VaZa Salon

VaZa Salon works mainly with curly hair and balayage. The salon says its aim is to enhance each client's natural texture rather than change it, and every visit starts with the stylist learning about the client's hair, daily lifestyle and goals. Val Tana co-founded the salon and serves as its artistic director.

Booking begins with an online inquiry form asking for a photo of the hair taken in good light, examples of looks the client likes and, for color services, a record of recent color or chemical services. First-time color clients are advised to book a consultation. Some cuts and color plans take more than one visit or several hours, and a plan may be spread across several sessions. Online booking does not show every opening for the higher-level stylists, so clients can email the salon to check availability with a preferred stylist. Clients can also book by phone or through a booking form on the website.

The team works in levels, and pricing follows the stylist's level, which reflects experience, demand and advanced education. Stylists at Levels 4 to 6 work side by side with associates on client appointments. Associates are licensed cosmetologists in the salon's Master's Associate Program, training with a mentor three to four days a week, and they take their own clients one to two days a week at a discounted rate. Every stylist working on clients is fully licensed, and the techniques and formulas come from the educators.

Prices depend on the time a service takes, product use, hair density and complexity. Pricing is gender neutral, in line with New York State guidelines. Extra color may cost more if needed, and a detangling fee of $35 to $55 applies when a VaZa Curly Cut needs extra detangling. Virgin application single process starts at the price of a double single process, and a Salon Coordinator gives the exact price when the client books. Services are offered à la carte, so a blow dry or curly style booked with color must be reserved separately.

Clients can buy gift cards on the website, earn points on purchases and services through the rewards program, and ask for custom curly hair product recommendations. The salon asks for 24 hours' notice to cancel or reschedule and may charge a fee for late cancellations or no-shows. It does not offer refunds, and clients are asked to raise any concerns about their hair within 14 days of the service.

The salon aims to enhance each client's natural texture and begins every visit by understanding the client's hair, lifestyle and goals. It says its team is continuously trained and mentored.