"At Rossano's, our mantra is ‘We care, we appreciate all our customers’”

Since opening Rossano’s hair salon in Ballyshannon in 1999, Rossa Danagher has built a loyal customer base, with people travelling not only from Donegal but from neighbouring counties of Fermanagh, Tyrone and Leitrim.

A proud Ballyshannon man, Rossa believes that operating in rural Ireland is no impediment to being at the cutting edge of the fashion industry.

“There is a uniqueness to Donegal people, always into fashion, and we have a bespoke taste,” he says. “We definitely have our own identity. I don’t think Donegal people are always influenced by what is trending.”

On the subject of trending, Rossa has seen a huge change in how people are influenced by the fashion industry.

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He says: “When you go back a few years it was magazines. Now everything is instant.

“I wouldn’t have a negative view of TikTok or YouTube, but what can happen is that young people can be listening to everyone on these platforms, often people who are not qualified.

“My advice is, follow people who are in the industry. There are some really good people out there.”

Rossano’s uses a suite of social media platforms, and has built up a good following. However, the advice that the salon’s stylists give directly to customers counts above all else.

“Anyone who comes in and sits in the chair, we give them a hair plan, so you are giving them professional advice on home care, how to maintain it,” says Rossa.

“Affordability is a big factor nowadays, so we also do price plans for people, as in how to maintain this look but without having to be out of pocket.”

When asked if there are any trends that he is glad to see the back of, Rossa replies, ‘Yes!’ but he moves on - somewhat diplomatically - without elaborating, focusing instead on positive changes.

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“Right now there is a huge emphasis on cutting again,” he says. “It is good to see the focus on the skill sets. We do in-house salon education and we send our team to courses in London and Dublin, and the skill set is very important.”

Staying sharp and up-to-date in terms of skills is vital to a hairdressing business, but Rossa understands that what really makes a salon stand out is the way in which it looks after its customers.

He says: “It is all about the experience. We pride ourselves on looking after our clients.

“We are a destination salon because we do quality work. And we listen to clients - it feels like I am an involuntary psychologist at times!

“At Rossano’s, our mantra is ‘we care, we appreciate all our customers.’

“And our staff are like family. We pride ourselves on having a long serving team because we are a work family. Rossano’s isn’t just me, it is everyone who is involved in the salon.”

This was echoed by one of Rossa’s many loyal and happy customers who said: “Every time I come in here I do feel like it is coming home to family. And you do feel like you are getting a therapy session!

“Every time I walk out that door, I feel lighter.”

Rossanos.ie

This feature appeared in the April May edition of Donegal Life magazine. The current issue is in shops now, packed with a fantastic selection of local interviews, travel, food and drink, entertainment and more.