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Tag Archive: SmartBond

  1. Winter Haircare: How To Keep Your Hair Happy

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    If, like us, you are an avid reader of Hood Magazine, you will have seen our ‘Healthy Hair MOT’ feature in the winter 2020 issue. The first few months of the year can be challenging for us all, which is all the more reason to invest a little bit more time on self-care. We know that great hair has the power to transform how you feel, so here are some top tips for keeping your hair feeling its best no matter how gloomy it is outside.

    1. Ditch the sulphates

    By now, you have probably heard that sulphate is a four-letter word in the hairdressing industry. Sulphates in products strip beneficial oils from your hair. More than any other time of the year, during winter it is crucial to ensure that your products are meeting your hair needs correctly. Look out for shampoos and conditioners which heal and protect your hair and remember that moisturising formulas are essential in the colder months. Top tip: treat yourself to an overnight hair mask or treatment once a week. Let the product work its magic overnight and you will wake up feeling wonderful.

    2. Turn down the heat

    Extreme changes in temperature can also contribute to dryness. It can be all too tempting to have a boiling hot shower during the winter months, but this can be extremely damaging for your scalp and will strip it of moisture. Instead, keep your showers luke-warm and try not to stay in too long (we know that is a challenge)!

    3. Avoid harsh up-dos

    We’ve all experienced that pain when taking out a tight up-do – ouch. Try to avoid placing too much pressure on your hair and scalp by opting for looser styles and wearing your hair at different heights every day. Hair bobbles are a major cause of daily hair damage, so opt for an invisibobble to avoid snagging and unwanted breakage.

    4. Get regular trims

    We might be biased, but you should never underestimate the power of a good haircut. Ditch those dry ends. We recommend you get your hair chopped every 6-8 weeks to maintain hair health. Trimming your hair regularly will get rid of thinning and fragile worn-out ends. Remember, their condition will only worsen over time. Getting regular trims will avoid your stylist having to take more drastic action when they are beyond repair.

    5. Have a look in the fridge

    Your hair’s health is often a reflection of your overall health. Good hair starts in the kitchen. We recommend nutrient-dense foods which are rich in vitamin C, A, E and iron. Fresh fruit and vegetables, nuts and cereals, and meat and fish are a good place to start. Also, hydration is key. Make sure you are drinking at least 2 litres of water a day – no excuses.

    6. Give it a break

    Try and limit how often you are washing your hair throughout the winter months. Most of us wash our hair much more regularly than we need to. Leaving a little bit more time between washes allows your hair and scalp to keep their natural oils intact. Less washing also inevitably means less heat through blow drying and styling. When you do wash your hair, use a great heat protectant and follow-up with a powerful leave-in conditioning product. Finally, make sure you blow dry thoroughly, as letting wet hair dry in cold conditions can cause it to become brittle and dull.

    Out top products for winter haircare:

    Charlie Miller Hydrate Shampoo

    Charlie Miller Hydrate Conditioner

    Charlie Miller Gloss Oil

    Shop our full range of Charlie Miller haircare here.

    Finally, to keep up to date with all things Charlie Miller, don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!

     

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  2. Reducing Our Environmental Footprint: Scrummi Towels

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    At Charlie Miller, we strive to do right by our clients, and that includes protecting the environment at the same time. In all 5 salons, we use Scrummi towels – the ultimate sustainable solution to cotton towels.

    How has Scrummi helped reduce our environmental footprint?

    Since 2011 we have made a dramatic difference. Here’s what we’ve achieved so far:

    • We’ve reduced 500 plus tonnes of CO2
    • We’ve saved 8.3 million litres of chemically contaminated water

    What are Scrummi towels?

    Scrummi is a single-use, 100% biodegradable vegan towel that is made from soft and natural wood fibres from sustainable forestry programs. This means it not only protects our environment, but it’s also free of germs and fresh every time!

    How do they differ from cotton towels?

    No matter how hard you wash a cotton towel (and no matter how much energy you use) germs will remain. They’re invisible to the naked eye, but trust us when we say that lots of fungal and bacterial pathogens are waiting, just below the over-washed scratchy surface, ready to be unleashed onto the next client. But not at Charlie Miller! Scrummi towels are 100% germ and scratch-free. We don’t blame you if you never want to go near a cotton towel again…

    How does this help?

    Typical salon towels use literally thousands of kw/h of electricity to wash them after each use. This process equals lots of CO2 which adds to the impact of global warming…but wait, there’s more. An average washing machine load of synthetic towels equals 700,000 micro-plastics and harmful detergents and toxins which have a devastating impact on our oceans.

    Check out the Scrummi timeline:

    Scrummi = Happy Customers + Happy Environment

    To find out more about the Scrummi towels we use in our salons click here. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to keep up with all things hair!

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  3. Going Blonde? Here’s Everything You Should Know!

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    From blonde hair tips to finding the correct shade, we cover it all…

    Going blonde is like a step into the unknown for many, but we’re here to assure you that bleaching your hair is NOT as scary as it seems. Many of our clients have a long list of questions such as; Will it suit me? How long will it take? Will it destroy my hair? So we’ve created this guide to tell you everything you need to know before reaching for the bleach.

    Will going blonde destroy my hair?

    Not if it’s done right! Many of our staff are L’Oréal Colour Specialists, which is one of the most comprehensive colouring qualifications within hairdressing. Our colourists are therefore highly skilled in ensuring the health and integrity of your hair during the colouring process so you can rest assured your hair is in the best hands.

    We use a variety of products to maintain the hair’s moisture and to prevent breakage. We always recommend having an Olaplex treatment when having your hair coloured. This bond strengthening system works on a molecular level to restore damaged and compromised bonds by repairing from the inside out. It will maintain the integrity of your hair when putting it through a chemical process. We also recommend a Kérastase Fusio-Dose treatment. These are tailored to each client and are prescribed to suit your specific hair needs. This treatment can help with dry, dull and damaged hair, hair prone to frizz and much more. Click here to see the full range.

    Will blonde suit me?
    Going Blonde Edinburgh Hairdressers Going Blonde Warmer Tone Going blonde Icy Tone

    Before you embark on a new colour, make sure you have the right shade to suit you! We provide a full consultation before your appointment, during which our colourists will help you decide on a shade to suit your complexion, but for now here’s a quick guide to look at before your appointment:

    • For those with cooler skin tones (pale or pinky in tone) then go for a cooler, icy-toned blonde. We recommend either, ash, beige or a baby blonde shade.
    • For those with warmer skin tones, match with a warmer blonde shade. We recommend either a gold, buttery or caramel colour.
    • For those with neutral skin tones…well you’re lucky enough to suit either!

    How long will it take to reach my desired colour?

    This all depends on the shade of blonde you’re aiming to achieve and how dark your hair currently is. If you have what we call virgin hair (never been coloured) this takes about 3 hours for a full head tint. This style requires regular maintenance, about every 6 weeks.

    For a lower maintenance style, we recommend adding lighter pieces to your hair. Highlights and balayage are great options to achieve a multi-tonal look. Check out some of our colour transformations below:

    Going blonde

    Full Head Tint: Achieved in just one application! L’Oréal’s Blonde Studio 9 Levels is now in salon. It lifts hair up to 9 levels lighter and has more protection due to the oil-based formula. Add a Smartbond treatment for extra protection and leave your hair strong, healthy and shiny.

    Balayage edinburgh hairdressers

    Blonde Balayage: Instead of opting for a full head tint, create a soft transition by choosing balayage. This style requires less maintenance yet still achieves that blonde look.

    How to keep blonde hair looking like new?

    A blonde’s worst nightmare? Dare we say it…Brassy hair!

    Blonde hair needs to be looked after. Factors like the environment, weather, styling tools and using the wrong products can all damage your blonde hair. The solution? Silver shampoo!

    We offer a silverising shampoo specially formulated to give professional results to neutralise and remove yellow tones in highlighted, bleached or grey hair. Click here to get your bottle of Charlie Miller Silver Shampoo.

    Book your colour appointment either online or by calling your preferred salon. You can find all our salon numbers by clicking here.

    Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to keep up with all things hair!

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  4. Graduation Hair: Our 2019 Top Picks

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    Graduation is one of the most memorable days of your life (thanks to the never-ending family snaps) so make sure your graduation hair is picture perfect.

    Our Charlie Miller stylists have created 4 graduation hairstyles for all hair types. Whether you have straight, wavy, long or short hair, we’ve covered it all.

    Check them out:

    Graduation hairstyle for long or short hair

    1. Hairstyle for long or short hair

    This sleek style is perfect for those with straight hair. Simple and elegant, this style is relatively low-maintenance and will stay looking great long into the evening. To make sure your hair is extra smooth and shiny, we like to use Charlie Miller Hydrate Shampoo and Conditioner before styling.

    Graduation hairstyle for long hair

    2. Hairstyle for long hair

    This boho-inspired style is perfect for those with long, wavy hair. This style ensures hair stays in place and looks freshly styled all day.

    Graduation hairstyle for short hair

    3. Hairstyle for short hair

    This updo works great for those wanting to show off their dress. The style has just the right amount of elegance, while staying neatly in place and off the shoulders. We love to use the Charlie Miller Volume Shampoo and Conditioner to give the hair body and fullness.

    Hairstyles to suit a graduation cap

    4. Hairstyles to suit a graduation cap

    This braided updo is perfect for the summer months. As a bonus, it also works well for those styling it with a graduation cap.

    Our favourite styles give a summery feel, with braids and waves being a consistent theme. Take any of the above styles and make them your own or book an appointment at one of Charlie Miller’s Edinburgh hair salons and let us help get a style to suit you!

    Charlie Miller welcomes students to enjoy 30% off cut and colour appointments. Discount valid Monday-Thursday with a Graduate or Salon Stylist and Salon Technician. Excludes the months of February and December. For full T&Cs, click here.

    Keep up to date with all things Charlie Miller and Charlie Miller Haircare on Instagram!

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  5. My Client and Me: John and Miriam

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    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.

    Keep up to date with all things Charlie Miller and Charlie Miller Haircare on Instagram.

     

     

     

     

     

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  6. Breaking down Balayage

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    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 Head Stylist and Senior 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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  7. Back to the Roots with Aoife

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    Back to the roots

    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.

    For updates, news and competitions simply follow Charlie Miller on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

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  8. Hair Inspiration from New York Fashion Week

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    New York Fashion Week is drawing to a close. The bustle and excitement, the flash lights and anticipation as magazine editors, actors, musicians, and the bold and the beautiful from the world of fashion took their seats in the front row and awaited the show to begin. We’ve been following the models sashaying down the runway in their stunning couture creations but our eyes were firmly on the hair and the trends emerging this season.

    Layout

    Romance was reflected in many collections, at the Jenny Packman, La Perla, Christian Siriano, Jonathan Simkhai and Juliana Bass shows the models wore their hair long and tousled, soft with fringes in a side parting. At Leanne Marshall’s show the ponytail was given a textured twist with bunched sections and accessories, and loose strands framing the face. Centre partings and slick hair dominated many of the NYFW catwalks, an elegant and timeless style which suits both short and long hair.  For an edgier take on this hair trend check out Alexandra Wang’s models for the ready to wear collection. Our models demonstrate both styles in the image below.

    In terms of colour it is natural tones that have been turning heads this week. The rainbow roots and shades of grey of previous seasons have been replaced with hues of rich chocolate brown, warm chestnut, ash blonde and the darkest shades of black.  ‘Bronde’ is the colour favoured by model Hailey Baldwin, spotted enjoying the Paris nightlife with Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid, all fresh from the catwalk wearing slick ballerina buns high on their heads.

    Watch the collections at NYFW and tell us your favourite looks by joining Charlie Miller Hairdressing on twitter, Instagram and Facebook #cmhairdressing. Feeling inspired? Pop in to any of our four 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 Professionnel.

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  9. Going Lala over Cinematic Style

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    Fashionistas and lovers of classic style will be in their element this January as the cinema spotlight shines on old Hollywood glamour. From La La Land – a visual feast of vibrant colour, romance and ultra shiny locks (and 14 Oscar nominations) – to style icon Jackie O and a bygone era of demure Chanel suits, pillar-box hats and stunning structured hair, they are a journey into bygone eras.

    jackie-kennedy3Jackie Kennedy Onassis’ legendary black bob is as infamous as her husband and her beautiful designer wardrobe. The bouffant 60’s style was admired and replicated by women around the world. Will it make a comeback in 2017?

    EMMA-STONEActress Emily Stone sports a tousled long bob ( a ‘lob’) in her role as Mia in La La Land. An autumnal shade of glossy red compliments her fair complexion and creates a striking look.

    Sleek 40s updo’s, tousled waves and gorgeous hair accessories (a key trend for 2017) all feature in this movie and we won’t be surprised if the clothes, and hair, transfer from the big screen to real life in the months ahead.

    Rumour has it that Emma Stone, whose natural locks are blonde, dyed her hair a vibrant red after a director suggested it would give her an ‘edge’. True or false we’ll never know but if you’re considering a change of style, or colour, our talented team of skilled colourists and stylists are here to listen to your needs, offer advice and ensure you leave the salon confident and happy with your new look.

    Pop in to any Charlie Miller salon for a free consultation. You’ll find our price list here and if you book between the 1st and 28th of February you’ll receive 40% off colour and enjoy the benefits of shiny, healthy hair with SMARTBOND.

     

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