Francis Maestri loves his work and he loves Donegal.

Originally from Glasgow, Francis is of Italian extraction and trained as a hairdresser with some renowned salons such as Michael Lyeon, Michael Doyle and House of Fraser.

Francis is established in Termon and has clients from all over Donegal and Northern Ireland who come to experience the treatment at his salon which not only involves looking good, but feeling good too.

"We wanted to create an environment where people feel very comfortable and welcomed. In that way they can enjoy a good experience and a bit of time out," he explains.

The journey to Donegal took Francis first to Dublin and then later to Kilmacrennan, not an obvious place for an award-winning stylist to set up a hair salon.

In 1995 he decided that he wanted to come to Ireland.

"It was perceived as the hotbed of creativity and the Celtic Tiger had just begun. I regularly visited and I liked the energy in the place. Donegal is such a wonderful place and of course that's largely to down to the people," he says.

He moved to Dublin in 1998 and was a top stylist for Peter Marks at their flagship salon and his clients there included many dignitaries and well known media personalities. After three years in Dublin, Frankie decided he wanted to set up his own salon and get out of a big city environment. And so he travelled to Donegal and put down roots.

"I suppose Dublin started to lose some of the charm due to its success. Donegal had always had a pull for me and I really wanted to set up my own salon and develop my own ideas. I had a clear vision of a creative but not intimidating environment where people didn't feel like they were on a conveyor belt. So at the time it was a huge risk but I am so glad I did it," he says.

Francis' approach is one which focuses on the person, " I've never been a victim of fashion. I like to offer suggestions which suit the person and what they are comfortable with. There is too much attention given to hairstyles which come and go, naturally these suit some people, but not all."

He continues: "I have always maintained that it is more important to treat people as individuals, not as clothes hangers, everyone has their own style, it is important to be aware of that."

The salon is very welcoming and relaxing with original artwork on the walls by Gary Rowley.

"I don't want our clients to feel that they are bombarded with images of how they should look," he says. Francis' flair for hair styling also extends to the décor in the salon and surroundings, there is very much a soft ambience.

Francis Maestri Hairdressing is located in Termon you can call on 0749139976.