I decided to cancel my hair appointment here before I go because I want to get my hair done there (I don't know why -- it's just one of those strange things I want to do in Paris, along with with seeing a movie, even though I probably won't know what they're saying

Any women here ever go to a salon in Paris? How did you find one? Would they be likely to speak English, or does it not really matter if you can point to a picture? Does one tip like they do here, or is the tip included like it is in meals?

I was tempted to get my hair cut in Paris, but when I started looking more closely, I honestly didn't see one single good haircut on a woman! Check this out for yourself. Decided not to, and am glad I didn't.

I do it all the time and plan to do it again next week. The easiest way is to ask your hotel concierge for a recommendation, then ask them to book it for you.

Alternatively, you will see hair salons on just about every corner. Most will have the prices and hours listed on the window. I forget the phrase for "walk-ins" but it's something easily recognizable. Walk-ins are quite common for "shampoo-brushing" which means wash & blow dry.

I've always found the stylists to speak at least a little English, but pointing to a picture is always a good idea.

I always tip about 10 to 15% and they always seem very grateful.

If you do decide to get your hair cut in Paris, I'd suggest you make an appointment at a salon that has been recommended to you first hand!

I lived in Paris for 3 years and never got a particularly good haircut there (and I speak fluent French). One place made such a mess of it that I had to go and get it cut again at a different salon the same day.

At another place, the hairdresser was so rough with the scissors that he actually cut my face.

Mind you, I didn't have a lot of money to spend when I was there so I'd go to the walk-in, no-appointment chains like Franck Provost and Jean-Claude Biguine. The problem with them is that their staff are often young and inexperienced (staff turnover is high) and you never know which stylist is going to cut your hair, so even if they do a good job one time, you probably won't get the same person to cut your hair next time you go there.
I imagine the higher end places are better - but I wouldn't dream of going to one that didn't come recommended!

Why don't you stick with a manicure or a shampoo & blow dry only, instead of an actual hair cut? Seems safer.