Hairdresser to the stars Charlie Miller dies aged 80

Top Scottish hairdresser Charlie Miller – who cut the hair of the late Sir Sean Connery, Hollywood actor Leslie Nielsen, and fashion designer Donna Karan – has died at the age of 80.

His sons Jason and Josh told BBC Scotland their dad, who had Alzheimer’s disease for many years, died on Monday at Queen’s Manor Care Home in Edinburgh.

The grandfather-of-four, who leaves behind wife Janet, started his training at the age of 15 at Bob’s Barber Shop in Edinburgh’s West Port but later cut the hair of many A-list celebrities.

The eponymous Charlie Miller brand, which is internationally recognised, still has four salons in Edinburgh with 80 staff.

His sons said: “Our dad was so much more than the name above the salon doors.

“He was a force of creativity, integrity, and love – for his work, for his team, and most of all his family.

“Whether you knew him as a hairdresser, a mentor, a colleague, or a friend, you’ll know the warmth he brought to every conversation and the generosity with which he gave his time, his talent, and his heart.”

They said they were heartbroken but promised to continue their father’s legacy.

Miller, who once had more than 100 staff working at his salons, had a career that spanned six decades.

Known for his trademark silvery shoulder-length hair, he was the “best dressed man in town”, according to his friend Victor Spence.

Mr Spence told BBC Scotland: “A great man has been lost to Edinburgh and the global world of hairdressing.

“He has lovingly touched the lives of so many people directly and indirectly.

“I hope Charlie’s wife, Janet, his immediate and wider family and close friends are comforted with the outpouring of love and affection for Charlie.”

Miller was the first Scottish hairdresser to receive an OBE for services to hairdressing, presented by Her Majesty the Queen in 2012.

He was great friends with the late Sir Tom Farmer and famously cut his hair at the North Pole.

He was also three-time Scottish Hairdresser of the Year, Avant-Garde Hairdresser of the Year, and had two nominations for British Hairdresser of the Year.

Miller was also a judge for major competitions around the world, including the British Hairdressing Awards, L’Oréal Colour Trophy (UK and internationally), and Creative HEAD’s Most Wanted Awards.

He also judged international titles such as Japanese, Dutch, and Norwegian Hairdresser of the Year.

In 2007, he began personally styling real-hair wigs for teenagers through the Teenage Cancer Trust and was instrumental in launching the ‘Hair 4 U’ initiative in Scotland, now operated by The Little Princess Trust.

He described himself as a “spiritual nomad”, exploring paths through yoga, Buddhism, and Christian mysticism, and learned from the Dalai Lama – whom he gifted a tartan-pouched hair clipper in 1988.

A Charlie Miller spokeswoman said: “Charlie was not only a talented hairdresser but also a visionary leader whose passion, creativity, and commitment to excellence helped shape the careers of countless professionals across the industry. His work earned international recognition, and his salons became synonymous with quality, innovation, and style.

“Charlie’s kindness, humility, and genuine love for people defined both his personal and professional life. He touched the lives of so many – from his loyal clients and trusted colleagues to the wider creative community.”