Trouver le bon salon de coiffure est une étape importante de l'installation au Québec.
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 |
Customary tip: 15–20% — to be added to the prices shown.
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 |
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) |
Most reliable method: show a photo on your phone. Hair stylists worldwide understand photos — language barriers disappear.
4. Frequently asked questions
Common questions about hair salons and beauty services in Quebec.
Should I tip my hairdresser?
Yes — tipping is expected in Quebec hair salons. The customary amount is 15 to 20% of the total bill before taxes. A 15% tip is the minimum considered polite; 20% is generous and signals satisfaction with the service. Tipping is the norm both for haircuts and for colour, styling, and other services.
Do I need an appointment or can I walk in?
It depends on the type of salon. Barbershops generally accept walk-ins — you arrive, you wait your turn, and you are seen the same day. Standard salons (women's haircuts, colour, styling) work almost exclusively by appointment; arriving without one often means being turned away. The easiest way to book: call the salon directly, or use apps like Booksy or Planity that let you see availability and book online in a few clicks.
How do I find a salon that knows how to work with my hair type?
Google Maps is your best starting point: search 'afro hair salon Montréal', 'natural hair salon Montréal', or 'coiffeur cheveux crépus Montréal' and filter by rating — then look at the photos of real work done by the salon. Instagram and Facebook are also very useful: many specialized stylists post before/after photos. Finally, community groups (Facebook groups by nationality or hair type) are an excellent source of personal recommendations — someone from your community has likely already found a great stylist.
Can I get a haircut in English?
In Montréal, yes in most cases. Many stylists in central neighbourhoods (Plateau-Mont-Royal, Mile-End, Westmount, downtown) speak English comfortably. Outside Montréal, in smaller cities or rural areas, you may encounter stylists who work only in French — which is why showing a photo on your phone is the most reliable universal method. In any case, basic vocabulary (number of centimetres, areas to cut or keep) is understood quickly in any language when combined with a visual reference.
5. 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.
6. 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.
