The owner of a Helensburgh beauty salon has thanked its customers for their support after the business reached the finals of two nationwide award ceremonies.

Lynsey Robertson says the shortlistings for LaRouge are the perfect tonic - after she was nearly forced to close the business because of the impact of Covid.

The West Clyde Street businesshas been nominated for the ‘best beauty salon’ prize at the UK Hair and Beauty Awards.

Lynsey herself has been shortlisted in the ‘semi permanent make up artist’ category.

And at the British Hair and Beauty Awards, Lynsey will be up for the prize of ‘microblading expert of the year’.

Lynsey says she’s delighted to see the salon’s work recognised after a difficult two years of temporary closures due to Covid restrictions.

Lynsey said: “Hopefully this will boost us a wee bit because it’s been really hard during the pandemic.

“We were basically on the verge of giving up and closing down, but things are looking up a wee bit with the better weather and, hopefully, a wee bit more custom.

“It has been dreadful at times.”

The salon had to submit a portfolio of its work in its bid for the UK Hair and Beauty Awards.

The nominations are partly based on customer reviews and can include visits by mystery shoppers.

The British Hair and Beauty Awards finalists are selected based on factors such as the opinions of clients and the social media of salons.

Lynsey added: “Thank you to our customers for keeping us going and for always supporting us.

“It’s been really hard for them as well, but all our clients have come back and continue to come every week.

“We wouldn’t be here without them.”

The UK Hair and Beauty Awards will take place this Saturday, March 26.

Due to Covid, there will be no in-person event this year.

Instead, industry members from across the country will tune in to a virtual event where the top three in each category will be announced.

The staff at LaRouge will watch the ceremony together, whilst also celebrating another occasion.

Lynsey said: “The last one we were nominated in was the Scottish Hair and Beauty Awards.

“We made it into the final and they only accept seven for each category, so that was a big fancy ball up in Glasgow.

“But unfortunately they’re not doing anything like that at the moment.

“We’re actually having a wee gathering after work on Saturday anyway because it’s my third year having the salon, so we’ll be having a wee birthday party at the same time.”

A date is still to be set for the British Hair and Beauty Awards ceremony, which is also set to be held as an online event.