Dossier / London

Biography

From origins that began in a gent's hairdressing salon in Edinburgh, Charlie Miller's salon group - now in its 5th decade of business - has five successful Edinburgh city salons. Charlie prides himself on a business that's synonymous with style and creativity resulting in national and international recognition as one of the leading hairdressing companies in the UK. 

With a string of industry accolades to its name, the company holds a total of fourteen British Hairdressing Awards.  Charlie himself has won 'Scottish Hairdresser of the Year' three times and is a founding member of the 'British Hairdressing Hall of Fame'.  He has won 'Avant-garde Hairdresser of the Year' and been nominated twice for the prestigious 'British Hairdresser of the Year'.  In addition to receiving the National Hairdressers Federation 'Hairdresser of the Year', World Master of the Craft and Fellow of Distinction from the Fellowship for British Hairdressing, he was also listed as one of the top 500 influential people in Edinburgh by Scotsman Publications.

Since hanging up his scissors in1998 Charlie now concentrates on his company's marketing, PR and business development.  He regularly receives invitations to present seminars and talks for top business organisations including Standard Life and the Consultants and Fund Managers at The Royal College of Physicians in London.

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Interview

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What is the significance of the L'Oréal Professionnel Colour Trophy to the hairdressing industry?
In its new incarnation over the last 10 years, it has become so exciting; it has given our industry an event of such quality that it must be the best live competition in the world.

What are your favourite L'Oréal Professionnel Colour Trophy competition memories?
How fabulous the winners are. My favourite was Alan Edwards in 1993. It was the most asked for look any winner has created!

What is your criterion for a L'Oréal Professionnel Colour Trophy winner?
The look should be that good, it would make a front cover and it should influence the most asked for looks in salons nationwide.

What does it mean to win the competition?
It's a massive accolade for the salon and the Art team and the prize is ongoing throughout the year. It means the experience and growth opportunities are ongoing.

If you were entering in this year's competition, what advice would you like to be given?
If you want to enter to win then ask yourself (a) do I know how to choose the right model to carry the whole look? (b) what is the look of this time? (c) who can best lead the team?

What personal / character traits do you think make a L'Oréal Professionnel Colour Trophy winner?
To accomplish the goal, the team need to be 'high altitude' in understanding style and taste as well as the level in which they must work together.

How do you think the standards of the competition have changed in recent years?
The style level has become so high we see even better models across the competition, the best of which are presented in a magazine / catwalk level.

What are the benefits of competing and being a part of the L'Oréal Professionnel Colour Trophy competition?
If you take the step forward to compete in the L'Oréal Professionnel Colour Trophy , you put yourself and your team into an experience that will improve your styling, your colour, your knowledge and your ability. It's an all level developer and if you win the prize it can only take you further.

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