New salon owner's dream comes true

Inga Scharnhorst recently purchased The Beauty Bar Salon in Trout Creek. "It's a dream come true," the salon owner said recently.

Scharnhorst is originally from the Troy area, but went to cosmetology school in Utah. She said she knew what she wanted to do but wanted to go out of state for training. She chose Utah because their cosmetology license required the same number of hours as Montana, 2,000. She noted that some states require fewer hours, which makes transferring a license more difficult.

Scharnhorst provides hair services, pedicures and manicures, waxing and Gelish, a gel nail polish that lasts longer than a normal manicure.

With the purchase of The Beauty Bar, Scharnhorst has added other services, including massage, manicures, pedicures, a tanning bed and eyelash extensions. She said she's excited to offer a variety of services so residents can have options locally, instead of having to drive to larger cities.

"There's nothing we don't do here," Scharnhorst said. She also stated that the salon now accepts walk-in appointments, and they have some products for sale. She said they get feedback from customers on what they would like to see for products and services.

Alma Casanova is also a licensed cosmetologist and can provide hair cuts and colors, as well as providing the salon's eyelash extension service. Casanova said she has been busy with lash extensions. As with hair extensions, synthetic lashes are weaved into a client's lashes to provide a longer, fuller look. Casanova said that clients come back for fills every few weeks, similar to the maintenance one would have with acrylic nails.

Casanova has been doing lashes for about three years, she said. "I think it's cool to introduce lash extensions to people here."

Jesse Behmerwold provides nail services at the salon, and Megan Stevens provides massage services. Stevens is available by appointment at the salon on Mondays, and said she can go to a client's home for massage. She does relaxation and neuromuscular therapy massage.

The Beauty Bar is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays. For information, call The Beauty Bar at (406) 827-3982. To make a massage appointment with Stevens, call (406) 242-0187 or (406) 827-1738.