If you're thinking of hairdressing as a career, then you should select your training carefully. Aidan Fitzgerald says it is essential to go to the salon and make sure they offer a structured training programme. Otherwise you can be used as a source of cheap labour.

Most salons offer a three- or four-year programme. For instance, Peter Mark, which takes on about 150 trainees every year, has a three-year programme with an emphasis on business training.

Fitzgerald suggests would-be hairdressers should stay in school and complete their Leaving Certificate before they begin their training. "There is a more discerning clientele now. They want a more polished service. Hairdressers need flair, they also need to be educated," he explains.

As to the hours, it is not a nine-to-five job, says Fitzgerald; the guidelines are for 39 hours a week but, in practice, most hairdressers are paid commission and they work longer hours. "If you enjoy the job, the extra hours don't make a difference," he says. There has to be a level of aspiration of you want to reach the top.