July 4, 2019 will be America’s 243 Independence Day, the day Americans celebrate our Declaration of Independence from Great Britain.

The Fourth of July – also known as Independence Day or July 4th – has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941, but the tradition of Independence Day celebrations goes back to the 18th century and the American Revolution. On July 2nd, 1776, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence, and two days later delegates from the 13 colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence, a historic document drafted by Thomas Jefferson. From 1776 to the present day, July 4th has been celebrated as the birth of American independence, with festivities ranging from fireworks, parades and concerts to more casual family gatherings and barbecues.

Did you know? John Adams believed that July 2nd was the correct date on which to celebrate the birth of American independence, and would reportedly turn down invitations to appear at July 4th events in protest. Adams and Thomas Jefferson both died on July 4, 1826—the 50th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.

The tradition of patriotic celebration became even more widespread after the War of 1812, in which the united states again faced Great Britain.  In 1870, the U.S. Congress made July 4th a federal holiday; in 1941, the provision was expanded to grant a paid holiday to all federal employees.  So enjoy your day off as we all celebrate our independence, whether at the beach or pool, BBQ or watching fireworks, take a moment to reflect on the great men and women who help in our fight for our independence. 

Pride Month/June

It is Pride Month, I am sure you or someone you know is going to the parade this weekend.  The fun will begin, the parties are happening, the festivals are exciting, the music is rocking and people will be dancing until the sun comes up, but most people don't stop to remember 1969. This Pride that we celebrate came from a hard and scary time that began at an Inn in New York City called Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village.

This year marks the 50th anniversary for the Historic Stonewall Riots, (also known as the Stonewall Uprising or Stonewall Rebellion) which began the changes for the LGBTQ community.  On June 28th 1969 a series of spontaneous and sometime violent demonstrations by members of the LGBTQ community against the Police Raid on the Stonewall Inn began the change.

This weekend in St. Petersburg, FL there will be celebrations all weekend.  The parade is truly a fun experience to see people in all their color be able to relax and be who they are.  Everyone will be smiling, laughing and having fun. It is a time for getting to know the people that are standing beside you waiting for the next float to pass by, Uniting as a community.

As you are having fun if you are at the parade or the festival be sure you stop and remember, all of the rights that we have as a community, are all because of the people who stood up and said enough. As we go in to the fun, stop and remember who came before us, who stood up so that you have the rights that you have. Now whether you are gay, straight, not matter your religion or race, you can walk hand in hand down the street and not be arrested.  You can love who you want and even  marry the love of your life all because of this amazing group of New Yorkers who paved the way.

Remember: 

To Chop or not To Chop that is the Question

It feels like every week as we get deeper into summer it gets hotter and hotter. One question we are always asked about this time of the year is "should I chop off my long hair for the summer."  There are benefits for leaving it long and cutting it off, but it all boils down to how do you want your hair to look.  Cutting your hair short is not a process you should rush into.  There are benefits to having short hair but once it is cut it will take it's time growing back. So here are a few reason why and why not Chop it off. 

So to get this ball rolling, lets dive right in to the benefits of cutting your hair.  Most people with long hair at some point in their day put their hair in a ponytail or pull it back which can over time cause breakage.  If you do this on a daily bases you can visibly see a break-line across the back of your head where the band sits. One of the ways to get rid of that line is to cut it short.  

Not only do people with long hair have to deal with breakage there is always the fun loving split ends.  Split ends occurs when the ends of your hair become dry, brittle and frayed.  Exposure to extreme weather or hair styling techniques such as hair drying, straightening and curling with out the proper products can cause split ends.  Of course you can have your stylist dust or trim your hair but one way to get your hair back in a good healthy condition is to take that long hair that is mid back to a long bob (LOB).  It is a hot and trendy look and you get the look of healthy hair.  

Not only do people with long hair have to deal with breakage and ponytails there is the time and effort that goes into your long hair just to leave the house.  With short hair your, getting ready time can be cut in half in most cases.  Just a little instruction from your stylist and you can take your time down to a minute hair style that will make you look like a rock star. 

Now I do have to say that on the benefit of long hair you do have more styling options.  You can wear it down and styled to perfection.  You can braid it with the new fashion braids that I am sure all your friends are rocking, or even throw it up in a sassy up-do for a special occasion.  There are always options.  Now don't get me wrong you can have long hair, still put it up in a ponytail and use flatirons and hair dryers and not get split ends or breakage, you just have to get with your stylist to help you with the products you should be using to help fight against hair damage. 

Bottom line to Chop or not to Chop it is all about you.  Figuratively speaking are you attached to that long hair or are you ready for the new hot sexy short cut.  Don't be defined by your hair, define your hair for who you feel like you are, a ROCK STAR!!!! 

#ubuhairtravels - Summer Hair for the Music Festival Tour

Now that it is hot, hot, hot outside and the Summer Music festivals are even hotter, but do you know what you are going to do with your hair for the the Music Festival scene?  Taking a step back in time to the 70's where pigtails and simple braids were the way to go for every music scene, now you can take that simple retro look with glam twist for the hottest fashion braids and be the music festival rock star that you know you are. 

Every concerts, music festivals, shows and live music events I have been to, one thing I continuously see is people putting their hair up in a bun or ponytail taking it down and putting it back but over and over again because it is hot or it doesn't feel or like right.  Well it is time to bring the old school braid back but with a new infused beach wave easy flow, fashion braid. 

Now that Extensions are so popular especially the new hand tied extension you don't have to worry about doing the new fashion braids with your new long fabulous hair.  Keeping to the new style where fashion braids are loose, you will not have to worry about the braids pulling on your fabulous long hair extensions so they actually go perfect together.  The longer the better, the more fun you can have with your fashion braids.

There are so many things you can do with braids and your stylist can give you tips and show you how to do those fabulous looks at home. If you have to go to a Orchestra Concert or you want to rock out in the music scene this summer a looser braids is the trick. You can take them from Rock Star to Upscale up-do with just a simple twist or pin.  The sky is the limit but our stylist at UBU can show you how to get all your summer concert looks. 

There are so many exciting Music Festivals coming this summer, from Bonnoaroo in Manchester, TN, Firefly in Dover, DE, Float Fest in San Marcos, TX or all the way up to Lollapalooza in Chicago, IL, you are going to see the hottest braid trends, so get on board.  It is Fashion Braids, Braids, Braids this summer season, so take the simple 3 strand braid to the glam braid it can be.  

I know we keep talking about it but where else can you get a great pic of yourself for the #ubuhairtravels contest but at a music festival or concert.  So take your pic, use the (#) #ubuhairtravels and tag the salon and lets see where you and your new hair braids are traveling/rocking out.

#ubuhairtravels (Summer Time Vacation) Say No to Frizz

It is defiantly summer time and with us coming up on vacation season, UBU Color Salon wants your hair to be on point for all your fabulous vacation pictures.  With the heat hitting close to 100 degrees and the humidity at 150% 😎, let's really talk about your beautiful hair and how to tame the frizz.  

There are many ways to control frizz during our summer season using deep treatments on your hair, products or even coming in for a session with one of our stylist with the Split End Pro.  Any direction you decide to go is going to help, but nothing will help like a Keratin Treatment.  

Let's start out by talking about a basic deep treatment that will help your hair this season.  There are many that can be used but keeping your hair hydrated is important.  We have several here at the salon that will assist from MOE, Moroccan Oil or Frizz Dismiss can all assist in your battle to calm your hair during the summer season.  When you come in for your next hair service, a deep treatment will help and then a take home leave in treatment will help keep your hair in check between services. 

There are many techniques your stylist can use when they cut to assist with frizz and split ends but next time you are in the salon for a service tell your stylist you want them to try out the Split End Pro.  It runs through your hair and clips the ends to remove split ends.  This is a great for clients that don't want to remove length but want the ends addressed.  Using the Split End Pro along with a deep conditioner will make a big difference. 

Although all of the above are great ways to tame the frizz, there is nothing that works as good as a Keratin Treatment.  Although you have to really take care of a Keratin Treatment, you will enjoy the ease of getting ready in the morning and the frizz will be tamed.  No matter your hair type a Keratin could be the direction you need to go for your summer style to keep you looking fabulous.

It is Summer time and HOT AS HELL, let's get the vacations started and don't forget #ubuhairtravels.  It is your opportunity to let the world know how amazing your hair looks and we want to know all about your travel experiences.  #ubuhairtravels is a great way to let us know what is going on in your life and your chance to win a great prize.  Take a great pic of your frizz free hair on your travels this summer, post your picture using #ubuhairtravels and tag the salon UBU Color Salon and you will be entered for a chance to win.  We can't wait to see all your fabulous travel pics.

Do you know your Stylist: Kate

Well, let's get to know the salon's Stylist Assistant. Kate Siever, you cant miss her, look for the beauty with a flare for the 50's, 80's and Goth all wrapped up into one look. Kate is a Florida native, Born and raised in Brandon, FL.  

Kate's interest in Cosmetology started even before she was in High School with a love for Makeup. All the girls in the 8th grade wanted Kate to make them up before school started. When she graduated High School she was ready to find herself and start down the road for her career and Cosmetology was where her heart pushed her to go. She attended Paul Mitchell Cosmetology school to start honing her skill in Hair and Makeup, and the lights started going off.  After graduating Cosmetology School, Kate was ready to really learn the salon business and that is when she found the advertisement that a local salon was looking for a Stylist Assistant and you guessed it, she found UBU Color Salon. When she walked through the door at the salon she had the look of a stylist and immediately showed what she could do with hair. 

Now lets get down to the things that will make you fall in love with Kate.  Kate grew up in the local music scene, you can catch her at Tampa's local shows and maybe even on stage. Kate rocks the keys around town in local art, music and rollerskating scenes. Have you ever met someone that was just born in the wrong era, well that is Kate.  With her love for the 50's fashion and the 80's music scene she would have fit right in as an 80's Material Girl.  She is a walking Music dictionary for the 80's if you have a question about the 80's she is your girl.  

Now lets really talk fashion.  Kate is our resident Thrift shopper, which is where she puts her 50's and 80's look together.  She knows all the HOT places to find the BEST clothes in Tampa.  Do you have a party you need a look for? Talk to Kate she will either tell you where to go or take you.  From her beautiful Orange hair, Red Lip Stick, and all the way down to the shoes on her feet, she is going for a look and she achieves it ever time. 

Now do you think you are a match, let's find out.  If you love Fashion, especially the 50's and 80's, do you love 80's music or even have a dark side for the Goth scene then you are a match.  Come let Kate not only help you with your make up and hair, but let her help you find your inner pin-up girl.

Do you know your Stylist: Hannah

Hannah was born and raised in a small town in Pennsylvania. She is a middle child with an older brother and a younger sister, and the three of them are blessed with two incredible parents. She holds her family closer than anything in her life, even though her move to Tampa has separated them by 1k miles. In PA, her childhood was filled with, what are now, amazing memories. She lived in a place where her and her siblings could ride their bikes up and down the road without a car passing for an hour. She reminisces on building waterfalls in the creek and building forts in the woods. Now that she looks back on those rolling hills and open skies, she remembers falling asleep to the sound of the stream out of her window, and says “I am forever thankful to my parents for gifting me with the experience of “freedom” at such a young age." 

Maybe that life-lasting feeling of freedom set Hannah apart from the typical 19 year old, because in 2016 she moved to Dublin, Ireland on a “Work-Holiday” Visa and pursued her career as a Hair Stylist (just after graduating from Toni&Guy Academy in PA.) She had the incredible opportunity to study under world-renowned, Salon Owner and Wella Educator - Mr. David Campbell. Not only did she continue her education at the Academy of House of Colour, but she worked as a stylist in 1 of the 5 House of Colour Salons in downtown Dublin. Hannah’s year in Dublin changed her perspective on life, and her career forever. 

With her Visa nearing expiration, she returned to Pennsylvania and embarked on her career in American hair. She worked, full time, as a Stylist at Blu Salon and Spa in Lancaster. While she gained another 1.5 years of experience, she says she "saw more in my future than staying in a 'relatively' small place for the rest of my life.” After lots of saving, researching, and planning, Hannah packed her life into her Jeep and drove south. 

Since her move to Tampa in August of 2018, she has fallen in love with her new journey as Director Stylist @ U.b.U Color Salon. With bright eyes, Hannah says that for the first time in her life, she loves every aspect of her job, thoroughly, every single day. She feels blessed to have the U.b.U team who does nothing but support and encourage her, and each other. 

Naturally, Hannah has always felt a sense of adventure and curiosity. This becomes obvious when you ask her what she likes to do in her free time. Not only does Hannah love to travel (which she discovered during her life in Ireland, traveling all throughout Europe), she loves to be active, artistic, and social. Hannah played soccer for 11 years, and excelled in track and cross country in high school. She also loves yoga, golf, tennis, boxing, cycling, running, rollerblading, and spends time in the gym just about every day. You can find her at Crunch Channelside, Cycle Bar, or Title Boxing Club throughout the week! 

Hannah's other hobbies clearly relate to her career which requires a high level of artisticness. She has played the saxophone since she was 7, held 1st chair in four different bands, and played with the Greater Harrisburg Concert Band through summer of 2014. Her knowledge and love for music have inspired to her practice again in hopes to play in a local band or jazz band in the near future. Along with music, Hannah has a love for design - she has recently started refurbishing furniture “just for fun,” and she loves to draw. Other fun facts about Hannah: her favorite food is Vietnamese, she is a morning person, her favorite color is army green, she always remembers a face (but maybe not a name), her middle name is Joi (Joy spelled with an i), she attends Radiant Church of South Tampa, she is not naturally blonde, she is a Cancer but says she relates 100% to her moon sign- Libra, her mom is her best friend (and twin), and her favorite quote is “Focus not on what is seen, but what is unseen."

So if you are in interested in Fitness, have a love for Music and the Arts, if you are into Furniture Restoration or just want to talk Travel, Hannah is the chair you should be in.  Come get that Fabulous look you are looking for while you discover new adventures with Hannah. 

#UBUHairTravels "Let the Contest Begin"

As you may know already we are full steam ahead on our contest #UBUHairTravels. We want you to participate because this is going to be fun. For the next 6 months we want the UBU Clients Posting on Facebook, Instagram and or Twitter showing your Hair Travels.




Tag the salon UBU Color Salon on your Post and use the hashtag #UBUHairTravels and you will be entered into our contest.  We want to see your beautiful hair on your outings, vacations, hot dates or fun unique locations. So take lots of pictures and get to posting.





Just a reminder of how this is going to work:


May Post will be judged in June and a winner will be announced.
June Post will be judged in July and a winner will be announced.
July Post will be judged in Aug. and a winner will be announced.
Aug. Post will be judged in Sept. and a winner will be announced.
Sept. Post will be judged in Oct. and a winner will be announced.



Each month the winner will receive a fun prize from UBU Color Salon.



In October all winner's post will be re-posted and the picture with the most likes will be the grand prize winner and will be announced at the #UBUHairTravels Party, and trust me you will want this prize!!!!!!





We know some of our Clients travel a lot so don't worry, if you are in a great location this month and some where even better the next month, keep posting your pictures.  The post are being judged on how fun and exciting you can make your picture.  Push the envelope and make it FUN!!!!  But remember you and your hair are the star of the pic.  As Penny say's Let's get this party started and Let's get to traveling!!!!  #UBUHairTravels 

Do you know your Stylist: J Darling

Well, it is time to get to know another of the UBU Color Salon Stylist, J Darling, born in South Carolina but raised in a small beach community of Anna Maria Island.


After being raised in a small beach town J Darling has continued his love of the beach and water and has incorporated that into his artistic work.  He always had an eye for the arts and was able to attend the Booker Performing Arts High School. After graduating he completed several courses at  Ringling College of the Arts and Design before landing on his final career as a Hair Stylist in the Beauty Industry in hopes to inspire, encourage and motivate people to be their best selves.


When he was 19 he decided to enroll in Cosmetology School and fell in love with the art of doing hair. After graduating and mentoring in Sarasota, FL with a Master Hairstylist he decided it was time for a change of scenery he decided to move to Tampa in 2016.  J Darling was looking for Excitement, Culture and Art in his daily life and decided Tampa was his fit. With the excitement of his move to Tampa he is excited to plant his roots  and explore more of the beauty of Tampa and it's people.


Now to know the little details, J. Darling pulls his inspiration for life during Meditation and Yoga where he connects with his inner-person. He also loves being in the Kitchen with his love for cooking an creating new and exciting Clean Eating creations, which he has been doing for the past year to feel and look better. 


Now that you know a little about J. Darling are you a match?  Do you love the arts, cooking, being at the beach on a sunny day then you are a match.  Come get in J. Darlings chair so you can explore share your artistic thoughts and leave with beautiful hair to explore the beauty of Tampa.

#UBUHairTravels

As you've been getting to know our stylist at UBU Color Salon, there is one common denominator besides hair and that is we ALL love to travel.  Over the next few months we are going to start a contest/trend so that you can show your hair while you are out and about, on vacation or on a hot date somewhere special. This will not be a contest you will want to miss. It is your chance to show people about you as well as the possibility of winning a great prize.





How will this work?  All pictures that are posted where you Tag UBU Color Salon and use the hashtag #UBUHairTravels you will be entered into the competition. The competition will go as follows:


May Post will be judged in June and a winner will be announced.
June Post will be judged in July and a winner will be announced.
July Post will be judged in Aug. and a winner will be announced.
Aug. Post will be judged in Sept. and a winner will be announced.
Sept. Post will be judged in Oct. and a winner will be announced.
Each month the winner will receive a fun prize from UBU Color Salon.

In October all winner's post will be re-posted and the picture with the most likes will be the grand prize winner and will be announced at the #UBUHairTravels Party, and trust me you will want this prize!!!!!!! 

So on your next trip, stop, have a quick photo shoot and Post your BEST Pic.  Let us see where your UBU Hair has traveled. Things to remember when posting, we want to see your HAIR and be as creative as possible in your post and pictures.  Tell us where you are and what you are doing, we want to know the scoop about your pic.  This will be fun and exciting for all!!!  We want to see where you are going with your fabulous hair. So get excited, get creative and take the time to share your post.

#UBUHairTravels    
  

Do you know your Stylist: Charles

As we continue on with getting to know our Stylist here at UBU Color Salon, this week is all about Charles. Charles is a Tampa, Fl Native and after graduating Bay Tech High school he worked various jobs but nothing fit.  He always loved doing hair on anyone that would sit still and let him experiment and being art driven so he decided to put the two together and it was time for Cosmetology School.  After graduating from Cosmetology school he got his first job at a salon in 2003 and it has been full steam ahead. 

Charles is a Redken Colorist and has lots of connections and friend in the Redken family. He decided it was time to find a salon that was Redken driven. He decided to use his connections and called a dear friend that had worked in Redken for years to give him some ideas or directions of a salon that might be hiring.  After about 30 minutes he called back and told Charles to be at a Specific salon the next morning, so Charles put on his best outfit and showed up for his interview, as it turns out the Specific salon was UBU Color Salon.  Charles walked into the salon and immediately knew stylist that were already working at the salon.  He sat down with Penny for his interview and the salon fell in love with him and he fell in love with the salon. UBU Color Salon stylist are close and immediately welcomed Charles in the Family. Charles is coming up on this 7th year at the salon and we aren't letting him go anywhere.

Things about Charles you may not know, Charles is a walking Top 100 Billboard.  If there is anything you want to know about what band played what song, when it was written, what year it was #1, did the song go platinum especially from the 90's Charles is your man.  He loves going to concerts, anything from Sam Smith, Hall and Oats and Train to Celine Dion, he loves live music.  Put a glass of wine in his hand, let the music begin and Charles
is in Heaven. 

Charles does like to travel recently going to Vegas, but I can't really tell you anything that happened because what Happens in Vegas, Stays in Vegas.  I will tell you that one of our other stylist did get him on the zip line that goes down the Vegas Strip. I can not confirm either way if he screamed the entire time he was zipping above the strip.

Now are you a match, do you love to travel, do you love music or want to talk about your favorite wine you need to be in Charles chair.  He will leave you with tons of music knowledge and walk out with rocking hair.