OCCUPATION: HAIRSTYLIST

Name: Michele Lassak

Company: Europa International Salon and Spa

Thumbs up: “It’s very exciting, very creative and very social. The money is great. I love the freedom to wear really fun, far out clothes to work.”

Thumbs down: “Sometimes the people. You can have great clients and really difficult clients that can ruin your day.”

Next step: “Maybe becoming a salon owner. There’s also platform work, where you get to travel, teach, lecture or do hair shows.”

Salary range: Weekly salary ranges from $175 to more than $3,000; most stylists are paid on a commission basis, usually 40% to 60% of gross receipts. Many hairstylists rent space in salons, keeping all the profits.

Fringe benefits: Most hairstylists are independent contractors or part-time employees and do not receive benefits; however, a few employers pay for medical and dental insurance. The California Cosmetologists Assn. Inc. also offers insurance.

Educational and training requirements: At least 16 years of age to attend a private beauty school or community college program. Trainees must have 1,600 hours of cosmetology instruction and be at least age 17 to take the State Board Examination for their license.

Size of work force: In Orange County, there are about 3,100 hairstylists.

Expected demand: There is a slight increase in demand for hairstylists anticipated in the next decade.

For more information: Call the California Cosmetologists Assn. Inc. at (714) 642-3457 or contact a local beauty college or community college with a cosmetology program.

Source: State Employment Development Department.