If Virtue® had a home away from home, it would be at our partner salons. In each Salon Spotlight, we love sharing with you the spaces of creativity across the country that echo our belief that everyone deserves to have truly healthy hair. If we could bottle the feeling we get when leaving our favorite salons, we would. These spaces are our respites, and their stylists are our cheerleaders. 

Lindsey Norton comes from a family of artists in all disciplines. So it’s no surprise that the Grand Rapids, Michigan, native opened Bang Blow Dry Bar and Salon in her hometown because she wanted to create a haven of like-minded artists. “I wanted to do fashion shows and create a place for people who maybe weren’t given the opportunity to be creative,” she says. Here she talks about the transformative power of a good blowout, staying up to date on trends, and her key to a long, happy career in the industry.

Q: What insights do you have for the pro community regarding re-openings/navigating the new normal?

One of the biggest things that I’ve learned––and that I try to incorporate into my business––is making sure that we’re considering everyone’s feelings. We can’t assume that other people feel the way we do. Our mask mandate has been lifted so that if you’re vaccinated, you don’t have to wear a mask. If the client is more comfortable with us wearing a mask, we wear it; if they’re comfortable with us not wearing a mask, we won’t. We want to do whatever will make them feel most comfortable. 

Q: What’s your favorite memory from your journey? When did it feel like you caught your “big break?”

If you feel that you’ve arrived, you may stop growing. But there are a few moments where I felt like, “Wow, I’ve done this,” like the five or six fashion shows and presentations I’ve done in Europe and London. That was such an inspiration. It motivated me to open my own salon. 

Also, here in town we have Laughfest, a huge fundraiser for Gilda’s Club, which raises money for cancer. I’m the headlining makeup and hair artist, so I’ve done hair for Betty White, Martin Short, Kevin Nealon, and more. It’s cool to do the hair, makeup, and wigs for these people I’ve watched on SNL. It’s amazing to be a part of something this big, and to feel that people trust me to do their hair and makeup for something this important.

Q: How do you define a “success” after a client leaves your salon?

When they tell you that you changed their day––we did more than just give them a haircut or a blowout. If they come in in a funk and leave feeling good or better about themselves and ready to take on the day. To me, success is making people feel good from the inside out.

Q: What’s your favorite way to unwind after work?

When it gets nicer out, going for a walk or bike ride with my family, or going out to eat. Just being home with my family after work has been really nice. Since Covid, we’ve created some special spaces around our house and outside. 

Q: How do you like to stay up to date on the latest trends, techniques, and styles?

I do a lot of research on Pinterest, Instagram, and YouTube. I love taking classes, seeing what’s new, and talking to other people to see what they’re doing and where they’re getting their information. I’m always trying new or different techniques to potentially create something that’s our own. 

Q: What’s a trend that you hope comes back? Never goes out of style?

Comes back: A bob. It turned into a lob and all these other things. I love a bob or a pixie. Also, wearing your hair natural, especially since Covid. 

Never goes: A good blowout. I created my business perfecting our signature blowout, which is now our claim to fame. It's transformative without any color or treatment, and in just 45 minutes.

Q: What was the worst haircut you ever had?

My mom used to cut my hair, and it was really curly, so her haircuts were always a little traumatizing for me. (Think: bangs or having one side of my hair longer than the other.) I basically always wore my hair in a ponytail. 

Q: What was the first hairstyle or technique that you mastered? The hardest?

First: Blowout on all hair types. It was something that I really wanted to master so that I could see any person who walked in the door, no matter what type of hair they have.

Hardest: A bob. It’s so precise and there is a proper way to do it.

Q: What’s your personal hair routine? Your favorite part of your hair routine?

Right now I’m using Virtue® Curl Shampoo and Conditioner; I’ve been loving it because I really want my hair curly for the summer. It’s been fun to not need to put a million products in my hair, and instead just use the shampoo, conditioner, mousse, and a little Healing Oil. I love seeing how curly my hair can be.

Q: What other things are you passionate about that aren’t hair related?

I love interior design, fashion, and theater. If I wasn’t doing hair, I would be on stage. 

Q: What’s your favorite guilty pleasure to indulge?  

Watching the Kardashians. 

Q: How do you manage work-life balance?

I love exercise, yoga, turning off the internet, and spending time with my family outside. I think that’s the key to being in this industry long term. You have to know how to take care of yourself or you won’t be able to take care of anyone else.

Q: What’s next for your career?

I’m excited to see where things go. Since Covid, I’m looking forward to connecting with people and stepping up our guest service: Giving more than good hair and making people feel even better. I want to create a space where people feel great coming in and creating long-term relationships with people. I would also love to mentor and coach young stylists and business owners. 

Q: Why Virtue®? 

It’s a woman-owned business, it’s made in the U.S., designed by scientists, and it’s different from any product that I’ve ever used. The keratin is specific to hair’s needs and the product smells amazing. I wanted something that was going to help my clients’ hair for the better, something with scientifically proven results. Different people need different things, and I love that each product is unique to a hair type and actually produces results. It’s changed my hair, too. Results are instant. 

Q: What’s your favorite Virtue product?

I love all of them, but I would have to say Healing Oil. It fits in my purse, I’m seeing results in my own hair, and it also helps with repairing and elasticity. I have no breakage.