by | Apr 30, 2026 | Striving for Unity

Braidful

We are excited to officially introduce Braidful, a new braiding brand from Unity Salon created for festivals, pop-up shops, resort events, private events, and special experiences where hair should feel like part of the moment.

Braidful has been in the works for years, even if the name is new. Tamekia has been braiding for a long time and has brought braid services to pop-up events, resort settings, and special occasions in different ways over the years. Now, we finally have the right brand to represent that part of the work.

You can visit the new site at Braidful.com.

Our First Major Event: Country Thunder Arizona

The first major event for Braidful was Country Thunder Arizona 2026, held April 9–12 in Florence, Arizona. Country Thunder brought together music, shopping, vendors, and festival energy, which made it a perfect place to introduce Braidful in a bigger way.

Unity Salon was included on the official Country Thunder Arizona retail vendor list, alongside other local and festival-focused businesses. You can see Unity Salon listed on the Country Thunder retail vendor page here: Country Thunder Arizona Retail Vendors.

It was a big step for us, and also a learning experience. Festival braiding is different from everyday salon work. People are moving, dancing, camping, taking photos, and looking for something fun that fits the day. That is exactly why Braidful exists.

Why Braidful?

At Unity Salon, we believe hair is personal, creative, and connected to confidence. Braidful gives us a way to bring that same care into event spaces in a fun, flexible, and approachable way.

Braidful is designed for:

  • Festivals and concerts
  • Pop-up shops
  • Resort braiding
  • Private events
  • Community events
  • Brand activations
  • Kids’ events and family-friendly experiences

Whether someone wants a simple accent braid, festival-ready braids, feed-in extensions, feathers, or something fun for the day, Braidful gives us a dedicated brand for those experiences.

A Brand Built From Real Experience

This is not something we decided to do overnight. Tamekia has years of experience with braiding, salon services, education, and working with different hair textures. She has also spent years thinking about how braiding can fit into events in a way that is professional, fun, and manageable.

Braidful gives that idea a home.

It is still part of Unity Salon, but it now has its own identity, its own event focus, and its own place online where people can learn more.

Learn More About Braidful

We are excited to keep building Braidful and explore more events, resort opportunities, pop-ups, and special experiences.

To learn more, visit Braidful.com.

You can also contact Unity Salon if you are interested in adding braiding to an event, pop-up, resort experience, or community gathering.

Spring Hair Extensions at Norterra | Unity Salon Refresh

by | Feb 23, 2026 | Striving for Unity

In Phoenix, we have a “Reverse Groundhog Day”—we are all crossing our fingers for a few more weeks of winter before the heat hits. This window of perfect weather is the best time to refresh your look. Whether you are heading to The Shops at Norterra to see the Easter Bunny at Elevate Coffee or prepping for a desert wedding, your hair should be ready for the season.

Maybe you want volume for graduation photos or length for a spring gala. All of these are reasons to want to inquire about hair extensions. Suddenly there is a sudden “shift” in how you want to express yourself in your next adventure.

 

“Do I ask for a consultation?” “Do I just Google anything that doesn’t make sense?” “Or should I just watch YouTube for HOURS until I find the person who has the exact same hair type as mine?” All of these questions are what I hear my new clients ask, and the common denominator is that everyone wonders what is real and what is true as to what they can actually wear.

 

So to answer the question “Do I ask for a consultation?” — the answer is ABSOLUTELY!!! And what questions should I ask? Well, you should ask ANY question, even if it sounds silly in your head. That’s what professionals are here for. Hair extensions are a luxury service that deserves your stylist’s full time and attention.

Whatever you choose, make sure it makes you feel better coming out of the salon than you did going in.

Happy extensions!!!!!!

Schedule your free consultation today.

Why Book at Unity Salon in Norterra?

Located right on Happy Valley Road, Tamekia specializes in high-quality extensions that look natural under the Arizona sun. We focus on a direct, no bloat approach: giving you exactly what you need for your hair type.

Our Spring Focus:

  • Flawless Blending: Matching texture and color so your extensions are invisible in outdoor lighting.

  • Method Selection: Choosing between beaded rows, tape-ins, or fusions based on your specific lifestyle.

  • Desert Maintenance: Professional tips to keep your hair hydrated as the temperature starts to climb.

  • Event Ready: Ensuring you are photo-ready for Norterra events, Barry Goldwater High graduations, and spring weddings.

Thinking About Extensions? Read This First.

If you are new to the world of extensions, this guide from Glamour is a great resource to help you understand the luxury service:

👉 Everything I Wish I Knew Before Getting Hair Extensions – Glamour

Visit Us at Norterra

Ready for your “shift”? Book your consultation at Unity Salon today. Let’s get your hair ready for the best months of the year in North Phoenix!

DevaCurl & Curly Hair Specialist

DevaCurl & Curly Hair Specialist

by | 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.

Add Unity To Our Community

Add Unity To Our Community

by | 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.

Colorful Unity mural on a wall in Flagstaff, Arizona, symbolizing community and connection

Vacation Time – Still Thinking About Hair

by | 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.

Hair Extensions Provide Instant Transformation

Hair Extensions Provide Instant Transformation

by | 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.

Hair Extensions in North PhoenixIn 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.