(AD-Gifted: I was invited for a blow dry to try the newly launched Charlie Miller hair care range. I also received a shampoo and conditioner to take home with me. All thoughts my own)

 

Charlie Miller is an Edinburgh based salon that I have been meaning to try for absolutely ages. I’ve only ever heard good things about them and I can easily see why. I felt automatically at home in their East End salon.

 

Initially I thought the friendliness was due to knowing I was going to write a review but the lovely woman who washed my hair didn’t have any clue about that so her warmth was genuine, which is always good to know. Getting my hair washed (and done, in general) at a salon can be painful due to chronic pain but they made sure I was comfortable. And having previously suffered from severe anxiety the first (and ,well, all the visits) to a hair salon can cause some anxiety. It’s one of the areas where I struggle a bit with anxiety still but again, thankfully, I felt really comfortable and relaxed. So if you are looking for somewhere to get your hair done but anxiety is an issue I would really recommend giving Charlie Miller ago.

 

If you follow me on Instagram you might have seen me talking about my recent hair loss and the search for shampoos/conditioners/treatments to help. I’ve stopped using shampoos with SLS (sulphates) and parabens in the hope that a more natural approach will boost my hair’s health. Plus if Jonathan Van Ness says we need to cut out the sulphates who am I to argue? I’ve recently tried quite a few products from Davines, including this new favourite and I will be writing a post about some of the best SLS free products I’ve been trying.

 

But what is SLS or sulphates? 

 

And why is SLS bad for your hair? Sulphates are what makes shampoo (and other products) foam up and remove all dirt and product that builds up. The downside of SLS is that they can be really drying and strip the natural oils from the scalp and hair. This can result in dry skin, irritation and sensitivity. Sulphates can also be too strong for coloured hair as they strip the colour quicker. If you want to look out for sulphates/SLS in the ingredient list of your hair products the most common are ammonium laureth sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate and sodium lauryl sulfate. I had also started reacting to some shampoos and conditioners (which previously didn’t bother me! I think it might be hormonal changes) and was getting painful lumps on my scalp. Since switching to SLS-free shampoo and conditioners the reactions have completely stopped.

 

So ideally the launch Charlie Miller’s new haircare range* is perfect for my current needs. Charlie Miller shampoos and conditioners are free from SLS and parabens as well as being packed full of gorgeous ingredients like Jasmine Extract (God, I love Jasmine), Calendula, Sage Extract. These ingredients help to moisturise, strengthen and soothe both the hair and scalp. These newly released hair products are a real labour of love for the Charlie Miller family:

“We are truly excited to be launching our haircare range. Having worked in the industry and in haircare for more than 35 years we knew what we wanted to create. We are absolutely delighted with the integrity and results of these products. Watch this space; there’s more to come!”

I was given the Charlie Miller Hydrate Shampoo and conditioner to try as my hair is getting longer and the ends tend to lose some moisture. Both these products are a joy to use, they smell gorgeous and the shampoo still gives a nice lather which some SLS free shampoos sometimes don’t. The hydrate conditioner is lovely too, it leaves my hair super soft and bouncy (if you pop over to my Instagram you can see the bounce and shine in action in my Hair story highlights).

I haven’t had longer hair for ages. The longest it’s been is to my chin so having just over shoulder length hair is a bit of a novelty. Plus I’m growing my fringe out which feels strange too. I’ve had some kind of fringe from my early 20s (I’m in my 40s now) so styling my hair is a bit of a learning curve at the moment. My super lovely stylist Elle talked me through the blow dry and waves and gave me some excellent tips for styling my growing out fringe. Elle used a Hot Tools Curl Bar to wave my hair which was pretty amazing. I had never saw one before but it makes curling/waving your own hair super easy, especially if you difficulty using your hands.

 

 

The end results from the blow dry and new Charlie Miller hair products left my hair shiny, bouncy and really healthy looking. My whole experience at Charlie Miller’s hair salon was wonderful. I was made to feel at home, the service was amazing and my hair looked great. It’s no wonder Charlie Miller has clients coming in daily for a blow dry, their service just felt that little bit extra special.

 

Have you moved over to SLS Free shampoo and conditioners?

 

Tags: edinburgh, hair, salons haircare, sls-free