Comments on: scissor sisters

By: Stella

Stella — Thu, 16 Feb 2006 05:34:05 +0000

Nardac, there’s no need to be an ass and then try to smooth things over with a “Dear Petite” salutation. Petite’s blog is entertaining and interesting, crazy stories and all…there’s a reason she’s consistently recognized for her blogging. Perhaps you should follow her lead on your very boring blog…instead of calling names on an excellent blog like this one.

By: Tiffany

Tiffany — Thu, 09 Feb 2006 18:59:35 +0000

I hate going to hair stylists that have a million assistants. It’s so difficult finding the right stylist and colorist–I feel your pain. Hair is so personal and intimate, you’d think they could make hair salons a bit more spa like with Zen front desk staff, eh? PS I love your blog–it’s stayed on my increasingly shrinking blogroll.

By: Aimée Cardwell

Aimée Cardwell — Thu, 09 Feb 2006 15:52:09 +0000

I could not agree more. I have had three haircuts since I’ve lived in Paris (15 months). The first was fine, but I wanted exactly the same cut/color. The second was a stand-up cut, and was great, but again, same color, same cut. (Both of those were at that other chain, Franck Provost.)

I went to Dessange after an extensive search, because I wanted something different (and good). I was treated rudely, waited for over an hour, was worked on by multiple people — pretty much exactly as you described. I swear I had your same stylist, though my color was done by Guillaume, who told me what I wanted, even though it wasn’t what I asked for.

Thanks so much to everyone for the suggestions. I’m still *seriously* searching for a stylist who speaks English, as I have not yet mastered the vagaries of French hairstyling terms (highlights, layers, etc.) It’s hard enough in one’s own language.

So, to those who have already commented, do Annie or Valerie speak English?

Also, for my contribution (besides the *never go to Jacques Dessange ever ever* contribution) I offer the next place I intend to try, which is:

Marianne Gray Salon:
http://www.mariannegray.com/htgb/frameset1.htm

They have anglais on their website, so I’m praying for a stylist who I can really talk to. It’s very boring to sit in the chair with a forced smile because after my smalltalk is exhausted, any further conversation is such a struggle.

Finally, there’s a thread about this on Expatica just wating for more input:

http://www.expatica.com/source/forum_thread.asp?channel_id=4&thread_id=22081

Thanks for the post Petite, je suis d’accord avec vous.

By: nardac

nardac — Thu, 09 Feb 2006 05:33:12 +0000

Dear Petite,

Oh bosh! Your little eggy bed-talk wasn’t so disastrous and very story-worthy. What’s actually story-worthy is how insanely nasty that Sushi-Bagel place is. Next time you need disaster fodder, that’s solid gold!

and yes, there is a secret clan of vicious bad hairdressers all around the world. Luckily I only see them out of the salons, in their butt-hugging pants, creating waves of laughs around the dancefloor.

By: toggles

toggles — Wed, 08 Feb 2006 23:42:48 +0000

Petite, as usual an interesting blog. I’ve often been on the receiving end of a catty French throw-away remark and am convinced that the day I manage to immediately reply with an equally nasty comeback will be the day that I’ve fully integrated.

Nardac, thanks for spicing up the comments page.

By: cheboluda

cheboluda — Wed, 08 Feb 2006 21:58:23 +0000

Petite, I would’ve been very tempted to use any scissors within reach on that horrid woman, too. Why do strangers think they have the right to be so humiliating? And to a *customer*? I just don’t get it. I mean, I know they don’t know the meaning of customer service, but don’t they want people to come back??

I learned today that in Taiwan, they massage your head and shoulders for a full half hour before the cut. Sounds lovely to me–at least I’d be more relaxed about the results! On the other hand, god knows how I’d communicate what cut I’d want…

Even after living in France for several years, I’d still rather get my hair cut in the States, I just feel more comfortable with hairdressers there–even if the cuts aren’t necessarily better.

By: misschrisc

misschrisc — Wed, 08 Feb 2006 21:54:13 +0000

I had a sneaking suspicion it was Jacques Dessange. They are notoriously overpriced and catty as all get out.

By: pattoo

pattoo — Wed, 08 Feb 2006 20:36:30 +0000

don’t most women depend on their hairdresser for an emotional pick me up? all women I know do (including myself of course)!

By: Small Town Diva

Small Town Diva — Wed, 08 Feb 2006 19:44:11 +0000

Wow, my husband colors my hair and highlights it too. He does a better job than my former hair stylist, it costs less, and he loves to do it. I get all kinds of compliments on my hair.

Note that my husband is a banker, not a stylist, so if he can do it anyone can.

By: Anna

Anna — Wed, 08 Feb 2006 19:39:45 +0000

I live in NYC and fly back home to Europe every 3-4 months for haircut that does not drain all my energy and deeply traumatize me. After experiences much like yours I finally found a nice hairdresser in NYC – but somehow failed cement a long-term relationship because I keep cheating her on my trips back home. Now it’s very difficult to go back to her. My next trip back home is on March 1 – my hair will look awful until then.