Dawn Ellinwood (the founder/owner of Ubuntu) is, hands down, the most talented stylist I've ever been to. I wouldn't say that I have easy hair... and came in a mess my first time... I have an Endocrine condition that makes my hair very dry. On top of that, I'm about 80% SILVER (I'm 37 years old! lol). After box-jobbing my roots for years (damn economy) with a way-too-dark #3, I was a bushy-bottomed-dark-headed mess with frazzled ends and my hair was falling out (**sniff**). "Please let me fix this for you, love," pleaded Dawn. She said so the way a girlfriend would plead with her best friend, urging her to be her best self. I looked into her eyes and could see her concern for my flat, lifeless locks. I looked at hers. Glowing. Sparkly. Her eyes matched their fiery light. I was jealous. Give me some of that. Within a few hours, she had brought out my inner kitten. Color correction, topped with a more appropriate base color and gorgeous caramel and golden balayage highlights to bring out my own fiery eyes. She then finished my locks with the most luxurious blowout ever. Her signature bang swooshed tastefully over my right brow, promising a fun night out that evening. Amazing cut, color, and don't forget the interesting conversation with one of the most fascinating women on the planet (no joke - Dawn Ellinwood is a gift to this world... just take a look at the Ubuntu website and you'll see that this family operates at an entirely new level that I only aspire too...) And my goodness, I was gorgeous. I felt like breaking out into song (which later, in my car, I did - like a rockstar). Is this what celebrity felt like? Is this why they come to her to get gorgeous? I was sold. I was addicted. I've been back several times. Oh, yes, Ubuntu isn't cheap. But here, you absolutely get what you pay for. When I get my hair done with Dawn, I sparkle. It must be all of that amazing energy in the salon from the good they do worldwide - it makes our hair look awesome. read more

Ubuntu Hair Studio - Fresh from the Salon hair (Ubuntu Hair Studio, Solana Beach, CA). I won't wash my hair for a week. Dawn at Ubuntu is amazing. - Hair Salons Near Me - Encinitas , California

Wow! I have been meaning to try out Dawn at Ubuntu for a while now. Now that my wedding is 8 weeks away, I decided that I needed to go to the best colorist possible. I knew that Dawn is a celebrity hair colorist for some major celebs, so my expectations were already high going in but she managed to exceed my expectations. She examined my hair and was able to add in two different brown colors that noticably brought out gold tones in my brown eyes. It also really brought out a pretty color in my skin. It just looks so natural and I'm stoked! So, yes, I would highly recommend her to anyone! By the way, while I was getting my hair done, I watched David style a few different ladies beautifully. Their hair looked so glossy and lively as they walked out the door. He seems very talented, too. The salon itself is pretty soothing. Something about the colors really relaxed me (I usually hate getting my hair done). A great experience! read more

Hi! so, awhile ago i went to get a hair cut ubuntu (which, by the way, is a really cool south african concept of community). i forget the hairdressers name, but i do know that dawn is the best colorist around (my sister had a great experience where dawn somehow made her hair pitch black inside and have a copper sheen outside, what the hell) so if you are looking for coloring, dawn is where to go. but anyways, i got my hair CUT at ubuntu, not colored. my hair is ridiculously thick and curly, but when brushed looks like hagrid's beard (just saw deathly hallows 2 and highly recommend a viewing as it is prime). its natural color ranges from dark chocolate brown to sort of a light red-brown and also somewhere along the way blonde at the ends. i dont know, dont ask me. so she is like,"you definitely have a lot of hair." no shit, lady. i then tell her that i want to keep my hair the way it was, just more polished and manageable. so i get into this robe, which is all nice. lets just skip the cut steps- wash, shampoo, conditioner, cut. then she begins the dry and brush. she brushes it with a round brush and dries thoroughly and things are going great. then i look at my hair. it doesnt look bad, no. it just looks very different. it is straight with A curl in at the end. A curl. not the mess of curls before. so me, being a lady who has dealt with a tangle of hair my entire life, could get used to this. again, i am denied. after a few days of preserved straight soft beauty, i decide it is time to wash my hair. after a wash, it not only returns to its former frizz, it was cut into a form that i can only describe as a cross between professor trelawney and a mad potter. great. read more

Ubuntu rocks...there's no better way to say it. It's truly an amazing place where you can be treated well by people who are sincerely nice and fun, get amazing services, AND support community! Now there's a concept! I've had amazing hair colour and cuts, and I LOVE getting my pedicures! Crystal is one of a select few CMPs (certified master pedicurist) that offers MINX-the greatest thing to be applied to nails-ever! And Dawn and her staff of colourists and stylists are truly amazing! My hair looks fabulous! I LOVE their global and local community involvement as well. It's impressive...thanks for all you do. You've got a client for life in me! read more

This studio has been a dream come TRUE!!!! I have a thick head of hair and I live an organic healthy conscious lifestyle... these values are so met here. This is an all natural product, socially conscious studio with the most heart centered kind people who work there and own it. I am ALWAYS happy with my hair highlights - balliage (sp???) fancy highlights painted on with a paint brush - and cut... and the way my hair feels and looks. They are so hospitable and caring here. I recommend all who care about their hair, health, heart and the world to come here! In Gratitude! read more

Dawn is awesome and very talented! I always love my color and I'm pretty picky when it comes to my hair. If you are blonde it can be difficult to get the color right. Dawn really listens and consistently does an excellent job! read more

Was new to the area and came across this hidden gem. Located just a block from Fletcher's Cove, this salon is cute and classy! They are super green, which I think is wonderful. They also incorporate tips into their service prices. You can make a donation to a local charity instead, if you wish too. I thought this would mean higher prices, but they were extremely reasonable. Their website is very informative and transparent. Pricing varies on services and stylist. Pricing and services are all listed on the website. This was very refreshing, as I searched tons of local salons and many would not quote prices for services! My appointment was with Serena. She was awesome! Very friendly and asked a lot of questions to make sure she knew what I wanted (I was getting color). I was very happy with the results. Serena made me feel at ease and was easy to talk to! Already booked my next appointment with her! read more

Eco-friendly, charitable and fab at what they do! What else could you ask for? Hot tea? Coffee? Sure thing! Good magazine selection. The interior is relaxing, the staff are courteous and so friendly. I love balayage! It's the best for natural highlights and Dawn delivers. I feel great every time I leave. Hmm...time for an appointment! read more

I am very picky when it comes to my hair. Anyways. I found this studio while I was researching someone that would do the belayage highlighting technique. For those of you who don't know what it is, "bayalage" means to paint in french. Highlights are painted onto your hair, as opposed to other traditional methods. The results are gorgeous highlights that look so natural, they start thinnier from the root to thicker highlights at the bottom. Do you like Jennifer Anistons, or Gisele Bundchens highlights?...This is the place to go if your going for that look. I highly recommend going with Dawn. I've been going with her for about a year, and my hair has never looked so beautiful. She applies the highlights beautifully and she gets the color just right, one that has really complimented my skin color. The staff there is super nice and professional. Parking is accessible, so thats an extra plus. Highly recommend this place ! ** as of today I still go here :)..leaves my hair gorgeous;) read more

Vanessa gives the best high & tight haircut money can buy! The products are great and the location is convenient. Easy to walk over to Pizza Port after for a beer. read more

I found Ubuntu about two years ago since finding them on Yelp two years ago and have been a faithful customer. This is one of my favorite businesses in Solana Beach. The entire team is great and has been trained in color by Dawn - a color expert. I come in for color, style/cuts and blow-drys on a regular basis. I think the prices are very reasonable for the services depending on the level of stylist. The owner has a great business model of social responsibility. My sister and husband have also been customers here! read more

I am so happy with the ladies at Ubuntu. They are extremely knowledgable and are committed to excellence all while treating you with warmth and kindness. They use the best products as well and believe in healthy hair and scalp. Serena (my long term stylist), Dawn (salon owner and colorist extraordinaire) and lovely Vanessa round out the Ubuntu team. My hair consistently looks so good thanks to them. This is the BEST hair salon in San Diego-located in the Fletcher Cove area of Solana beach. You will not be disappointed! read more

Re: Phone call just now (Friday night at 8pm). Do the right think Ubuntu! read more

I LOVE THIS SALON! This is my first time as a client of Ubuntu! I don't know what to say other than wow in all areas! It has been a long time since I received such a Superior Cut and Color - I can't call it good or great it is better than that! Dawn- did my color and went right to what would look best on me and asked all the right questions about my experiences with color- there have been many!! The color is vibrant!! She did an incredible balayage color on me and I couldnt wait to purchase the products to maintain it, I ant to hang onto this color as long as possible! David- did my cut and it has been a few months since I went to the salon for a cut. He really watched how my hair moved before he put any scissors to it, i really like that approach, so it would lay correctly. He gave me a great lesson on how to style my hair with the blow dryer so i can replicate it at home. read more

I've been getting my hair cut at Ubuntu for around 3 years. The services are consistent and I've always left with a cut that I liked. Love the location. Lots of parking. Reasonable pricing. Accommodating staff. Good atmosphere. Also they offer fancy beverages which made me feel fancy. Give it a try, I think you'll dig it. read more

Serena! Is rad. I decided to go to Ubuntu for several reasons: it is a half block away from my house so I can walk there, I heard Serena is good with wavy/curly hair, no tipping policy, and it is a Green Circle salon! All wins. I went in for a balayage and cut and Serena did amazing. She took her time and the color came out fantastic. I sipped on a glass of wine and chatted with her, able to just enjoy the experience. Being a Green Circle salon means basically they are as environmentally friendly as possible and recycle just about everything while also reducing energy costs. Now that is speaking my language! I feel great about making this my new hair spot, so much so that I am going back this month for more! read more

I am way too busy to write reviews... but I have to do it for all the ladies in dire need of a fantastic colorist but dont know where to go. Ubuntu is my little secret to gorgeous "Victoria's Secret" highlights. I have never gotten so many compliments since I was referred to Dawn by a fellow super particular girlfriend. Dawn is a true artist, she listens, she takes her time and the best part is that she doesn't try to sell you on things you dont need or pressure you about having to come back within a specific time to "maintain the integrity of your color." She'll give as little or as much advice as you ask for and she's so personable you'll feel like your getting your hair done by one of you best girlfriends. read more

I had not paid for a haircut in over 10 years. I had just shaved my head and just let my hair grow wherever I wanted. But on the whim, I decided to go to Ubuntu and I had my big, unkempt fro styled by a guy from Chicago. It was really cool because not only did he show me what a blowout haircut was, but he explained what I can do to keep my hair stylish without spending a lot of money on hair care products. It was educational haircut. I never knew that was possible. The only reason I wouldn't go back is because I have not followed all of his hair tips, and now it is unruly again, and I feel slightly guilty. But it is definitely worth the experience. read more

I have sung the praises of this salon for years but not any more. I go basically every other month to have my hair made platinum by Vanessa. But the last two times (I always give people a second chance) my hair has been made bright orange and me told that it was my "hair" that is causing the predicament. The problem with this "blame" is that I have been getting my hair done here for over two years and yet suddenly, my hair is not taking the platinum blond color and I am walking out of this salon, having paid $100+, looking like a Who down in Whoville. Guess that last laugh is on YELP, and change is on the HORIZON read more

This is a great little find. The negative review is way off!! Vanessa rocked and went out of her way to take care of me! If you're looking for a salon that has talent and looks to bring skills in from outside SD to keep pace with fashion, then this is your spot. They go above and beyond for customer service!! 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

I found out about Ubuntu Hair Studio, and Dawn from another professional in their industry. I was so delighted to hear that Beverly Hill's loss was our gain. Dawn is straight from the Frederic Fekkai studio. One of the best of the best in the salon world. She was the colorist at his salon. Those are impressive credentials. My hair color is so beautiful that people stop me all the time. As a matter of fact, while I am in her salon, I enjoy seeing what she creates with other people, as well. Beautiful blonds, rich brunettes, and my hair is a beautiful copper. Reds are so hard to do and not look harsh. Her technique is flawless. Also, I heard during my last visit- a few days ago- Dawn was asked to do color on America's Top Model television show. Clearly, that gives you an idea of the skill level and creativity of Dawn. They can hire anyone, from anywhere they want. And they only want the best. Dawn is the best. It's a great salon. You know, I read some of the reviews below and that is one of the bad things about Yelp. Of course, we can't read about what really happened or if the person communicated to the salon her dissatisfaction so they could rectify it. I've been going to this salon since it opened and have only received the best services. I am extremely picky to the point I used to drive to LA to get my hair colored and cut when I first moved down here. We are so lucky to have this salon here. Take advantage of it, San Diego! read more

Love love love. I am so thankful to have found Ubunutu. Love their staff (especially Vanessa) and I have loved every hair cut I've ever gotten. The salon Itself is very cute, clean and right by the beach. Although the prices are on the high end, I would say is worth the quality and service read more

I really don't get the negative reviews...I've been seeing Vanessa for a couple of years now, and I will never go anywhere else again! She does a great job with the cut, and the style of highlights they do (baylayage?) is so much better than any other type of highlights done. Yes they take longer to do, but it looks way more natural, and goes much longer between needing to have the roots touched up. I've never been unhappy with any visit there. Plus they are a lot less expensive than many other salons around. read more

Have been going here for years and consistently happy with my color, cut and blow outs. They use excellent products too. This is a gem in our area and I fully recommend you try them out. I've had all the ladies cut and color my hair and constantly receive compliments, but my stylist has been Serena for the last few years. Love the atmosphere and energy here too! Really feel fortunate to have found Ubuntu. read more

I have been coloring my hair at Ubuntu since 2009. I still went back to my hair stylist in NY to cut my hair but last fall I was in need of a haircut and not planning to travel back to NY anytime soon. Vanessa listened to my hair routine and my preferences then cut my hair. Love it!! And don't forget to get a deep conditioning too, my hair is so shiny afterwards. I also love how Ubuntu is committed to community and is socially conscious. read more

Love my Minx nails. Took a whole hour to do my nails. no chips dings or imperfections a week latter. This stuff is great. The prints are amazing. Very nice litte salon. read more

I have been going to Serena for 5 years now. I can't believe it's taken me this long to write this. She is amazing! The color technique she does is balayage? I don't know how to spell it and honestly I don't even know what she does but my color has never looked better. It looks very natural and I can go much longer between coloring than before. I actually started carrying a few of Serena's cards around with me because I am asked so often where I get my color done. She always listens to me and gives me exactly the cut and color I'm looking for. Besides being an incredible stylist she's also a lovely person. Always very friendly and upbeat, she makes you feel at home in the salon. Now about the salon, Ubuntu is a beautiful space and everyone is very warm and welcoming. And to top it all off Ubuntu is eco friendly and charitable! What more could you ask for? read more

Dawn has been my colorist for over 12 years. I live in San Francisco and fly to her. For 25 years, I have been getting my hair colored in New York City, L.A., SF, and DC. I have a very high standard and it took me 13 years to find someone like her. Dawn's attention to detail is the essence of her creations. The color is "celebrity" quality. In fact, she has worked on many celebrities. Her care keeps my hair from ever being over-processed. And, I don't have to go back for corrections - ever. Just as important, she communicates in such a way to understand what I want - and has never made me feel uncomfortable no matter what is going on with me; or what I need or want to say. On the 1-3 occasions I have tried others to try to avoid the inconvenience of the travel - I had to go right back to Dawn. I made my first visit to Ubuntu. The salon is beautiful. Her attention to detail, style, and quality is evident in the salon's design. It was a pleasure to be there. Solana Beach has found itself an experienced gem of the industry, just because she decided to let her "wings fly," move out on her own, closer to home. read more

I was in town for a month, and was looking for a quaint, but high quality salon to correct & improve my overall hair color & highlights... & that was exactly what I got! A very relaxed atmosphere, and laid back. Nothing pretentious here, plus little touches I appreciated. The prices are about right and certainly no more than I pay at home for quality stylists. Great little samples too. Very professional. This is my go-to place in Solana Beach. read more

Came in w super long hair that hadnt been cut in a year. Came out with short trendy hair. I let Serena do as she liked with one input from me and i am super happy w the results. Ive found my new hairstylist =] read more

When you find a good stylist - YOU STAY WITH THEM. Dawn is the best! I found her a year or so ago and my hair has never been healthier or looked better. She does a base color to color my roots and does highlights and low lights. Most important, she really listens to what I want and pays attention to how I wear my hair. She's great about offering honest advice and suggestions when I'm not sure too. The salon is clean, bright and simply beautiful. I really love their active philosophy at UBUNTU: I am because we are... It's not just a slogan to the girls (and Louis!) at UBUNTU, it's a way of life. read more

Thank the lawd..! After relocating to san diego from san fran 6 yrs ago (and chasing a haircut i loved but could never get replicated...) i have finally a stylist that I truly believe knows her shi*. Dawn is extremely talented. Very understated..listens but really checks out your hair (dry) before picking up the scissors. I have had such a lackluster run with haircuts here, that i feel the need to exhale. Try her.. I am not a yelper (lurker only) and signed up today to review. read more

I have seen Serena twice now. The first cut she did was absolute magic. The second cut ended up being magic too, but in a strange manner. I was at fault by not explaining exactly what I wanted and how I wanted it. We had conflicting interpretations of my wording (I realized this once I got home). I didn't get the hair cut I wanted, BUT SERENA KNOWS MAGIC! I didn't like it at first as it was not what I wanted, but a few days later I realized it was exactly what I needed. I want to reiterate that I was completely at fault for not fully explaining what I wanted or explaining it accurately. After thinking about my explanation of what I wanted it makes sense that I ended up with this haircut. Either way, I couldn't be happier. My hair looks beautiful and it fits my face and frame so elegantly. It doesn't matter what she does to your hair, you always come out looking your best. She interpreted my needs and wants just as any other stylist would have. I lacked in my explanation but I couldn't be happier. She will do as you ask. She is not a stylist that takes matters into her own hands (I'm sure she would if you asked her to). It was my fault but I'm really happy it happened. I had know idea this is what my hair needed. Thanks, Serena! I love my new cut! read more

I found out about this salon via yelp. I have to travel a lot and I depend on yelp to find services that I need when I move somewhere new... Sometimes you need work done before you get a chance to really make friends. Anyhow, I received hair color and a texture treatment from Vanessa. She did an excellent job on my hair... I don't have the Caucasian variety of hair and so working with my hair is not easy, especially to someone who is not seasoned to my hair texture.. My color came out beautiful and not brassy, my luscious curls were smoothed and polished and my hair cut was great as well. I wear my hair short and it's not easy to hide a bad haircut because of this fact. My husband was pleased and I was pleased. As long as I'm in the area, I will continue to frequent Vanessa. The salon was neat and clean, everyone was friendly and accommodating. Vanessa did not try to sell me products or ignore my very specific requests. She listened to everything, gave her insight, and went to work. She also explained everything that she was doing to my hair before she did it and I really appreciated that. I noticed a lot of the reviews that were negative did not allow the salon a chance to rectify their perceived mistakes. If you're unhappy don't suck it up, do something about it. If you can't voice your opinion to the actual person then you shouldn't leave a bad review. I'm glad I didn't listen to the reviews and gave this salon a chance. I'm very happy with my results. read more

So over priced they dont accept tips they tell you but it is indeed added into the cost - a haircut starts at 60.00 for a beginner stylist- goes up to 100 JUST for a cut/style! Unfortunately I had a beginner she made one side of my hair completely uneven compared to the other side! read more

My regular salon is closed on Mondays so I thought I'd try this place based on the excellent reviews. The staff was friendly but inexperienced. The stylist had some kind of respiratory infection, which she apologized for half way through, but she should have called in sick. There were flies buzzing around the office. The sink where they wash your hair in is extremely uncomfortable. The cut was average, better than Fantastic Sam's, but not the quality you would expect for a salon in this price range. I had to ask them to dry my hair afterwards, which is the first time in my life that has ever happened. Parking can be an issue unless you visit on the weekend and can park in the adjacent lot. read more

Ask For Dawn. She knows color and does a wonderful job.

I went for a pedicure and was crammed into a corner in an uncomfortable chair and soaked my feet in a bowl of water, while I was told what was wrong with my feet. Hardly relaxing or enjoyable. I asked for navy polish and got home and it was dark green. Maybe hair studios shouldn't offer nail services and stick to what the do best - hair. read more

Great salon with excellent stylists! Dawn, Vanessa and Serena are very talented and I always leave the salon happy. Environmentally conscious is always a plus. I've recommended Ubuntu for several friends read more