I found Ubuntu on yelp. I was visiting family in San Diego and desperately needed a haircut! It had been over a YEAR since I did anything with my hair...It was all the way down to my lower back and just boring and ugly! I was impressed to see the owner (Dawn) had such an illustrius career in hair before opening her studio. I booked an appointment online (nice) and told them I wanted something flowy, feminine and low maintenance. They responded within a day and my appointment was set. I was a little nervous walking in. It looked pretty tiny from the outside and I was afraid everyone would be staring at me in horror when I walked in. Not the case, it was low key inside the salon, and they immediately offered me something to drink. My appointment was with Vanessa, who was very nice. She knew I wanted something feminine,flowy and low maintenance (points for being prepared). I basically just told her the length I wanted and she took it from there! I started off with accent highlights which turned out gorgeous. They use a special process which looks completely natural - the color just looks fabulous and I only got 9 or so highlights in. Plus she asked me how I normally wear my hair and when I told her I flipped it over into a side part sometimes, she made sure to highlight the area that would show when I did that - I felt like she was really listening to me and knew what she was doing. Next was the shampoo with a wonderful scalp massage - omg...could have just lived in that shampoo forever. I almost fell asleep!! Sooooo relaxing!! Finally onto my haircut! Once Vanessa cut my hair to the length I wanted, I told her I also wanted face framing layers. She agreed it would look cute and went right to work. I knew before my hair was dry that I absolutely loved it! And man, after that bodacious blowout - I felt like the most gorgeous chick on the planet!! My mom even booked her own appointment after seeing my hair. When I left San Diego, I brought the flu with me. For the last 4 days I have basically been bedridden and gross. HOWEVER, I still found myself letting my hair down and whooshing it around and making model faces at myself! The part I hate about haircuts is that it always looks amazing at the salon, but it's always so hard to recreate at home. With this haircut that is not the case! Sure, it doesn't look quite as rock star amazing as when Vanessa blow dried it for me, but it still drapes absolutely beautifully when I blowdry it (with no product), and that is something I have NEVER EVER been able to do before so it must have been the haircut!! Next I'll need to try letting it air dry to see how it goes! I wore my hair in a ponytail almost every single day for the last 5 years. Since I got this haircut I have worn my hair down every day! You other pony tail girls know what a big deal that is! This haircut totally rocked my self esteem!! I didn't even have a yelp account but wanted to make sure they got their props! AMAZING. Worth every penny. read more

You will NEVER find a hair salon like this one! They are experts in what they do, they are professional and they make the experience all worth it! You are not only greeted when you enter, but you are taken care of throughout your experience. Enjoy some hot tea, coffee or a glass of wine if you prefer. If you want to eat while you get pampered, the girls will order you some food from next door at The Naked Cafe! They will listen to what you want and you will be heard and understood. The girls will give you their expert advice on what will be best for your lifestyle. Are you sick of getting foiled to death and having to go back every 3 weeks?? Ubuntu Hair Studio does color by Balayage...a great way to have your color look natural, grows out natural looking and it lasts a long time! Sure, is having my hair look great important? Well, yes, but what is even more amazing about Ubuntu Hair Studio is that they are about making a difference in the world! How many salons are doing that? They are eco-friendly in every way and very socially conscious. They donate your hair for oil spill mats, they use products that contain essential oils & plant extracts and they have a no tipping policy! Instead you can give to a variety of featured charities. I could go on and on about how great this place is, but let me just say, don't take my word for it...go try it out for yourself...you won't be sorry! read more

I started seeing Vanessa when I was 15. Six vastly different hair colors, three radical chops, and nine years later, I'm still going to her for all my hair needs. So, it's pretty safe to say that she and the entire Ubuntu team are AMAZING. From Day 1, Vanessa has made me feel amazing AND has kept my hair happy and healthy, even when I randomly decide to spring the decision to go from deep brown to blonde on her. Vanessa is phenomenally talented and has remarkable intuition when it comes to somehow just knowing what you want and giving you exactly that; she NEVER fails to give me precisely what I want, even if I don't know what that is when I walk in the door. Her immense talent aside, Vanessa is an absolute gem of a human and is just great to be around- I seriously don't want to leave the chair at the end of the appointment. Throw in the community and atmosphere that Dawn has created, and you get straight up magic. In short: Vanessa and the entire team at Ubuntu are absolutely extraordinary. If my ranting and raving isn't enough to compel you to see them, I'm sorry to say that there's no hope for you read more

Philanthropy meets Celebrity... perfect hair with a cause. Ubuntu Salon I found here on yelp. Ever since my first time there, I have been hooked. I have had both the amazing Dawn and Vanessa-- they are both absolutely incredible. Vanessa not only gives you the magazine-perfect hair with those too-good-to-be-true highlights + lowlights, but inside tips on how to re-create your celebrity hair at home. A great thing too, is she works with you on how to make your color last as long as possible to keep the full integrity of your hair shaft. One of the coolest things about Ubuntu (other than perfect hair) is that they give their tips to charity. They also have artist-made pieces for sale to help others throughout the world, as well as carry the full French Rene Furterer hair line + Malie Kauai Organics line. If you have a need for incredible hair and like to give to those in-need, this is the place for you... and your hair. (Oh, and if you have frizzy hair... they do the Brazilian Blowout Keratin treatment and are certified in it. Ask for Vanessa- she's amazing.) read more

Today was my fourth visit to Ubuntu Hair Studio!! I have tried several different salons, and have always been disappointed with either their unkempt, unclean studios, lack of artistic capability, and or bad customer service. Ubuntu is NONE of these. The studio is intimate and peaceful, filled with sweet aroma's and friendly faces. It was designed and decorated wonderfully, creating a clean and relaxing refuge away from the storm of life. I met with one of their colorist, Vanessa, for a color change. She did a fantastic job transforming my hair from a boring brown to a brilliant deep auburn. After the color application and deep conditioning, my hair not only shines more brilliant then ever before, but feels soft and luscious. I recommend this studio to anyone who is looking for amazing experienced stylist's who go above the norm and create perfection for each of their clients. Besides the peaceful and comfortable ambiance, you will walk out of their looking your best. read more

Run, don't walk, to Ubuntu!! ("I Am Because We Are") Dawn is fantastic (AND a runner, so it's okay to run!) I wasn't looking for a new studio/stylist but I noticed the "peace" of Ubuntu just walking by and was invited to an open house recently, then scheduled appointments with Dawn and Alli. What a great experience -- nothing like the usual frenetic atmosphere of salons and the rush, rush. I felt like it was "just me" in there, and it was a busy Saturday. Best color and cut I've ever gotten -- Ubuntu has more the atmosphere of a spa than a hair salon. I'm normally self-conscious and hate having my hair done. Yet I felt absolutely comfortable. Alli only works on Saturday but it is worth the wait to see her. You feel like a Hollywood star without the Hollywood prices. Beautiful location. Give it a try, you won't be disappointed! AND they DO NOT accept Tips!! They will take your tip, with gratitude, and donate it to a worthy cause. How's THAT for making a difference?! read more

What a wonderful find! I found Ubuntu on yelp.com when my sister and I wanted to get pedicures but didn't want to go to just a regular nail salon. Ubuntu was so warm and welcoming from the start. Crystal was our pedicurist and did an excellent job. She really knows her stuff and was such a pleasure to be with during our time...very professional yet very friendly. She took her time and made even the "lunchtime" pedicure (meant to be a short and sweet version of their "classic" pedicure) seem completely unhurried and relaxing. Crystal also made helpful recommendations for caring for our feet and getting them looking and feeling their best. Finally, we were most impressed with their commitment to helping others. Instead of accepting our tips they guided us to a poster outlining the various charities in Africa that they support and asked us to choose which one to whom we'd like to give our donation. Unprecedented! What a pleasure! What a great morning! Go to Ubuntu!! read more

Dawn is an amazing colorist, her experience at Frederic Fekkai in Beverly Hills for many years shows. I love how natural the balayage method of highlighting looks on my blonde hair. It grows out so well and I can go longer without coloring. Before over time with traditional highlighting my hair would get lighter and lighter and soon I was putting in highlights, lowlights and a third color etc keep the natural look. With balayage multiple colors aren't needed to attain this. Would never go back to traditional highlighting. It may be a bit more expensive but it's worth every penny. The eco-friendly vibe of this place is a real plus without being hippyish. I also love the "no tips" philosophy of the place (tips are donated to charity if given). Easy and convenient location too. I have been going here for 4 years now and would recommend Dawn to anyone. I know she still has clients that drive down from LA or fly in from San Francisco to see her. read more

I've been going to Dawn, Vanessa and Serena for almost a year. The color that Dawn does is fantastic, called balayage. She handpaints the highlights on my hair in layers and NO FOILS! Such a better experience, the color grows out beautifully and lasts a longggg time. Vanessa cuts my hair and does a great job too. Great shampoos and blow outs by Serena and they all take good care of me. Coffee, water, tea is always offered and promptly brought out. The studio has a very "green" vibe, they give tips to various charity and sell some excellent hair care lines I've never seen before. I use them too and the texture and softness of my hair has never been better. I really love this salon, the way I feel when I'm there and the compliments I receive from people about my hair. I've found a salon close to home as well:) read more

This is my second RAVE review for Ubuntu hair Studio, the first being for a fabulous pedicure by Crystal, and this one for cut and color by Dawn, Ubuntu owner. What can I say? She's the mindreader you always hoped would cut and color your hair, even though you know you don't give good instructions about what you want! I've had some pretty good color in my day, but I have NEVER walked out of a salon 100% satisfied with my cut. I'd pretty much given up, resigned to "Oh, well, it'll grow out" when along comes Dawn and gives me the cut of a lifetime! PERFECT when I walked out of the studio, PERFECT the next day after walking on the beach, PERFECT after shampooing it myself.... simply PERFECT, PERFECT, PERFECT. And the color is spectacular......just what I wanted. What are you waiting for??? Call now! read more

A unique experience. Leanne checked my scalp, using a state of the art program displaying the picture on a computer screen. She asked me about my concerns and informed me of the condition of my scalp and hair, then recommended a wonderful essential-oil based line of French products, called Furterer. The oil for the scalp is wonderful and I noticed a difference the same day. I highly recommend visiting this salon. They are committed to educating their clients so that they can take great care of themselves in between visits. Oh, and after seeing Crystal for a pedicure, you will never go back to your old ways. She is a medical pedicurist who uses new files for every person and takes great care and pride in hygienic practices. read more

Unfortunately my visit to Ubuntu was not a great one...I recently went to have my hair colored by Vanessa and was not happy with the results. While I thought Lisa and Dawn were great as I observed them with other clients, I was very upset with the color job I received. I felt as if she did not listen to what I wanted and instead did what she wanted. While she was rinsing my hair, I overheard her talking to someone about another client that was returning to have her hair toned due not liking the color Vanessa had given her. I am now meeting with a master color correction specialist at another salon in order to acquire a more suitable result. : ( If you do go to the salon, make sure you are scheduled to see Dawn. read more

After a long, disappointing, sometimes disastrous search for the right salon, I landed upon Ubuntu, where the stylists exhibit the perfect blend of consideration and expertise. A lovely, little gem of a place, the space too reflects their quiet, friendly confidence. On my first visit, Dawn corrected my brassy color beautifully--I also had a "Brazilian Blowout," which gently transformed my frizz into smooth and shiny locks that I now don't have to iron to straighten. And my second visit was even better. Lisa cut my long hair masterfully. She listened to me, was patient, and spent a good deal of time getting it right. She considered me as an individual, and my hair as a talented sculptor does her clay. Go there! read more

My daughter and her husband had been raving about this great place they get there hair done.They said Serena is the best.So when I was visiting in January my daughter took me for a early birthday gift.All I can say is this girl is so talented from the amazing shampoo with amazing head massage to the amazing cut she gave me.I truly felt pampered .Serena took the time to listen to what I wanted and gave some great advice .I wish I could take her back to Canada with me.Looking forward to visiting my daughter in San Diego again next year so I can go back to Ubuntu for a great hair style and then over to Pizza Port for a great supper. read more

Ubuntu What a wonderful treat, I came in and was greeted with a small compact boutique salon with the amenities of a large salon in a big city. The colors are soothing and the staff was helpful. I had my hair cut by David! He's the best! He did a great wash and go style. I really had a nice comfortable experience especially since the owner took great time and energy creating a space that has a low impact on our carbon footprint. If you want a nice soothing day, drive out to Solana Beach and take some time to enjoy the beautiful beach and pamper yourself here. Oh yeah, no tipping policy, tips go to charity. read more

I went to Vanessa a while back with a mullet. I'm a girl. I was freaking out b/c I had a high school reunion in less than a week. I told her over the phone I didn't want her to touch my hair if she didn't think she could fix it (I know, not nice at all). But she rose to the challenge and gave me an amazing haircut that got a lot of positive comments. I've been going back to her since and she has helped me survive growing back my hair in style. I love how small and zen-like this place is. They take donations in liu of tips which I think seals the deal on this stand-up hair salon. read more

Well, I'll tell you that commuting to and fro from Beverly Hills to Solana Beach each week is no easy task. However, knowing you don't have to worry about your hair in either place takes something off of your mind. Fekkai's best "Designer" in Beverly Hills has now opened his own salon on Cannon Drive, and having Dawn to colour in Solana Beach, with feeling as comfortable as someone from "Cosmo" doing your hair if anyone at Ubuntu even just touching your hair for any reason, is like a dream come true! Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! Dawn and Co. For being there for me!!!!! read more

Ubuntu is truly one of it's kind. Dawn, the owner, has giving back to others at the forefront of her business. Not only do I feel amazing after walking out of there, I also feel uplifted knowing that I am supporting a charity. You have to try Crystal for a pedicure and MINX is a must. I am very active and normally pedicures don't last. MINX lasts about a month and I never have to worry about chipping or smudging. I get so many compliments on the fun designs. If you haven't been to this wonderful salon, call them today. read more

So I was a hair model today for Ubuntu salon.. It was soo much fun! A specialist for Loreal came in and David the stylist used me to practice new techniques. I got to learn how to do 3 totally different looks: one for day, one for evening, and one "high fashion" look. David did a fantastic job! He was also really warm and welcoming! The salon is super cute, has a great location near the beach, and everyone is really laid back who works there. i would def rec. it to anyone! David is great! read more