Comments Off on Help us Name a STEKAskills Hairdressing School in Malawi!
We are thrilled that with our clients’ help in the past 2 years we have raised enough money to kit out a STEKAskills* hairdressing school in Malawi.
The young people at the Malawian STEKA care home are so thankful, they have asked us to name the school and we’d like your help!
On our social channels you will have the chance to either suggest a name for the school or choose a favourite from the 3 suggestions below:
Tsitsi Lokongola School – meaning beautiful hair in Chichewa (Malawi’s main language
The Lotus-Miller Hairdressing School – the national flower for Malawi is a Lotus
The CM School of Hairdressing
We are selling the decorations again this year too. We are hoping to raise money to pay for a teacher, hairdressing kits and even some scholarships.
These beautiful decorations are made by some of the people at the STEKA care home. They are available in all 5 salons whilst stocks last.
*STEKAskills is a Scottish charity partnered with the Malawian charity STEKA (Step Kids Awareness) to support STEKA’s ambition to build a Centre for Vocational Skills & Community Enterprise in Malawi. Young people there are being helped to build a sustainable future.
To keep up to date with all things Charlie Miller, make sure you are following us on our social channels. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. To find your nearest salon click here.
Sarah’s post-chemotherapy hair journey – The Third Cut
Throughout her process, we have been publishing Sarah’s updates about her hair journey following treatment. In her first blog you can find out how her first visit after treatment made her feel normal. Her second blog describes her delight that by following the scalp hair regime as prescribed by her stylist she began to see healthy new hair growth, giving her hope of reaching her hair goals. The Third Cut brings you right up to date and with colour too!
Identity Struggle
I’ve been struggling with my identity these past few months. After the initial relief of my hair growing back last autumn, followed by my few cuts to encourage healthy growth and hone a style, I started to feel more like the old me. Then, lockdown II happened and my short crop lost its way. And, in turn, I lost my way too.
You see, I’ve been used having long blonde hair most of my adult life. It shaped how I dressed, what styles and colours I gravitated towards, even the makeup I wore. Now, with short dark hair that was growing wildly in places (sadly not on top as I wanted), my clothing choices looked frumpy or just plain wrong. My makeup needed extra oomph. My colour palette, an overhaul. I didn’t like what I saw in the mirror so I avoided going back to the hairdressers thinking I would forgo a trim to let it grow as quickly as possible.
Eventually, after seeing one particular picture of myself, I realised enough was enough and made an appointment. A teeny tiny trim, I told them on the phone. The third cut.
On the day, I plucked up the courage to explain how I was feeling. It was the biggest relief. The team instantly put me at ease, explaining precisely why my hair growth had led me to this stage. When you have short hair, and especially when you have short hair post-chemo, little and often is the way to go (as often as every three weeks). Small trims every few weeks would have kept my hair looking sharp, and stimulated my much-longed for growth on top. Instead, I was left with no style. Oops.
Colour?!
When they suggested colour to give me a further lift, I was initially reluctant. With hair this short, and my seriously warm undertones, it could easily look wrong. But instead of a typical all-over tint or woven highlights, the team recommended a hair gloss with just a hint of colour.
Hair gloss has been around for a while now and the service does much more than add noticeable radiance and mirror-like shine finish to your hair. It can even fine tune hair colour and add a subtle, semi-permanent tint for a natural-looking hue. For post-chemo hair, it offers a safe and much needed boost to fragile hair.
The team recommended the best colour for me and it was quickly applied and left on for just 20 minutes before my hair was washed and trimmed. The result was a transformation for me. My colour was elevated and enriched, my hair looking super healthy. Even my husband noticed.
And that teeny tiny trim? It made the biggest of difference, both to my look and my confidence. I was back.
A
We are delighted that stylists Roz and Casey at South St Andrew Street have been there for Sarah and although her hair goal journey is not over, she is looking amazing! We’ll keep you posted as the journey continues.
And remember, you can keep up to date with all things Charlie Miller by following us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. To find your nearest salon click here.
Curls….love them or hate them! Where do you stand?
Those of us with curly hair are always seeking out new ways to control waves, coils, kinks, spirals, S-bends and naturally textured hair. Some of us decide to leave our hair do its own thing instead of opting to style or straighten it.
When blogger Sophie decided she no longer wanted to fight her curls but to embrace them, she asked Stafford Street’s Leigh for tips and guidance on how to work with its texture. The results are fantastic!
In her first blogyou can read all about Sophie’s reasons for embracing her curls. Hersecond blogreveals all the advice and techniques she was given from Leigh, and the products that worked for her curly hair.
Prior to applying the colour, Leigh used an Olaplex treatment to help repair and protect the damaged and broken bonds in Sophie’s hair. She then applied Majirel copper tones in foils with a Dialight gentle toner that was taken through the mid-lengths and ends to diffuse the ‘lockdown’ root and tone in Sophie’s blonde.
Sophie’s hair was shampooed with Charlie Miller Hydrate Shampoo and Conditioner for added moisture. To help control the curls she also had a Curl Manifesto Instant Treatment from the new Curl Manifesto range by Kérastase.
Before being diffused dry, Sophie’s hair was then twisted with Charlie Miller Gloss Oil mixed with Shu Uemura’s Kengo Feather. Leigh finished the look with a little more Charlie Miller Gloss Oil to shake out the curls once the hair was dry. Embracing your curls in 2021 can lead to beautiful results!!
To keep up to date with all things Charlie Miller, make sure you are following us on our social channels. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. To find your nearest salon click here.
You can shop our full haircare range online here, or on Amazon UK.
Gone are the days of ‘grey hair only suits men’. So many amazing women are showing up online to encourage others to ditch their preconceptions about grey hair, and fully embrace their natural locks.
You might be warming to your natural grey but feel a bit apprehensive after years of colour treatments and have no clue how to begin your transition to a new look.
Fear not! We have rounded up some of our top tips from our professional colour specialists, to help make your journey to silver locks as smooth as possible.
photo credit: @silverstrandsofglitter on Instagram
Create a Natural Transition with Colour Treatments
Your stylist knows best. They know you and your hair and will be able to recommend the best colour treatment, specifically for your needs and preferences. They will advise the best combination of lowlights, highlights and toners that will tastefully phase out any existing colour.
Some of our clients prefer this gradual process, but some choose to bleach their colour out completely, and use silver shampoo and toners to enhance their cooling tones as their hair grows out. Every head of hair is different, so speaking to your professional stylist is the best way to choose a method which will work best for you.
Metallic and ash tones are hair trends that aren’t going anywhere, so there really hasn’t been a better time to make the transition.
Keep Your Grey Fresh with Silver Shampoo
Silver shampoo is our number one hero product for silver/grey hair, bleached or blond highlighted hair as it’s formulated to neutralise and remove yellow tones. Using a Silver Shampoo once a week in your hair care routine will help to keep your grey looking lively and fresh. Our Charlie Miller Silver Shampoo is also formulated with antioxidant rich sage oil, which promotes hair development and helps your hair to retain moisture.
photo credit: @k_growing_gray on Instagram
Master Your Grey Hair Regime
White and grey hair has a very high porosity, so it is crucial that you invest in some good quality haircare to keep your hair looking its best. Grey hair can be silky but can often be a little coarse in texture too, so it’s very important to use products which encourage smoothness and add moisture to your hair. Always use a heat protectant when heat styling, and finish with a nourishing oil.
Don’t Underestimate The Haircuts
Finally, invest in a great cut. Short, cool, choppy styles work great and help speed up the process to full head grey. A chic bob, if it’s really sharp, can also look just as fabulous. No matter what your hair goal is, haircuts are essential to maintaining the health and condition of your hair.
If you need more inspiration to embrace those natural greys, have a look at the following hashtags on Instagram: #silversisters #silversistersinternational #greyhairmovement
photo credit: @the_gray_gal on Instagram
To keep up to date with all things Charlie Miller, make sure you are following us on our social channels. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. To find your nearest salon click here.
Long-term Charlie Miller client, Sarah Howden, is sharing her post-chemotherapy hair journey with us.
Throughout the process, we will be publishing updates from Sarah, as well as sharing advice and recommendations from her stylists Roz and Casey. Along with other stylists across the company, Roz has a wealth of experience in helping clients deal with hair loss during cancer treatment and giving guidance on how best to encourage growth and optimise the health of the hair.
If you missed Sarah’s first blog, you can catch up here.
Reflecting on the First Cut
I have to admit, I was nervous about my first post chemo cut. It has taken me an age to grow what little hair I had, and I was reluctant to lose any length. But, I never forgot stylist Roz telling me pre chemo to come back early for a cut to encourage healthy growth.
Wow, she was right. Trimming the ends of my hair, which were chalky from the effects of chemotherapy, left my hair glossy-looking. The expert cut also injected some much-needed depth and texture, fine-tuning my short hair into a stylish pixie crop. However, as Roz and the team highlighted, I had work to do too – namely, looking after my scalp and hair health to help stimulate cell turnover and maximise growth.
Haircare At Home
Their eponymous sulphate and paraben-free haircare range, which is designed to lock in moisture, sooth scalps and encourage new hair growth, was used religiously and felt seriously indulgent. A little of their products go a long way too making them great investments. As was my Manta hairbrush which I massaged onto my scalp daily to encourage hair growth. After each wash my hair was glossy and healthy looking, the results make for addictive usage!
That first cut – and my new haircare regime – stimulated some serious growth on my sides and back. And just five weeks later, in December, I was in need of a tidy up. I was self-conscious about the lack of growth along my hairline so Roz recommended I add a new product to my skincare regime – L’Oréal Pro Serioxyl Denser Hair Treatment. Just like I would diligently use a facial serum every morning and night, this water-based scalp treatment was applied every evening along my hairline and massaged into my scalp, using my Manta brush, to stimulate my follicles and encourage more growth. Then, it was re-applied every morning after my shower.
It’s now January and, if it wasn’t for lockdown, I would be back for another trim…my scalp care regime is clearly working and my hairline has had a serious growth spurt. I suppose this month will allow me to focus on my whole scalp and haircare regime in the hope my next cut gets me more to my cropped hair goal.
Sarah’s hair after her first appointment
Sarah’s hair after her second appointment
Sarah will be back in the salon soon for her first appointment post-lockdown. So keep your eyes peeled for her next update in the coming weeks.
If you don’t want to miss this series, make sure you are following us on our social channels. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. To find your nearest salon click here.
We all know that hair loss is a common side effect when undergoing cancer treatment, and something that effects thousands of people every year.
Our hair is a very important part of our identity and losing it can be a distressing experience in an already challenging time. But what happens post-treatment when the hair starts to grow back? It may have changed colour and texture. It may have grown back unevenly and at varying speeds.
Following treatment, our very lovely, long-term client Sarah Howden experienced just that and asked us for help and advice. And, to support others in a similar position, she has kindly offered to share her journey in a series of post-chemotherapy hair blogs, this being the first.
Throughout the process, we will be publishing updates from Sarah, as well as sharing advice and recommendations from her stylists Roz and Casey. Along with other stylists across the company, Roz has a wealth of experience in helping clients deal with hair loss during cancer treatment and giving guidance on how best to encourage growth and optimise the health of the hair.
The First Cut
I have been having my hair cut at Charlie Miller Salons for over 30 years, originally sitting on a booster cushion as I was so young, and having Charlie himself trim my long, thick hair. I absolutely loved the whole experience, always left feeling so special and it is why, as I enter my 40s, I wouldn’t consider anywhere else.
Sarah back when Charlie cut her hair as a child
Sarah’s weddng day in 2013
Sarah’s son Daniel’s first cut with Roz in 2014
The team have styled and transformed me through every big moment of my life. My graduation. My first red carpet movie premier (for work, sadly!). My wedding. The birth of my three children. And my cancer diagnosis last year. My stylist counselled me through wig choices and took the time to look at my selection, guiding me to the best one. She cut into my selected wig to ensure it looked as natural as possible and chopped my own hair short in preparation for it falling out. The team made me feel normal and gave me the confidence to enter this new terrifying stage with my head held high – hair or no hair.
My hair did fall out, just two weeks after my first IV chemotherapy. I was so unwell with the cocktail of drugs and the extreme effect it had on my body that I actually didn’t care. Losing your hair does strip you of your femininity and it was hard to look at myself in the mirror. However, I was prepared, and my wig looked great on the days I was well enough to put it on.
Now, more than a year later, after six rounds of chemotherapy and a gruelling stem cell transplant, I have new hair. It is dark (I used to be blonde), it is messy, it’s different lengths and textures but it’s back. And so, my first cut was a big deal to me. It was symbolic. I had made it to remission and my new stem cells had grown me a new mane.
I was only ever returning to Charlie Miller Salons and, as ever, I felt instantly at home. And special. First up was a bit of an education on scalp and hair health to stimulate cell turnover and maximise my regrowth. I invested in their eponymous haircare range as all are sulphate and paraben-free, formulated with jasmine extract, organic calendula flower extract and organic sage oil to lock in moisture, sooth scalps and encourage new hair growth. Post cancer, you become extremely aware of what you put on and in your body.
I also picked up a Manta hairbrush, a super gentle and anti-breakage innovative brush that also hugs the contours of your head, massaging the scalp to encourage hair growth. Funnily enough, it was developed by a professional hairdresser who created this brush for his wife who’d lost her hair after cancer.
Then it was haircut time. My consultation had revealed that the ends of my hair where almost chalky with the effects of chemotherapy and needed to be cut away to promote healthier growth. After a wash, head massage (oh how I’d missed the Charlie Miller massages!) and hydrating treatment, my stylist trimmed and tidied my hair, expertly working it into the choppy pixie look I was hoping to achieve down the line. I was then shown how to style it and the best products to use to add depth and texture.
The result was perfection, a masterclass in transformation. Friends and family loved it, strangers in the street complimented me. I no longer looked like a cancer patient and, importantly, for the first time in a long time, I felt good. Pretty, even.
Sarah’s hair after her first appointment
In the next post, Sarah will share an update on her progress with her hair: how it is growing and feeling, and how she has felt getting to grips with her new products and routine. Roz will also be sharing the wisdom behind the products she is recommending, as well as other advice for promoting hair health.
If you don’t want to miss this series, make sure you are following us on our social channels. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. To find your nearest salon click here.
This week, Charlie Miller welcomed a very special client into our South St Andrew Street salon in Edinburgh for a very well-deserved afternoon of pampering.
Oona Dooks was born with cerebral palsy, a complex neurological condition which affects movement and coordination. Her condition went unnoticed till the day she was born, when she arrived with severe deformities in both of her feet, with dislocated hips, and with no movement in her legs or her jaw. Unable to open her mouth or swallow, she was fed by tube and ventilated, and spent ten weeks in NICU. Oona’s family were told to expect her to be unable to walk, talk, eat or ‘form thoughts’.
However, at 6 years old, she is now an unstoppable force. Last year, parts of Oona’s feet and hamstrings became active for the first time. These were parts of her body her therapists and doctors believed to be permanently paralysed.
Oona now attends a mainstream school in Portobello and is signed to Zebedee Model Management. Among her many accolades, she has modelled for Marks & Spencer, and performed as a supporting actress in a BBC children’s drama.
Beaming with pride, her dad Chris reflected on Oona’s recent progress: “I think the fact that she is sassy helps her. From when she was a baby, she was determined to move against all odds. This year in particular, especially throughout lockdown, she has made a huge amount of progress. We were able to purchase an inflatable spa for her, which she now uses every day, and we are already noticing huge differences in her movement just from spending time in the water. She sees it as fun and not strenuous exercise the way that other physio can be for her!”
Oona was delighted with her new look from Salon Stylist, Sophie Frame: “I really, really loved my hair going curly. The hairdryer wasn’t too loud, and Sophie was really nice. I feel so beautiful.”
Oona’s progress has been remarkable, but her condition still affects almost every aspect of her daily life.
Her family are determined to help Oona continue to overcome her challenges and live life to the fullest. Through their online presence, Little Red Wheelchair, Oona’s family want to give hope to other families affected by this condition.
They are also fundraising via Tree of Hope, to raise funds to support Oona’s ongoing treatment and development. Their biggest fundraising goal is to purchase a ‘second skin’ suit to help her reach her ambition to walk unaided.
Please follow the link here to donate to Oona’s campaign.
In this Q&A with Gemma Fisher From Kérastase, Salon Director Roz asks Gemma our clients’ most burning haircare questions, and all about the Kérastase range.
You can shop the Kérastase range at all 4 of our salons. All of our stylists are experts on the Kérastase product ranges. At your appointment, they will be able to give you the best advice and recommendations for your hair’s needs.
Charlie Miller launches Volume Spritz in salon and online. Simply spray onto your hair to help give it a fuller, thicker look. You’ll find it also adds natural body and lift without weighing it down. Let your hair do the talking.
Following on from the successful launch of other Charlie Miller products our Volume Spritz is a perfect add-on to the range.
Salon Manager at Holy Corner, Amber Swift swears by it:
“Volume Spritz is my favourite go-to styling product. I just love the way it absorbs into the hair. It gives great hold and form as well as adding oomph. The fragrance is awesome with Calendula Oil for hydrating & protecting the scalp and Jasmine Oil to add moisture for optimum shine. It’s fab to apply to dry hair, spritzing on and drying in for a firmer day to night look. I love it.”
Key benefits: Volume Spritz is formulated with Jasmine Oil to lock in and maintain natural moisture and elasticity. It also contains calendula Oil that will help protect, hydrate and improve your hair and scalp. Silicone free and sulphate and paraben-free, it’s a treat for your hair.
With it’s refreshing floral fragrance, Volume Spritz will also delight your senses. With clean top notes of green tea, orange and lemon combined with soft jasmine, rose and lily, gentle herbs, musk and oakmoss you’re sure to love the scent.
The expansion of the Charlie Miller haircare range has been the ultimate goal for Joint Managing Directors, Jason and Josh Miller. “We’re thrilled to be expanding our product range and couldn’t have anticipated the amount of success that it has already received. It’s a dream come true!”
Volume Spritz and all other Charlie Miller styling and haircare products are available in Charlie Miller salons or online at www.charliemillerhaircare.com.
To find out about all new product launches and to keep up with all things Charlie Miller, don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Over the last few weeks, our stylists have been getting acquainted with the brand new ghd Rise Volumising Brush. It’s no secret that we’re a big fan of ghd tools, and this newest offering definitely didn’t disappoint.
At 185 degrees, this hot brush delivers a more gentle styling and incredible volume from root to tip.
Roz Orr, Salon Director in our South St Andrew Street Salon, has been loving introducing this tool to her clients.
“For me, the ghd Rise couldn’t have been launched at a better time. 70’s hair has returned with a modern twist and the rise delivers this so well. It glides through the hair effortlessly; giving you control of volume body and movement where you need it!”
For extra volume, we recommend adding an appropriate product to your hair before styling. This will help to hold your volume and lift in place, and will also help defend your hair against heat styling. You can shop our volume products here.
We stock ghd tools across our Edinburgh salons. To inquire about stock in your nearest salon, please get in touch with our reception team – you can find all the contact details here.
Watch the ghd Rise working its magic in the video below!
Check out all our hair tutorials and haircare videos on our Instagram.
Finally, to keep up to date with all things Charlie Miller, don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!
Introducing the latest addition to CM Haircare; Charlie Miller Volume Mousse
Volume Mousse is the perfect add-on to the Charlie Miller styling range. It’s a lightweight mousse that will add volume and lift to dull, lifeless hair, giving it a fuller, thicker look. This hair mousse will add natural body and lift without weighing your hair down. It also provides heat protection and helps boost texture.
Key Ingredients and benefits: Adds volume and body to the hair and provides instant detangling, de-frizzing and combability Helps boost texture and provides thermal protection Nourishes hair from the inside, out Leaves a lasting shine Paraben-free, vegan and gluten-free
With its refreshing fragrances, Volume Mousse will tickle your senses with top notes of green tea, orange and lemon combined with soft jasmine, rose and lily, gentle herbs, musk and oakmoss.
The expansion of the Charlie Miller haircare range has been the ultimate goal for Joint Managing Directors, Jason and Josh Miller. “We’re thrilled to be expanding our product range and couldn’t have anticipated the amount of success that it has already received. It’s a dream come true!”
You can buy Volume Mousse and all our other styling and haircare products in all 5 Charlie Miller salons or online at www.charliemillerhaircare.com.
ALL 500 FREE HAIRCUT APPOINTMENTS HAVE NOW BEEN FILLED. Thank you to all our lovely clients for your support, and to all our NHS staff for your incredible work.
During our closure, team Charlie Miller announced that we were donating at least 250 appointments to NHS staff when we reopened our salons. In additional to this, we gave clients a chance to help us pay it forward further.
We sold online e-vouchers for clients to redeem off future appointments. For each and every £100 online e-voucher purchased, we added an additional appointment for an NHS worker to our total.
We are thrilled that, thanks to the help of our amazing clients, we have reached our target of 500 free haircuts for NHS staff.
Until now, appointments have only been available for existing Charlie Miller clients. We are thrilled to announce that our 500 free NHS haircuts are now open to new clients!
If you would like to redeem one of the 500 appointments, please email all of your contact details to info@charliemiller.com, along with which of our salons you’d prefer to attend for your appointment. Please note that appointments will be allocated dependent on salon and stylist availability.
This offer is of course still open to existing clients. If you have an upcoming appointment, please get in touch to let us know you would like to redeem this offer. If you have had an appointment since we reopened and missed out on this offer, you can contact us to book your next appointment in advance to make sure you secure your slot before the appointments fill up.
These appointments will be allocated on a first come, first serve basis, and are already filling up fast! Get in touch with us soon to secure your slot.
You will need to present a valid NHS staff ID at your appointment to redeem this offer.
We will announce on our social media channels once all 500 appointments have been filled.
To keep up with all things Charlie Miller, don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Happy scalp, happy hair. If you want your hair to thrive in-between salon visits, you must pay attention to how you look after it at home.
Your scalp can become dry and sensitive whenever it loses too much of its natural moisture. This can be due to all kinds of factors like cold weather, build up of hair product, general dehydration, or over-washing your hair. Healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp, getting your sensitive, dry scalp in check will allow your hair to grow and thrive.
As we are all at home, now is the perfect time to put a little bit more thought into your self-care routine and get rid of your dry scalp woes for good.
Here are some easy tips we recommend for improving the health of your scalp, and some products we would recommend to make a big difference.
When washing your hair…
Be careful with your temperatures. When showering, use warm water instead of hot, and don’t stay directly under the water for more than 5 to 10 minutes at a time. Too much exposure to hot water can strip your skin and scalp of its natural oils.
This is why it is preferable to leave an extra day or two in-between washes, as this time will give your scalp a chance to preserve its natural oils and keep your hair well moisturised.
When you do wash your hair, make sure you shampoo twice. The first shampoo will remove oil, dirt, and product build up from the scalp. The second shampoo will then be able to effectively treat the hair.
To really treat a sensitive scalp, we recommend the cleansing hair of impurities. It’s enriched with Zync Pyrithione, a significant anti-irritant and antioxidant, as well as Salicylic Acid, which is known to help reduce visible flakes and form a protective barrier to seal in moisture. Suitable for oily or dry hair types.
This product is packed full of botanical extracts to help rid hair of impurities and grease whilst calming scalp irritation and hydrating the lengths. It’s infused with comforting Calophyllum Oil as well as Glycerin, which works to repair from within and form a protective barrier. Piroctone Olamine revitalises dry ends and seals in moisture, whilst Menthol extract adds a burst of refreshment.
Our number #1 tip to get the most effective treatment with whatever shampoo you choose, is to massage your scalp while you do your second shampoo. The s the perfect brush to use for this. Massaging the scalp with a Manta brush will not only insure you are getting a deep clean, but it will also stimulate your hair follicles and the blood vessels in your scalp which carry oxygen and important nutrients to your scalp.
When styling your hair…
Make sure you are using products which add a boost of moisture to your hair. Leave in conditioners and oils are a great place to start.
You shouldn’t use oils or conditioning products directly on the scalp day-to-day, as this might give the appearance of a very oily scalp. Instead, apply oils and hair masks as overnight treatments the night before you wash your hair. This will give your hair the injection of moisture that it really needs.
When styling your hair, try to avoid heat as much as possible. If you need to use a hairdryer, make sure you keep it on a low to medium heat setting, to avoid drying out your scalp. If possible, allow your hair to air-dry, and if you’re worried about frizz, you can use a light smoothing product through your lengths and ends. Our Charlie Miller Blow Dry Crème is our hero product for keeping hair smooth and silky in between washes.
Finally, have a look at your diet. A well-balanced diet full of nutrient dense food and protein will not only promote the health of your scalp, but the overall health and condition of your hair.
Take this time at home to give your scalp the little bit of love and attention, and we promise you and your hair will feel the benefits.
At Charlie Miller, we are using this lockdown period to provide our clients with lots of helpful and educational content which will help them to take better care and to feel better about their hair at home. If you have any dilemmas you’d like us to solve, please get in touch!
Check out our full series of Hair at Home videos on our Instagram.
Finally, to keep up to date with all things Charlie Miller, don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!
When we re-open our salons we will be donating more than 250 free haircuts to our extraordinary NHS staff.
You can help us to pay it forward and help them even further. We are currently selling online e-vouchers for clients to redeem off future appointments. For each and every £100 online e-voucher purchased, we will donate an additional appointment to an NHS worker on your behalf. Also, as an extra thank you for your support, you will receive a complimentary Charlie Miller product when you visit the salon for your next appointment.
Buy your vouchers online
Full list of Terms & Conditions:
Purchasing a Charlie Miller £100 E-Gift Card
For every £100 E-Gift Card you purchase we will give one complimentary haircut to a member of staff from NHS Scotland.
As part of your purchase you will receive one complimentary Charlie Miller Haircare product, of your choosing, at your next appointment.
The £100 E-Gift Card can only be purchased online at charliemiller.com. There is no limit to how many E-Gift Cards you can purchase.
The E-Gift Card will be delivered electronically to the email address you registered your Charlie Miller account with. We cannot be held responsible if the address is entered incorrectly and someone other than the intended recipient uses the E-Gift Card.
Redeeming a Charlie Miller £100 E-Gift Card
Our E-Gift Cards can only be redeemed in salon as full or part payment of products and services. An E-Gift Card cannot be used to purchase a further E-Gift Card.
The E-Gift Card must be brought to the appointment in order to be redeemed. This can either be printed out or viewed on a phone/tablet device.
E-Gift Cards cannot be exchanged for cash.
E-Gift Cards may only be redeemed against products purchased in the same currency as the E-Gift Card.
We are not responsible if an E-Gift Card is lost, stolen, destroyed or used without permission and no replacement will be provided in these circumstances.
Validity
All E-Gift Cards are dated and expire 12 months from the date of issue.
NHS COMPLIMENTARY HAIRCUT APPOINTMENT
Booking an appointment
When the Charlie Miller salons re-open, appointments can be made over the phone and in salon. Please state when booking that the appointment is for an NHS Scotland staff member.
Appointment Validity & Availability
Valid for one haircut appointment. Additional services can be added at the time of booking and paid for at the appointment.
The haircut appointment is valid Monday to Saturday, at all salons and with all stylists. Subject to availability.
Appointments will be available until all complimentary haircuts have been donated.
The NHS Staff must bring their NHS Staff Identification Badge with them to their appointment or they will be required to pay for the haircut.
Charlie Miller reserves the right to update and change the terms and conditions of our Charlie Miller E-Gift Cards at any time. This does not affect your legal rights. Use of your Charlie Miller E-Gift Cards constitutes acceptance of our Terms and Conditions.
Keep an eye on our socials, as all announcements regarding when we will re-open will be shared here. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
In the meantime, take care & we can’t wait to see you again soon.
This is a tough and unprecedented time for all of us. Everything is uncertain: our routines have been flipped on their head, and we are all having to make a huge amount of change in order to adapt. It’s a challenge, but the one thing that is certain is that we are all in this together.
Whilst our salons’ doors remain closed to ensure the safety of our clients and staff, we would love to use our social channels to help you keep feeling your best (even if your biggest social engagement is with Netflix and the sofa).
We all know that how you are feeling on the inside often reflects on your outside. That’s why in these challenging times it is crucial that you practice good self-care. Use that little bit of extra time to do things that bring you joy and confidence. Your hair is a very good place to start…
We will be posting regularly throughout the next few weeks with our top tips, products, and regimes to keep your hair looking and feeling fabulous from home. We will also be sharing the rituals our Charlie Miller family are adding into their personal lives to keep a sense calm, hope, and mindfulness.
Today, we would like to talk about colour maintenance. Understandably, many of our lovely clients have reached out to us to express their concern about not being able to maintain their hair colour during self-isolation.
Here are some of the top questions we have received, and some helpful solutions…
1. Can you sell me my colour pre-mixed so I can apply at home?
Unfortunately, it’s not that simple. The colour we use in the salon has a delicate shelf life, and needs to be mixed with accuracy immediately before it is applied to the hair. If we were to pre-mix colour to deliver it to clients, it would go off before it could be used. All our colour services are completely bespoke, so you would need multiple combinations of colour, and oxidant. Colour is chemically formulated and must be handled with caution. To be blunt, it could end in a disaster.
2. Can I use a box dye?
We completely understand the temptation for a quick fix, but please consider the lasting effects that using a box dye can have on your hair.
As mentioned, the colour services you receive in salon are completely bespoke and multi-dimensional. Box dye is one formula, one flat colour. ONE application of box dye can undo all of your stylist’s hard work to get you to your desired colour.
The condition of your hair will be compromised. Box dyes are packed with huge amounts of pigment and ammonia, this is a completely unnecessary overload which applied without expert care will have a drastic effect on the health and condition of your hair.
Even though it might seem like a quick fix, undoing the effects of a box dye is a lengthly, and pricey process in the long run. Please resist the temptation, you will thank us later.
3. What can I do to maintain my colour while I can’t go to the salon?
There are some fab products on the market which will help you in the meantime, without having detrimental effects on your hair in the future.
If roots are your concern, we recommend a temporary root spray. They come in a multitude of shades; you apply them to dry, clean hair, and they will last until you shampoo them out.
If you’re worried about tone, you can keep the brassiness at bay with a good silver shampoo. The purple-toned pigment in the shampoo will neutralise and remove yellow tones in highlighted, bleached or grey hair. You can order our Silver Shampoo here.
There are other simple steps you can take to elongate your colour and stop it from fading. Give it a break – over-washing your hair strips the hair of its natural oils and dislodges colour molecules, causing your colour to fade. Use a good heat protectant, frequent heat styling can also cause your colour to deteriorate. Finally, give your hair a little TLC, use gentle and sulphate free formulas, and deep conditioners. Keep your eyes peeled, as we will be sharing our stylists’ hero products which you can use at home over the next few weeks.
We know this is a stressful time and we are here to help you through it. Please let us know what helpful tips and tricks you would like to see from us in the coming weeks.
Stay safe and take care,
Team Charlie Miller
To keep up to date with all things Charlie Miller, don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!
The #1 question our clients ask their stylists is how to recreate salon curls at home. In this tutorial, Salon Director India shows a step-by-step on how to create perfect curls, and recommends the best products to make your curls look even better & last even longer.
On Sunday 1st March 2020, 29 amazing individuals will be visiting our Stafford Street salon to donate their hair to Little Princess Trust & raise money for local charity Team Jak.
The event is a celebration of leap year and is also hugely inspired by our lovely friend Agatha King. Back in February 2015, Agatha was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia and lost her hair during treatment. On being told that she was going to lose her hair Agatha asked for it to be cut off and donated to the Little Princess Trust which, Charlie Miller Managing Director, Jason did in the ward on 3rd March 2015. Fast forward to 2020, Agatha is now 2 and half years in remission and is a healthy happy 9-year-old. Her hair has fully grown back, and she is having it cut again on the day by Jason.
Agatha and her family are also tirelessly fundraising for Team Jak. Team Jak was created at the request of inspirational teenager Jak Trueman following his own journey with childhood cancer.
Inspired by Jak’s dreams, they provide practical, social and emotional support to children and young people with cancer, aged 0–25, as well as their families, friends and those bereaved. Agatha and her family were helped immensely by Team Jak’s services, and they want to help them continue to provide support to other families going through incredibly difficult times.
If you would like to show your support, you can find the fundraising page here. All donations, big and small, will be gratefully received by Team Jak.
To see all our coverage of this exciting event and to keep up to date with all things Charlie Miller, don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!
We know that trying to imagine what you might do with your locks for the big day can be a daunting task. Fear not, follow these 5 steps to make sure you achieve your perfect bridal hair.
Our 5 steps to achieving your dream bridal hair:
1. Stay true to you
Don’t compromise on your personal style and what makes you feel your most confident in order to follow trends. Trends change, but your memories and photographs will last forever. Having said that, have fun with it, don’t be afraid to experiment with accessories – floral wreaths, vintage brooches, headbands and other statement pieces. Ignore other people’s opinions on what you should and shouldn’t do. Choose a style which makes you feel beautiful and authentically yourself. Remember: on your big day you should feel like the best version of you, not like you’re playing dress up as someone else.
2. Do a hair trial
We can all get a bit carried away on Instagram and Pinterest, so it’s important to ‘try before you buy’ with your bridal hair. Bring all your ideas to a stylist, who will be able to advise you on the best route to take for your hair type and face shape. Book your trial in early in the day if possible, that way you can see how the style lasts throughout the day and how comfortable you are with it. Finally, take lots of pictures from all angles. This will allow you to see if you like how the style looks on you when photographed.
3. Perfect your haircare routine
If you want your hair to look its best, you need to give it the TLC it needs. Chat to your stylist to establish the best products and routine for your hair’s overall health. Go easy on the heat and use a hair treatment regularly to keep your locks feeling nourished. Make sure your diet is balanced and that you are including lots of B vitamins, zinc, and iron, which all promote hair growth and strength.
4. Give it time
Avoid making drastic changes to your hair, particularly your colour, immediately before the big day. In order to give you and your hair chance to get used to any changes, we recommend you do this gradually over a longer period. Have your final cut and colour a week or two before your wedding. This way, your hair will still look fresh and vibrant, but you will have a chance to get used to it.
5. Be prepared
Ask your stylist when you should wash your hair ahead of the wedding and which products to use. Most will recommend you wash the night before, but this will vary depending on your hair type and the style you are going for. On the day, make sure you have a little touch up kit to hand. Include some hairspray, bobby pins, and a fine-tooth come for refreshes throughout the day. Your style should last all day without any hiccups, but it’s always good to have peace of mind.
Many of our award-winning stylists specialise in bridal hair. Do get in touch with our wedding coordinator Darlene (darlene@charliemiller.com) if you’d like to find out more about our bridal hair service.
Finally, to celebrate Valentine’s day – we’d love to give you and your favourite galentine a treat for your hair. Head over to our Instagram @charliemillersalons, follow us, and tag your galentine in the giveaway post to each win a gorgeous bundle of Kérastase goodies (worth over £90 each!). Ends Friday 21st February 2020 at 9am. Full T&Cs on Instagram giveaway post here.
To keep up to date with all things Charlie Miller, don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!
If, like us, you are an avid reader of Hood Magazine, you will have seen our ‘Healthy Hair MOT’ feature in the winter 2020 issue. The first few months of the year can be challenging for us all, which is all the more reason to invest a little bit more time on self-care. We know that great hair has the power to transform how you feel, so here are some top tips for keeping your hair feeling its best no matter how gloomy it is outside.
1. Ditch the sulphates
By now, you have probably heard that sulphate is a four-letter word in the hairdressing industry. Sulphates in products strip beneficial oils from your hair. More than any other time of the year, during winter it is crucial to ensure that your products are meeting your hair needs correctly. Look out for shampoos and conditioners which heal and protect your hair and remember that moisturising formulas are essential in the colder months. Top tip: treat yourself to an overnight hair mask or treatment once a week. Let the product work its magic overnight and you will wake up feeling wonderful.
2. Turn down the heat
Extreme changes in temperature can also contribute to dryness. It can be all too tempting to have a boiling hot shower during the winter months, but this can be extremely damaging for your scalp and will strip it of moisture. Instead, keep your showers luke-warm and try not to stay in too long (we know that is a challenge)!
3. Avoid harsh up-dos
We’ve all experienced that pain when taking out a tight up-do – ouch. Try to avoid placing too much pressure on your hair and scalp by opting for looser styles and wearing your hair at different heights every day. Hair bobbles are a major cause of daily hair damage, so opt for an invisibobble to avoid snagging and unwanted breakage.
4. Get regular trims
We might be biased, but you should never underestimate the power of a good haircut. Ditch those dry ends. We recommend you get your hair chopped every 6-8 weeks to maintain hair health. Trimming your hair regularly will get rid of thinning and fragile worn-out ends. Remember, their condition will only worsen over time. Getting regular trims will avoid your stylist having to take more drastic action when they are beyond repair.
5. Have a look in the fridge
Your hair’s health is often a reflection of your overall health. Good hair starts in the kitchen. We recommend nutrient-dense foods which are rich in vitamin C, A, E and iron. Fresh fruit and vegetables, nuts and cereals, and meat and fish are a good place to start. Also, hydration is key. Make sure you are drinking at least 2 litres of water a day – no excuses.
6. Give it a break
Try and limit how often you are washing your hair throughout the winter months. Most of us wash our hair much more regularly than we need to. Leaving a little bit more time between washes allows your hair and scalp to keep their natural oils intact. Less washing also inevitably means less heat through blow drying and styling. When you do wash your hair, use a great heat protectant and follow-up with a powerful leave-in conditioning product. Finally, make sure you blow dry thoroughly, as letting wet hair dry in cold conditions can cause it to become brittle and dull.
It’s been 18 years since our last Stafford Street salon refit and a change was well overdue, so for that reason we welcomed the help of Scotland’s leading interior designer, Ian Smith Design & Architecture to modernise our Georgian townhouse salon.
The salon was transformed in just 5 weeks and is now a space of true luxury
Large porcelain tiles that, in appearance, resemble natural pale polished concrete, fill the floor and walls. Tall, bespoke mirrors are designed to sit off the walls, and a discreet LED light strip is placed behind the mirror to create a warm halo of light.
For our clients in a high-tech world, we also provide free Wi-Fi and charging worktops, which are built into every station.
At the back of the salon, we feature Maletti’s ‘Modern’ wash units designed by Philippe Starck. This provides a new level of luxury and high-end comfort, and they can be adjusted to suit each client’s personal preference.
So why not visit one of our friendly Stafford Street stylists and relax in true comfort. Better yet, enjoy a complimentary refreshment while having your hair transformed. Choose from a barista-style coffee or tea, a glass of Prosecco or Arbikie Gin with Cushidoos tonic…now that’s our kind of relaxation!
Here’s what our clients love about our Stafford Street stylists
“Possibly one of the best haircuts I’ve ever had – very friendly hairdresser who cut and styled my hair exactly how I wanted it! Super happy! Will come back! Would definitely recommend!”
– Reviewed on Google
“I go monthly, great hairdressers. I feel pampered when I leave. My hair is always perfect. Friendly, great colourist, well trained. Like a family.”
– Reviewed on Google
“A pleasure to write about Karen. She is an absolute professional who is excellent at her job, but she is also sympathetic and absolutely delightful to me on a weekly basis. I always enjoy our encounters and I always leave CM in Stafford Street feeling and looking better.”
