Ahead Of The Rest, Hairdressers Enjoy Futures Set In Growth Industry

Michael Franco doesn't fit the traditional mould of a hairdressing apprentice. Not only is he a man in a trade that still comprises about 80 per cent women, he's got a few years on the school leavers who usually choose hairdressing as their career. The 35-year-old is in the fourth year of his apprenticeship at Head Over Heels salon in Newtown, after giving the flick to his previous career as a jewellery importer. ``I decided I wanted to do something creative," Mr Franco said. ``I just had to try it.