1. Haircut prices in Quebec
Haircut prices in Quebec vary considerably by salon type, city, and services requested:
| Service | Typical price range |
|---|---|
| Men's haircut (barbershop / standard salon) | $20–40 |
| Women's haircut (standard salon, no colour) | $30–60 |
| Upscale salon (central Montréal neighbourhoods) | $60–120+ |
| Colouring / highlights | $80–200+ depending on complexity |
| Blow-dry / styling | $30–60 |
Note: prices shown do not include tip — a 15–20% tip is customary for hair salon services in Quebec.
2. Finding a stylist suited to your hair type
Montréal's hair diversity is well served by a range of specialized salons:
| Hair type | Where to find |
|---|---|
| Afro-textured, coily, natural | Specialized salons in Côte-des-Neiges, Saint-Michel, Parc-Extension, Saint-Léonard; search 'afro hair salon Montréal' or 'natural hair salon Montréal' on Google Maps |
| Straight / slightly wavy | Very wide choice — any standard neighbourhood salon works |
| Men's barbershop | Very prevalent in Montréal; faster and often less expensive for a simple short cut |
| Long or complex styling | Verify via photos on the salon's Google/Instagram before booking |
Best selection tool: Google Maps with photos of real work done — quality is visible before the first visit. Online communities (Facebook groups by nationality or hair type) provide trusted personal recommendations.
3. Communicating with your stylist — useful vocabulary
Useful hair vocabulary in Quebec French:
| French term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Dégager les oreilles | Expose the ears — cut short on the sides |
| Dégradé / dégrader | Fade cut — shorter at the bottom, gradually longer toward the top |
| Effiler | Thin out the hair (reduce thickness at the ends) |
| Faire les pointes | Trim the ends only (~1–2 cm) |
| Rasé / tondu | Shaved / clippered (very short) |
| Un peu + centimètres | Always specify a length in centimetres rather than vague words |
Most reliable method: show a photo on your phone. Hair stylists worldwide understand photos — language barriers disappear.
4. See also
These related guides may be useful:
- Tipping and customer service in Quebec — understanding tipping conventions in all service contexts.
- Eating at a restaurant in Quebec — other Quebec service conventions.
- Family budget for immigrants — planning your regular expenses.
5. Official sources
For finding certified salons in Quebec: licensed stylists hold a diploma recognized by the sector workforce committee. For professional certifications in hair care in Quebec: emploi-coiffure.com.
Author's Note: in my first week in Montréal, I miscommunicated with my stylist and ended up with a much shorter cut than intended. Since then, I always bring a photo on my phone — it's the only foolproof method, regardless of language. Stylists are visual craftspeople: a clear image is worth more than a thousand verbal explanations.
