Questions,
answered
Every question we get asked, all in one place: booking, deposits, parking, and each of our services in detail. 32 of them, grouped so you can find yours fast.
Booking & appointments
How do I book an appointment?
The fastest way is to book online through Fresha, day or night. You can also call us on 02 4952 9053 during opening hours, or send an enquiry through this site and we will get back to you within one business day.
Can I choose my stylist?
Yes, and we would encourage it once you find your person. You can pick your stylist when you book online, or tell us who you would like when you call. If you are new to us, we will match you to the right chair.
What if I am not sure what I want?
That is what we are here for. Every visit starts with a proper consult, so we can look at your hair, hear what you love, and personalise the result to suit you.
Do I need to pay a deposit?
Yes. A 20% deposit is required to secure all appointments, and it is deducted from your service total on the day. We understand that plans can change; however, our Darling stylists’ time is valuable, so deposits are non-refundable for no-shows or cancellations made with less than 48 hours’ notice.
What if I need to change or cancel?
Let us know as early as you can, either through Fresha or by calling the salon on 02 4952 9053. As long as you give us more than 48 hours’ notice your deposit moves with you. Inside 48 hours, or for a no-show, the deposit is non-refundable.
Do you take walk-ins?
Booking is always safest, especially for colour. If you are already at Charlestown Square, call us on 02 4952 9053 and we will tell you honestly whether we can fit you in.
Prices & payment
Where do I find your prices?
On Fresha. Every service and every current price sits there alongside live availability, so what you see is always what we are charging that day. You can also call us on 02 4952 9053 and we will talk you through it.
Why are some services quoted in a consult?
Because a fair price depends on your hair. Nanoplasty, perms, upstyles and colour corrections change enormously with length, thickness and colour history. We would rather look at your hair and give you a real number than publish one we cannot honour.
Will the price change once you start?
No. The price is agreed in the consult, before anything is mixed or cut. If your hair turns out to need something different, we stop and talk to you about it first.
Services & the chair
Do you look after men and kids too?
We do. The Darling Bar is for the whole family, with boys’ haircuts, kids and student cuts, beard trims and clipper work alongside our ladies’ hair and colour.
Do you do wedding and formal hair?
Yes. Karin, our founder and master stylist, specialises in upstyles and occasion hair, and we look after whole bridal parties. We recommend a trial before the day.
What is nanoplasty?
A smoothing treatment for frizzy, bulky or hard-to-manage hair, aimed at leaving it smoother, glossier and faster to dry. We assess your hair in a consult first, because the result depends on what your hair is already doing.
Do you sell the products you use?
We stock Bhave professional haircare at the bar. Your stylist will tell you which two or three products actually matter for your hair, rather than sending you home with the whole shelf.
Visiting the salon
Where in Charlestown are you?
We are upstairs in Charlestown Square, Shop 2090 on Level 2, right near Telstra. There is plenty of parking at the centre, so you can pull in, come up and relax.
Are you open late or on weekends?
Yes. We stay open until 9pm on Thursdays for after-work appointments, we are open Saturday 9am to 5pm, and Sunday 10am to 5pm.
Is there parking?
Charlestown Square has undercover centre parking with lift access straight into the centre. Come up to Level 2 and follow the shopfronts around to us.
Do I really get a drink?
You really do. It is called The Darling Bar for a reason: every appointment comes with something in your hand, whatever you are booked in for.
Hair Colour
Hair Colour in detailHow much does hair colour cost in Charlestown?
Our current colour prices are all on Fresha, next to live availability, so what you see there is what we are charging that day. Bigger changes such as scalp bleach or a colour correction are quoted after a quick consult, because they depend on what is already on your hair.
How long does a colour appointment take?
Allow around 45 minutes for a tint or a half head of foils, plus finishing time. Colour corrections and bleach work take longer, and we will tell you how long when we quote it.
Can you fix a colour that has gone wrong?
Usually, yes. Bring it in and let us look at it. Colour correction is quoted individually because it depends entirely on what is already on your hair, and we will always tell you honestly if it needs more than one visit.
Cuts & Blow-Dries
Cuts & Blow-Dries in detailHow much is a haircut at The Darling Bar?
Our current cut and blow-dry prices are on Fresha, along with the times each one takes, so you can see exactly what you are booking. Boys and kids cuts are priced separately and are on there too.
Do I need to book, or can I walk in?
Booking is safest, and the fastest way is online through Fresha, day or night. If you are already at Charlestown Square, call us on 02 4952 9053 and we will tell you honestly whether we can fit you in.
Upstyles & Occasion Hair
Upstyles & Occasion Hair in detailDo you do wedding hair?
Yes. Karin, our founder and master stylist, specialises in upstyles and occasion hair, and we look after whole bridal parties. Get in touch with your date and we will talk through a trial and a quote.
Should I book a trial?
For a wedding or a formal, we strongly recommend it. A trial means the morning itself is relaxed, the style is already agreed, and we know exactly how your hair behaves once it is up.
How early can you start on the day?
Talk to us when you enquire. We will build a run sheet around your ceremony time and tell you honestly what is workable.
Nanoplasty & Smoothing
Nanoplasty & Smoothing in detailWhat is nanoplasty?
Nanoplasty is a smoothing treatment for frizzy, bulky or hard-to-manage hair. It aims to leave hair smoother, glossier and faster to dry, while keeping its natural movement. We assess your hair in a consult first, because results depend on what your hair is already doing.
How much does nanoplasty cost?
It is quoted individually. Price depends on your hair length, thickness and condition, so we look at it in person and give you a firm number before you commit to anything.
Nanoplasty or keratin: which one should I get?
That is exactly what the consult is for. They suit different hair types and different goals, and we would rather tell you honestly which one fits than sell you the one you walked in asking for.
Perms & Waves
Perms & Waves in detailCan I get a perm if my hair is coloured?
Often, yes, but it depends on how the colour was achieved and what condition your hair is in, particularly if it has been bleached. Come in for a consult and we will give you a straight answer.
How long does a perm last?
It varies with your hair type and how you look after it, and it grows out gradually rather than dropping all at once. We will talk you through what to expect for your hair in the consult.
Men's & Kids' Hair
Men's & Kids' Hair in detailHow much is a kids haircut in Charlestown?
Boys', kids and student cuts, clipper cuts and beard trims are all listed with their current prices on Fresha. They are our quickest and cheapest appointments, and they run on time.
Can I book several family members together?
Yes, and we would encourage it. Book online through Fresha or call us on 02 4952 9053 and we will line the appointments up so you are in and out in one trip.
Ask us anything
If your question is not on this page, it is one worth asking. Send it over and a stylist will answer it properly, not with a brochure line. We reply to every enquiry within one business day.
For detail on any one service, go straight to colour, cuts & blow-dries, upstyles, nanoplasty & smoothing, perms or men's & kids' hair.
Keep exploring
- What we do The Colour & Style Bar Colour, cuts, smoothing and occasion hair, and who does it best. Colour & Style Bar
- Contact Talk to us first Ask a question or get a quote, with a reply within one business day. Contact
- Meet the team The Darlings Four stylists, one standard. See who you would like in your chair. Meet the Team