Donegal student secures full‑time salon job after beauty therapy diploma

Clara Bonner, an 18‑year‑old from Dungloe, completed a Diploma for Beauty Specialists at Donegal College of Further Education and Training in June 2026 and was employed full‑time at a local salon weeks later.

The 36‑week full‑time course, taught by industry leaders Mary Ferry and Breda Boyd, was delivered in Gweedore, about 20 minutes from Dungloe. It covered skin and eye treatments, waxing, manicures, pedicures, professional conduct, makeup, holistic massage and gel nails, with additional modules in BIAB, eyelash and brow lamination and advanced makeup.

Students received a kit with all necessary tools and a travel allowance for commuting to the centre. Practical learning involved working on classmates, while theory was reinforced through daily revision tests.

Bonner completed her work placement at Skin Buff in Ardara, gaining experience in client care. She was subsequently hired by the Stairway to Beauty salon in Dungloe, where she now offers a range of treatments including waxing and tinting.

Having earned three globally recognised ITEC qualifications, Bonner plans to begin a hairdressing course in Letterkenny in October, aiming to combine hair and beauty skills.

Source: Donegal Daily. Photo: Max Vakhtbovych / Pexels.