John Denholm has been a client of Charlie Miller for more than 4 decades! Having first had his hair cut by our founder Charlie Miller, John’s permanent stylist now is Miriam from our Ocean Terminal salon.
Meet Client, John and Stylist, Miriam!
John on Miriam and why he keeps coming back:
“I have been a client at Charlie Miller for over 40 years now and discovered Miriam when I tried the Ocean Terminal salon upon it’s opening in 2005.
Miriam is friendly and professional. She has consistently given me good results over the years …despite me give her less to work with! Miriam can run a 10k race in less than an hour, proving you can combine artistry with sporting prowess!”
Miriam says:
“John was one of Charlie’s clients before I started cutting his hair. He is always keen to try new styles whenever I suggest them. John is smart, professional and always has interesting conversations! I always enjoy our chat.”
Appointments with Miriam can be booked online or by calling our Ocean Terminal salon. We look forward to welcoming you to the salon soon.
Lynsey has been Iain’s go-to-stylist at our Stockbridge salon for over 5 years now! Read below their secret to a successful client/stylist relationship.
Meet Iain and Lynsey
Iain about Lynsey:
‘I discovered Lynsey by chance by booking into [Lynsey’s previous salon] Frederick Street about five years ago and she gave me such a good cut that she’s been cutting my hair since. My favourite thing about having my hair done at Charlie Miller is knowing that I’ll have a great experience: great welcome, nice people and a great haircut by the time I leave.
Lynsey has a fantastic, warm personality, is great at her job and we always have a laugh when I’m in. She is professional, bubbly and smart.’
Lynsey says:
‘Iain is successful, witty and generous and the owner of Arbikie, the company that supplies our gin to the salon. He is super successful in his field and so down to earth. I enjoy his visit every 5 weeks as we have a good giggle and cover a lot of topics one being his gin – which I love!’
Lynsey on being Iain’s Stylist :‘I first cut Iain’s hair about 5 years ago. We have since built up a mutual understanding of each other’s sense of humour and the time has flown by. Iain’s cut had changed over the years from a classic gent to more short and tailored. Sometimes his parting will change but that’s not normally his choice, it occurs with too much blethering.’
Appointments with Lynsey can be booked online or by calling our Stockbridge salon. We look forward to welcoming you to the salon soon.
The glamour of Charlie Miller graced Edinburgh this week at our annual Achievement Awards ceremony.
This year, the 19th Charlie Miller Awards, were held at the Kimpton Hotel on Charlotte Square where guests enjoyed delicious food and excellent hospitality. Attending the event with 100+ staff and management were our founders Charlie & Janet Miller along with guests from Kérastase, L’Oréal and We Are Hair & Beauty.
In addition to the celebrations, the night was all about having fun! Games such as Play Your Cards Right and Hit or Miss were woven throughout the ceremony and played by all attendees. Staff also participated in tombola comprising of wonderful gifts from local Edinburgh businesses such as:
The Balmoral, Fox & Co, Di Maggio, Chamomile Sanctuary, Glam Candy, Hard Rock Cafe, PAINT Hair & Nails, Honeycomb & Co., Lauren Gollan Makeup, Radisson Collection, Paper Tiger, Mimi’s Bakehouse, Ocean Terminal, One Spa, Kimpton Hotel, Scran & Scallie, Pickering’s Gin, The Glasshouse, Wildflowers, Fazenda, Gusto and All About Eve.
Compered by radio presenter and event host, Grant Stott, the evening culminated in high excitement and rapturous applause on the announcement and presentation of 24 Charlie Miller Achievement Awards.
The ACHIEVEMENT AWARD WINNERS are:
Rosslyn Orr, Outstanding Hairdresser of the Year
Rebecca Fairclough, Trainee of the Year Stafford Street
Ria Taylor, Trainee of the Year South St Andrew Street
Demi Colligan, Trainee of the Year Frederick Street
Megan MacColl, Trainee of the Year Ocean Terminal
Ellie Gilhooley, Trainee of the Year Holy Corner
Rachel Grayson, 3rd Year Trainee of the Year
Ria Taylor, Trainee Competition Winner Group B
Demi Colligan, Trainee Competition Winner Group A
Natalie Cole, Retail Salesperson of the Year
Denise Brown, Receptionist of the Year
Natalie Cole, Treatment Salesperson of the Year
80+Club Winners (Client Retention) : Corry Riley, Elle Craik, Karen Kennedy, Leigh Forrest, Lorraine McDiarmid, Rosy Kenny, Karyn Holloway, Laura Wyles, Michelle Baigan, Nicola McGuire, Richard Beggs, Rosslyn Orr, Hayley Dallas, Hannah Lennon, Lynsey Wilson, Natalie Cole, Karen Jones, Tammy Neillings, Amber Swift, Lisa Allen, Steven Suckling & Lauren Tait
Yvonne Blyth, Janet Miller Award
Joanna Drummond, Graduate Stylist of the Year
Carla McGuire, Salon Stylist of the Year
Philip Michie, Senior Stylist of the Year
Nicola McGuire, Head Stylist of the Year
Karen Kennedy, Senior Head Stylist of the Year
Neil Purves, Men’s Stylist of the Year
Philip Michie, Salon Technician of the Year
Hayley Dallas, Senior Technician of the Year
Rosslyn Orr, Head Technician of the Year
Well done to our wonderful team!
Keep up to date with all thing Charlie Miller by following our Salon and Haircare Instagram.
This month our Stylists have been inspired by the glamour of Awards Season.
As expected, the trends vary from one awards show to the next. The BAFTA attendees sported sleek looks compared to those at the Grammy’s where volume was in vogue for the night proving, as always, the red carpet is unpredictable yet never disappoints.
Graduate stylist Rowan from our Stafford Street branch has recreated her favourite looks. Which style is your favourite?
Originating in Paris in the 70s, Balayage is a trend that grew ever more popular in the 2010s and is here to stay. It’s the perfect mix of having a WOW hair colour whilst ensuring your style looks effortless.
Holy Corner’s queen of balayage, Head Stylist and Senior Technician Carla addresses frequently asked questions and common misconceptions about this sought after colouring technique.
Why do you think balayage is so popular?
Balayage is the most asked about style, personally I think it’s because you can achieve so many different tones and add extra impact to your hair style. It’s also all over Instagram!
I also think regrowth is a main factor; clients often believe that because part of the look is a soft root, it means less maintenance – this is not the case!
How often do you recommend maintenance?
Like all colouring services I’d say 8/10 weeks is perfect to keep the blonde fresh.
Everyone stretches maintenance as they think it doesn’t matter but, on certain styles, brassy tones will occur and some balayage techniques require a toner in between. Being aware of this extra commitment is a must.
What is the difference in techniques between highlights and balayage?
Highlights, balayage and baby lights (delicate highlights created using a fine colour technique to achieve subtle dimensions to your hair. An up and coming trend!) are often mixed up.
The most stand-out difference with balayage compared to the other techniques is the seamless blend from root to tip!
Balayage is very bespoke to each client’s preference and is all down to how much shadow or depth of root they want! Consultation is key to see if it’s the right technique for you.
How long does your hair have to be?
No set lengths as such, certain styled bobs to long hair are where you see the main techniques best. Clients often find their inspiration from Instagram and Pinterest.
How important do you think bespoke colour placement is?
Placement is key! Fine placement always wins for a softer more natural effect, dreamy for face framing!!
Bespoke colour services, including balayage, will require a consultation first so pop in and check it out with any one of our experienced and skilled stylists. To book all other services, you can simply book online here or call your preferred salon.
Please also note that all colour services require a colour allergy test 48 hours prior to your first colour appointment with us.
Keep up to date with all things Charlie Miller, and follow us on our social channels, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Tiktok.
Charlie Miller Haircare was launched at the end of 2018. A year in the making, this fabulous range embodies the luxury feel of the Charlie Miller experience.
Sulphate and paraben-free the shampoos are specifically formulated with Jasmine Extract, Organic Calendula Flower Extract and Organic Sage Oil to help lock in moisture, soothe a dry and flaking scalp and encourage new hair growth, whilst promoting healthy hair.
Launching with 3 shampoos and 2 conditioners (Volume Shampoo and Conditioner, Hydrate Shampoo and Conditioner and Silver Shampoo) the range also reveals a refreshing floral fragrance with clean top notes of green tea, orange and lemon combined with soft jasmine, rose and lily, gentle herbs, musk and oakmoss.
The journey is a dream come true for Joint Managing Directors and brothers, Jason and Joshua Miller and Jason’s wife and Director, India Miller. “We are truly excited to be launching our haircare range.Having worked in the industry and in haircare for more than 35 years we knew what we wanted to create. We are absolutely delighted with the integrity and results of these products. Watch this space; there’s more to come!”
Jasmine Extract:
Jasmine oil contains moisturising properties to prevent hair breakage and can lock in moisture, hydrate dry hair, and tame frizz.
The oil is light and able to penetrate the hair shaft and cuticle to deeply conditions. It also maintains your natural moisture and elasticity.
A natural antiseptic, it purifies the scalp of bacteria and build-up.
The natural healing properties found in jasmine oil work to eliminate and reduce the possibility of infections and scalp conditions such as dandruff. Additionally, it can soothe your scalp.
Organic Calendula Flower Extract:
Is an anti-inflammatory and antiviral type of plant, of which the most commonly known plant is the marigold.
The oil can soothe the scalp and reduce the appearance of dandruff.
Regular application of calendula extract hydrates the scalp and soothes dry, flaky skin.
Calendula oil regenerates the follicles in your hair, increasing hair growth and providing a luscious head of hair.
Organic Sage Oil:
The name Sage comes from the Latin word ‘salvare’ meaning to save or heal.
It is rich in Calcium and Vitamin A, Vitamin C and B-Vitamins. It protects your skin against the assault of free radicals and aids in daily cell regeneration.
Sage contains beta-sitosterol, a 5-alpha reductase compound, found to be effective in treating male pattern baldness.
It is particularly effective in encouraging new hair growth and can also help reduce dandruff and prevent clogged hair follicles too.
Available online here, or in all 3 salons! Pop in today to discuss the right shampoo and conditioner for your hair type.
Our fabulous Charlie Miller stylists graduate in style and celebrate their hard work and achievements!
Charlie Miller staff from across the salons were invited to an evening of recognition to celebrate and applaud team members who had graduated from trainee to stylist.
A company first, the inaugural graduation ceremony was held at the King Khalid Auditorium in Edinburgh’s Surgeon’s Hall where all 5 salons came together along with invited guests to share in individual successes.
Proud family members and salon teams added to the atmosphere in the room as each Graduate Stylist was met with a huge round of cheer and applause when called upon to collect their certificate from their salon manager!
Before achieving Graduate Stylist status, trainees must complete and pass the highly-regarded 3-year Charlie Miller Training Programme in cutting and styling, colour and customer service. We believe this is something worth celebrating!
“Our graduation evening had an amazing family feel with an exciting buzz” commented, Jason Miller, Joint Managing Director. “It was lovely to see how people have grown and developed in their craft and as individuals. The graduation night provided a real sense of achievement for those stylists involved and we hope this will inspire others to have belief in what they can achieve. Hopefully we have created a further hunger for development and learning. There is excitement now and for others in the future”.
This year we have teamed up with Ocean Terminal shopping centre to celebrate the relationships we enjoy with our clients, depicted through an exhibition: My Stylist & Me’.
At Charlie Miller, we believe the relationship between clients and stylists is at the heart of our business. Moreover, each relationship is unique which became even more apparent through working on this real-life photo exhibition. Visit the exhibition, which runs until the end of January, and you can also enter our monthly competition to win a Cut & Colour.
Behind the Scenes
Each participating stylist invited one of their clients to come into salon to take part in a photo shoot. Client’s had their hair styled and make-up applied for the photograph. To complete the project, clients and stylists answered questions about their relationship.
In the photographs, you get a feel for how much effort our team put in to making this a magical experience and an even better result!
We hope you love the exhibition as much as we do!
The exhibition is live until January 2019 and you can view the gallery by visiting Ocean Terminal shopping centre:
My Stylist & Me Exhibition The Image Collective Gallery Management Suite, 2nd Floor Ocean Terminal Shopping Centre Leith EH6 6JJ
COMPETITION!
In celebration of My Stylist & Me, we are also running a prize draw to win a CUT & COLOUR appointment at the Ocean Terminal salon. Entries can be made at the exhibition venue stated above.
Two winners will be chosen at random and announced on 28th December and again on 31st January. GOOD LUCK!
Terms and Conditions • This prize is open to everyone aged 16 or over. • This prize draw is in no way endorsed by Facebook or Instagram. • Voucher valid until 29th July 2019, excluding weekends and February 2019. • Cut & colour with Joanna from Charlie Miller Ocean Terminal.
A new photographic collection by Natalie Cole and Jason Miller recently sparked international attention. Kym Krey, Editor of Hair Biz Magazine, Australia published this international feature on the company’s 50+ years. It makes for some amazing reading:
In 2007, during a conversation whilst styling the wig of his first young cancer patient, Charlie Miller became aware about the difficulties, when losing their hair to cancer, that young people had in getting a wig that was right for them.
“Our hair says so much about us: who we are and how we feel about ourselves. Losing it is hard to deal with as we feel some of our own identity is lost too. We want to look and feel the same. We don’t want to seem different from the rest of the crowd”.
That one conversation led to the launch in 2008 of a successful wig project called ‘Hair 4 U’ and a collaboration with the Teenage Cancer Trust (TCT), the long-term aim of which is to ensure that every young person with cancer aged 13-24 is given a real hair wig funded by the TCT that is then cut and styled free of charge in a participating salon in their area.
Wig styling requires a high level of experience and is entrusted to our more senior stylists. The most important aspect of the process is to cut and colour the wig so that it looks like the client’s own hair. It is therefore styled exactly how he or she wants it to be.
This week our talented Senior Head Stylist, Steven Suckling and Salon Technician, Carla McGuire worked their magic on a real hair wig for one of their TCT clients. In keeping with the current trends, the wig was coloured a beautiful pastel pink shade.
After the colouring process by Carla, Steven styled the wig to suit the client’s unique look and personality.
The result? Beautiful, glossy, multi-tonal hair!
Have a look at our video to see the transformation for yourself!
Three of our stylists helped raise vital funds for Macmillan Cancer on 28 September during an annual Coffee Morning organised by The Signature Pub Group and hosted at Badger & Co on Castle Street. In addition to hairstyling and nail services everyone enjoyed teas, coffees and cakes. There was also the opportunity to purchase candles and enter a raffle with very generous prizes!
The Charlie Miller team comprised of 3 of our recently graduated stylists; Rowan (Stafford Street), Katryna (South St Andrew Street) and Joanna (Frederick Street). For a £10 donation, our stylists offered a variety of services such as up-dos, tonging and braiding. 100% of the proceeds generated by the Charlie Miller team were donated to Macmillan.
We would like to thank Badger & Co and the Signature Pub group for inviting us to participate in a fantastic event, we are grateful to have the opportunity to raise funds for such a worthy cause. Thank you to all who came along!
Emily has been looking after Alex’s hair for around 3 years and despite moving to the west he still comes back for that regular haircut. Read on and discover Emily’s secret!
Meet Alex and Emily
Alex about Emily:
‘My favourite thing about having my hair done by Emily is walking out of the door feeling like a new man (and the mid-wash head massage is a pleasure). Emily always knows how to tailor my haircut with her expertise, judgement and imagination. She is a confident and imaginative professional. Creating a look that fits my personal style is no problem for her. I think of David Beckham as my own personal style icon but also everybody else’s.
New experiences and challenges inspire me and Emily manages to create a look that’s just right to take on anything!‘
Emily on her secret for success
Emily says; ‘Alex is such a full of life character that I always look forward to him coming in. He has such a genuine personality which makes him a very easy person to get along with and lovely to chat to. He’s always got great stories about his travels and everywhere he has been. I have been cutting his hair for graduation and family photos and before many of his trips. Because of his adventurous spirit, he’s very open to change with his hair and is always looking for suggestions on what I think would work best with his hair. He is quite laid back and most of the time lets me do what I think is best. Cutting Alex’s hair is always refreshing.’
Appointments with Emily can be booked at the click of button with our online app and you can view our price list here. We look forward to welcoming you to the salon soon.
Keep up to date with all Charlie Miller news, events, offers and stories by joining us on Instagram, twitter and Facebook. Our hashtag is #cmhairdressing.
Starting off with a platinum blonde, Hayley from our South St Andrew Street salon got Aoife’s locks back to a more natural brunette.
After applying colour and toner, Smartbond was added to help Aoife’s hair back to a healthier and condition.
Smartbond helps protect the fibre during colouring processing while also strengthening the damaged hair. It’s unique in the sense that it actually merges with the actual hair strand from the inside out.
Finishing off with a cut and blow dry, the transformation back to the roots was complete.
Head Stylist, Karyn Holloway from our South St Andrew Street salon was part of a transformation worthy of a princess. Last week her young client Olivia Weymes decided she wanted to donate her hair to The Little Princess Trust.
Celebrities and royals such as Jessie J, Harry Styles and even the Duchess of Cambridge have been known to donate. 13 year old Olivia had 14 inches cut off and styled into a beautiful long bob.
The Little Princess Trust was launched in 2006 and has helped thousands of children providing specialists real hair wigs for children and young people up to the age of 24. If you would like to donate your hair to the Little Princess Trust more information can be found here.
To book an appointment at any one of our 5 salons simply book online, call your preferred salon direct or use our App!
If you’re totally stumped on how to wear your hair for your graduation photos, here are some hair do’s that will be sure to impress on the big day!
1. The Picture Perfect Style
Work with your natural hair and find the style that suits you and your hair type perfectly. Creating curls is a way of achieving a style that naturally looks simple yet elegant.
2.The Crown Braid
Just like with long hair, a braid can be a way of achieving a look that is both practical and pretty for short hair. A crown braid that is half up half down is especially flattering for short hair cuts as it adds volume.
3. The Elegant Bun
If you would like something a little bit more formal then the elegant bun, is a way to take it a step up. It’ll look gorgeous in photos with or sans cap, plus it’ll hold up nicely for celebratory post shoot, drinks and dinner!
4. The Braid
If your graduation day is forecast to be windy that brings the danger of loose wavy hair styles ending up in front of your face. A braid can be an easy option to have your hair out of the way but still looking gorgeous. It won’t bother you when you are taking pictures or dancing the night away!
5. The Half Up Half Down
If a full braid seems a bit like too much commitment a half up half down style might be the one for you. Your hair will be out of your way but having the other part of your hair half down, it will still frame your face.
6. Beachy Waves and Loose Curls
Lastly whether your hair is long, short, fine or thick loose curls or beachy waves suit almost any hair type. Just make sure to use hairspray to fix your curls in place!
And if you are still stuck, why not come in and have a chat with one of our stylist? They’ll be sure to advise you on what style will suit you best.
If you would like an appointment simply book online.
Keep up to date with our social media to stay informed about news, updates and competitions on Facebook,Twitter and Instagram.
Hollywood to Holyrood – Stylists take on the Moonwalk
Nine Charlie Miller hair stylists were up for the challenge of this year’s Moonwalk. Not only taming their client’s manes by day but transforming into Hollywood Glam Queens and Kings by night they tackled the marathon-long charity walk with glitz and glam finding inspiration in old Hollywood glamour.
The annual event, now in it’s 13th year, is in aid of uniting against breast cancer with events taking place around the world in places such as Peru, Disneyland Paris and as remote as the Arctic Circle.
In preparation for their Half Moon walk these nine hairdressers set up donation boxes around all five Charlie Miller salons and have raised over £3K. Working with charities is something that comes natural to them and the company has a history of supporting families and individuals affected by cancer. Knowing how much hair can impact people’s lives our hair stylists found the cause particularly close to their hearts.
Jason Miller, Joint Managing Director, has experience in dealing with clients who have undergone chemotherapy and hair loss: “A lot of people can find hair loss devastating especially while undergoing chemotherapy. Hair is such a vital part of our everyday lives and routines and is often underestimated. A well cut wig helps give normality at a difficult time.” Working closely with the Teenage Cancer Trust, Charlie Miller stylists have been providing support to young people affected by cancer for over ten years.
If you would like to find out more about about Hair4u with the Teenage Cancer Trust and Charlie Miller simply visit the website.
If you would like to book an appointment with any of our fabulous stylists simply book online, call us or pop into one of our salons. To keep up to date with news, offers and competitions follow us on Facebook,Twitter and Instagram.
CHARLIE MILLER SWOOPS TROPHY IN L’ORÉAL COLOUR TROPHY 2018:
SCOTTISH REGION WINNER AND UK RUNNER UP!
The longest live hairdressing event in the world, the L’Oréal Colour Trophy is now in its 63rd year. Having evolved from relatively humble beginnings this prestigious competition showcases some of the brightest talent from around the UK.
The ‘Colour Trophy Award’, the ‘Men’s Image Award’, the ‘Colour Trophy STAR Award’ and the ‘Colour Trophy Afro Award’ were all up for grabs this year. Stylist & colourist Leigh Forrest and stylists and colourists Rosslyn Orr & Michele Baigan separately entered the ‘Colour Trophy Award’ with our third team stylist and colourist, Tammy Neillings opting to enter the ‘Men’s Image Award’.
Qualification to London’s Grand Final came in the Glasgow semi-final and all three teams headed down to London to present their amazing looks. Hosted by TV Presenter Reggie Yates, the evening at Battersea Evolution was judged by some of the industry’s most respected names including Charles Worthington, Richard Ward, Errol Douglas and our very own Jason Miller .
Scottish Region Winner and UK Runner Up Overall for our Leigh!
The judges found Leigh’s look so impressive, that she won Best of Region Scotland and runner up for the overall Colour Trophy Award!
Her 18 years of experience clearly showed as she presented her model. Fascinated by contemporary movements and in particular the recent centenary of the Women’s Vote, Leigh was spurred on to research previous decades. She felt inspired by the 20’s in particular and the idea behind her look was born. “The 20s was all about female empowerment and about defying beauty norms. It was about women doing what they want, when they want and doing it looking how they want. Having shorter hair was one of the ways women expressed themselves and inspired me to create my look. I have the same model as last year but we created a totally different look.”
Leading up to the day the excitement was felt in all five salons. “Everyone is so excited which is so nice. Younger stylists are so inspired that they too are hoping to compete one day. I’m still extremely happy to have won best in region for Scotland”. With these awards now over Leigh is looking forward to continuing to work on new creative projects.
We are so proud of each of our teams and would like to congratulate them all for their amazing work!
If you would like to be styled by one of our Colour Trophy Grand Finalists or any of our fabulous stylists, simply use our booking tool.
With next week’s L’Oréal Colour Trophy just around the corner, we are taking a look back at the 2015 Trophy!
Working their magic at the 60th anniversary the Charlie Miller Artistic Team created a show titled ‘INTERFACE’. A beautiful collaboration of hair and fashion the show showcased their strong passion for intricate couture hair styling with a meeting of tones and textures, elegance and beauty. Jason and India Miller, the creative brains behind the show, commented at the time:
“It’s a delight and an honour to be asked to do the show for the 60th Anniversary. The L’Oréal Colour Trophy is one of the most amazing events in the hairdressing calendar. It’s also an exciting opportunity to produce hairdressing with the ambition to inspire our peers”.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XIK5alu4M-E
Grand Final in London 2018
With final judging for the 2018 Grand Trophy taking place on Monday 4th June at Battersea Evolution in London we’re all behind our Grand Finalists Rosslyn, Michele, Tammy & Leigh! To find out more about each and every one of our hopeful candidates check out our blog posts about Rosslyn, Tammy, Leigh and all their inspirations.
We wish them good luck and have our fingers crossed!
