I will almost certainly need a haircut during my upcoming trip to France. I have never been to a salon in France and I speak practically no French. How much to tip? Who to tip? Or should I just forget it and be shaggy?. Any speciific advice will be much appreciated.

If you need a cut, it's a 'coupe' Afterwards there is usually a 'brushing' or styling.

I live in the country in France and don't tip much - generally if it's 28 Euros, I'd leave 30. Sometimes there's a tin at the cash desk where you can leave a few Euros. But I have also at times not tipped anything, and haven't ever had black looks and nasty remarks.

I tip the shampoo girl who is usually an apprentice and does not get full wages. Usually €2.

I have a question about spray tanning in France - is this something that I can get? How much? I don't want to come out orange. Here is the states, there are some amazing spray tans that look natural.

Jill, I would do that before I left the States. You quite likely can find the service in Paris and on the Med but IMO you are asking for a disaster if you don't speak the language.

crck, I tip around 10% for whatever service I'm getting in a salon. The salon I use has a tin at the counter for tips. No real opportunity to add it to the bill if you are paying by card.

Don't worry too much about not speaking French in a hair salon. Often services or packages are posted in the window or on the door, for example, "coupe et shampooing xx euro."

There is a new book out "Pampered in Paris" which gives info on all kinds of beauty treatments/spas there. Very helpful with beautiful photography. Small and packable.

I had my hair cut in Vannes, in Brittany, several years ago. For some reason, I can't fathom now, I allowed myself to leave home with a chin-length bob, which was making me crazy. So, I popped into a salon and asked for a haircut -- I spoke no French then, but one of the operators spoke a little English & I used my passport photo to show them what I wanted. I considered it one of the true French experiences of the trip and the results were great!

In many cities coiffures are on every block. Had my hair cut last trip in Paris for about 20 euros. Little shop, only the owner was there. He didn't speak English and my minimal French was little help.

I finally figured out the most important question - un mois ou deux? One month or two. I opted for the one, which still was shorter than I wanted.

I just returned from my trip to France and I decided against a haircut this time because my hair, for once, behaved well. However, if I need to in the future, I won't hesitate to get it done, thanks to the encouraging input from each of you.