Frequently Asked Questions
Everything people ask before they book: deposits, cancellations, colour, textured hair and how to find the chair.
Booking & Deposits
How do I book an appointment?
Online, any time — pick your service, pick your time, pay the deposit and you're locked in. You'll get an SMS confirmation straight away. If you'd rather talk to a human, call during opening hours.
Why is there a deposit?
A 20% deposit secures your appointment and is credited towards the service total; it is part-payment, not an additional fee.
I've been before. Do I have to enter my details again?
No — enter your mobile number, confirm the code we text you, and your details fill themselves in. Returning clients book in under a minute.
Do you take walk-ins?
Yes, Wednesday to Friday when the chair is free. Booking guarantees your time though — if you're coming across town, book or call first.
Choosing & Preparing
Which service should I book?
Choose the closest fixed service when the name and inclusions match your goal. Fades are booked as Men's Cut; beard trim is separate. For colour correction, a major transformation, textured-hair work, new locs or repairs, start online booking and add details or upload photos when prompted so the service, time and quote can be confirmed.
What is included in the displayed price?
Each price row states its inclusions. Women's Cut is a clean, dry-hair cut with a simple finish; Women's Cut & Blow Dry includes shampoo, condition and a full blow-dry finish. Colour rows state toner and finish inclusions. Optional extra product, corrective work or extra time is explained and approved before service.
How do I choose short, medium or long hair?
Choose short for hair around the ears, medium for hair from below the ears to the shoulders, and long for hair below the shoulders. Very thick, curly or coily hair can need the longer option even when the length is shorter. Add a booking note if you are unsure.
How can I pay?
Pay the booking deposit securely by card online. The remaining balance can be paid by card or cash at the appointment. Le Garage does not see or store your full card number.
What should I expect on my first visit, and can I bring a reference photo?
Arrive a few minutes before the booked time and enter The Barberia at street level; ask for Samir or Le Garage. Bring reference images on your phone if useful. For complex work, add your current-hair details and goal in the booking notes and upload photos when the booking flow requests them.
What arrival or accessibility details should I know?
The entrance is The Barberia at 323 Crown St. Detailed step-free access, doorway, toilet and seating information has not yet been verified, so call before booking if you have an access requirement and Samir will confirm what is available.
Cancelling & Rescheduling
How do I reschedule or cancel?
To give authorised notice, cancel or reschedule through the manage-booking link in your confirmation message or phone Le Garage. Online notice counts when the system confirms the change; phone notice counts when Samir answers or acknowledges it during opening hours. An unfinished request does not change the original booking. Rescheduling moves the existing deposit to the replacement appointment. All notice periods use Australia/Sydney time.
What happens to my deposit if I cancel?
Cancellations made at least 48 hours before the appointment receive a 100% deposit refund. Cancellations made from 24 hours to under 48 hours before the appointment receive a 50% deposit refund. Cancellations made with less than 24 hours' notice receive no deposit refund. No-shows receive no deposit refund. Le Garage deducts no separate processing fee from an eligible refund and submits it within two business days; the bank or card issuer may take additional time to show it.
What if I'm running late?
Call as soon as you know. There is no published automatic minute threshold, but if the remaining time is not enough to complete the service safely, it may need to be shortened or rescheduled to avoid delaying the next appointment.
Full details in our policies.
Colour Appointments
Do I need a consultation before colour?
Every colour appointment starts with one — we talk shade, condition and timing before anything is mixed. For big changes or colour correction, call before you book and I'll tell you what's realistic.
Do I need an allergy patch test?
Yes if it is your first colour with Samir, you have sensitive skin, or you have reacted to hair colour before. Arrange the patch test by phone at least 48 hours in advance; do not rely on dropping in. Without the required test, the colour service cannot safely proceed and must be rescheduled.
Can you take me from dark to blonde in one appointment?
Rarely, and I won't pretend otherwise. Lifting dark hair 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, arrive with clean, dry, detangled and product-free hair where possible. For loc maintenance, hair must be freshly washed, completely dry and free of wax, heavy butters and leave-ins. If you cannot prepare it this way or are unsure, explain that in the booking notes; extra preparation may require more time or a rescheduled service.
Which curl patterns and textures does Samir work with?
Samir works with a wide range of curl patterns, coily hair, mixed textures and transitioning hair. If you are unsure which service fits your hair and goal, start online booking with the closest service and add details in the booking notes.
How long does loc maintenance take?
Loc maintenance is priced by the hour, and longer or denser sets can need more than one hour. Start online booking for new locs, repairs or complex work and upload the requested photos so Samir can confirm the duration and price quote.
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 the surrounding streets is mostly metered. Central and Museum stations are nearby; check live directions for your route and station exit.
What are the opening hours?
Wednesday to Friday, 10am to 8pm. Evening slots go first, so book ahead if you need after-work times.