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 Invisible Bead Extensions you can have it all!"

With 16 years behind the chair, I’ve never been more in love with what I do—or the incredible guests I get to work with. My goal is simple: to create a peaceful, enjoyable experience every time you sit in my chair, and to make sure you leave feeling confident, refreshed, and like the very best version of yourself. Sure, there are lots of talented stylists out there who can give you beautiful results—but I aim to give you something more. I want to build a connection, not just a client list. Think of it as a two-way street: I want to hear your hair dreams, your frustrations, what’s missing—and together, we’ll make a plan to bring that vision to life.

Over the years, I’ve learned to lean into the services that truly light me up, and that’s where I’ve chosen to specialize. My focus is on effortless, low-maintenance color and Invisible Bead Extensions®—because I believe in enhancing your natural beauty without the high-maintenance fuss. In 2024, I earned my Masters Tech status with IBE®, which means I’ve worked closely with a mentor to fine-tune every detail of my installs, ensuring they’re as safe, seamless, and stunning as possible.I’m a firm believer in ongoing education—because in an industry that’s always evolving, staying inspired and up-to-date is non-negotiable.

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.

Book An Appointment!

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!

.

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

.

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.

•

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.

•

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 🙌.

•

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.

•

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?

•

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?

•

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

.

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!

What kind of client (or stylist) are you?!

.

Do you prefer to have a quiet and relaxing shampoo? Or do you yap during the whole thing?

.

I do my best to read the room for the majority of my appointments but sometimes the best conversations happen at the shampoo bowl. Amirite??

What's not to love?

•

Extensions can give you fullness, volume, length, dimension, style versatility. The list goes on. 🫶🏻

#wisconsinhairextensions #invisiblebeadextensions #northwoodswi #ibemasterstylist #rhinelanderwisconsin

Extensions is the piece that I was missing from my puzzle.

For years I dreamt about how much of a confidence boost it would be having hair extensions and wondering if I would enjoy offering them as a service in the salon. Investing in myself was the best decision I could have made for myself and my business. Every day I'm excited to go to work because it doesn't feel like work and I'll be forever grateful to my clients for making my dreams come true. 🫶🏻

#invisiblebeadextensions #wisconsinhairextensions #rhinelanderhairextensions #rhinelanderhairstylist #rhinelanderwisconsin #ibemasterstylist

No matter the angle...it slays.

#invisiblebeadextensions #wisconsinhairextensions #rhinelanderhairextensions #askforibe #ibemasterstylist #rhinelanderwisconsin

Pros and cons of going from light --> dark.

Pros
- Your hair will look and feel shinier from the color or gloss
- Your hair will be a little healthier since applying a demi permanent color is gentler than using lightener.
-Usually this grows out a little softer since it doesn't create a permanent line of demarcation.
-You get the most beautiful dimension from the previous highlights.

Cons
- You will notice the color fading more than you would from having a highlight service.
- If you end up not liking the change it can be more of a process to get you back to blonde.
- You might feel like you have less volume and body because highlights swell the hair and give the illusion of fullness.

Question for you chronic blondes- have you ever tried doing darker? And if so, did you like it?!

Has your stylist given you a fun koozie?

And do they offer you fun beverages and snacks?

And do they always use warm towels for your entire service?

And do they give you a nice scalp massage with each shampoo?

And do they remember your kids and spouses name?

And do they remember your color formula each time?

And do they remember that surgery, or wedding or vacation you took since your last visit?

I do. 😏

Am I the right stylist for you?!

Excellent question. I believe that the relationship with your hair stylist goes way beyond whether or not they can "do good hair".

An appointment with me can last anywhere between 45 minutes and 5 hours so it should certainly be enjoyable!

I am the right fit for you if...

-You like to talk about kids, pets, food, drinks, country music or the latest Netflix series you're binging.

-You like your color to be low maintenance so it doesn't require you visiting the salon more than you want to.

-You like to wear extensions to give you the length or the volume you've always dreamed about.

-You drop a curse word every now and again or at least don't mind it when I do.😂💁‍♀️

In all reality, I LOVE what I do. I have gone through proms, graduations, weddings, babies, vacations, dream homes, dream jobs and retirements with my clients. And I've also gone through losses, break ups, divorces, relocations and addictions with my clients. So for anyone that thinks I "just do hair" or that she "just does hair" I implore you to think about the relationship you have with your stylist. How well do you know each other? What have you shared with them? My clients end up learning quite a bit about me and my life just as I learn about them. I love doing hair, and I think I do it quite well, but that isn't the only reason why I do it. I love meeting you. And learning about you. And growing with you.

TLDR: if all that doesn't resonate with you then I'm probably not the stylist for you. But if it does, then I am here. And I'll be here waiting for you when you're ready.

Low maintenance color and Invisible Bead Extensions is the dynamic duo that can solve the majority of your hair problems.

Wouldn't it be nice if you didn't have to visit the salon every 5-8 weeks to have your regrowth touched up? Or have to wash and curl your hair every day because otherwise it goes straight and flat?

What if I told you that it's absolutely possible to go 12-18+ weeks between needing your hair colored. And that you can get away with only washing your hair once or twice a week?

I used to be that girl. I would wash my hair every other day and then every morning I would curl AND tease my hair because I felt it looked terrible otherwise. Now I am able to go 16-24 weeks without needing my hair colored and I wash and curl my hair once or twice a week. Because of this I'm able to save so much time in the morning and my hair is the healthiest it has ever been!

I am so grateful that the beauty industry has evolved in such a way that you can have beautiful hair without the high maintenance upkeep schedule. Specializing in low maintenance color and IBE has opened up a whole new world for me and so many of my clients. If you haven't jumped on he bandwagon yet, what are you waiting for?

#ibemasterstylist #northwoodswi #rhinelanderhairextensions #askforibe #theoriginalflipup #invisiblebeadextensions #wisconsinhairextensions

Welcome to Nikki Prokopiak Hair!

.

I know how hard it can be to see a new stylist and my goal is to make that as comfortable as possible. I am located inside Babs + Co. Hair Studio downtown Rhinelander. When you come to this space, you'll love that it's cozy, comfortable, welcoming and bright! Nearby the salon you will find a coffee shop + cafe, a bar and grill, several boutiques and many other locally owned small businesses.

.

My booking site is available to you 24/7 which allows you to book your appointments at your convenience. Once you submit your appointment request, you will receive a digital consultation form sent to your email within 24 hours. This form allows me to gather a little information about you to be sure we have the correct services and time set aside for your appointment, as well as allows me to make sure I can give you the results you're looking for.

.

I pride myself on being open and honest with my skill set so that there are no surprises. I do my very best to stay on schedule and work efficiently so that your entire day isn't spent inside the salon.

.

My inbox is always open and consultations are always complimentary! When the time is right and you're ready to make a change, I'll be here waiting.

Scroll to the end to see the before -->

The shine. The cut. The curls. 🤤

Everyone, and I mean everyone, can benefit from getting a regular color. Whether that means its a clear glaze, a toner to enhance or neutralize your existing color, or an overall color change. For something like this I always use demi-permanent color. Demi-permanent color can be virtually maintenance free! There is no line of demarcation as it grows out, it enhances the hair, makes it shinier, smoother and softer.

Winter may be harsh, but your hair doesn’t have to suffer! Keep your locks shiny and healthy all season long with these tips:

• Hydrate with a deep conditioning mask
• Use a heat protectant before styling
• Avoid super hot showers (believe me, I LOVE a hot shower but they dry out your hair and your skin)
• Finish with a lightweight oil for extra shine

Your hair deserves some winter TLC! ❄️ What’s your go-to winter haircare tip? Drop it below!

If you would have asked me 10 years ago where I would be today, that answer would be wildly different than what my reality is now. I whole heartedly believe that everything happens for a reason and that I wouldn't be the person I am now if it wasn't for all the choices and mistakes I made leading up to this point.

•

I work in a space that inspires me every day and I get to do the services that truly light me up.

•

I spend my days with the most incredible women who are driven, talented, beautiful and kind.

•

Along with my husband, I get to raise my children in a small community that now feels like home. When I moved here 7 years ago I didn't know if Rhinelander would ever fill my cup the way my hometown did and I'm happy to say that it has.

•

In a season when the days are long and the years are short I'm going to do my best to make every moment count. So to all my clients- thank you for making my dreams a reality. ❤️

#rhinelanderwisconsin #northwoodswi #rhinelanderhairstylist #wisconsinhairextensions #invisiblebeadextensions

Are your extensions this seamless? Are they this invisible? Are they comfortable?

I waited a very long time to offer (and wear) extensions because I didn't think any of these things were possible. Insert Invisible Bead Extensions and everything has changed. I wouldn't dream of wearing or offering any other method.

Wearing extensions give me confidence. I can wear my hair up, down, curled, straight. I have more volume than I ever had before. I can wear a messy bun or a braid and it doesn't look sad anymore. Extensions can be for the every day woman. Gone are the days when only the very wealthy people can afford extensions or luxury services. That is exactly why I don't use the word "luxury" when I talk about my business or services that I offer. People wear extensions for so many reasons and I believe anyone can wear them, whether you live a luxurious lifestyle or not.

Consultations are always complementary so if you've been thinking about getting extensions the time is now! Message me to start your extension journey.

#invisiblebeadextensions #wisconsinextensions #rhinelanderwisconsin #rhinelanderwi #ibemasterstylist

Why am I always yapping about low maintenance color and how great it is?

Well, per usual, I forgot to take a before picture...but Liz here went 4 months since her last color appointment and it STILL looked great this long after. In a time and a world where everything is expensive and time is more important than ever, arguably more important than money, how great would it be to have your hair looking fabulous with minimal salon visits?

When you're ready to make the change I'm your girl.😘

"I love how seamless Invisible Bead Extensions look and I'm ready to make it happen! How do I book an appointment?" Don't worry, I'll walk you through every step of the way!

First and foremost, I am always available by text, email, phone and DM to answer any and all burning questions. I recommend to all my clients that they start by reviewing all the information listed on my website. There you will fine a list of FAQ's, home care maintenance guidelines and a pricing breakdown. On my website you will find a Hair Extension Digital Consultation form for you to fill out. That's step 1.

After I review the form, I'll get back to you withing 24 hours, usually less than 12 actually, and answer any questions you may have. Next we'll schedule your in person consultation. Once we meet in the salon we'll discuss colors, lengths, maintenance and any and all other questions you may have.

I am always accepting new extension clients and I can't wait to make all your hair dreams come true!

#ibemasterstylist #rhinelanderhairextensions #finehairextensions #askforibe #invisiblebeadextensions #wisconsinhairextensions #rhinelanderhairstylist #northwoodswi

-2 Rows.

-16 Inch Extensions.

-6 wefts total.

-4 hours (including trim and color of her natural hair)

And BAM. You have yourself a total hair makeover. This is proof that extensions can be affordable and maintainable! Fun fact- the thinner/finer your natural hair is, the less of an investment in hair extensions will be! When you have thin hair (like myself and my beautiful client here) the less hair you need to add to have perfect blend.

I have a complete pricing breakdown on my website available 24/7. I always recommend to all my clients to start there first but I'm always willing to answer any questions you may have!

#ibemasterstylist #northwoodswi #rhinelanderhairextensions #askforibe #wisconsinhairextensions #invisiblebeadextensions

Have you ever felt kind of bored as a brunette? Like you are stuck staying more or less one-dimensional and your only alternative is a full foil?

False! There are so many ways to add dimension that can spice up your gorgeous brown locks. Highlights don't have to be bright and blonde. And they don't have to cover your entire head.

Let's come up with a plan together to create something beautiful with a budget and maintenance schedule that works best for you!

Is Invisible Bead Extensions worth the investment?

.

In my humble opinion...yes, absolutely! There is no other extension method that prioritizes scalp health, hair health, comfortability and versatility like IBE.

.

Extensions will allow your natural hair to grow out because they are not damaging to the scalp or hair follicle. There are only 10-15 attachment points within an IBE row when compared with up to 100 with other methods. The absence of adhesives and bonds also allows your hair to safely support the extensions without being disturbed by adhesives or chemicals.

.

Most people end up washing their natural hair less, heat styling it less and coloring it less which gives your hair a real chance to grow!

#ibemasterstylist #wisconsinhairextensions #invisiblebeadextensions #askforibe #finehairextensions #rhinelanderhairextensions

Winter is HERE in Wisconsin and that means so is the dry skin and hair.

These 3 things are a must when it comes to protecting your hair and keeping it in the best condition as possible.

Bonus tips: Add on a deep conditioning treatment the next time you're in the salon. Most in salon treatments are going to be more concentrated which gives you better and longer lasting results. You can also swap out your daily conditioner with a mask for extra hydration at home!

Is there anything you struggle with when it comes to your hair? Dry scalp? Dull looking hair? Let me know in the comments! I'm happy to help solve problems!

.pro-gallery-wix-wrapper {display: block !important;} .pro-gallery-wix-wrapper .gallery-item-container {opacity: 1 !important; display: block !important;}

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 Invisible Bead Extensions you can have it all!"

​