Getting hair styled in Paris. Should I? Where?
 

My sisters and I are going to Paris for someone's 50th Birthday. She thinks we should all make appointments at a big department store and get our hair cut and styled. What do you think? Does this sound really risky? If you have someplace you like to get your hair styled in Paris, please give me a suggestion. Also, she wants to get her makeup done - perhaps a facial.

I often have facial or manicure but not sure I'd want to risk a hair cut.

Having had a disastrous haircut in a foreign country due to my inability to communicate my wishes, I'd stick with the facial and makeup, and maybe throw in a massage. A bad haircut can stay with you an awful long time.

Jules

I concur. I had a cut done at Vidal Sassoon School in London, assured that a supervisor would make certain that the cut suited my age, facial shape and lifestyle. Well, I got short, boy cut and very spikey. (I entered with shoulder length curls).

I applaud creativity but this was heartbreaking. You might have better luck than I, but no guarantees.

I would never do that myself, as I've had too many disastrous haircuts even when speaking the same language. I had a friend who did that in Paris and she came back with a very unusual avant-garde short haircut which looked good on her if you wanted to experiment, but I would not have wanted to live with it. Some people will risk more with their hair, or it doesn't matter as much if it's short or grows fast.

I don't know a place, but in general, I'd just suggest the beauty salon section of one of the major dept. stores, like Galeries Lafayette. They have a lot of services there and are used to dealing with foreigners and language won't be a problem. They have information about that on their web site and you can make appointments. Printemps is the same way www.printemps.com

For just a facial, makeup, or spa/massage or something, I might go to Guerlain www.guerlain.com

Way back in 1968, when my wife and I were in our early 20s, we travelled in Europe. She was a very good-looking blonde, with very simple long straight hair. After a while, she needed a hair cut, which she got in the Florence train station. Without either of us knowing a word of Italian, the hair guy went to work. When he was finished, her hair was all bouffanted, basically a replica of Bridget Bardot. It was all good! But she had to fend off even more Italian lotharios than usual.

*great* story!!!!

I often..every trip or so ..go to Vidal sasson school in London..and while it might be a shock at first..it always "grows" on me and I always get compliments!

I see numerous shops in Paris.. so live dangerously and take a chance..after all it will grow out in a few weeks!

OR, you can go to one of the quite good but relatively inexpensive chain salons that Paris specializes in, like Salon Jean Claude Beguine or Salon Jean Louie David-I've used both of these chains in a number of countries-Belgium, France, Italy, and have always been quite pleased-because they specialize in the precision cut method and I like blunt cuts, so they are both very good if you're looking for a cut of this type (I've never had anything fancy done, however). Very hygienic too, as both salons advertise that they use a freshly wrapped and sanitized brush on each customer-(and they really do).

There's also the chain of Salon Jacques Dessange, however, this chain is quite a bit more expensive. I actually go to a JD here in the States, but for facials and other beauty treatments, not for hair, as they are too expensive-I'm one of those who doesn't believe in spending $100 on up for a trim. However, I think the JD stylists are quite good based on empirical observations, particularly with color. I do see some television faces (men) in there from time to time getting their color "refreshed." (smile)

I can tell you that in the Salon JD I frequent here in the States, every single one of the stylists, as well as the aestheticians, are from France, mostly Paris, or they are from a francophone country but worked in Paris before coming to the US. I almost never hear English spoken in the salon amongst the employees. In fact, when you call to make an appt., the recording is in French first and then English-so the point I'm making is that they are really into their Parisian thing, even in their salons here in the States.

There are a number of JD salons in Paris to choose from, and they all do make-up, as they have their own make-up/beauty/hair-care line. You might want to pick one or two of their salons in Paris, stop by and look at their price list and/or just talk to them about what you want done-all of the JD Salons should have English speakers, but not so for the other chain salons mentioned. Here's a website to check it out online: www.jacques-dessange.com, and click the English version.

I got my hair trimmed at the salon in Galleries Lafayettes a few years back. The stylist spoke English and had lived in Chicago and San Francisco for awhile. You can always ask if any of the stylists speak English. I speak some French but it was nice to communicate in English just the same when it came to how much to trim :-) It all worked out well tho !!

I popped into a Jean Louis David branch in the Latin Quarter one time for a cut. The cut was fine, if a little &quot;cute&quot; for me (my husband kept calling me &quot;Amelie&quot;), but what I remember best was the wonderful rinse they put on, for <i>eclat</i>. My hair shone and shone. . .

Someday I'd like to try one of the more chic salons, but that requires planning ahead.

Elle, speaking of JLD, I was just there yesterday...had my usual great trim with the electric clippers-when I come out of there, I've had people stop me in the streets of both NYC and also Florence (!) to tell me that my hair looked great. I like the symmetry of their cuts, and the knowledge that I'm getting uniform services, in whatever country I and the salon happen to be in. They are my favorite. Can't beat 'em-$US 41.00-cut, wash, blow-dry. Same equivalent price in Euros.

Since the French have been mastering beauty for centuries, Paris is the one city I would trust for a total hair make-over. But, I wouldn't go just anywhere (and I wouldn't be caught dead at John Louis David).

In Paris, the beauty business is separated into two categories: spa and hair services, and these categories don't necessarily share owners or locations. Most often, they have no professional relationship whatsoever. In other words, one wouldn't go to a spa for a fabulous cut and color just as one wouldn't go to a hair salon for the best facial and massage.

If you're shopping for a chic new haircut in a very special, private space, I would consider trying the David Mallett salon (01 40 20 00 23). A second choice might be Kyang (06 20 45 39 39).

For a color splurge, I might try Christophe Robin (01 42 60 99 15).

I love pampering myself when I'm in Paris. The language barrier can be fun, especially for the hairdresser, and most professionals will respect you for jumping into the lion's den. They'll work extra hard to send you home looking your best. Good luck!

ps Don't expect this post to last very long.

I have to agree with NYCFS on this! JLD is just another chain hair salon these days. If you are in Paris, why go to a salon that is in a mall back home?
I forget the name but on the rue St Peres between the Seine and rue Jacob, is a lovely salon where I had a shampoo and blow out years ago. They spoke just enough English to ask me questions, they did a lovely job on long hair and it was a treat :)
All around the 6th you will find small charming salons, Good luck!

Snob-you don't have to be caught dead at a Jean (not John) Louie David-I love them, and I personally wouldn't be caught dead going to some overpriced French salon or American salon for that matter, that charges me $150.00 to do a trim that's not nearly as good as what I get at JLD.

The point of my email is that there are good, inexpensive options in the chain salons in Paris, JLD is one and Jean Claude Beguine is another. Then, there is Jacques Dessange. And if you want consistency of cut, you go to a good French salon. If you want to take your chances and pay an outrageous sum of money for a trim and style, why, you can do that too, except I personally would rather spend my money on other pursuits while on holiday, and certainly don't want to have to worry or be upset about all the money I spent for a mediocre to bad haircut.

Scarlett, are you thinking of the salon at 52 rue Saint-Andre des Artes? (website www.mariannegray.com/index-gb.htm)

Like Lori, I had my hair cut at Galleries Lafayette, but mind you that was a good 15 years ago. It mustn't have been a memorable haircut because I don't remember it. What I do remember is arranging to meet my husband at the &quot;down&quot; escalator and he was at the &quot;up&quot; escalator and I nearly missed my plane home due to the delay in waiting for him! (Moral: never get your hair cut on departure day, duh.)

I am of mixed opinion about getting a hair cut from someone I don't know, Ronda. I used to be really casual about it--hey, hair grows, what's the big deal--but now I really value a good cut from my stylist, who knows my hair inside out. I don't know if I'd trust anyone else! I guess it boils down to how much of a risk-taker you are. How about you send out a &quot;scout&quot; from your party? She could get her hair cut first, and if it looked wonderful, the rest of you could sign up for the full treatment, too. :d

Scarlett, &quot;just another chain&quot; should be their only problem. Their turnover rate in hairdressers is among the highest and what woman in her right mind (unless, of course, she's a bull-dyke lesbian) wants her hair cut with electric clippers? (Electric clippers is THE mandatory hair cutting method at JLD.)

JLD is for women who fall prey to (French) chic can be cheap. Not for my hair.

Spygirl, you're right about the spelling. Normally I care about spelling people's names correctly but this time, apparently, I didn't.

&lt;<i>&quot;Electric clippers is THE mandatory hair cutting method at JLD.)&quot;</i>

Not true. My stylist did not use them. She used something old fashioned. . .I believe they were called scissors.

Whatever happened to a similar post about getting your hair cut in Rome or was it Italy?

That's what their precision cut styling is all about, Elle, the use of electric clippers rather than scissors-it's the way they are taught -I know, I've asked them about it, because it was a novel concept to me at the time (some 10 years ago when I first went to them in Paris). That's not to say they don't have scissors, or use them, but that's not what they're known for, or the &quot;JLD method&quot; as I think their magazine puts it.

I had my hair cut in Paris at Jacques Dessange and loved it. (Used to frequent them in NY until they closed.)

And what were those idiotic remarks about Jean Louis David? They use scissors, occasionally a razor for texture, and I have never seen any stylist use electric clippers in their salon on 57th St. And by the way, the same stylists have been there for years.

So please don't speak (or especially write) about something about which you apparently know nothing. You may not like a &quot;chain&quot; salon, but there are enough people (especially in NY) to keep them in business.

Spygirl, I didn't know that. Are electric clippers used largely on short hair? Mine is pretty long, so maybe that's why they didn't use them (although the &quot;Amelie&quot; cut was pretty short for me. . . )

Leona, I lived in NYC, for a looong time, until moving just a year ago, and believe me, I know about hair dressers LOL
Actually, there was a JLD not far from our home, upper East side in the 60s.

I was told once by a Fabulous haircutter that a Good haircutter can cut with a broken bottle..ya'll can figure that out yourselves :)
These days I have been getting razor cuts, on long straight hair..blunt bobs (kinda suburbabn looking)are not really in style these days, are they?

Elle-my hair is below shoulder length, and I LOVE that electric clipper! I have been to most all the JLDs in NYC (my favorite is the one on Madison Ave.,(Leona-I believe that's the one on 57th-but it might be another one-there are two that are pretty close together there) but I also like the one down in the Village, between 12 and 13th as well).

To answer your question, it could be that some of the JLD salons use scissors for long hair and clippers for short hair, Elle, and Leona may be right as well, I have noticed differences in the JLD salons in NYC (not the ones in Paris though-the ones I've been to there all use clippers) but I always insist on the clippers, and since I just got my hair trimmed there two days ago, I can tell you it looks SO much thicker and less scraggly on the ends-I'm quite a fan of the clippers/razors for the blunt edges-your hair swings so much more naturally (or at least, my hair does) when it is cut with clippers rather than with scissors.

You should try it out-I think you might like it.

Really, Spygirl, if you're going to chide NYCFS about her spelling, you should watch your own.
It's BIguine, not BEguine. And it's Jean-LouiS, not Jean-Louie. The Regis corporation, which owns JLD, spells it without a hyphen. (JLD is part of the Regis empire, which includes mall chains like Supercuts, Cost Cutters, and Magicuts, the SmartStyle chain found in Wal-Marts, and the Hair Club for Men.)
I have nothing against JLD, my husband gets his hair cut at their new salon in the Brussels Midi train station. Although I thought his last cut was much TOO short--he got a better cut at an individually owned salon in Angers and at a small salon in central Germany run by an aging dominatrix. I prefer an individually-owned salon where there isn't so much turnover. The same stylist in Brussels has been doing my hair for three years and I like the continuity. Plus, it's nice to support a small business rather than seeing the money swallowed up by just another big corporation.
I've had good and bad experiences at the various chains like JLD, Biguine, etc. In France and Belgium, when you go into those walk-in chains on a Friday or Saturday, you can face a LONG wait. So Ronda, if you're going to do that, go Monday through Thursday (it's cheaper then too). And I'd err on the side of caution *if* you have time. Have your friend get her hair STYLED but not cut. If she really likes the way they style it and the way they treat her, then she could go back another day for a cut.
You have a gazillion choices for facials (soins)--Sothys, Clarins, Guinot, Maria Galland, Darphin, etc. Personally, I would recommend Darphin or Maria Galland. You would definitely need to book in advance for those.
www.darphin.fr (salons on the rue du Bac and rue Saint Honore; they have a full makeup line as well as skin care)
www.mariagalland.fr (salon on 69 Blvd. Haussmann; they have only a limited makeup range)
FWIW, facials in Paris cost twice as much as facials in Brussels (in case your travel plans take you up that way).

well, if that second letter is an &quot;i&quot; and not an &quot;l&quot; then you'd be right, BTilke, it is Jean Claude Biguine.

<i>&quot;I think your information is a little out-dated&quot;</i>

Think what you wish, dear. I'm happy you've found happiness with JLD but you have <b>no idea</b> what I know.

I did speak in absolutes above and I apologize. I didn't mean to suggest that stylists at JLD don't own or use scissors. In NYC, they had no choice to allow scissors because they faced a serious crisis from all the clipper &quot;redo's&quot; they were getting. Also, it has become harder and harder to recruit hairdressers because most artists don't want their tool-use to be dictated to them. It's called business survival in a very demanding town.

Plus, the company &quot;mission&quot; changed when Regis bought it. Everyone in the beauty industry knows Regis is no place for &quot;super&quot; talent because they're &quot;super&quot; cheap. After Regis purchased the beauty salon at Saks Fifth Avenue in the late 80's, all their top talent defected. They are notorious for not paying well and employees are treated like just another number on a spread sheet. They got out of Saks sometime in the 90's.

<i>&quot;I was told once by a Fabulous haircutter that a Good haircutter can cut with a broken bottle&quot;</i>

I would say this is quite true of a <i>great</i> haircutter. The best haircutters are great sculptors and as long as the tool is sharp, magic can happen.

The next time you consider any salon for a haircut, especially one owned by Regis, consider this: Why on earth would any super-talented individual want to limit his/her income potential by working for a volume-oriented chop-shop that doesn't pay well?

Some of you girls don't have a clue how the game is played but I'm happy you all think you're walking around with a great haircut. Too bad we can't post pictures on Fodor's. I'd be happy to provide my critique.

What I don't &quot;get&quot; is why any woman can justify an overpriced, mediocre food experience at Centrale Lounge in Venice, which lasts one night, when the benefits of a great $150 haircut can last 3 months. Thank goodness it's a free world and people can spend their money as they see fit. I'll take a great $150 haircut over expensive, mediocre food any day.

I agree with the analogy. Spend some money on the haircut. You are in Paris. Why come to begin with?

If one is concerned about getting a haircut in a &quot;foreign&quot; place, then get one before you go, as almost everyone does. If it is going to &quot;cut into&quot; your holiday time, then for gosh sakes, get a haircut scheduled a week or so prior to the trip.

Paris is reknown for their hairstyling and soins. No &quot;foreign country&quot; there. Perhaps the U.S. would be considered foreign to finding a really good hairstylist outside of a few major cities. People in the U.S. usually cringe when costs associated with d&eacute;jeuner in Paris are discussed. Likewise, the cost of a good haircut brings out cries of &quot;too much&quot; or &quot;ripoff&quot;.

I support all independent businesses in France. They will be gone with the wind in another generation or two, as the jeunesse d'or gravitate to technology. Why do you go to Olde Europe, if not to partake in what we here in the U.S. do not have?

All of the threads on how to live on the cheap, suggesting that one get a franchise baguette avec fromage et jambon... or wear your old underwear and clothes... or be only concerned with your super comfort, even if it means wearing old sweatpants...is this how someone really wants to spend a holiday in Paris or France? Perhaps the only time they may visit in their lifetimes?

Life is short. Enjoy the party.

Nice work, orval. ((Y))

&quot;Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, wine in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming...

Damn, What a ride!! &quot;

And, if one gets a chance, let a great sylist take you and your head to a show! After all ... its only hair.

Orval, some of us don't have as much disposable income as others, hence the need to ferret out ways to go cheaply. That's not to say that we won't splurge on a thing or two while there or that we won't have adventures (I know I always have adventures). Going on the cheap has allowed me to go to Paris 3 times (plus London one trip) &amp; I'll be going again in February. I'm thrilled that I'll be able to do something that few people I know (outside of Fodor's) is able to do.

Thanks for all the responses. I will forward this thread to my sis and it will give her plenty of food for thought. Myself, I don't think I want to spend time in a salon while on vacation.

I just got my haircut in France at a Jean Louis David salon (at at mall!) and I'm vry satisfied! It's better than the more expensive cut I got back home in Boston at a very exclusive Newbury Street salon by some incompetent young woman who probably just graduated beauty school. Of course, my new cut is just a plain bob but it's just the way I wanted it and yes, it was done all with an electric clipper. I was a little nervous, but I agree with the previous poster that this method of cutting really does give hair more movement. But of course, I think the stylist matters much more than the specific salon. At this JLD I asked for a specific stylist to cut my hair based on seeing him working on other clients and liking what I saw. Turns out he wants to transfer to the JLD salon in NYC so he also liked being able to practice some English with me! I also liked a cut I once got at a Jacques Dessange salon here. The worst cuts I've gotten here in France were actually at a fancy salon in a the city south of Paris where I live. I only went there because the woman was British and I was really bad at French at the time. Turned out she was awful and liked to hack my hair up with her thinning shears!

My goodness-why ever not? On posts of this type here on this board I ALWAYS recommend Jean Louis David Salons both in Paris and other parts of its native France, but also in Italy and Belgium. I've used JLD and been very happy with them in all the above countries-and have gone to them now for over 10 years. You can check here for locations:

www.jeanlouisdavid.com

Also, another excellent French chain salon in Paris that is similar to JLD is &quot;JEAN CLAUDE BIGUINE&quot;-shops all over Paris, other cities in France and a number of other countries as well (I understand they have a Biguine salon in NYC).

I never get a haircut in Europe unless I'm absolutely desperate. My own hairdresser knows how to cut my short, limp hair, and no one else can do as good a job as she. Whenever I've found it necessary to get a haircut in Europe, the results have ranged from bad to disastrous. Even with a skilled haircutter, it usually ends up way too short.

Three of my haircuts have been in Germany and one in Spain, the one in Spain by a Vidal Sassoon haircutter.

The chains won't give you any better cuts than chains at home. A good haircut requires a good haircutter, and they tend to be born rather than made. Some of them <i>start</i> their own chains, but unless they are personally cutting your hair, you won't necessarily get any part of their skill.

For various reasons, I've had the opportunity to see the best of the best at work, and a very good haircutter can work seeming miracles. I've seen people completely transformed in appearance in just a minute or two of seemingly random snipping. But it's unusual to see that at a chain&mdash;anyone that good soon opens his own salon (or chain of salons).

Also, a fair number of the best cut down drastically on the cuts they deliver themselves and concentrate on other aspects (tours, shows, sponsorship, running a chain of salons, developing products, etc.).

Ronda-in 15 years of using JLD (and occasionally JC Biguine) I can tell you that they are not even anywhere near the same category as some of the cheap chain salons in this country. They employ different cutting techniques-I've never walked out of JLD without someone either stopping me on the street or asking me where I got my hair styled-for me they have worked great, and what I love, is that I can go to them in Italy and Belgium and get the same results there. Not only that, but their emphasis on cleanliness leaves the American chains in the dust (sanitized, SEPARATE brushes used on EACH new customer). Highly recommended.

Think about what your normal style is. If you think that Betty White in the Golden Girls is the way to go, you won't want to get your hair done in Paris. In other words, do you want &quot;French hair&quot;? -- check out how French women your age are coiffed and see if you like it before taking the plunge -- particularly since all of the photos advertising these salons show women around 18-22 years old.

Kerouac, do you have any personal experience with JLD and Biguine, or are you just trying to make an argument for argument's sake?

Because what you describe as &quot;French hair&quot; for &quot;older women&quot;- what in God's name is that?????I have NO IDEA what you are talking about-the salons I have listed and have gone to for several years (and I am NOT in that young 20's age group you described, by any means!) are in several countries, including NYC, and since they employ the same styling techniques whereever they are located, I think one can safely conclude that there is nothing remotely resembling &quot;French hair&quot; whatever YOU happen to think that is.

I have long hair, and they do a great job for me. I also see many many older- than- me- women (however you want to define that!) at these salons in Paris, Brussels, Rome and Florence, among other locations- getting great-looking coifs at the self-same salons.

Something makes me think you must put a bowl on your head to have your hair cut....