Barbara Forgione was the founder of the original Barbara Forgione boutique salon back in 2006. Her achievements included being nationally recognized including being featured in 'Hot in My Salon' video series of the top 100 trendy salons in the USA, appearing on MTV's "Made" and TLC's 'The Makeover Story, ' voted South Tampa's Best Kept Secret and South Tampa's Best Salon.
In 2019 the salon was acquired by a new owner, but still provides the best in DevaCurl, hair extensions, hair color, cuts, Keratin treatments and more. In late 2019, the entire salon was completely remodeled and in July of 2021 we launched our new brand, Elevate Hair Salon. The Elevate brand offers our South Tampa clientele more products and services including our own brand of hair extensions.
In 2019 the salon was acquired by a new owner, but still provides the best in DevaCurl, hair extensions, hair color, cuts, Keratin treatments and more. In late 2019, the entire salon was completely remodeled and in July of 2021 we launched our new brand, Elevate Hair Salon. The Elevate brand offers our South Tampa clientele more products and services including our own brand of hair extensions.
Services
From funky to elegant I truly enjoy cutting, coloring, styling and knowing that my clients leave loving themselves and the way they look!. Since an early age I've been fascinated with hair, makeup and making people look and feel beautiful. I have 20+ years of experience in this industry and I love it!
Our highly trained staff will work with you to find the right style and treatments for you and your hair. When looking to add shine, dimension, and texture to your hair, our team of color experts will customize a personalized formula just for you. Whether you want your tresses to be lighter and brighter or darker and richer, our colorists offer a wide range of services that will achieve your desired look.
Your texture is unique and you deserve a cut that is customized to your particular curls and face shape. We know how to take care of your curls, from wavy to coily, and teach you to do the same at home giving you defined frizz-free curls with incredible shape. We cut curls dry, in their natural state, using our expertise and intuition to navigate leading curly cutting techniques to find the exact right blend for your specific hair type.
Make sure you find an experienced technician who is certified and trained in the proper application, styling and removal of hair extensions. When applied properly, hair extensions are perfectly safe for your hair and scalp. The right hair extensions for you will depend on the length and strength of your hair, the desired look you want, and your budget.
Reviews (29)
Jessica Paxton
Dec 05, 2021
Report
Lindsey Chase
Nov 03, 2021
Report
Positive: Cleanliness, Professionalism, Punctuality, Quality, Value
I had a great time at Elevate!!! Sara was my stylist, she made sure to understand exactly what I wanted done and did an amazing job. I absolutely love my hair cut and will be coming back again!
Services: Hair styling, Haircut
I had a great time at Elevate!!! Sara was my stylist, she made sure to understand exactly what I wanted done and did an amazing job. I absolutely love my hair cut and will be coming back again!
Services: Hair styling, Haircut
Maryann Young
Oct 30, 2021
Report
I came in there for wash and style(flat iron) I think my hairstylist was Brandi. She was good and took her time with my hair. Im not tender headed but when brushing my hair I would've liked it if she held it so that it wasn't tugging at my scalp mind you my hair is very long and curly... but other than that she is very good
Olga Nacheva
Oct 21, 2021
Report
Illyanna
Oct 21, 2021
Report
Positive: Professionalism, Quality
I booked an appointment at Elevate for the first time and I loved my experience there. My stylist was Brandi and she was super sweet and helped me figure out the perfect style for my face shape and I left feeling super confident and happy. The place itself is really cozy and cute and I will definitely come back.
Service:Â Haircut
I booked an appointment at Elevate for the first time and I loved my experience there. My stylist was Brandi and she was super sweet and helped me figure out the perfect style for my face shape and I left feeling super confident and happy. The place itself is really cozy and cute and I will definitely come back.
Service:Â Haircut
Judith Venit
Sep 17, 2021
Report
Claudia David
Feb 20, 2021
Report
This salon is now owned and operated by my favorite stylist Jessica. It's a beautiful location with amazing service at fair prices. I get my cut, color and style there and hopefully very soon hair extensions. I recommend anyone who is looking for a great stylist, colorist, etc. To go to Forgione Salon.
Sarah Baker
Sep 16, 2020
Report
If you're thinking about getting your hair done at Barbara Forgione Salon - think no more and JUST DO IT! I came here to get a color correction and Sara did my hair wonders! Seriously - I went from being embarrassed of wearing my hair down to wanting to flaunt it around town.
The salon is also professional, super tidy and COVID safe. The owner, Jessica, was also in the salon during my visit and she is as sweet as can be.
Sara also took a before and after of my hair so I'm attaching that here as well for proof of seriously the major difference that was made in my two hour visit.
The salon is also professional, super tidy and COVID safe. The owner, Jessica, was also in the salon during my visit and she is as sweet as can be.
Sara also took a before and after of my hair so I'm attaching that here as well for proof of seriously the major difference that was made in my two hour visit.
Jessica S.
Jul 26, 2020
Report
2.5 stars.
Let's start with the stylist. She was extremely personable and we enjoyed great conversation.
She asked questions and made sure I was comfortable. She could have high stars for customer service.
I had mention how much I hated my Deva finish the last time I went to a salon (different business) and she was wanted to make sure that didn't happen again. I have been to this salon before but under different management when it was still Barbara Forigone salon.
Fast forward...
Today, I am going home $300+ dollars later disappointed with the finish. Curly hair is NOT a easy venture
Let's start with the stylist. She was extremely personable and we enjoyed great conversation.
She asked questions and made sure I was comfortable. She could have high stars for customer service.
I had mention how much I hated my Deva finish the last time I went to a salon (different business) and she was wanted to make sure that didn't happen again. I have been to this salon before but under different management when it was still Barbara Forigone salon.
Fast forward...
Today, I am going home $300+ dollars later disappointed with the finish. Curly hair is NOT a easy venture
Poot Ausv
Oct 30, 2019
Report
I thought really hard about leaving this review, because i dont like talking bad about other people but...i went in yesterday with my daughter. i was looking for a deva curl certified specialist, i was not satisfied with the outcome. looked the same as if i would had done her hair myself. i also had by hair done. i asked for a balayage and long story short i came out with highlights, orange hair and damaged ends. i was speachless when i saw the mirror holding back my tears. i had orange hair! i had asked for a starwberry redish look. she then said that she would put more red to tone it down. by
Tracey F.
Jun 26, 2019
Report
Sadly, Barbara passed away a couple of months ago. Prior to her passing she sold her salon to Tuya Page under the assumption that she would continue the hard work and vision that Barbara worked so hard to create. This has turned out to be the exact opposite of what has happened. Tuya Page has fired all of the employees that worked so closely under Barbara. It is so sad that Barbara's hard work is being destroyed by this new owner.
I had an appointment schedule for a Yuko hair straightening. Tuya Page called me a week before and asked if I would be willing to reschedule for a thirty percent
I had an appointment schedule for a Yuko hair straightening. Tuya Page called me a week before and asked if I would be willing to reschedule for a thirty percent
Julia T.
Apr 07, 2019
Report
Barbara is a hair magician. I have gone to her salon for over 10 years and she is the best with color corrections and highlights. I could always count on Barbara, Vicky, Jay, Sarah, Peggy and the amazing team at the salon to make me look my best!
I am beside myself after learning Barbara has passed away recently. She was so much more to me then a hair stylist. She was an artist, a therapist, and a friend.
The lose of Barbara will be felt forever and she will always live in the hearts of each person she treated like family.
I am beside myself after learning Barbara has passed away recently. She was so much more to me then a hair stylist. She was an artist, a therapist, and a friend.
The lose of Barbara will be felt forever and she will always live in the hearts of each person she treated like family.
Alicia P.
Mar 28, 2019
Report
I just moved here and chose this shop based on the Deva cut stylists and the great reviews. I however did not have a great experience. Peggy took me 20mins past my scheduled appointment time. While she assessed my hair for my Deva cut she said "wow you've brought me a challenge" that made me feel really insecure about myself and her ability to cut my hair. After cutting my hair she put me under a dryer which has never been done to my fine curly hair. It stole a lot of volume from my curls. She then loaded a bunch of product on top of my already styled hair and called it a day. When
Sherry M.
Dec 16, 2018
Report
Lisa R.
Jan 22, 2018
Report
I was referred to this salon by a friend whose hair made a complete transformation!
I got my appointment with Debra Hull who is Amazing!!
Debra gives you a complete education on how your hair needs to be treated from washing to styling and how to sleep with your curls and refresh them in the morning.
I really enjoyed how she explained to me why she cut my hair in the style and what we are aiming for in the future.
I am so happy to find a stylist that is very easy to talk to and will help you with all your needs and concerns. I am definitely making the trip back to see Debra and get her expert
I got my appointment with Debra Hull who is Amazing!!
Debra gives you a complete education on how your hair needs to be treated from washing to styling and how to sleep with your curls and refresh them in the morning.
I really enjoyed how she explained to me why she cut my hair in the style and what we are aiming for in the future.
I am so happy to find a stylist that is very easy to talk to and will help you with all your needs and concerns. I am definitely making the trip back to see Debra and get her expert
Sarah H.
Aug 31, 2017
Report
Maggie Flanagan is Amazing! I recently booked an appointment with her for blonde highlights and blow out. She was so accommodating to my work schedule and even stayed after hours to make sure my hair was perfect! Maggie is truly an expert in her profession and is highly educated with hair health. She sincerely cares about her clients, their needs and really has a know how to meet their expectations in the healthiest way possible! I highly recommend her and was impressed with how much she cares and her knowledge of hair health!
Jenna P.
Aug 17, 2017
Report
I found Barbara Forgione Salon and Nicole through the DevaCurl website and I could not be happier with my results! Nicole was knowledgeable, friendly, and talented and the salon was cute, easily accessible, and clean. After a lifetime of coloring, straightening, and using heat and chemicals to tame my hair, I decided to transition to natural curly hair and sought out my first DevaCut.
Nicole was great about listening to my concerns about getting definition, reshaping, reducing frizz, and keeping some length! Additionally, she was able to give me valuable coaching on products that fit my needs
Nicole was great about listening to my concerns about getting definition, reshaping, reducing frizz, and keeping some length! Additionally, she was able to give me valuable coaching on products that fit my needs
Katherine L.
Apr 23, 2017
Report
This was my first time here, and Maggie was excellent! I hadn't been getting anything more than trims for years, so I was a bit nervous about cutting a few inches off my hair and getting it shoulder-length. But I'm so in love with my cut -- and it's all thanks to Maggie!
The only other Deva cut I'd had before (at a different salon) turned out really bad, but Maggie helped restore my faith in these haircuts. She paid close attention to detail and cut pesky stray hairs that a lot of less patient or precise stylists would've ignored, made sure I was happy with how much length
The only other Deva cut I'd had before (at a different salon) turned out really bad, but Maggie helped restore my faith in these haircuts. She paid close attention to detail and cut pesky stray hairs that a lot of less patient or precise stylists would've ignored, made sure I was happy with how much length
Cassandra T.
Apr 18, 2017
Report
I know what you are thinking. Curly bangs? Never gonna work. Oh the joys of proving people wrong! I had the pleasure of seeing Peggy for my very first Deva Cut and decided to go out on a limb by requesting some curly cues above the brow line. It was a decision that I definitely don't regret and I am in love with my new look. My 3C curls were clarified, cleansed, conditioned and shaped expertly around my face. Peggy was so comfortable with the scissors that I probably could have fallen asleep in her chair. She was well versed with my coily springs and I felt confident leaving my strands in
Kristina W.
Apr 09, 2017
Report
I've been struggling with my curly hair and trying to find the best hair style that suits me. I went and saw Maggie and she helped me find the perfect cut. Taught me how to take care of my curls but also the tricks of the trades on how to give it volume. I'm in love with what my curls can do and how they can change every day.
Kyrie W.
Mar 06, 2017
Report
Nicole is some sort of curl wizard! I absolutely loved my experience here. She took the time to explain products and techniques, while providing me with a wonderful Devacut. My hair looks and feels like brand new hair! She took a lot of the weight off of my curly hair while maintaining its length and now it has so much movement. Nicole was super easy to talk to about hair and everything else in general. The owner Barbara is a sweetheart, as was the receptionist. To be honest, I was expecting it to be kind of stuck up because...... Westshore but I was more than pleasantly surprised by the warm
Aniko O.
Sep 03, 2016
Report
Amazing hair salon for all hair types!! Everyone works as a team at this salon, they help each other and all have various areas of expertise, so regardless of your hair type, or whether you need a cut, color, extensions, whatever, they will have the right person for you! I love that the hair dressers openly ask each other for their input on how they would go about doing something or how they went about doing something that turned out really well, and what not. It's completely refreshing!! They encourage one another, validate when they're in agreement or assist if there is a better
Kevin S.
Aug 03, 2016
Report
In South Tampa you will find hair salons on every corner. My continued positive experiences at Barbara Forgione Salon encourage me to share this with others.
The cleanliness of the salon always impresses me (personally very important). The staff and owner's approachable demeanor and professionalism are a welcome change to most other places. Barbara's supports her staff's effort in continuing education as they always seem to be learning the latest fashion and techniques.
For me the bottom line always remains that I receive top quality reasonably priced haircut in a friendly atmosphere
The cleanliness of the salon always impresses me (personally very important). The staff and owner's approachable demeanor and professionalism are a welcome change to most other places. Barbara's supports her staff's effort in continuing education as they always seem to be learning the latest fashion and techniques.
For me the bottom line always remains that I receive top quality reasonably priced haircut in a friendly atmosphere
Tatijana U.
Jul 12, 2016
Report
The Mecca of Hair
For a long time after moving here I tried to find a salon where blonde did not mean fried yellow and a good cut was not achieved in 7 minutes. It took more than a year to get here and my hair was almost ruined in the search, but this is where you get true, perfect healthy color and precise clean cuts. I wanted and got a beautiful sun streaked blonde with shade variations that looked natural and striking. Through the years as I got more gray, my color has been adjusted so that the horrible grey demarcation was less and less noticeable. I am so grateful for that because in two
For a long time after moving here I tried to find a salon where blonde did not mean fried yellow and a good cut was not achieved in 7 minutes. It took more than a year to get here and my hair was almost ruined in the search, but this is where you get true, perfect healthy color and precise clean cuts. I wanted and got a beautiful sun streaked blonde with shade variations that looked natural and striking. Through the years as I got more gray, my color has been adjusted so that the horrible grey demarcation was less and less noticeable. I am so grateful for that because in two
Monique A.
Jun 02, 2015
Report
Shana L.
Jan 21, 2015
Report
I've been going to Barbara and her team for 7 years! They are always fantastic and accommodating! I've grown my hair out from a super short pixie- I can't even remember who did it- Peggy? Vicki? Any how- I love these ladies and Jai! I often go back and forth between darker and lighter shades of blonde and Barbara handles it with the certain panache only a true hair colorist with her experience could! The salon has a very approachable comfortable vibe- I have never felt pressured to buy any thing or to get a blow dry- this place is like home to me!
Mailoha A.
Aug 20, 2014
Report
I've been trying to grow my curls out for YEARS so just hate having to go to a salon, but I knew I needed my ends trimmed and I love DevaCurl products so I did a bit of research and found Barbara's. I went for the first time in March of 2013 and was given a Devacut by Peggy. I felt like she took maybe just a little bit more off than I wanted but overall she was great and I was happy.
My second visit was a NIGHTMARE. I went back in October of 2013 and Maggie took those scissors and just completely butchered my curls. I was in tears when I left there that day. I actually ended up going
My second visit was a NIGHTMARE. I went back in October of 2013 and Maggie took those scissors and just completely butchered my curls. I was in tears when I left there that day. I actually ended up going
Marcia B.
Oct 16, 2013
Report
I have been trying to grow out my thick blond hair for years. It would never grow bc the stylist would highlight me, put me under a dryer, over process my hair and it would break constantly.
I found Barbara at a beauty expo about a year ago. My hair is now 6 inches longer and is the healthiest it has ever been in my adult life. She is amazing with color and what used to take someone 3-4 hours just to highlight she can do in less than an hour and she doesn't use any heat to bring up her colors so your hair doesn't suffer. I am so pleased with her work. I like all the staff and think
I found Barbara at a beauty expo about a year ago. My hair is now 6 inches longer and is the healthiest it has ever been in my adult life. She is amazing with color and what used to take someone 3-4 hours just to highlight she can do in less than an hour and she doesn't use any heat to bring up her colors so your hair doesn't suffer. I am so pleased with her work. I like all the staff and think
Kelleigh M.
Aug 09, 2011
Report
Best Hairstylist-Missi
Best Color-Barbara
I have been going to BFS for over 5 years now and I honestly get compliments weekly on my cut. Missi is fantastic and listens to what your needs are. She is not "scissor happy" and does not chop your hair off like a lot of stylists. Missi is edgy and is up to date on the latest styles. There have been many times that I have brought her a photo of a celebrity and she has been able to replicate the style for me.
Barbara is the owner and the color expert. She is great at what she does. She knows exactly what you need and is able to fix other
Best Color-Barbara
I have been going to BFS for over 5 years now and I honestly get compliments weekly on my cut. Missi is fantastic and listens to what your needs are. She is not "scissor happy" and does not chop your hair off like a lot of stylists. Missi is edgy and is up to date on the latest styles. There have been many times that I have brought her a photo of a celebrity and she has been able to replicate the style for me.
Barbara is the owner and the color expert. She is great at what she does. She knows exactly what you need and is able to fix other
