British Curlies

Curl Stylist

Marsha Coulton Curl Junkie

by British Curlies

British Curlies: Can you share with us your background in hair care?

Marsha: I had always been interested in haircare since I can remember. Over the years, I learned about ingredients by reading the labels on haircare products and identifying ingredients that worked well on my hair and ones that did not. I also taught myself how to weave and braid hair as well. I had always wanted to do hair professionally and in 2004 I decided to pursue it. I received my license in cosmetology in 2005 and started the Curl Junkie line in 2006.

British Curlies: Curl Junkie is fast becoming a bestselling line in America what inspired you to come up with the name Curl Junkie and the line?

Marsha: Curl Junkie was a play on the words "Product Junkie" which I was (am!) and the fact that I was developing a line for curly hair. It became a natural combination to put together! I developed the line because I had started wearing my hair in its natural state in cosmetology school and was never satisfied with the products available. People used to tell me to develop my own line because I specialized in curly hair and would complain about the lack of product options. I began to do research, order raw materials and test out formulations, until I came up with some products that my clients wanted to purchase! That was what encouraged me to start the line officially.

British Curlies: Parents might want to use your products on their little Curlies hair is that okay?

Marsha: I use the products on my toddler with no problems, but I would recommend that spot tests be conducted since children's skin is even more sensitive than adults and this is especially true for any of our products that contain essential oils.

British Curlies: Your Curl Assurance Aloe Fix is for many Curlies their Hero product what makes it work so well for so many different curly textures?

Marsha: I am so glad to see this product doing so well! I actually formulated it to work best on thicker, curlier hair types (actually...mine!) and was so thrilled to see that it seems to work well on most hair types, it just gives different results (more volume or more definition, etc.) I think the combo of Aloe Vera and oils help to make the product moisturizing, yet have some hold which suits most hair types.

British Curlies: Who or what inspires you to stay motivated in an industry full of multi-million pound beauty companies who market products which under deliver but because of the millions they pour into marketing their products get more press than a beautiful line like yours which actually works miracles for most Curlies?

Marsha: My customers, clients and my own needs inspire me...I really don't think about the big boys out there when I make products. It originally started because I couldn't find products that would do what I wanted them to. Now I try to formulate products based on customer demand/requests. If I can do it, I try! Where I see a hole in the line, I try to fill it. I actually have a few more things in the works!

British Curlies: What Curl Junkie products do you use in your curl routine?

Marsha: I end up using all the products at some point, but my staples are: the Gentle Cleansing Marsha: Shampoo (about 2 times per week), the Hibiscus & Banana Deep Fix, Curl Theory Conditioner and Curl Rehab (rotated daily and rinsed), followed by the CoffeeCoco Curl Creme and then on rainy/humid days, topped by Aloe Fix Gel. I use the Curl Fuel and Hair Styling Water as curl refreshers (I use this combo on my son's hair as well!)

British Curlies: What is a regular day for you like in Curl Junkie world?

Marsha: There is no such thing as a regular day! It's a toss up of customer service, forecasting, marketing, formulating, errand running, bookkeeping, etc. Any of those can dominate a day, so there is no predicting what can happen, but I still enjoy what I'm doing!

British Curlies: The CoffeeCoco Curl Creme is another standout product can you share with us how that product came about and why it works so very well?

Marsha: I was looking to make a product that could be moisturizing, defining, and have some hold without being crunchy. I was researching many ingredients at the time and after months of trials, I came up with this combo which I love. This is one product that I always keep at hand!

British Curlies: Would you describe your philosophy on your journey so far with Curl Junkie?

Marsha: I try to meet my customers needs as best as possible...they guide me on my journey. I also love the science of formulation and learning about ingredients. This combo makes the journey enjoyable. Coming up with products that can help people love their hair and give themselves more self-confidence is really fulfilling for me.

British Curlies: Before we part have you any words of advice or encouragement to share with our Curlies across the UK who are loving their natural curls or who may be thinking about giving their curls a chance to just be?

Marsha: Just go ahead and try it! This line is just one of many that can help you have healthy, beautiful hair. We all have many more options to take care of our hair than we did 20 years ago, so go for it!

On behalf of our British Curlies members I extend a warm thank you for taking the time to give us a behind the scene look at how Curl Junkie came to be and you own Curl Story. Your products are loved by so many of our Curlies and we look forward to seeing your next step with Curl Junkie!

FYI: You will see more of Marsha who is now a regular contributor on British Curlies giving great info on caring for your Curls