CLYDEBANK hairdressers have shared their “heartbreaking” stories about the impact of the coronavirus lockdown but insisted they will “come out of it stronger”.

The Post spoke with Stacy McDonald – who runs Stacy Lou and the Beauty Spot on Dumbarton Road – and Tracy Mack – who runs Mack Hair Lounge, also on Dumbarton Road.

The lockdown has been difficult for their businesses, but personal circumstances have also played a role.

“The closure of my salon was upsetting,” Tracy tells the Post, “I had closed earlier than most in my area as one of my twin boys has a lung condition. He’s eight years old.

“I’ve seen him with pneumonia many times and in ICU and it’s not a sight that I want to see again.

“When this pandemic hit, it brought all the trauma of the past back to me. He’s currently on long term antibiotics and other medications to keep him well, so this is a risk that I could not take.

“My husband is also a local taxi driver and he’s also in a high-risk category, so it was a double hit for our household.”

Stacy added: “It’s absolutely devastating having to close the salon. We have a lot of staff that are employed and self-employed and it’s heartbreaking having to tell them that we have to close not knowing when we will be back open.

“This has had a huge impact on my business partner Tracy, who owns the Beauty Spot. She has been battling breast cancer and has not been able to work for a year.

Read more: Clydebank Women's Aid see 'sharp rise' in victims seeking help since new law

“She was recently told that she is in remission after her treatment and was finally ready to return to work and now this has happened. It has affected everyone in the salon. Our head stylist was due to get married in three weeks but has had to rearrange the wedding.

“But, we are all a family and will come out of this stronger.”

Small businesses are set to be some of the worst to be impacted by the Covid-19 outbreak, with the UK Government having to set up a Small Business Grant, allowing small companies and start-ups to be able to claim a ten grand grant.

“I think the government are doing as well as they can do in this unique situation,” Stacy added. “They are looking after the employed by paying 80 per cent of their wages and also looking after the self employed but we understand that this can take a long time to process.”

Tracy agreed: “The small business grant will help a lot of businesses survive, but the time frame of it being paid is going to make it difficult.”

And with the UK Government social distancing restrictions now here to stay for the foreseeable future, many will be worried about when their next haircut will come along.

Stacy and Tracy have some tips for those looking to look after their hair from home.

Tracy said: “If your roots are growing try hair accessories such as a hairband, part your hair a different way or you can buy temporary root spray that sprays in and washes out.

“But if you’re at home, no-one will see you except your household so rock those roots. It’s about getting through this together so no-one should be judging your roots.”

Stacy added: “Once this is over and we have all returned to work, we will be dedicating a day for NHS workers to have their hair cut and coloured as a thank you for going above and beyond for everyone.”

Tracy said: “I’ve had a lot of clients in the coming weeks from weddings to first holy communions to proms, and this was heartbreaking to see them all having to cancel their big days they had planned for such a long time.

“I will do everything in my power to rearrange them to their new dates, free of charge.”