
Beauty Launchpad is spotlighting the winners of its Top 20 Salons contest for 2025! Sponsored by Wella Professionals, this contest spotlights innovative and unique salons that go above and beyond to provide stellar experiences for their clients and opportunities for growth for their hair pros.
Here, Brianna Loewen welcomes us to Prairie Salon & Extension Bar in Bismarck, ND, established in January 2017.
Q&A with Salon Owner
Beauty Launchpad (BLP): What is the backstory of your salon? What motivated you to start your business?
Brianna Loewen holding hair extensions in her salon.Courtesy of Prairie Salon and Extension Bar
BLP: What is the overall aesthetic of your salon? What inspired you when designing the space?
BL: Boho Western is the vibe I go for. I want guests to walk in and feel comfortable, like they are visiting a friend to relax and hang out. I have a cow hide on my wall, which is the focal point for many people when they first come in my suite or it’s the first thing they bring up when they find me on social media.
BLP: What services do you provide your clients? Are any of these services signature and/or exclusive to your salon?
BL: I specialize in lived-in colors and sew-in extensions. I also offer extension classes to stylists.
BLP: What products are used/retailed in your salon? Do you have a personal favorite?
BL: I use Surface Hair Health in my suite. My go-to products are anything in the Bassu line, especially the masque and moisture mist.
BLP: What makes your salon unique and stand out?
BL: The cow hide on the wall is the main attraction!
BLP: What takeaway do you hope clients have after a visit at your salon?
BL: I want everyone to feel relaxed and taken care of, like they are here to hang out. I have a fridge filled with drinks and snacks available for my guests, as well as music playing. Brianna applying hair extensions to a client in her salon.Courtesy of Prairie Salon and Extension Bar
BLP: What piece of advice would you give to a new salon owner?
BL: Keep going, and keep praying. The hard days can really drag us down in this industry. but keep remembering your "why" and all the good moments you get with your guests. Focus on those days, and it will get better. Set goals for different areas of your career each year, and do what you can to achieve them.
BLP: What changes do you want to see in the industry to help salon owners and hairstylists grow and thrive?
BL: I want to see stylists coming together and encouraging each other — not tearing each other down and seeing everyone as competition.
BLP: What’s next for your salon? Do you have any goals for 2025?
BL: My goal for this coming year is to book more classes to educate fellow stylists in different regions of North Dakota, as well as surrounding states. I also want to add a handful more extension guests to my books.
Follow the Salon
Instagram: @prairiesalonandextensionbar