scot47

Can anyone direct me to a barber in Paris who speaks English ? I don't trust these foreign chappies !

bobbi2

Can you not just write some french phrases down concerning how you want it cut? I have never found an english speaking hairdresser where we are and have never had any issues or come out any worse than in the UK? Cuts, highlights, colours they are all the same. Will also enhance your french vocabulary? I will also add that last time I was at my salon there was a guy there who was not english but apoke only english. He was not very well received as he made no effort to speak the lingo. Was horrible to see.

dmu

Unless you want to change your style while in Paris, you just ask any coiffeur for "une coupe d'entretien" and he/she'll simply trim your hair, keeping your present style.
If you do want to change your style (but a bit hazardous, that), take a photo along, or say "une coupe � la (internationally famous man's name), svp".

audio

I do trust them. I have to say the French hairdressers are some of the most skilled I have found in my travels, especially compared to our ‘friends’ across the pond.

Tweedpipe

I must confess I love going to the hairdressers here. I always get asked if I'd like a tea or coffee, and her 2 dogs are always pleased to see me. And of course an 'airbag' in each ear is always a pleasant bonus.......

Novocastrian

I recommend M. Sweeny Todd of Rue de la Vitesse.

Cad

Totally agree, the hairdresser's here are real artists not hackers about.

petitefrancaise

oh yes have to agree with you Audio... and the prices for a half decent cut are eye-watering! I've found someone who colours it well but her cuts are dismal.
However, you can't beat the Vidal Sassoon stylists in the UK.

Scot47 - live dangerously and get a stylish french haircut!

scot47

I see my attempts at irony fell on deaf ears. I was attempting to take the mick out of those who wish to live on an Anglo bubble in the Republiqye !

dmu

I half guessed so, but gave you the benefit of the doubt!

Novocastrian

I refer you to post no. 6.

Tweedpipe

I too totally agree with this!

Without a doubt the best barber I've ever been to (who became my regular) was in Achrafieh, Beirut. He small shop was located in the same road as my rental apartment. On first visit I was a little apprehensive, but as soon as I started speaking a little French, I was greeted with open-arms - truly like the return of the prodigal son!
Although I didn't have particularly long hair, that cutting session lasted at least 35mins, during which time two cups of very sweet, complimentary coffee were served. This little guy's meticulous preening was amazing, a true master-barber. Not surprisingly I became a regular client, and even on subsequent visits the same painstaking treatment was administered. His local customers were obviously used to the treatment, as I noticed that they would only step inside his shop if they saw no more than one person already sat waiting. I have very fond memories of this, and others, of this amazing country.

petitefrancaise

In all my years in France, I don't think I ever heard one English guy asking about an anglophone hairdresser, so I just thought you were being a bit strange, especially since you are not living in France.

FWIW The best hairdresser I had in France was an Englishwoman living in the Gers. Trained at Toni and Guy she was brilliant, streets ahead of any French ones I came across. I also think it is perfectly acceptable to try and find a hairdresser who will understand what you want done with your hair. This is one of the cases where it is perfectly ok to search out an English-speaking one.

audio

Agreed but in this instance he was just trying to be funny and wasting our time.

scot47

It seems that monoglot Anglophones wanting to live in France do not accept that they are seeking to achieve the impossible ! Why are so many English-speakers so resistant to the very idea of learning to speak another tongue ? I never heard of a Francophone thinks (s)he could come and settle in the Anglosphere and remain in a little Francophonic bubble !