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 great 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.

Now that Country Thunder is complete, we are thankful for the opportunity to bring Braidful into that environment, meet new people, and learn even more about what works for event braiding. 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.

You can also see some of the Country Thunder videos and early Braidful content on TikTok here: Braidful on TikTok (@bebraidful)

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.

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!

Can you believe Deer Valley schools are heading back before August even starts? It’s the earliest we can remember. Classes are starting in July, which means it’s officially time for back to school haircuts in Norterra.

If your calendar still says summer, you’re not alone. But those first day of school photos will be here fast, and I want to make sure your kids feel fresh and confident when the bell rings.

I’ve been seeing local kids from O’Connor and Boulder Creek High School for back to school haircuts in Norterra for years, and I always love catching up, hearing about their summer and getting them ready with a fresh look for the new school year. Whether it’s a quick clean-up, a trim for your little one, or a whole new style, I’ve got you covered.

I’m located inside the Beauty District at Norterra, surrounded by other amazing professionals. Plus, have you seen the latest? Norterra just got the very first Harkins Backlot – check it out here. Our neighborhood just keeps getting better.

Appointments fill up quickly this time of year, so don’t wait.

📅 Book your back-to-school haircut
📸 Follow me on Instagram for style ideas and updates

Let’s start the year off strong, one haircut at a time.

If you’re new to Norterra and searching for a trusted Norterra hair stylist, welcome! I’m so glad you’re here. And if you’ve been around a while, I’m sure you’ve noticed how fast our community is growing. New homes, new businesses, and families moving in—it’s all happening quickly, especially with the Loop 303 corridor bringing in major development and opportunity.

As exciting as that is, there’s one thing I want to gently remind you: hair professionals aren’t multiplying at the same speed. So it’s more important than ever to find someone who not only knows what they’re doing—but understands your hair.

I’ve been in the beauty industry for over 30 years, and I’m still passionate about helping people love their hair. I’m based inside the Beauty District at Norterra, surrounded by talented stylists, and I specialize in textured hair, color services, and natural styles. Most of all, I believe in education, honesty, and long-term hair care—not just trends.

Whether you’re new or just looking for a new Norterra hair stylist, I’d love to connect. I offer free consultations, and if I’m not the perfect match for you, I’m happy to recommend other stylists in the Beauty District who may be.

Let’s grow together—because beauty should be a part of every journey.

👉 Book your free consultation here
📸 Follow me on Instagram

—Tamekia

Planning for the Summer?

For some clients it’s

• Letting their blondes be a “lived in blonde” and not worrying about any maintenance.
• Wearing hair extensions so there is less heat damage done to their hair.
• Using braids so that you can avoid ALL heat used.
• Not using heat on those perfect curls and learn to embrace them.

Whatever route you choose, just remember to continue with a conditioning mask, trims every 8-10 weeks, and using ONLY professional products. OHHHHH and most importantly, check in with your hairstylist with any questions or concerns.  

Happy Summer!!!!

What Is “Summer Hair” in 2025?

Summer hair is all about effortless styles, natural texture, and keeping your hair healthy while enjoying the heat. Whether you’re letting your color grow out, opting for braids, or simply giving your hair a break from hot tools, the goal is simple: look good and feel free.

This year, the top 2025 Summer Hair Trends highlight low-maintenance looks, rich tones, and easy protective styles. From curtain bangs to soft copper shades, the focus is on looks that work with your texture and schedule—not against them.

No matter what trend you choose to try, keeping your hair healthy should still be the priority. That means staying on top of regular trims, using a deep conditioner or mask weekly, and protecting your hair from sun and heat damage. If you’re unsure which style or routine is best for your hair type this season, reach out to us here — we’re happy to help you create a summer plan that fits your lifestyle and makes you feel amazing.

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.

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.