From resilience to reinvention, Brianna Lakin’s journey is anything but ordinary. Born in Seattle, Brianna entered cosmetology out of necessity, not ambition. Living on her own during her senior year forced her to grow up quickly. What began as survival soon evolved into purpose. After training at the renowned Gene Juarez Salons & Spas, she specialized in color and chemical services, rising through the ranks as an educator and color council member over an eight year tenure.

But Brianna isn’t built to stay in boxes.

“I believe I have a need to lean into discomfort,” she shares, a mindset that has defined her career. From experiencing homelessness early on to navigating personal loss and a mental health reset, she chose growth every time. Competitive bodybuilding sharpened her discipline and stripped away the need for outside validation, pushing her to rebuild her business with clarity and conviction.

She left Seattle behind and moved to Las Vegas, knowing only one person, starting completely from scratch. Today, with 14 years in color and six in extensions, Brianna is certified in IBE, mixed methodologies, Luna, topper systems, mesh integration, and advanced k-tips. She has worked alongside L’Oréal, Goldwell, and traveled to New York Fashion Week with Bumble and Bumble, yet her greatest strength isn’t technical. It’s human.

“We literally touch people,” she says. “The second that physical barrier is broken, they have to let their guard down, so why shouldn’t we?”

Now rebranding in Las Vegas with a focus on luxury extensions, Brianna is building more than a clientele. She’s building community-a safe, inclusive space where women feel seen, accepted, and beautifully themselves.

Brianna Lakin on Grit, Hair Extensions & What No One Tells You About Hair Loss

Watch Brianna Lakin on The Beauty Vault Podcast

April 20th on YouTube | Spotify | Apple Podcasts

Insight

With Marie Matteucci

You’ve rebuilt your career more than once, from leaving a long term commission salon to moving to Las Vegas knowing almost no one. What did starting from scratch teach you about yourself as both a woman and a business owner?

Rebuilding my career from scratch taught me how to step outside of comfort and truly bet on myself. Letting go of familiarity and financial security—especially being self-employed—was one of the biggest challenges, but it forced me to become more resourceful in my marketing and define my brand and identity. I had to be my own biggest believer, because if I didn’t trust myself, neither would my future clients. I’ve learned that I thrive in the uncomfortable, and that’s where real growth happens—both personally and in business.

Briana starting a new chapter in Las Vegas.

After mastering both color and advanced extension techniques, what inspired your shift toward luxury extensions and how are you redefining your brand in the Las Vegas market?

I’ve always been passionate about both color and extensions, but as I’ve grown and continued my education, I’ve really fallen in love with the artistry and precision behind a great extension install. There are so many details that go into creating a look that’s not only beautiful but sustainable for the client and that level of intention is what sets true artistry apart. In a saturated market, I believe passion and attention to detail are what truly differentiate you and clients can feel that. Extensions are also a deeply personal service; hair is closely tied to identity and confidence, and being able to give women that sense of empowerment is what drives me. Seeing a client light up after an install makes every detail and moment worth it.

Brianna’s Work Transformation

Community and connection are a big part of your vision. How are you starting to build that in your work today and what does that look like in practice?

Community and connection are something I'm intentionally building through the way I work every day. That starts with creating an experience where clients feel comfortable, heard and genuinely taken care of, as trust is such a big factor in this industry. I’m also focused on connecting with like-minded artists, building relationships and surrounding myself with people who value growth and support over competition. Through my work and social media, I’m starting to bring those people together and create a more positive, connected environment, with the long-term goal of eventually opening a space that reflects that vision.

“Hair is deeply tied to identity and confidence; giving someone that sense of empowerment is everything.

Brianna Lakin

14 Years of Experience

Hair Specialist

Silq Collective | Davines

Las Vegas, NV

Hair Extensions, Cut + Color

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Built in the Fire: Brianna Lakin’s Bold Reinvention in Las Vegas

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