Comments Off on Choosing and Maintaining a Creative Colour
Is it time for you to change up your colour?
Creative colour to us is anything that doesn’t look like natural colour, be it vivids, pastels or two-toned hair. Choosing and maintaining a creative colour isn’t always easy, but we have the insider knowledge on how to get the most from your bright or muted hue.
We’ve been working with bright and pastels for many years. While they once used to shock and surprise and were often reserved for Avant Garde hair shows, nowadays they’re highly requested fashion choices. What’s more, there’s certainly no age limit on creative colours; pastels look incredible in naturally grey or white hair, and since many of the more striking tones can fade faster than natural colours, they’re often favoured by those who are new to colouring their hair.
Get all the facts before you change it up.
For expert tips on choosing and maintaining a creative colour, we turned to Ellie, Senior Salon Stylist and Salon Technician in our Stafford Street branch. Ellie loves to work with beautiful bright colours, and here she guides us through the decision making that goes into getting creative with your colour.(more…)
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.
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?
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”.
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.
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!
ASSISTANT SALON MANAGER, AND NOW SEMI-FINALIST IN THE L’ORÉAL COLOUR TROPHY
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.”
SUPPORTING SUCCESS AT CHARLIE MILLER
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.
SALON MANAGER, MOTHER AND NOW SEMI-FINALIST IN THE L’ORÉAL COLOUR TROPHY
Rosslyn 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.”
Charlie Miller Inspiration
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.
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.
The ACHIEVEMENT AWARD WINNERS are:
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.
Comments Off on L’Oréal Colour Trophy – The Journey
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!!
Feeling inspired?
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?
Love and happiness spread like wildfire at this year’s Charlie Miller Achievement Awards Presentation Dinner as the teams from all 5 salons gathered to celebrate success and achievements in a night of glitz, glamour & awards. From Trainee Stylists of the Year to Outstanding Hairdresser of the Year, the company gave out 29 Awards to recognise and rewarded the hard work, commitment and dedication shown throughout 2016.
Presented by Charlie Miller Directors and Managers along with representatives from L’Oréal Professional and ghd Professional this highly glamorous annual event was held at the Radisson Blu on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile on Sunday 5th March and hosted by award-winning Radio and TV Presenter, Grant Stott.
The biggest win of the night, the Grand Prix Award for ‘Outstanding Hairdresser of the Year’, was announced and presented to Holy Corner’s Salon Manager, Amber Swift whilst, Ocean Terminal’s Salon Manager, Cat Nicholson was presented with a diamond ring in honour of her loyalty and support over the past 20 years.
“Our Awards event is a wonderful opportunity for everyone to celebrate together and it’s an exciting night of glitz and glamour, success and reward”, said Joint Managing Director, Jason Miller. “It’s also our time to let our teams know that their good work doesn’t go un-noticed. There’s so much genuine camaraderie around and we are thankful and grateful to have such a fantastic group of people working with us.”
The evening comprised amongst other things of a pre-dinner drinks reception, a 4-course meal and a tombola prize draw with 36 spectacular prizes followed by dancing into the small hours.
WINNERS are: Amber Swift, Outstanding Hairdresser of the Year; Euan Alexander, Trainee of the Year Stafford Street; Hannah Burns & Sophie Frame, Joint Trainee of the Year South St Andrew Street ; Rachel Grayson, Trainee of the Year Frederick Street; Claire Ross, Trainee of the Year Ocean Terminal; Rachel Meechan, Trainee of the Year Holy Corner; Kayley Fleming, Trainee Competition Winner Group B; Joanna Drummond, Trainee Competition Winner Group A; Natalie Cole, The Janet Miller Award; Cat Nicholson, Retail Salesperson of the Year; Mairi Pryde, Receptionist of the Year; Karen Jones, Treatment Salesperson of the Year; 80+Club Winners (Client Retention): Rosslyn Orr, Richard Beggs, Natalie Cole & Michelle Brash, Corry Riley (not in photo), Mori Neill (not in photo), ; Cat Nicholson, Long Service Award; Philip Michie, Graduate Stylist of the Year; Emily Keen, Salon Stylist of the Year; Stephanie Skellet, Senior Stylist of the Year; Steven Suckling, Head Stylist of the Year; Lisa Jane Allen, Senior Head Stylist of the Year; Neil Purves, Men’s Stylist of the Year; Rebekah Smith, Salon Technician of the Year; Laura Wyles, Senior Technician of the Year; Rosslyn Orr, Head Technician of the Year
