Our stylist community is our family. Each Stylist Spotlight, we love sharing with you these brothers and sisters who not only support Virtue®, but also help share our vision that everyone deserves to have truly healthy hair. They inform and enlighten us, and in turn, we continue to deliver the most revolutionary hair care they could ask for. What we’re trying to say is, we couldn’t do it without them.

Lindsay Rihtarchik of Salon U in Lake Orion, MI, always had an interest in the beauty industry, partly thanks to her grandfather, a great influence and hairstylist for 56 years. After two years of training to become a stylist, she took an apprenticeship with Lisa, owner of Salon U, where she’d been a client––and continues her career there today. Here she shares why education is key, her evolving career goals, and how running helps her put her best foot forward.

Q: What’s your favorite memory from your journey? When did it feel like you caught your “big break?”
One of my favorite memories is when my boss, Lisa, came back from a Vidal Sassoon cutting class and taught me what she learned. She went through her notes about the techniques and all the lightbulbs went off; everything just came together. It was like Christmas. I’m still searching for my big break.

Q: Is there anyone in the industry or beyond, that you really admire, or someone who inspired you in your career?
My grandfather still is a great influence on my journey; he was always able to provide advice and encouragement. Now that he’s no longer with us, I try to keep him in the back of my mind and use his insights to learn and grow. I also have to give Lisa a big shout out, because if she didn’t take a chance on me and teach me, I wouldn’t have the career I do today. I’m very thankful for her.

Q: How do you define a “success” after a client leaves your salon?
Communication is key, so it’s important that you’re both on the same page, understand where your inspiration is, and where your end goal should be. I gauge their initial reaction when I turn their chair around at the end of their visit. Touching their hair and looking at themselves in the mirror says so much more than they can verbalize.

Q: What’s your favorite way to unwind after work?
Running. I started running more seriously the last couple years. Recently I’ve upped my game. This year I started training for a 50-miler and the Chicago marathon. Virtue® actually gave me products to raffle off for it, which raised so much money for the Ronald McDonald House. The Chicago Marathon was cancelled, but I’m still going to run the 26.2 around my hometown. I asked people to donate to a good cause, and I can’t ask that without doing my part. It helps me stay positive and put my best foot forward in my career as a stylist, as well as in my personal life.

Q: How do you like to stay up to date on the latest trends, techniques, and styles?
I love education; this industry is constantly changing. I try to take as many classes and go to as many shows as I can. I also look to my colleagues. Instagram and social media are huge, but I’ve always said there’s no such thing as too much education.

Q: What’s a trend that you hope comes back? Never goes out of style?
I feel like they’re all coming back. A client recently asked if a bob is still in, and I was like “bobs will always be in.” What I hope never goes out of style: balayage. There’s so much you can do with it.

Q: What was the worst haircut you ever had?
The good ol’ chemical cut. It was actually just a couple years ago. That was the only haircut that I’ve ever cried over.

Q: What was the first hairstyle or technique that you mastered? The hardest?
First: A graduated bob. Lisa was very strict with me in the beginning about sectioning and angles. The hardest: men’s haircuts. Probably still true to this day.

Q: What’s your personal hair routine? Your favorite part of your hair routine?
It depends on what mood I’m in. Normally I use Recovery Shampoo and Conditioner at least every other day (which is hard because of running). About once or twice a week, I use Purifying Shampoo to help clean and revive my color. It helps keep it fresh. About once a week, I use the Restorative Treatment Mask. When I get out of the shower, I use the Leave-In Conditioner and Volumizing Primer. Then 6-in-1 Styler and Healing Oil. If I’m leaving my hair straight, I use Texturizing Spray; if I wear it curly, I finish with the Shaping Spray. I love the oomf and soft hold that these products give. After all the products are in your hair, it looks healthy, shiny, and smooth. I feel fabulous, like I could conquer the world. It makes a big difference when you feel good about your hair.

Q: What other things are you passionate about that aren’t hair related?
Running and working out. Trying to stay healthy and for mental health. Also, family, of course.