Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before you book. If we missed something, just ask.
VISITING V+A
Where is Valen + Ashe located?
Valen + Ashe is located in Old River at 19106 Old Detroit Rd., Suite 200, Rocky River, OH 44116.
We’re on the second floor, above Be Pilates and next to Tartine Bistro. Stairway access only.
Is there parking?
Yes. Parking is available in front of the salon and behind the building. If you park in back, there is a rear entrance and stairway to the salon.
Do you take walk-ins?
When we have availability, absolutely. We recommend booking ahead if you have a specific artist, service, or time in mind.
How do I book an appointment?
Can I book hair and nails during the same visit?
Yes—and we highly recommend making a day of it. Contact us and we’ll help coordinate your appointments.
Do you offer consultations?
Yes. Consultations are complimentary.
Do you sell gift cards?
Yes. V+A gift cards can be purchased in-person, via phone, or online and can be used toward salon services and retail purchases.
Do you serve drinks?
Obviously. Still water, sparkling water, Diet Coke and Coke are complimentary.
Hair
I’m a new client. What haircut should I book?
Book our New Guest Cut. We allow extra time for a thorough consultation before your cut.
I’m new to V+A and want color. What should I book?
If you know which color service you need, you can book online.
If you’re making a major change, need corrective color or simply aren’t sure what to book, start with a consultation or contact us.
What is lived-in color?
Lived-in color is dimensional color designed to blend naturally with your base and grow out softly without a harsh line of regrowth.
What is a gloss or toner?
A gloss or toner refreshes your tone, adds shine, and keeps your color looking fresh between color or blonding appointments. Glosses or toners are included with all blonding services.
What’s the difference between a toner and a gloss?
A toner adjusts the tone of your hair by neutralizing brassiness or shifting it warmer, cooler, or more neutral, while a gloss refreshes color and adds shine. Think of a toner like shifting your nail polish from blue to purple and a gloss like doing a shiny, clear top coat. Both gradually fade with washing, and neither lightens the hair.
Can you make my hair look exactly like my inspiration photo?
Maybe.
Inspiration photos are helpful, but your starting point, hair history, and condition all affect what’s realistically achievable. We’ll always explain what we can accomplish while protecting the health of your hair.
Do you offer corrective color?
Yes. Corrective color requires a consultation and is priced based on the time involved and products used.
Why can my color price vary?
Our stylists have different starting prices, and some appointments require additional services or products.
For example, adding a retouch to a blonding service is an additional charge.
Do you offer major haircut transformations?
Yes. If you’re cutting off significant length, making a major change or donating your hair, book a Transformation Cut so we have enough time.
Nails
What is a Dry Manicure?
A Dry Manicure, also known as a Russian Manicure or e-file manicure, is a detailed nail service that uses an electric file, or e-file, to prepare the cuticle area and natural nail. Unlike a traditional Essential Manicure, the nails and cuticles are not soaked in water or cuticle softener. Existing gel is removed using an e-file, without prolonged acetone exposure or scraping.
Repeated acetone exposure can strip natural oils from the nail plate and surrounding skin, leaving them dry, brittle, or irritated. Scraping softened gel from the nail can also remove layers of the natural nail if too much pressure is used.
Using an e-file allows product to be removed more precisely, with less unnecessary stress on the natural nail and surrounding skin. It also allows your nail artist to lift and clean the cuticle area in greater detail.
At V+A, Dry Manicures also include structured gel, a strengthening gel applied over the natural nail for added support, durability, and longer-lasting wear.
I’ve been to a salon that used a drill. Is that the same thing as an e-file? Aren’t they bad for your nails?
“Drill” is a common name for an electric file, or e-file. The tool itself is not inherently damaging. Damage comes from improper technique, excessive pressure, the wrong bit, or over-filing the natural nail.
At V+A, our carbide bits—the rigid, metal bits used to remove existing product—never touch the natural nail plate. When the natural nail needs light surface preparation, we use a sanding band, which gives our nail artists more control and precision than traditional buffing blocks.
The goal is always to remove only what’s necessary while preserving the integrity of the natural nail.
What is the difference between a Dry Manicure and an Essential Manicure?
The biggest differences are the prep, technique, and what’s included.
An Essential Manicure uses traditional cuticle prep with cuticle softener, a pusher, and nippers, and includes Dazzle Dry lacquer. Gel removal and gel polish are available as add-ons.
A Dry Manicure uses detailed e-file techniques to remove existing gel, lift and clean the cuticle area, and prepare the natural nail without soaking. The service also includes gel removal, structured gel, and gel polish in the service price.
What is a structured or builder manicure?
A structured manicure uses builder gel over the natural nail to add strength and support.
It can help prevent bending and breaking while making it easier to grow your natural nails.
All V+A Dry Manicures include Luminary Multi-Flex Gel.
What is Luminary?
Luminary Multi-Flex Gel is a flexible gel that works as a base, builder, and overlay.
It adds strength while still allowing the natural nail to move, making it ideal for growing natural nails and helping reduce lifting or chipping.
How long does a structured manicure last?
Most guests return every 3–4 weeks, depending on nail growth, lifestyle, and the condition of the natural nail.
What is a Dry Wellness Pedicure?
A Dry Wellness Pedicure is a waterless pedicure performed without soaking the feet.
Your nail artist works on dry skin and nails using specialized tools and e-file techniques for detailed cuticle, nail, and callus care.
Who should book a Dry Wellness Pedicure?
A Dry Wellness Pedicure is best for guests who need more detailed foot and nail care than an Essential Pedicure can provide.
If you have heavier callus buildup, dry or rough skin, thickened areas around the heels or toes, or simply need more intensive maintenance, this is the service to book.
Because the service is performed without soaking, your nail artist can work on the skin in its natural state and target the areas that actually need attention. The nail plate also stays completely dry for polish application.
It’s a more detailed, corrective approach to foot care—and there’s no shared soaking basin.
What is Dazzle Dry?
Dazzle Dry is a professional lacquer system that air-dries in about five minutes without UV or LED curing. It is not gel polish.
Do all manicures include builder gel?
No. Builder gel is included with our Dry Manicure services only and is not available as an add-on to the Essential Manicure.
Do all manicures include gel removal?
No. Gel removal is included with our Dry Manicure services only.
Does the Essential Manicure include gel polish or gel removal?
The Essential Manicure includes Dazzle Dry lacquer.
Gel polish application and gel removal are available as add-ons and should be selected when booking.
All Dry Manicure services include gel removal and gel polish application in the service price.
Do you offer Gel-X or nail extensions?
Yes. We offer Aprés Gel-X extensions.
What if my nails are bitten, damaged, or really short?
Come anyway. Helping clients restore damaged nails and grow their natural nails is one of our favorite things to do.
Do you remove products from another salon?
Yes. Let us know what is currently on your nails when booking.
Gel-X, acrylic, hard gel, and other enhancements may require additional removal time.
Is nail art an additional charge?
Yes. Nail art should be booked as an add-on so enough time is reserved.
Which nail-art level should I book?
If you’re unsure, send us your inspiration photo, and we’ll point you in the right direction.
BOOKING + POLICIES
Do I need a credit card to book?
Yes. A card on file is required to reserve appointments.
What is your cancellation + no-show policy?
Appointment time is reserved specifically for you, so adequate notice is required when cancelling or rescheduling.
Our current policy is provided during booking.
Your appointment remains your responsibility whether or not you receive a reminder. Reminder texts and emails are a courtesy.
What if I’m running late?
Call or text us as soon as you know.
We’ll do our best to accommodate you, but your service may need to be modified or rescheduled depending on how late you arrive.
What if my service provider cancels on me?
If your service provider needs to cancel, we’ll contact you as soon as possible and do our best to reschedule you quickly.
When possible, we can also help match you with another V+A artist who offers the same service.
Can I add another service once I’m there?
If we have the time, absolutely.
How far in advance should I book?
If you need a specific day, evening, Saturday or artist, earlier is better.
We recommend rebooking before you leave if you plan to maintain your service regularly.
