by Tamekia | Jan 20, 2023 | Striving for Unity
Over three years ago, I got certified through DevaCurl as a curl specialist for haircuts. I can still remember my training like it was yesterday.
I went into the training thinking it would be a breeze because I had experience in the industry and was a licensed educator, but that was totally not the case. The class included other licensed hairstylists with many different backgrounds and experience levels. I went in thinking the class would be easy considering my background (from Florida with years of experience in textured hair), and that was a hard no! I really had to think about the angles, degrees, motions, and all the little details.
Needless to say, it was a humbling experience. Every single part of the DevaCurl training and curriculum was carefully thought out and perfected. Their technique for cutting, shampooing, and diffusing was awesome and worked so well for my curly, wavy, and extra-curly clients.
Still today, my clients love the service because of the education I provide, the time I take to understand their daily or weekly hair routine, and the effort I make to hear what they love about their curls. I don’t change what they love. I focus on what they’re willing to change and make sure they feel heard and fully understood.
With hair coloring being my number one requested service, DevaCurl haircuts come in as a strong number two. I love my textured hair clients because they all have a unique story to share about their “curly girl journey.”
Book your appointment today.
by Tamekia | Oct 14, 2022 | Striving for Unity
Recently, I had a conversation with three clients about the terms African American and Caucasian. The reason the term was brought up is because I love hearing what key terms my clients list in their Google search when looking for a salon. One client (of African American descent) takes no offense to the term. Another client (also of African American descent) says she takes offense to the term because we aren’t in Africa, so we should be addressed simply as American. Although both clients were not wrong in their stance, it does raise the question: “What term should we use, and what do others who address us use?”
As much as I want to live in my perfect little “bubble” and believe that everything is good and has good intentions behind it, unfortunately, that is very far from the truth. So, in conclusion, I would suggest that we have open conversations with our family and friends of common and uncommon races so that we can all become educated and bring “UNITY” to our commUNITY.
At Unity Salon, we believe true beauty begins with understanding.
If this conversation resonated with you, we invite you to join us in building a stronger, more inclusive community. Let’s keep the dialogue going and explore ways we can collaborate on topics like this and more.
👉 Contact us here to partner, share ideas, or create positive change—together.
by Tamekia | Aug 2, 2022 | Striving for Unity
Finding Creativity on Vacation
I often tell my husband that I need a vacation so that I can be more “creative” about work, education, and of course, our family. As I sit near the beautiful beach in Puerto Vallarta, I realize that I STILL do some of the same habits I do in Phoenix — such as people-watching and examining others’ hairstyles.
Who is wearing extensions? How was their color technique performed? Did they get their hair done right before the vacation? During all my silly evaluations, my husband shows the least bit of interest (lol).
But one thing I know for sure: most people want to look and feel their best while on vacation. For some, it includes working out profusely before the trip or going on an extreme diet. Then there are those paying tons for hair services they wouldn’t normally do for their everyday lifestyle.
Are Hair Extensions for Vacation or a Lifestyle?
Which leads me to the questions:
Do clients want to invest in hair extensions for vacations, or are hair extensions a lifestyle choice?
My goal is to educate my clients on how and when to wear hair extensions — and what method is best for their lifestyle. Do we have to be going on vacation to look and feel fabulous? The answer to that question should be NO.
We should feel fabulous whether we’re on vacation, going to work, or staying at home with family. Feeling fabulous looks different for each individual. As hairstylists, it’s our job to educate clients on the best extension method for their needs.
Choosing the Best Hair Extension Method
The number one service in my salon is volume wefts and I-tips; however, I’m not opposed to other methods. For many clients, I suggest a “hybrid method” because the density in each section of a client’s hair is different.
Hair Extensions For Vacations: How to Keep Your Extensions Looking Fabulous After Your Trip
Maintaining your hair extensions for vacations — and long after you return — is key to keeping them beautiful and lasting as long as possible. For a full set of tips on caring for your extensions, check out this helpful hair extension care guide from Allure. This resource covers essential practices like proper washing techniques, detangling methods, heat protection, and nightly routines to help keep your hair extensions in top condition.
At Unity Salon, we love helping you feel confident no matter the season. For more tips on keeping your hair healthy and vibrant during warmer months, check out our post on summertime hair care and summer styles.
by Tamekia | Apr 10, 2022 | Striving for Unity
Oftentimes I receive requests for hair extensions consultations, and although I shouldn’t be biased I have to admit that they are some of my favorite appointments. Why would they be better than most appointment requests?
For me it’s the excitement and their anticipation. When the client enters the salon they have so many unknowns and so many positive yet negative emotions because in just a few hours a person can go from a “stepchild” who no one respects to a “Cinderella” that everyone sees when she enters the room. Does everyone want to be the “Cinderella”? Not everyone desires a huge transformation; and for those clients it’s an option to only add one row or even a few individual extensions.
In the 27 years I’ve been adding hair extensions to my clients I can proudly say that a client has never left crying because they were disappointed with their extension service (unfortunately in the beginning of my career I had a handful of clients leave unhappy with a haircut or color). I have seen some tears because they feel more like themselves or better than they expected.
So after many years of doing hair, I would have to say that hair extensions are my favorite because I get to help other women OR men bring their smiles and confidence back. Not to mention that our time together always teaches me something new, humbles me in some way, and reminds me what my purpose is.
Schedule your consultation at our salon in the Norterra Beauty District (North Phoenix) and begin your transformation.
by Tamekia | May 3, 2021 | Striving for Unity
One of the advantages of my cute little salon suite is that sometimes my clients like to “people watch” while I do their hair or while they are processing. But this particular Saturday in April I saw the SWEETEST and best reminder of why my logo and name could make a small difference in my community. There were three kids who seem to be all under the age of 6 years old who stopped in front of my suite to talk about the Unity Salon logo. Of course I couldn’t hear their conversation but I saw their cute little reactions and it made my heart so happy. They pointed back and forth at the two ladies on the logo as they appeared to be examining their hair. In my heart I was hoping that the conversation went something like this:
“Look at her pretty hair!”
“Yes and she has pretty hair TOO!”
“They are both so pretty and they are both together and happy.”
Unity Salon was formed during COVID-19, amidst the riots, and Black Lives Matters campaigns for the hair industry. It was sad to know that so many people are divided in the hair industry and are afraid to do hair that is totally different than their own. This doesn’t just mean a Caucasian stylist not doing Asian or African American hair texture; but it can also mean an African American stylist not doing Asian texture or Hispanic hair texture. And as a Cosmetology Educator in Scottsdale, AZ if I saw this pattern I would always intervene and encourage students to do services outside their “comfort zone”. There was and is never a push back from students so I’m assuming that the disconnect happens after Cosmetology School. Regardless of how and when the disconnect happens, it’s important to know that we can’t change the city, state, or country in one day BUT we can come together in UNITY to make sure that every client has the luxury of choosing their stylist based on their personality, professionalism, experience, and not based on their nationalities.
by Tamekia | Jun 7, 2020 | Striving for Unity, Types of Hair
Today I had a client that was biracial (which often means that her hair texture was curly and beautiful), and she came to me after reaching out to many other stylists with no results. Her goal was to be a level 9-10 blonde with the tone being silver/beige. Some stylists did not agree with the color because her hair texture was too curly, while others would not color because it wasn’t a “natural” style to do. But after an extensive consultation with her and her commitment to maintenance with me monthly, our first service together went GREAT. We took her “brassy” roots to an ashier brown and then color corrected some of her “bands” to give her blonde a seamless blend. I’ll see her beautiful face and hair again in 4-5 weeks.
About Unity Salon
At Unity Salon, we believe that every hair journey deserves respect, care, and expertise—especially when it comes to textured and biracial hair. Our mission is to provide a welcoming space where beauty is inclusive, and hair health is prioritized over trends.
As a curly hair specialist trained in DevaCurl techniques, we understand the unique needs of all curl patterns and celebrate the versatility of textured hair. Whether you’re dreaming of a bold biracial blonde transformation or a subtle refresh, we’re committed to working with you to create styles that honor your hair’s natural beauty.
Looking for more resources or stylists who understand textured hair? Visit DevaCurl’s official stylist locator to explore professionals in your area.
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