“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!
For more information about the Teenage Cancer Trust visit www.teenagecancertrust.org.
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!
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 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.
This week we had the lovely Aoife Malone join us in salon for a back to the roots transformation.
After fulfilling her blonde ambition last year, Aoife changed up her look by going back to her roots.
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.
Read her blog post about her experience here: Back to My Roots with Charlie Miller
If you would like to book an appointment you can book online, call us or use our app.
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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!
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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!
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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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.
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 .
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.
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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
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!
#LCT18 #MensImageAward #hair #haircolour #hairstyling #hairinspo#ColourTrophyGrandFinal #competition #judging
How lucky are we to have amongst our fabulous clientele Scotland’s first female diver to have won a Commonwealth Games GOLD medal!We asked the amazing Grace Reid to bring her Commonwealth medal along today to her appointment with Emily. It was beautiful!
Grace flew in from Russia only this morning after competing in the 2018 FINA Diving World Series in Kazan. She and Tom Daley picked up their fourth successive silver medal in the mixed 3m Synchro Springboard competition and she picked up bronze in the Women’s 3m Synchro Platform with fellow diver Kat Torrance.
Congratulations…what a year so far!
Appointments with Emily or any of our talented stylists across Charlie Miller’s five Edinburgh salons, can be booked online here.
Keep up to date with all news, events, offers and stories by joining us on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook.
ASSISTANT SALON MANAGER,Leigh Forrest, Stafford Street Assistant Salon Manager, has been hairdressing for 18 years. She competed in the L’Oréal Colour Trophy awards last year and made it to London’s Grand Final. She describes this as an amazing experience, “it’s incredible that our Directors encourage us to enter; it shows how much they believe in us and our abilities. To be competing is terrifying but it’s so exciting.”
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 have created a totally different look.”
The Stafford Street salon has been behind Leigh all the way. “Everyone is so excited for me which is so nice. Younger stylists have been so inspired and are hoping to compete too one day after seeing me go through the process. I’m now working on adding the final touches to my models outfit which has been a really exciting and fun aspect, I’m in the stages of picking a killer pair of shoes to complete the look and then I’m ready to hit Glasgow!”
When the awards are over Leigh is looking forward to growing as a stylist and to continue working on creative projects. The winner of the L’Oréal Colour Trophy is given a massive amount of amazing opportunities and it will open so many doors so if any new opportunities come out of the awards at all it will be deemed a success by Leigh, “I just can’t wait to see my model on the stage and I’m hoping it looks as amazing as I think it will.”
In a bid to reach the Grand Finals of the 2018 L’Oréal Colour Trophy in London in June, Leigh is competing in the semi-finals of this prestigious event at the SEC in Glasgow on April 18th alongside 2 other Charlie Miller Colourists, Rosslyn Orr and Tammy Neillings.
We wish them all the very best of luck!
SALON MANAGER, MOTHERRosslyn Orr (aka Roz) is Salon Manager at Charlie Miller’s salon in South St Andrew Street. She has been hairdressing for 26 years. As one of our six L’Oréal Colour Specialists she is responsible for ensuring that the colour output in the salon is always at the highest level. Mentor to fellow stylists and trainees, she quietly supports others around her. However his year, for the first time in her career, she is putting herself forward. She will be in the limelight by participating in the prestigious L’Oréal Colour Trophy competition.
Since taking on the challenge the buzz in the salon has been electric and Roz feels that her decision to enter helped others feel motivated and inspired to put themselves forward too. Michelle Baigan, Senior Head Stylist at the salon is supporting Roz who describes how working together has been an amazing experience: “Michelle cuts hair like none other and has been doing it for more than 20 years. She really understands a head of hair so to work with her has been incredible. I encouraged her to become a Colourist and she qualified last year. This is huge for her as well.”
As a result of the semi-final announcement some of the younger stylists in the salon have been staying behind to watch Roz in action to understand colour and technique even more. The energy in the salon is contagious. “It’s important for me as a leader in the salon to encourage stylists of every age and to let them know that they can achieve their dream.”
Inspired originally by an Alexander McQueen show full of ultraviolet shades and hues Rosslyn set her creative mind on using similar tones amongst blonde/icy colour. This season’s hair trends were shaping up to have lots of silver and violet so her choice was defined.
In a bid to reach the Grand Finals of the 2018 L’Oréal Colour Trophy Roz is competing in the semi-finals. This prestigious event will be held at the SEC in Glasgow. Two other Charlie Miller Colourists, Tammy Neillings and Leigh Forrest have also qualified and will be going.
We wish them all the very best of luck!
A little bit of tranquillity in a busy day, client Shona Bathgate describes her regular salon visits. Shona’s relationship with Miriam Begg has been a success so far, but what else bonds the two?
Shona says, “I discovered the salon as it’s close to my place of work and Miriam has been cutting my hair for a long time now. She is beautifully stylish, fun and friendly and understands what works for me. Over the years she and my colourist Tammy, have saved me from some of my more questionable hair requests. I compete in long distance triathlons so my hair has to be practical and a bit edgy.”
Miriam says, “Shona became a client at least 10 years ago when another stylist was off sick and that day we chatted about different style options. I convinced her to go short and she’s been short ever since. I’m more likely to do her hair for a triathlon or the Ironman competitions as that takes up a big part of her life but she still likes to look good while doing this. She has a great spirit and loves to experiment with undercuts and different hair colours. As a professional mum of two who works full time she would give anyone in their 20’s or 30’s a run for their money. Shona is very inspiring and in fact she made me believe in myself to run the Edinburgh marathon. Most of our chat is about running and a love of food and wine. She is inspirational, fearless and fashionable!”
Appointments with Miriam or any of our talented stylists across Charlie Miller’s five Edinburgh salons, can be booked online here.
Keep up to date with all news, events, offers and stories by joining us on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook.
The 18th Charlie Miller Achievement Award presentation dinner took place on Easter Sunday with teams from all 5 salons gathering to celebrate success and achievements in a special night of glitz, glamour and reward.
From Trainee Stylists of the Year to Outstanding Hairdresser of the Year, the company gave out 22 individual achievement awards as a result of recognising and rewarding great work and performance delivered throughout 2017.
Presented by Charlie Miller Directors and Managers along with representatives from L’Oréal Professional, Kérastase and We Love Hair & Beauty this stylish event was held at the Radisson Blu on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile and hosted by award-winning Radio and TV Presenter, Grant Stott.
First the grand prix achievement award for ‘Outstanding Hairdresser of the Year’ was announced and presented to a stunned Elle Craik, Stafford Street’s Salon Manager. While PR & Marketing Manager Yvonne Blyth, picked up a 20 year Long Service Award.
“Our managers are extremely proud of their teams and our Awards night is the culmination of a successful year of business where we recognise and reward great work and great performance” said Joint Managing Directors, Jason & Joshua Miller. “There’s so much genuine camaraderie around for each and every winner and we are thankful and grateful to have such a fantastic group of people working with us.”
This celebratory night comprised of a pre-dinner drinks reception, a 4-course dinner, games and a tombola draw with many fabulous prizes. The prizes were donated by numerous local companies and being given away to the lucky ticket holders. In addition the staff and guests then celebrated by dancing into the small hours.
Elle Craik, Outstanding Hairdresser of the Year
Christie Whitelaw, Trainee of the Year Stafford Street
Sophie Frame, Trainee of the Year South St Andrew Street
Rachel Grayson, Trainee of the Year Frederick Street
Nicole Hewitt, Trainee of the Year Ocean Terminal
Sarah Walls, Trainee of the Year Holy Corner
Ethan Coston, Trainee Competition Winner Group B
Rachel Meechan, Trainee Competition Winner Group A
Cat Nicholson, Retail Salesperson of the Year
Hannah Wilson, Receptionist of the Year
Karen Jones, Treatment Salesperson of the Year
80+Club Winners (Client Retention) : Corry Riley, Rosslyn Orr, Natalie Cole, Elle Craik, Karen Kennedy, Lorraine McDiarmid, Rosy Brogan, Leigh Forrest, Amber Swift, Steven Suckling & Richard Beggs;
Yvonne Blyth, 20-year Long Service Award
Euan Alexander, Graduate Stylist of the Year
Philip Michie, Salon Stylist of the Year
Stephanie Skellet, Senior Stylist of the Year
Lynsey Wilson, Head Stylist of the Year
Steven Suckling, Senior Head Stylist of the Year
Neil Purves, Men’s Stylist of the Year
Carla McGuire, Salon Technician of the Year
Neil Purves, Senior Technician of the Year
Karen Jones, Head Technician of the Year
We would like to congratulate all the winners and are proud of our staff.
Exploring Creative TalentOur artistic team recently set up a ‘think tank’ to nurture young apprentices. This should encourage them to branch out and explore their creativity in avant-garde challenges. Showcasing new ideas, each salon worked as a team to reach a common goal. It was an event to celebrate hard work, creative thought and team energy in an evening of artistic imagination.
Artistic Director Jason Miller said,
“Education is at the heart of everything we do. We have an ongoing commitment to the development of our young people. This avant-garde night created such a fabulous buzz in all the salons. The Team and all other staff were very impressed with the standard presented and I congratulate all our young trainees for their achievements.”
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Five Hairdressers, one Trainee, a Maintenance Technician and a PR & Marketing Manager were delighted to make up a team of Charlie Miller Hair Angels for It’s A Knockout Edinburgh 2017 on Sunday 27th August. This massively popular UK event organised by WeDo Scotland took place at Duddingston Community Ground in Edinburgh to help raise funds for SANDS Lothians*.
With skill and teamwork high on their agenda the 8 superstars (l-r Frank Clark, Neil Purves, Euan Alexander, Hayley Dallas, Natalie Cole, Leia Mackinnon, Yvonne Blyth and Philip Michie) successfully showed off their tactics in The Teletubbie Challenge, The Cannon Run, The Foam Pit and The Ultimate Relay.
There was much fun and laughter to be heard throughout the day from the many family and friends who came along to support. Donations were made in salon and on their JustGiving page and the team are delighted to have raised just over £1,700 which provides more than 42 counselling sessions to the families that SANDS Lothians supports.
*SANDS Lothians is a registered Scottish charity offering support, understanding and help both of a practical and emotional nature to bereaved parents and their families who have suffered a miscarriage, stillbirth or whose baby dies soon after birth.
From the Edinburgh photoshoot to Glasgow’s Backstage Finals and then on to London’s Grand Finals, this year’s L’Oréal Colour Trophy competition was an incredible journey for Leigh, Natalie & Tammy! Here’s a peek into the prep and final looks from these amazing and talented stylists. Especially with the support of MUA Ebony. Well done to you all!!
Pop in to any of our five Edinburgh salons and ask for a consultation with our highly qualified stylists. They will be delighted to discuss your ideas and transform your hair using cutting edge techniques and luxury treatments and products including Smartbond by L’Oréal Professional. Why not join us on twitter, Instagram and Facebook #cmhairdressing?
In 1990 Charlie Miller elevated hair photography to a work of art with a set of experimental images to celebrate the salon’s 25th Anniversary. This visionary limited edition Collector’s Portfolio featured seven dramatic styles, inspired by qualities such as strength and abundance, and was shot against specially commissioned backdrops featuring ancient runes. Top fashion photographer Nick Price captured the images.
Charlie’s aim in creating the unique collection was to challenge and extend the boundaries of hair photography. With only 50 sets designed and produced by Colin Marr, the beautifully presented portfolio was launched at a press breakfast in Joe’s Cafe in London, a popular venue for 1990s fashion industry movers and shakers.
Find more photos and stories from our hairdressing archive and day to day news, events and competitions across our five Edinburgh salons by joining us on Instagram, twitter and Facebook. #cmhairdressing #50YrsTogether
In 1994 during her student years at Edinburgh College of Art Chrissie Heughan was a hair model at Stafford Street for the trainees of that time. She has been a client ever since and for the past 3 years Chrissie can be found sitting in the chair at the salon in Ocean Terminal being looked after by her stylist Hayley. What is it that professional artist Chrissie (mum to Outlander star Sam Heughan) and stylist Hayley enjoy about each appointment?
CHRISSIE HEUGHAN
Being an artist is really a lifestyle yet means there’s not a lot of what one would call “spare time” and although I enjoy sport, cinema and the theatre there’s nothing more relaxing than a head massage at the salon. It’s my favourite think and chill time! I love that they don’t do fuss! Then it’s over to Hayley and the calm, careful and professional journey continues in her chair. She completely understands my hair and all its challenges and it’s always well cut, smooth and manageable.
HAYLEY WILSON
I started blow drying Chrissie’s hair about 3 years ago when I was a trainee. She came in often for model blow dries and was always very patient and helpful when it came to discussing her challenging thick hair. Chrissie and I both know how much hair she has and it often seems that no matter how much I cut there’s always more; it’s never ending but Chrissie trusts me fully on all advice I give her on what’s best for her hair type. I’m delighted that after qualifying Chrissie followed me to my new salon Ocean Terminal and now comes to me as a full paying client for both colour and cutting services. I find Chrissie a very funny, friendly and interesting lady.
Appointments with Hayley, or any of our talented stylists across Charlie Miller’s five luxury Edinburgh salons, 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 Hairdressing news, events, offers and stories by joining us on Instagram, twitter and Facebook. Our hashtags are #cmhairdressing and #50YrsTogether.
