Meet Nikki | Nikki Prokopiak

Welcome, I'm Nikki

"My favorite thing about doing hair is showing my guests that the possibilities are endless when we use all the tools in my toolbox. With the combination of low maintenance color techniques and extensions you can have it all!"

Hi, I’m Nikki! Originally from Southern Minnesota, I now proudly serve the Rhinelander, WI area.

As a mom of two, I understand how hard it can be to balance self-care with the desire to feel confident and put together. That’s why I’ve designed my business to give you more than great hair—I want you to feel pampered and cared for, with a maintenance plan that truly fits your lifestyle.

With 16 years behind the chair, I’ve never been more in love with what I do—or the amazing guests I get to serve. I specialize in natural-looking color and seamless extensions for fullness and volume. I take great pride in the fact that I take advanced education all throughout the year because in an ever-evolving industry, staying current and inspired is non-negotiable.

There are many talented stylists who can give you beautiful results—but I aim to give you more. I want to build a connection, not just a client list. I’ll listen to your hair dreams, your frustrations, and what’s been missing—and together, we’ll create a plan to bring your vision to life. After your first visit, I’ll follow up to make sure you’re loving your look, and we’ll touch base throughout the year to keep your hair goals on track.

When I’m not in the salon, I’m soaking up time with my family. I work three days a week so I can be home with my kids the rest of the time. We love being outdoors—whether that’s on the lake, taking walks, or going “glamping” (the only way I camp!). And when we’re feeling bold enough to take the kiddos out to eat, you’ll find us at our favorite local spot enjoying a Friday fish fry and a good old fashioned.

Use the link below if you’re ready to book an appointment or feel free to email me at nikkiprokopiakhair@gmail.com if you have any questions.

Book An Appointment!

Your appointment with me is just as much about the experience as it is the outcome.

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Whether you’re in my chair for an hour or spending half your day with me, I want every moment to feel enjoyable, relaxing, and worth your time. From the atmosphere to the little details, my goal is to tailor your visit to you- and whatever you need that day.

Underestimated and overlooked qualities. Stylist edition.

Clean + sanitized tools: Every tool, towel, and cape is washed and sanitized between every client. No exceptions.

Clean salon: I don’t want to work in a dirty salon just as much as you don’t want to sit in one! A clean space is a beautiful place.

Running on time: My services are dialed in so I know exactly how much time I need to get the job done. I take pride in rarely running behind—and on the off chance I do, you’ll always get a text letting you know to come a few minutes later.

Efficiency: After 16 years behind the chair, I’ve learned how to work quickly without cutting corners. Some transformations take hours, but I’ll never waste your time getting there.

Are these things sexy? Not really.
But they matter—to me, and to the experience I want every client to have.🫶🏻

Curl, cool, comb.

Always in that order.

Apply heat protectant and curl your hair however you like.

Before combing or brushing out your curls, let them cool for as long as possible. 5, 10, 60 minutes. Whatever time you got.

Lastly, apply a hydrating serum and comb or brush them out!

Dats it.

P.S. Peep that beautiful extension blend🤫

Let's set up for a 2 row extension reinstall😏

Reasons why our shampoo experience is the best part of the service:

-Our shampoo bowls feature built-in headrests, making them some of the most comfortable on the market.

-A footrest is there so you can kick back and truly relax.

-Every towel that touches your head and neck is toasty warm.

-And of course, every shampoo includes a head massage (because duh, it’s the best part!)

Extensions can help solve so many common hair struggles:

-Fine or thinning hair that won't hold volume

-Growing out an awkward haircut

-Adding fullness for braids, ponytails or upstyles (Yes you can absolutely put your hair up while wearing extensions)

-Filling in areas where your hair feels sparse

-Wanting dimensional color without so much chemical processing to your natural hair

Extensions are all about giving you the hair confidence you've been missing. Find me in the DMs when you're ready to experience all the glory extensions have to offer!

The hair salon is the ultimate place to share your successes, dreams, struggles, frustrations or secrets, judgement free.

No matter what you share, just know I'm on your team.🫶🏻

Extensions fade, friends

Morgan has been wearing her hair for 7 months, and over time the root of her extensions lightened up. A quick root retouch and she was good to go!

Here’s the thing: every head of hair is different. For some clients, I never need to re-color the extension hair. For others, a refresh every other appointment keeps everything seamless.

-Sun exposure
-Water quality
-Styling & washing routine

…all play a role in how extension color holds up.

The good news? If fading happens, there’s always a fix!

If you're looking for a sign to transition your hair to fall, this is it.

Add that root.

Or lowlight.

Or toner.

Or not. That's cool too. 😘

Why are extension consultations so important?

Every new extension journey begins with two steps: a digital consultation and an in-person consultation.

Digital Consultation-
This first step gives me a chance to learn a little about you, your hair, and your goals. It also gives you the space to ask any burning questions up front. If we decide extensions aren’t the right fit, no time or love lost!

In-Person Consultation-
If we agree extensions may be a good option, we’ll meet in the salon. Here, you’ll get to see, touch, and feel the hair, explore different lengths and colors, and create a customized plan to achieve your dream look.

All consultations are always complimentary which means there’s no financial commitment unless you decide you’re ready to move forward!

Do you brush or comb out your curls?

First things first—always use a heat protectant before curling and let those curls cool completely before touching them. The longer you wait, the better your results.

Personally, I reach for a wide-tooth comb:
-It leaves more curl in the hair
-It gives you a better chance of having curls left for day two

A brush, on the other hand, will give you a much looser finish—which can be perfect if that’s the look you’re going for!

So tell me…which tool do you reach for at home?

Girl math.

No better way to spend your birthday than getting your hair done. 💁‍♀️

Did you know the way your color is placed can affect how long it lasts?

I specialize in color techniques designed for a soft, seamless grow-out—so instead of rushing back every few weeks, you can enjoy your color for months. My goal is to create beautiful, low-maintenance hair that fits your lifestyle while still giving you that fresh-from-the-salon confidence.

From bad --> fab.

This is your reminder for the next time you think coloring your hair at home is a good idea.

It is not.

How long should you plan for your appointment?

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Some services take just an hour, while others can be 4–5 hours—it all depends on your starting point and your dream look!

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The good news? If you’re here for the long haul, I’ve got you covered with drinks, snacks, and even lunch so you can relax and enjoy the process.

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Your time in my chair is all about comfort and amazing results!

A few pointers on how you can extend the life of your color.

-Have a treatment done in the salon immediately after your color. In-salon treatments are typically more concentrated than the ones you can do at home.

-Use a professional, color safe shampoo and conditioner.

-Wash your hair less! You should be at most washing every other day.

-Wash your hair in cooler water. The hotter the water the more its opening the cuticle of your hair which in turn releases more pigment.

-If you're out in the sun a lot wear a hat! The sun will tan your skin and bleach your hair.

True or False:

Dirty hair accepts color better.

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False, folks. That saying is very much outdated and un-true. And in reality its the opposite. If you come with dirty hair, that color or lightener has to work twice as hard to work through the oil buildup, product, even that temporary color you sprayed on those greys that morning. It's best if you come with hair that's been washed within the last 24 hours.

Don't worry, I'll wash it either way cause we all know the shampoo is the best part.

How to grow long, healthy hair:

-Get regular trims
-Use heat protectant ALWAYS
-Be mindful when getting your hair colored-no excessive lightening over and over on the ends, only use permanent color when necessary, etc.
-DON'T wash every day.
-Get extensions 💁‍♀️

5 tips to help maintain that perfect blonde.

1. Use a hair mask once a week. Blonde hair is generally on the dry side due to the lightening process. A conditioning mask will pack a little more punch than your daily conditioner.

2. Shampoo at most every other day. Days that you shampoo usually mean more heat. Heat from the hot shower water and heat from your blow dryer. More heat = More damage.

3. Speaking of heat, ALWAYS use a thermal protectant. Before you blow dry and before you curl/straighten.

4. If you like a cooler toned blonde, add a good quality purple shampoo into your washing regimen.

5. Get regular trims! Haircuts are crucial to keeping hair healthy and split ends at bay.

So you've decided you want extensions, now what?

Hopefully if you're to this point you've seen photos of my work, reviewed all the info on my website and done a little research on your own.

Step One:
Head to my website and fill out my "Hair Extension Digital Consultation Form". This will ask you some basic questions about your hair history, goals and ask you to submit a couple photos. I will email you within 24 hours (usually more like a few hours) to give you feedback and answer any questions you may have.

Step Two:
We'll schedule an in-salon consultation! This is the fun part! I'll get to see (and feel) your hair so I can tell you exactly how many wefts and rows you'll need to achieve your desired result. We'll decide on what length to go with (after I clip some hair onto your head so you can get a visual of where it will sit) and go over color options. I currently wear IBE so I will let you see and feel mine so you know exactly what to expect. Again I'll answer any questions you may have and go over some maintenance procedures. At the end we'll book your install appointment and retain your deposit!

Step Three:
Your install! I will color and/or cut your natural hair (if needed) and I always custom color the extension hair. Sometimes I will color the hair ahead of time or I will color it on the day of install after its installed on your head. I'll walk you through washing, drying, styling, products to use and any other necessary information. After the extensions are colored and secured to your head, I'll cut the extension hair so it blends with your natural hair and behaves like it too! I'll send you home with a bag full of goods to get you off on the right track and a post card size cheat sheet for the main tips and tricks to remember (all of this information and more is on my website as well). Lastly I'll curl (or leave it straight if that's how you prefer it) your hair and we'll have a little photo shoot to show off your new look! We'll schedule your first maintenance appointment (usually 7 weeks after) and you'll be on your way!

Who can benefit from wearing Invisible Bead Extensions (IBE)?

-People with thin hair
-Thinning hair with age or hormonal changes
-Wanting lighter pieces without lightening your whole head
-Those whose hair won't grow past a certain length
-Dry/damaged hair from excessive coloring or heat styling

IBE is the #1 most requested weft extension method and for good reason too. This method is patented and it was designed to solve all three of these common problems with many extension methods.

-Prevents Damage to the client's hair and scalp from tension, over-direction and haphazard installs
-Eliminates Discomfort due to the contact of beads on the scalp and the common "clamp and crank" beading
-Styling Versatility which means no more exposed beads, bonds, or braids when wearing hair up.

She said- "You're wearing extensions? I would have never known!"

That's the whole point sis.😏

I can say with 99% certainty that I will be wearing some form of hair extensions for the rest of my days.

The confidence it gives me, the fullness, volume, at home maintenance etc. The list goes on and on. There are so many benefits to wearing hair extensions and my clients that wear them feel the same. Proceed with caution though, because once you experience the rewards of extensions, your life will never be the same without them.

How long do hair extensions last?

This is one of the most common questions I get asked, and it's not a black and white answer.

If you're referring to the extension hair itself, that can last anywhere from 6 months to a year. That will really depend on the guest and how you take care of your hair. The more washing and heat styling you do, the sooner the hair will be replaced. On the other side, if you wash your hair 1 or 2 times a week, be mindful of heat styling, use professional products that I recommend, you can definitely get 12+ months before you need to invest in new hair.

If you're referring to the maintenance schedule of your extensions, on average they will need to be re-installed every 8 weeks. When I re-install them, I completely remove the wefts and beads, comb everything out, assess your hair and scalp and put those babies back in!

More information can be found on my website 24/7! Check out www.nikkiprokopiakhair.com.

Show that grow girl!

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What you SHOULD see with your extension grow out-
-Healthy hair growth
-Stitches tightly in place
-Minimal to no beads exposed
-A clean line and section

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What you SHOULDN'T see with your extension grow out-
-Lots of breakage
-Lots of beads
-Bald spots
-Matting

When you're ready to make your hair dreams a reality you know where to find me!😘

How often should you get highlights?

That depends! I have some clients that get highlights every 8 weeks and some clients (like this one) who come once a year.

It's YOUR hair. You can come in whenever YOU feel like it.

And I'll be here waiting for you. 😘

Extensions aren’t just for length—they’re a game changer for adding fullness, volume, and that extra boost of confidence. Whether you’re growing out your hair or just want to enhance what you already have, a custom extension install can transform your look while keeping things seamless and natural!

Curious if extensions are right for you? Let’s chat 💬

You're always on my mind even when you're not in my chair 🫶🏻.

Because some of the best days start at the salon. 🫶🏻

Welcome to our warm and inviting boutique salon—
a space where you’ll feel seen, heard, and genuinely welcome.

Here, the towels are warm, the drinks are cold, and you’re encouraged to be open and honest about any questions or concerns. I offer a variety of color and extension services at different price points to meet you where you are—because everyone deserves to leave feeling confident, empowered, and looking like the very best version of themselves.💫

How freaking lucky am I?

I have been behind the chair for 16 years and I have never been happier than I am today. I had a client recently ask me what I like most about what I do and the answer is simple. You. I love getting to know so many incredible people that come from all walks of life. You guys fill my cup every single day. We laugh together, talk about the strangest and silliest things, grow together, learn together and sometimes even cry together.

I will forever be thankful to those of you who choose to sit in my chair time after time and year after year. These things don't go un noticed and it means more to me than you will ever know.🫶

This is the year of growth, change, determination, and grit.

I’m leaning into self-reflection, letting go of what no longer aligns, and making room for what truly fuels my passion and purpose.

Here’s to hard decisions, bold moves, and trusting the version of me I’m becoming. 💫

What a year could look like wearing hair extensions.

Initial install- prior to you coming in I will custom color the extension hair so it blends with your natural hair. If wanted or needed we'll color your hair also!

-Every 8-10 weeks we'll get together for your reinstalls which take about 1 hour per row.

-4-6 months in we might need to re root, tone or lowlight your extensions.

-9-12 months we'll need to replace your hair. This largely depends on home care and personal preference. I have some clients that prefer to replace the hair sooner than others. Factors would include how much heat styling you do, if you're an avid swimmer in pools or oceans, how frequently you wash at home or the quality of products you use on them.

Every individual situation varies and we tailor the experience to you and your needs!

Side effects often include:

-instant confidence

-styles that last for days

-healthier hair

-fullness and volume

Trust me when I say, once you experience comfortable and seamless extensions your life will never be the same.

Idk what the question was but I'm pretty sure a hair appointment is the answer.

The salon is your one stop shop for a therapy session, snack, caffeine fix, girl chat and then at the end of it you leave with beautiful hair. Like what? Let's go.

Just a little foil magic happening over here—because who has time for high-maintenance hair?

My color formulas are designed to grow out gracefully, so you can keep living your life without stressing about roots. Low-maintenance doesn’t mean low-impact—it means looking good longer, with less effort. And that's a trend I can get behind.

Warm weather is finally here and that means so is the sunscreen!

Here's your not so gentle reminder to use MINERAL BASED SUNSCREEN on all you extension wearing babes.

Traditional sunscreen contains the ingredients Avobenzone and Octocrylene which WILL turn your extension hair orange. Or pink. Both are no bueno.

If you have no choice but to use traditional sunscreen, make sure you keep your hair up on top of your head until you can wash it off in the shower.

Trust me here friends. I've been here. And had peach hair. Don't be like me. ✌️

Busy schedule? No problem.

Low-maintenance color is going to be your new BFF that grows out seamlessly- because your hair should work around your life and your schedule.

2 rows of pure bliss!

One of the many things I love about extensions is that you can add so much dimension and interest with the color while doing a minimal amount to your natural hair.

I added a few strategic highlights to Audrey's hair and let the extensions do the rest! Now she has a ton of dimension with very little upkeep needed to her own hair.

3 reasons you should transition to low maintenance color:

-healthier on your hair
-save time
-save money

Low maintenance color solves the biggest problems clients experience. You should be able to get your hair done because you want to not because you need to, right?

Every install starts with CLEAN lines.

Why are clean lines so important? If you don't have a clean line you can experience discomfort, breakage and tension on your natural hair.

Diana has been wearing one row of extensions for a year and her hair is incredibly healthy and growing better than ever. She doesn't have any breakage, sores, bald spots or redness on her scalp. The scary thing is, with some methods, that is the norm.

Make sure you do your research before you make a large investment of your time and money on someone and some thing!

From blonde and brassy --> rich and bronde.

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Hair extensions fade just like your natural hair does. Depositing color and toning them is almost always an option, but taking them lighter is not.

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Things you might be doing at home that result in your hair fading faster than you'd like.

-A lot of heat from hot tools. Curling iron, straightener, blow drying etc.
-Washing your hair multiple times a week with hot water. I recommend washing no more than one to two times per week.
-Not using a heat protectant when you blow dry or curl.
-Swimming in chlorine on a regular basis.
-Use of saunas or being out in the sun a lot.

Goldie Locks is my favorite hair care line for keeping extensions as healthy as possible! It's moisturizing, helps prevent color fading and smells heavenly!

Healthy hair, scalp and extensions are in my friends 🙌.

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With the right stylist and method you can have all these things. A safe install and grow out is absolutely possible with the combination of IBE and an educated stylist.

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This grow out has zero breakage and zero beads popping out and that's my goal with every install I do.🫶🏻

The hair closet is such a beautiful sight but why do I have it?

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I have a small overstock of extension hair at the salon at all times and it's for a variety of reasons.

-When you're thinking about getting extensions it's so nice to see what an actual weft looks like and feels like.

-I have a variety of lengths on hand so I will clip in a few different lengths in your hair so you have a clear understanding of where each weft will fall.

- I have wavy hair and straight so you get to see side by side what the differences are.

-Sometimes you might want to or need to swap out a weft on the fly so if I have it in the closet you don't have to wait!

You know one thing that I really love about my job?

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I get to hang out with my friends and make their hair pretty. 💁‍♀️❤️🥰

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RIP to the iced coffee I tipped over during the creation of this beaut.

Research shows that when you feel good about yourself you are more likely to live a healthier life.

-Buy the new top
-Get your hair done
-Hit the gym
-Take yourself out to lunch

If you aren't going to invest in yourself, who is? Self care is in my friends and I sure hope it's here to stay. ❤️

Spring is the perfect time to give your hair a high-impact detox!

Did you know 80% of the USA has hard or well water? Everyone can benefit from this treatment regardless of what color hair you have. Blondes seem to notice the biggest change from this service mostly because blonde hair tends to be more porous than other hair colors, which in turn can lead to the hair turning yellow or even orange.

Benefits from this treatment are:
-Removes mineral, medicinal, and other buildup for proper color deposition
-Removes discoloration from mineral and environmental buildup
-Removes calcium deposits from scalp
-Normalizes exfoliation

Some of my clients like to do this on a regular basis such as once a quarter and others go by how their hair is feeling. We can add this on to any service or you're welcome to come in for the treatment alone!

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Welcome, I'm Nikki

"My favorite thing about doing hair is showing my guests that the possibilities are endless when we use all the tools in my toolbox. With the combination of low maintenance color techniques and extensions you can have it all!"

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