The Best Salon Software of 2025

Simply put, the right salon software for both hair and beauty salons is a game-changer, streamlining your daily operations so you can focus on what matters most: keeping your chairs full, delighting clients, empowering your team, and driving consistent revenue growth. But with countless options available, how do you determine the best fit for your business?

Here’s a guide to the most critical factors to consider when selecting the best salon management software, from essential features to overarching business needs.

What is Salon Software?

Salon software is a digital solution designed to help salon owners and stylists manage their business operations more efficiently. This comprehensive tool streamlines various aspects of salon management, including appointment scheduling, client management, inventory management, and marketing.

By automating routine tasks and reducing manual errors, salon software enables salon owners to focus on delivering exceptional services and enhancing customer satisfaction.

Types of Salon Software

There are various types of salon software available, each catering to different business needs. These include:

• Cloud-Based Salon Software: Accessible from any device with an internet connection, offering flexibility and real-time updates.

• On-Premise Salon Software: Installed locally on your salon’s computers, providing control over data and customization.

• Mobile Apps for Salons: Allowing salon owners and stylists to manage appointments, client information, and more on the go.

Each type of salon software has its unique features and benefits, allowing salon owners to choose the one that best suits their business needs.

Benefits for Salon Owners and Stylists 

Salon and spa software is a comprehensive management tool designed to streamline day-to-day operations and enhance your salon’s efficiency as soon as you open your doors.

Key advantages include:

• Improved Appointment Scheduling and Management

• Enhanced Client Communication and Retention

• Streamlined Inventory Management and Ordering

• Increased Revenue Through Online Booking and Marketing Tools

• Better Time Management and Reduced Administrative Tasks

• Improved Customer Satisfaction and Loyalty

What that all means is that you should think of your salon software as your new best friend and full-time collaborator. It will help you and your team deliver exceptional client experiences, boost retention and revenue opportunities and optimize daily business efficiency.

Key Features & Considerations

Choosing the right salon software ensures smooth operations, delighted clients, and efficient resource management. Prioritize these key features to elevate your business: 

Online Booking

Online booking is a staple of salon scheduling software. Today’s clients expect the ability to book appointments whenever and wherever it suits them. Your software should provide:

• Website & App Integration: Let clients schedule services directly from your salon’s website or a mobile app, offering a seamless and professional experience.

• Marketplace Listing Options: Expand your reach by integrating with platforms like Vagaro Marketplace, where new clients can discover your salon.

• Reduced Phone Tag: Eliminate the back-and-forth of manual booking, freeing up time for both your staff and your clients.

An online salon booking system can enhance appointment management across multiple locations with features like automated waitlist management, personalized marketing campaigns, and advanced analytics, maximizing appointment bookings and operational efficiency.

A mobile app also plays a crucial role in client management by facilitating appointment booking, managing schedules, and enhancing customer engagement.

Calendar Integration

A robust calendar system is essential for scheduling and managing appointments effectively. Your salon appointment scheduling software should: 

• Sync Appointments Automatically: Keep all team calendars updated in real-time to prevent double bookings. 

• Optimize Resource Use: Ensure that equipment, stations, and staff are efficiently allocated for each service. 

• Simplify Scheduling: Offer drag-and-drop functionality for effortless adjustments to bookings or availability. 

 Automated Reminders

Missed appointments are a common issue for salon owners, but automated reminders can boost client accountability and reduce no-shows. A reminders feature should enable you to: 

• Send both email & SMS text notifications 

• Personalize reminder content and timing 

• Include rescheduling or cancellation links  

Efficient Inventory Management

Salon software often includes tools for customer management and inventory management, enabling you to track product stock levels, set up automated reorder points, and manage retail sales. These features ensure you never run out of essential supplies while helping you optimize inventory to reduce waste and improve profitability.

Client Management Tools 

Delivering exceptional service starts with understanding your clients’ unique preferences and needs. The following features enable you to track and leverage this information not only to make clients feel valued but also to foster loyalty.

Client Profiles

Client profiles are the cornerstone of personalized service and give you a 360-degree view of each client. They store detailed, organized information, including: 

• Basic Contact Information 

• Payment History & Preferences 

• Appointment History & Patterns 

• Service & Product Preferences 

• Booking Tendencies (When & How) 

• Spending Habits 

• Digital Liability & Consent Forms 

• Special Notes & Personal Details 

Having all this information accessible directly from your digital calendar simplifies preparation and ensures every client interaction feels intentional and well-informed. 

Two-Way Client Communication

Modern platforms should support real-time, two-way communication via SMS or other messaging channels. Here's why it’s essential: 

• Appointment Management: Send confirmations, reminders, and follow-ups automatically to minimize no-shows and rescheduling hassles. 

• Real-Time Messaging: Engage clients instantly to answer questions, confirm details, or offer personalized promotions, strengthening the client relationship. 

• Enhanced Privacy: Eliminate the need to use your personal number for work, maintaining privacy and supporting work-life balance. 

• Internal Coordination: Internal team chats keep employees aligned and ensure consistent service, avoiding potential missteps. 

These tools not only make day-to-day tasks more efficient but also enhance the overall client experience, ultimately driving loyalty and repeat business. 

Point-of-Sale (POS) 

Your management software should handle diverse payment preferences seamlessly, from cash and credit/debit cards to mobile payment apps, ensuring convenience for every client. 

Key payment processing features include: 

• Product Sales Enablement: Integrated inventory tracking lets you track stock levels, automatically triggers reorders, and makes managing retail products easier. 

• Gift Card Management: Offering and redeeming gift cards drives revenue, attracts new clients, and encourages repeat visits. 

• Integrated POS System: A robust and flexible point-of-sale (POS) system allows for secure payment processing, enables you to take deposits, tracks sales, manages inventory, and generates invoices for both services and retail products. 

• Online Shopping Cart: Expand your revenue streams by enabling 24/7 payments with an online shopping cart. Let your business work for you even while you sleep! 

These tools streamline your payment processes and maximize daily profitability. 

Employee Management Tools

A thriving salon relies on happy, productive employees.

Employee management tools are a crucial feature of salon software, enabling salon owners to manage their staff more efficiently and effectively. These tools typically include:

Key features to look for: 

Schedule Management

A user-friendly scheduling system ensures that both employees and managers stay organized and stress-free. Salon owners should look for tools that: 

• Empower Employees: Allow team members to view, update, and manage their schedules from any device, whether at work or on the go. 

• Provide Manager Oversight: Enable you and your managers to access all schedules, including appointments, breaks, and time-off requests, in real time. 

• Streamline Adjustments: Simplify the process of handling shift swaps or last-minute changes. 

Two-Way Communication Platform

This tool is as effective for your team as it is for clients.  

Ensure the system offers: 

• 1:1 Messaging: Connect directly with individual employees 

• Group Chats: Keep the entire team informed about important announcements 

• Centralized Communication: Use the same tool for both client and employee messaging. 

Performance Tracking

Understanding how your team is performing is key.  

A robust platform should: 

• Monitor how much revenue each stylist generates. 

• Measure how well team members retain their clients. 

• Track appointment timeliness to ensure high service standards. 

• Use performance data to calculate commissions and bonuses accurately. 

Salon Payroll Integration

Managing payroll manually can be time-consuming and error prone, which carries consequences come tax season. A good salon software solution should: 

• Calculate wages, commissions, and deductions. 

• Track hours worked, including overtime and breaks, for accurate payroll. 

• Reduce Errors by minimizing manual data entry. 

PTO & Leave Management

Your platform should simplify leave management by allowing you to: 

• Track accrued and used vacation days, sick leave, and other types of paid time off. 

• Streamline PTO Requests for easy approval and documentation. 

Booth Rent Management

If your salon operates on a booth rental model, your software should support this setup by: 

• Generating Booth Rental Agreement Contracts 

• Tracking Payments 

• Generating Accurate Reports 

Customer Support

Choose a salon software provider that has your back with 24/7 customer support for salons like yours via phone, email, AND live chat to assist you, or any of your employees, in case of any issues. 

By leveraging these employee management tools, salon owners can improve staff productivity, reduce administrative burdens, and enhance overall business performance.

Integrations 

To attract and retain clients, your online booking system should be accessible wherever your clients interact with your business. Seamless integration across platforms ensures that booking an appointment is always just a click away. 

Website Integration

Your salon booking software should allow you to embed a booking widget—think of it as a virtual “Book Now” button—directly on your website. This integration enables clients to: 

• Check availability and schedule appointments without leaving your site. 

• Book in fewer steps, reducing friction 

Social Media Integration

Your social media profiles are prime real estate for attracting new clients and engaging with existing ones. By integrating booking buttons into platforms like Facebook and Instagram, you can: 

• Encourage followers to book directly from your posts, stories, or profile pages. 

• Convert interest into action while you have their attention. 

• Make it easy for potential clients to schedule without visiting a separate website. 

Review Site Integration

Platforms like Yelp or Google Reviews often influence where clients book their appointments. By adding a booking button to these profiles, you can: 

• Convert glowing reviews into bookings. 

• Eliminate the extra step of searching for your website or contact information. 

• Make it easy for clients to act on their decision when they’re comparing options. 

Web Search Integration

Clients often rely on tools like Google Maps or Apple Maps to locate nearby salons. Ensure your booking system integrates with these platforms so you can: 

• Add booking buttons to your Google or Apple business profiles for instant scheduling. 

• Capture traffic from clients searching for salons in your area. 

When your booking system meets clients where they already are, it creates a smoother, more satisfying experience that encourages them to choose your salon again and again. 

Cost Considerations 

Pricing Factors 

While they offer many of the same features, no two salon software solutions are priced exactly alike.  

The cost is based on multiple elements  

• Upfront Costs: Figure out the initial cost of buying the salon software, including any one-time licensing fees or setup charges. 

• Number of Users: Many software platforms charge based on the number of employees or users who need access. The more users, the higher the cost. 

• Salon Size: Larger or multi-location salons often require more robust software solutions, which can drive up costs. Features like multi-location management and advanced salon reports may be included in higher-priced tiers. 

• Cost of Additional Features: Software with advanced or premium features typically costs more than basic platforms. Features that influence price, like custom salon forms, can be purchased separately as needed. Once again, evaluate the cost of these features for each software. 

• Level of Support Services: Higher levels of customer support, such as 24/7 assistance, onboarding, or dedicated account managers, often come at an additional cost 

Salon Software Pricing Structures 

Salon software providers offer various pricing structures to accommodate the needs of different businesses. Understanding these models helps you choose a plan that aligns with your budget and operational requirements.

Some of the most common pricing models include:

1. Monthly Subscription (Flat Rate): In this model, you pay a fixed monthly subscription fee, regardless of how many appointments, employees, or transactions you process.

• Pros: Easy to budget since the cost doesn’t fluctuate. It often includes all core features (e.g., scheduling, client management, basic reporting).

• Cons: May not scale well for larger businesses with complex needs. It could feel expensive if you’re not fully using the software’s features.

2. Per User (Tiered or Per Seat): You’re charged based on the number of employees or users who access the software.

• Pros: Scales proportionally with the size of your business. Ideal for tracking costs in relation to team growth.

• Cons: Costs can rise quickly as you add more employees. May restrict access for non-essential users (e.g., part-time staff).

3. Transaction-Based Pricing: The software takes a small percentage or flat fee from each transaction processed through its payment system.

• Pros: Low or no fixed monthly fees. Costs directly tied to sales performance.

• Cons: May end up being more expensive if your business handles a high volume of transactions. Requires careful tracking of transaction fees to manage overall expenses.

4. Hybrid Model: Combines elements of multiple models, such as a low monthly subscription plus transaction fees or user fees.

• Pros: Flexible and adaptable to different business sizes. Allows businesses to pay only for what they use.

• Cons: Can be complex to calculate total costs. May include additional fees for premium features.

5. Custom Pricing: Large or multi-location salons can negotiate tailored plans based on their specific needs and usage.

• Pros: Highly tailored to meet specific business requirements. Often includes dedicated support and training.

• Cons: Typically, this is more expensive than standard plans. Negotiation process can be time-consuming.

Consider ongoing subscription costs and compare the costs of each software.

Salon Software Is an Investment  

By understanding these pricing structures, you can select salon software that delivers the best balance of features and cost-effectiveness for your business. When evaluating pricing models, consider your business size, budget, usage volume and growth plans. 

Just understand that whatever you pay, your software should be designed to earn you more money overall by helping you to: 

• Eliminate Friction in the booking process 

• Run a more efficient business overall 

• Improve the client experience 

• Safeguard revenue from cancellations, no-shows & other factors 

• Avoid accounting mistakes with tax implications 

Top Salon Software Platforms

Whether you’re a solopreneur or managing a multi-location business, understanding the features, pricing models, and customization options of booking software will help you choose the perfect solution to keep your salon running smoothly and stylishly. 

Here’s a breakdown of some of the best salon software options out there. 

Vagaro 

Vagaro is a versatile, all-in-one salon management platform trusted by over 220,000 beauty and wellness businesses and professionals. It caters to businesses of all sizes, from solopreneurs to multi-location enterprises, providing tools to streamline operations, enhance client relationships, and boost revenue. 

Pricing starts at $30 per month, with additional users available for approximately $10 each, making it scalable and adaptable for growing teams. 

Capterra: 4.7/5 (3445 reviews) Score: 98/100 

G2: 4.5/5 (223 reviews) 

Gloss Genius 

GlossGenius is a salon and spa management platform designed for beauty professionals, including hairstylists, nail technicians, and estheticians. Serving independent practitioners and small-to-medium salon teams, it offers tools for appointment scheduling, client management, payment processing, and marketing through a user-friendly interface optimized for both mobile and desktop. 

Pricing plans include the Standard Plan at $24 per month, the Gold Plan at $48 per month (which adds features like a client waitlist), and the Platinum Plan at $148 per month, ideal for large teams of 10 or more. 

Capterra: 4.6/5 (83 Reviews) Score: 87/100  

G2: 4.0/5 (4 Reviews) 

Booksy 

Booksy is a cloud-based software platform that supports online booking, payment processing, and client profiles. It offers many additional features as well, including an online portfolio that showcases your talent. Plans start around $30 a month, and additional users cost $20 each.  

Capterra: 4.4/5 (365). Score: 90/100 

G2: 4.8/5 (8 Reviews) 

Pricing: 

$29.99/month, (additional $20/month per user) 

Mangomint 

Mangomint integrates booking, point-of-sale (POS), and client management into a single platform designed to streamline salon and spa operations. Some standout features include automated reminders and an intuitive interface, which are designed to enhance client satisfaction and operational efficiency.  

Pricing plans range from $165 to $375 per month, making Mangomint best suited for established businesses with steady revenue rather than solo practitioners or startups on a tight budget. 

Capterra: 4.9/5 (164 Reviews). Score: 85/100 

G2: 4.9/5 (55 Reviews) 

Zenoti 

Zenoti is ideal for larger salons, spas, and wellness chains, with robust enterprise-level features such as multi-location management, detailed employee performance tracking, and advanced reporting tools. Zenoti offers customizable packages, allowing businesses to select and pay only for the features they need.  

However, with pricing starting at around $200 per month, it may not be the most cost-effective choice for small businesses or independent operators. 

Capterra: 4.4/5 (1176 reviews). Score: 85/100 

G2: 4.4/5 (176 Reviews) 

Fresha 

Fresha is a subscription-free salon and spa management platform with robust online bookings capabilities, designed to cater to beauty and wellness businesses looking for an intuitive, cost-effective way to manage bookings, inventory, and client interactions.

However, certain features, such as access to a marketplace, operate on a pay-per-use basis. Additionally, as your client list expands, software fees may increase, making it important to plan for scaling costs over time.

Capterra: 4.8/5 (1,420). Score: 85/100

G2: 4.4/5 (4 Reviews)

Boulevard 

Boulevard supports salons, spas, and other self-care businesses by enhancing client retention, optimizing scheduling workflows, and streamlining daily operations. Boulevard’s tiered pricing begins at $175 per month for its Starter plan, offering core features like booking and payment processing.  

Advanced plans, such as Business and Enterprise tiers, include additional tools for marketing, reporting, and multi-location management, with pricing customized based on business size and needs. 

Ratings: 

Capterra: 4.6/5 (319 reviews). Score:  97/100 

G2: 4.3/5 (72 Reviews) 

Salon Software Selection Checklist 

When evaluating salon software, consider not just the price but the overall value it brings to your business. Assess whether the included features and support align with your operational goals and growth plans.  

The right salon software should offer the following: 

Streamlined Scheduling and Appointment Management 

• Simplified booking process with features like online booking, real-time calendar synchronization, and automated reminders.  

Enhanced Client Experience and Retention 

• With tools like personalized client profiles, loyalty programs, and targeted marketing campaigns, salon software helps you better understand and cater to your clients' needs.  

Operational Efficiency 

• Automating routine tasks such as payment processing, inventory tracking, and employee scheduling allows you to focus on delivering exceptional services.  

• Advanced analytics and reporting provide insights into business performance. 

Increased Revenue Opportunities 

• Integrated marketing tools, such as email campaigns, review prompts, and social media integrations, help attract new clients and upsell services or retail products.  

• Online payment options and gift card functionalities also make transactions seamless. 

Professional Brand Image 

• Online booking via your website or social media, polished digital invoices, and customized notifications enhance your brand’s credibility and appeal. 

These benefits collectively empower salons to improve client satisfaction, optimize operations, and drive sustainable business growth.