Sophie Craik starts off our series of reviews of the best salons for students in Edinburgh

I have often likened my fear of hairdressers to a fear of the dentist. In fact, sometimes more so than the dentist – at least I’m not surprised when the dentist tells me I’m doing something wrong, but it’s always such a disappointment when you think your hair looks quite good, and then they make that tutting noise. There might even be the “where is it you’ve been going before?” look of horror, as though they are about to alert the police to the person who has, unbeknownst to you, been attacking your head.

It’s probably worse for me as I’m notorious for ruining my hair. Blonde, black, purple, I’ve been them all – I’ve even been neon pink, which caused a suspension from school and a warning from a nearly bald, tweed wearing man to “come back when my hair was a less offensive colour.” By now I’m sure I can hear the faint shrieking of my strands when I mention colouring it too loudly, which is why I was so happy to be given the chance to review Charlie Miller on South St Andrew Street. I could tell I was going to be in good hands as I walked through the glass doors. It looks small from the outside, but once you enter the huge salon you are met with an air of luxury within vibrant and buzzing surroundings. You get the impression you have accidentally walked into a Vogue styling area, from the aged gold decoration and high ceilings, to the glamorous Shu Uemura hair products displayed throughout the salon.

Katie was my lovely stylist for my time in the salon, and she sat down in front of me to discuss exactly what I wanted to be done with my wrecked bob of hair. I was booked in for a full head of highlights, and although my initial thoughts had been to try and convince them that I really didn’t mind if they stripped my hair to make it blonde, I could tell this would not go down well – the sleek image of the salon goes right down to how they want their clients to look; polished with well-looked after hair.

We decided to go for a light golden brown shades with two ash blonde tones woven throughout to give the impression of light, as well as to tone down my reddishy brown tones which eventually I was hoping to get rid of entirely. As the foils were expertly applied, Katie talked about her time at the salon, having been there for five years, she seemed very much at home there.

The staff are very attentive in Charlie Miller, with my magazine and hot drink needs very well watched over by observant stylists, and about 45 minutes later it was time to be washed and blow dried.

With the amazing 40% discount they offer for students on cut or colour services, or both if you so desire, my full head highlights would have been around £50. This means that depending on your budget it might be more of a once in a while treat experience than a regular expenditure, but on a personal note my hair genuinely does look the healthiest and most well cared for it has done in a long time. In comparison to salons of similar standing, the price is a great deal after student discount, and was definitely well worth it. When you realise that a cut works out to just over £20 from such a prestigious salon, it becomes clear that you’d be insane not to try their polished approach out.

The salon reviewed is at 8 South St Andrew Street. All details are on their website: www.charliemiller.com