Frequently Asked Questions
Everything people usually ask before booking — deposits, changes, colour, textured hair, and how to find the chair.
Booking & Deposits
How do I book an appointment?
Online, any time — pick your service and time, pay the deposit, and you're locked in. You'll get a confirmation text straight away. Prefer a human? Give us a call during opening hours.
Why is there a deposit?
The 20% deposit simply holds your spot, and it comes straight off your final total, so it is part of what you would pay anyway, never an extra charge.
I've been before. Do I have to enter my details again?
Nope — just pop in your mobile number, confirm the code we text you, and the rest fills itself in. Returning clients are booked in under a minute.
Do you take walk-ins?
Yes — Wednesday to Friday, whenever the chair's free. Booking still guarantees your spot though, so if you're coming across town, book or call first.
Choosing & Preparing
Which service should I book?
Pick the closest fixed service when its name and inclusions match what you want — fades are booked as Men's Cut, and a beard trim is separate. For colour correction, a big change, textured-hair work or new locs, start online and add the details so Samir can confirm the time and quote.
What is included in the displayed price?
Each price row lists what's included. Women's Cut is a dry-hair cut with a simple finish; Women's Cut & Blow Dry adds a shampoo, condition and full blow-dry. Colour rows show the toner and finish. Anything optional is added on the day.
How do I choose short, medium or long hair?
Short is around the ears, medium is below the ears to the shoulders, and long is past the shoulders. Very thick, curly or coily hair can need the longer option even when it sits shorter — add a note if you're unsure.
How can I pay?
Pay the deposit securely by card online, then settle the rest by card or cash on the day. We never see or store your full card number.
What should I expect on my first visit, and can I bring a reference photo?
Come a few minutes early and head into The Barberia at street level — ask for Samir or Le Garage. Bring reference photos on your phone if you've got them, and for complex work add your hair details and goal when you book.
What arrival or accessibility details should I know?
The entrance is The Barberia at 323 Crown St. We haven't fully verified step-free access and facilities yet, so if you have an access need, give us a call before booking and Samir will let you know what's possible.
Cancelling & Rescheduling
How do I reschedule or cancel?
Plans change, and that is completely fine. Use the manage-booking link in your confirmation message to reschedule or cancel, or give us a call during opening hours. When you reschedule, your deposit simply comes across to the new time. One gentle note: a change only takes effect once it is confirmed, online when the system says so, or by phone once Samir has said it is sorted during opening hours, so an unfinished request leaves your original booking as it was. Cut-off times use Australia/Sydney time.
What happens to my deposit if I cancel?
Cancel at least 48 hours before the appointment and you get 100% of your deposit back. Cancel from 24 hours to under 48 hours before the appointment and you get 50% of your deposit back. Cancel with less than 24 hours' notice and the deposit is not refunded, as it covers the time we held for you. A no-show counts as a last-minute cancel. Any refund we owe you goes back to your card within two business days, we never take a fee out of it, though your bank might take a touch longer to show it.
What if I'm running late?
Just call as soon as you know. There's no strict cut-off — but if there isn't enough time left to do your hair properly, we might need to shorten it or find another slot so the next client isn't left waiting.
Full details in our policies.
Colour Appointments
Do I need a consultation before colour?
Always — every colour starts with a quick chat about shade, condition and timing before anything's mixed. Planning a big change or a correction? Call before you book and I'll tell you what's realistic.
Do I need an allergy patch test?
Only if it's your first colour with Samir, you've got sensitive skin, or you've reacted to colour before. If that's you, give us a call at least 48 hours ahead so we can sort it — it keeps your scalp safe. Without it, we'd have to move the colour to another day.
Can you take me from dark to blonde in one appointment?
Rarely, and I won't pretend otherwise. Getting dark hair to blonde safely usually takes more than one visit — I'll map out the plan and the cost honestly before we start.
Afro, Textured Hair & Locs
How should I prepare my hair for a textured-hair appointment?
For cuts and shaping, come with clean, dry, detangled hair — product-free if you can. For loc maintenance, hair needs to be freshly washed, fully dry, and free of wax and heavy butters. Can't prep it that way? Just let us know when you book.
Which curl patterns and textures does Samir work with?
All sorts — coily hair, mixed textures, transitioning hair, the lot. Not sure which service fits your hair and goal? Book the closest one and add a quick note.
How long does loc maintenance take?
It's charged by the hour, and bigger or denser sets can run a little over. For new locs, repairs or anything complex, book online and add a couple of photos so Samir can confirm the time and price first.
Getting Here
Where is Le Garage exactly?
323 Crown St, Surry Hills NSW 2010 — inside Barberia, between Cleveland St and Devonshire St. Walk in and Samir's chair is right there.
Is there parking?
Street parking on Crown St and nearby is mostly metered. Central and Museum stations are a short walk — check live directions for the easiest route.
What are the opening hours?
Wednesday to Friday, 10am–8pm. Evening slots go first, so book ahead if you want an after-work time.