Category Archive: Spotlight

1. Embracing Your Grey in 2021

   20th April 2021 9:35 am Leave a Comment

   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.

   You can shop our full haircare range online here.

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2. Breaking down Balayage

   31st January 2019 1:16 pm Leave a Comment

   Balayage is a trend here to stay. It’s the perfect mix having a WOW hair colour whilst ensuring your style looks effortless.

   This week we’ve been chatting to Holy Corner’s queen of balayage, our very own Senior Stylist and Salon Technician Carla. In this Q&A, Carla addresses frequently asked questions and common misconceptions of the 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 clients 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 note that all colour services require a patch test 48 hours prior to your first colour appointment with us.

    

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3. Introducing Joanna Kleszcz-Czarnecka!

   20th December 2018 4:03 pm Leave a Comment

   The lovely Joanna Kleszcz-Czarnecka, our only bilingual hairdresser, is originally from Poland and decided to pursue her dream career after moving to Edinburgh.

   Based at Charlie Miller Ocean Terminal, Joanna joined the team in 2018 and here she describes her journey so far:

   

   “Hairdressing has always fascinated me. My grandfather was a hairdresser and my mum’s best friend had a hair salon in where I spent a lot of time and observed her creative work. When I met my future husband it turned out that half of his family were hairdressers too and so I decided that this was a sign to take up education in this profession and fulfil my passion.”

   “Fryzjerstwo fascynowało mnie od zawsze. Mój dziadek był fryzjerem, a najlepsza przyjaciółka mojej mamy miała salon fryzjerski, w którym spędzalam dużo czasu i obserwowałam jej pracę. Kiedy poznałam mojego przyszłego męża, okazało się, że połowa jego rodziny pracuje jako fryzjerzy, więc zdecydowałam, że jest to znak do podjęcia nauki w tym zawodzie i spełnienia mojej pasji.”

   “When I graduated from University in Poland almost 15 years ago I decided to come to Edinburgh. After a few years of studying Art I finally gathered the confidence to start my dream of being a hairdresser. I studied hairdressing at Edinburgh College where I gained an HNC in Hairdressing with a Grade A. During my studies I worked in several Edinburgh salons, I also used to return to Poland during the holidays and study private hairdressing courses. I have also worked as a hairdresser in a care home which was very rewarding. I joined Charlie Miller team in Ocean Terminal in April 2018.”

   “Kiedy ukończyłam Uniwersytet w Polsce prawie 15 lat temu postanowiłam przyjechać do Edynburga. Po kilku latach studiowania sztuki w końcu nabrałam pewności siebie, aby spełnić moje marzenie o byciu fryzjerem. Studiowałam fryzjerstwo w Edinburgh College, gdzie zdobyłam HNC w fryzjerstwie z wyroznieniem. Podczas studiów pracowałam w kilku salonach w Edynburgu, w czasie wakacji również wracałam do Polski na prywatne kursy fryzjerskie. Pracowałam takze jako fryzjer w domu opieki, co było bardzo satysfakcjonujące. Dołączyłam do zespołu Charliego Millera w Ocean Terminal w kwietniu 2018 roku.”

   “My greatest passion is cutting and put ups, I love being a hairdresser. I really enjoy working in the salon – each day is different and never boring mainly thanks to the various client who come through the door. Outside of work my favourite things are art, music, films and spending time with my 8 year old son Casper.”

   “Uwielbiam być fryzjerka, moją największą pasją jest strzyzenie i upiecia. Lubię pracować w salonie – każdy dzień jest inny i nigdy nudny, głównie dzięki różnym klientom, którzy nas odwiedzaja. Poza pracą moje hobby to sztuka, muzyka, filmy i spędzanie czasu z moim 8-letnim synem Casperem”.

   You can book online with Joanna by selecting our Ocean Terminal salon or by calling 0131 555 1711

   Keep up to date with all news, events, offers and stories by joining us on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook.

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4. Graduation Congratulations!

   22nd August 2018 11:30 am Leave a Comment

   Congratulations!

   It’s the beginning of a wonderful journey and career for 3 of our newest qualified stylists: Abbie, Rowan and Rachel!

   After 3 years training, Abbie Miller, Rowan Ireland and Rachel Grayson completed their trade tests with flying colours. They are now fully-fledged Graduate Stylists at Ocean Terminal, Stafford Street and Holy Corner respectively.

   Abbie told us how the experience was for her to becoming a Charlie Miller stylist. “3 not only challenging years but fun, exciting and a thousand more words to describe it and here I am!”

   Well done to you all! We are so excited and proud of your achievements. We cannot wait to see you grow and develop with us in the years ahead.

   

   Booking an appointment with Abbie, Rowan or Rachel or any of our other talented stylists is very simple: use our online booking system on the website, through our mobile App or simply call your preferred salon direct.

   Check our Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for competitions, news and giveaways.

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