Joel Torres Brings His Global Vision to Sydney

By Louise May

Joel Torres is more than an award-winning stylist; he’s an artist with an innate passion for creativity and a deep love for sharing his craft. Originally from the vibrant Caribbean Island of Puerto Rico, Joel’s journey in hairdressing has taken him across the world, yet his roots remain at the heart of his artistry. His bilingual skills, relentless work ethic, and genuine enthusiasm for the industry led him to Dallas, where he became a key member of the TIGI International Creative Team, a role he dedicated over two decades of his life to mastering.

Joel’s influence extends far beyond the salon. His work has been featured in renowned publications such as Italian Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, InStyle, and L’Officiel, and he has styled A-list celebrities including Zac Efron, Victoria Justice, Daddy Yankee, and Icona Pop. Whether he’s educating on social media platforms like YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, or Clubhouse, Joel’s commitment to inspiring others remains unwavering.

Now serving as the IGK Director of Professional Content & Education, and having recently joined the R+Co team, Joel continues to push creative boundaries while empowering stylists to embrace both technical excellence and artistic freedom.

Joel will be heading to Australia this September as part of the highly anticipated HAIR… The Movement event in Sydney, where he’ll be educating on stage and representing R+Co as their Global Artist. Mocha Hair’s Editor Louise May, had the chance to catch up with Joel ahead of his visit to chat about his journey, creative inspirations, and what Aussie stylists can expect when he hits the stage

Tell us about you and what you do in the industry today?

I was born and raised in Puerto Rico where I started my journey as a hairstylist, I’m currently living in United States. I have 30 years’ experience in the industry and 25 years as an educator .

You have recently joined the R+Co team, can you tell us about this and about your role, and why you chose to partner with the R+Co brand?

I recently joined R+Co as a Global Artist , I love the brand and the culture, the team is incredible and very supportive.

What does it mean to you to be part of HAIR The Movement in Sydney?

hair the movement is all about quality education and Sharon it’s been a great inspiration for the industry, I feel honoured and humbled to receive an invitation to be part of such a great event like this one that supports and elevate our industry . I’m excited to represent R+Co on the other side of the world.

What can ticket holders expect to learn or experience from your session?

Cutting and Styling experience where you’ll gain versatile techniques you can immediately use behind the chair. This class is designed to bridge creativity and practicality, with a strong emphasis on personalizing haircuts to suit each client’s unique features, lifestyle, and texture

How would you describe your style and approach to cutting hair?

I believe that suiting haircuts and styles to each individual is key.

I take my time in each consultation; I LISTEN carefully then decide what’s best for each client.

I use fundamentals with a modern twist, everything comes from the foundation, and we can always adapt to any trend.

Where do you get your inspiration from when it comes to hair and education?

I love photography I’m also a filmmaker. One of my hobbies is street photography.

I have a little obsession with architecture and photography is the bridge that connects all my passions and make me see the world differently.

When you capture something, you see layers, shapes, shadows and light and all this effects positively the way I see hair.

What do you hope Australian stylists take away from seeing you live on stage?

I believe R+Co education is a great combination of creativity and structure and I think a good hairdresser can benefit from both.

I will be discussing and demonstrating techniques that are salon friendly, simple to use with a great impact within our clients. I’m also going to share tips and tricks on using content creation to impact your business as a hairstylist.

What are you most looking forward to about connecting with the Aussie hair community?

I visited Australia in 2001, and I’ve been waiting to go back, I’m really excited for this opportunity.

I want to absorb all the energy from the Australian stylist, get inspiration from the community and also explore and take photos of the streets and create good memories.

We are exploring ideas about doing more events while I’m visiting and the R+Co team will announce it.

@joeltorresstyle

@randco

@roguebeauty_official