? If so how do you find the curly hair scene here?

Jonathan: It has been quite a while since I have been to the UK.  I do wish to return, as I consider hair design in the UK to be at a very high level of excellence. There is always so much to learn. 

British Curlies: You are world renowned for your curly cutting technique.  Can you share with our British Curlies members your method for cutting curls?

Jonathan: Controlling bulk is the essence of cutting curly hair. Being able to move excess bulk from areas where it is unflattering and transferring bulk to where it is needed the most, will determine the success or failure of a curly hair design.  However, curly hair should never be cut too evenly in order to avoid unwanted “ledges” caused by over layering or using straight hair cutting techniques. It is important for people to learn to control their curls and frizz before undertaking a haircut to “fix” their hair. 

British Curlies: Our members would like to know if your products are safe to use on their children's curls?

Jonathan: My products are fantastic when used on kids’ hair. There is no residue ever left behind. Our shampoos and conditioners are pure and natural, and never build up. Our Slip Detangler is perfect for painlessly removing knots and tangles. (Slip takes about 30 seconds to become 100% effective). And of course, Curl Keeper always dries clean and soft. 

British Curlies: Have you a favorite moment using your products that you would like to share with our members?

Jonathan: Whenever I do a curly hair seminar, I look out and see disappointment on everyone’s face when they first notice that Jonathan Torch has straight hair – the last thing they would ever expect. Then, when I begin to demonstrate curl control, the look and energy changes immediately. Everyone is so pleasantly surprised at how simple and easy styling is when you have products that really, really, REALLY work. At some shows, hairstylists try to stump me with wild and crazy, out of control hair that I easily transform into fantastic curls. One funny client once commented that it was foolish to doubt me for having straight hair, when her gynecologist was a man. 

British Curlies: Where do you see Curly Hair Solutions going next?

Jonathan: I spend most of my time behind the chair, playing with curly hair. The more I do the better I get. The better I get the more products and techniques I create. It is easier to develop new products from the hairdresser’s chair. I am currently working on a new product for tight curls (type 3 or type 4), but there is no rush. Perfection takes time. “Happiness is keeping busy with a labour of love”.

Wow well this has been a fabulous experience Jonathan, to be able to have you share your years of advice and techniques with our British Curlies is a dream come true. Thank you so much for changing the way women, men and children with naturally curly hair feel about themselves and more importantly for creating a line which helps us achieve our best curly days ever!