5 Best Manicure Appointment Software for Nail Salons

Your manicure station is booked solid. Clients are loving your nail art. Your Instagram is getting more followers every week. Business is good.

But here’s the problem: you’re spending more time managing appointments than actually doing nails.

Sound familiar?

If you’re still using a paper appointment book or fielding constant “what time do you have available?” phone calls, you’re leaving money on the table.

Modern manicure businesses need systems that capture bookings 24/7, showcase your portfolio, and handle the business side so you can focus on creating beautiful nails.

The numbers don’t lie:

• Salons using appointment software see 25% fewer no-shows on average
• Online booking increases appointment volume by 30-40%
• Automated reminders alone can save 2-3 hours of phone calls daily
• Digital portfolios convert 60% more consultation requests into bookings

But not all appointment software is created equal.

Manicure services have unique needs: quick turnaround times, detailed nail art documentation, color consultations, and the ability to upsell add-ons like nail art or gel extensions.

These are the five systems I see the most successful manicure specialists and nail salons using to streamline their bookings, showcase their work, and maximize every appointment slot.

My Top 5 Manicure Appointment Software for 2025

1. Fresha: Best overall value with built-in marketplace and zero subscription fees for solo techs
2. GlossGenius: Perfect for independent nail artists who want Instagram-worthy client experiences
3. Square Appointments: Ideal for salons wanting seamless payment processing and professional hardware
4. Booksy Biz: Strongest no-show protection and client acquisition features for busy salons
5. Zenoti: Enterprise-level solution for multi-location nail salon chains

Fresha

Best for nail technicians and salons wanting maximum features without monthly fees

Pricing: Free core plan; Plus plan at $9.95 per month per team member

Fresha has become the backbone of over 450,000 beauty professionals worldwide, and for good reason. When I first started recommending it to nail techs, I was skeptical of the “free” model. But three years later, I’ve watched solo nail artists scale to multi-chair salons using nothing but Fresha’s platform.

Showcase Your Nail Art Like a Pro

The beauty of manicure work is visual. Fresha gets this.

Their portfolio system lets you upload unlimited photos of your work, organize them by style (French tips, nail art, acrylics, gel), and even tag specific techniques or products used.

When clients book online, they can browse your entire portfolio. I’ve seen nail techs get 40% more bookings for premium services just because clients could see their nail art skills upfront.

Get Discovered by Millions of Potential Clients

Here’s where Fresha really shines: marketplace exposure.

Fresha helps you attract new clients and boost revenue through our global beauty and wellness marketplace, where millions of people discover and book services every month.

When someone searches “nail salon near me” or “gel manicure,” your salon can appear in the Fresha app results. No advertising spend required.

I know a nail tech in Phoenix who gets 5-7 new clients weekly just from Fresha marketplace visibility. That’s $300-500 in additional revenue per week from something that’s essentially free.

Handle Complex Manicure Services Effortlessly

Manicures aren’t one-size-fits-all. You’ve got:

• Quick polish changes (15 minutes)
• Full gel manicures with nail art (90 minutes)
• Extensions with custom design (2+ hours)

Fresha’s service builder handles all of this. You can set different durations, prices, and even required prep time between complex services.

The system also tracks inventory automatically. When you complete a gel manicure, it deducts the products used and alerts you when polish colors are running low.

Pros & Cons

Fresha Alternative: Vagaro

Vagaro offers comprehensive salon management with website integration and AI-powered marketing tools. However, it follows an add-on pricing model where essential features like advanced reporting cost extra. For nail techs who want everything included upfront, Fresha provides better value.

GlossGenius

Best for independent nail artists who want to create premium client experiences

Pricing: Starting at $24/month for solo practitioners

GlossGenius was built by beauty professionals who understood that the client experience starts the moment someone finds you online. If you’re serious about positioning yourself as a premium nail artist, this platform delivers.

Design That Makes Clients Say “Wow”

The booking experience with GlossGenius feels like booking a spa appointment at a luxury resort. Everything is gorgeous, intuitive, and professional.

GlossGenius has a sophisticated, modern look that allows you to showcase your style to clients and stand out in a crowd.

Your booking page isn’t just functional—it’s a marketing tool. Custom branding, elegant typography, and seamless mobile experience. I’ve seen nail artists using GlossGenius charge 20-30% higher rates simply because their online presence screams “professional.”

Automate the Business Side You Don’t Love

Let’s be honest: most nail artists didn’t get into this business to handle invoicing and payment processing.

GlossGenius automates the tedious stuff:

• Automated email and SMS campaigns for client retention
• Digital intake forms that collect allergy and preference info
• Automatic review requests sent after each appointment
• Seamless payment processing with digital receipts

I wouldn’t be able to generate the dollars that I make behind the chair without GlossGenius.

Smart Rebooking That Fills Your Calendar

Here’s a feature that pays for itself: automated rebooking reminders.

After a gel manicure appointment, GlossGenius automatically sends a personalized message 2.5 weeks later suggesting the client book their next appointment. For regular manicures, it’s every 1.5 weeks.

This alone has helped nail artists maintain 70%+ client retention rates.

Pros & Cons

GlossGenius Alternative: Boulevard

Boulevard offers similar premium positioning with advanced email marketing features. However, it’s significantly more expensive (starting at $175/month) and designed more for larger salons than independent nail artists.

Square Appointments

Best for salons wanting professional payment processing and modern hardware

Pricing: Free for solo providers; Plus at $29/month per location; Premium at $69/month per location

If you’ve ever fumbled with a clunky card reader while a client’s nails are still wet, you’ll appreciate Square’s approach to payment processing.

Square Appointments has made significant strides in 2024-2025, particularly standing out for their hardware quality and integration capabilities. When it comes to point-of-sale units and hardware, Square leads the pack with what many consider the best-looking and most modern equipment in the industry.

Hardware That Actually Works in a Nail Salon

Square’s payment terminals are designed for real-world use. The sleek, intuitive design means clients can easily add tips and complete payments while their nails dry.

Take payments using just your phone with Tap to Pay on iPhone and Tap to Pay on Android — no hardware required. Accept every major type of payment your clients prefer, whether that’s tap, chip, card on file, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Cash App Pay, or Cash App Afterpay.

No more “sorry, cash only” situations that cost you sales.

Build Your Business Ecosystem Step by Step

Square’s genius is the “Lego approach.” Start with just appointment booking (free for solo techs) and add pieces as you grow:

• Square POS for retail sales (nail polish, hand cream, gift cards)
• Square Marketing for email campaigns and promotions
• Square Online for a professional website
• Square Payroll when you hire additional nail techs

Everything syncs automatically. A client books a gel manicure online, checks out with your Square terminal, and their purchase history updates their profile for next time.

Get Found on Square Go Marketplace

Square recently launched Square Go, their marketplace app for beauty services.

They’ve also launched Square Go, a marketplace app that helps clients discover and book services directly.

Unlike other platforms that charge hefty commissions, Square Go simply drives bookings to your existing calendar. More exposure, no extra fees.

Pros & Cons

Square Appointments Alternative: Acuity Scheduling

Acuity offers robust scheduling features at competitive prices. However, it lacks the payment processing integration and hardware solutions that make Square so appealing for retail-heavy nail salons.

Booksy Biz

Best for busy salons focused on maximizing revenue and reducing no-shows

Pricing: All-inclusive plans starting around $29/month (contact for specific pricing)

If no-shows and last-minute cancellations are eating into your manicure revenue, Booksy Biz is your solution.

Booksy stands out as the best nail salon software due to its comprehensive all-in-one features that cater specifically to the needs of nail artists and salon owners.

No-Show Protection That Pays for Itself

This is where Booksy dominates. Their no-show protection isn’t just about sending reminders—it creates real accountability.

On average, Booksy providers reduce no-shows and late cancellations up to 25% and recoup over $400 in lost revenue each month.

For manicure services, this protection is crucial. A missed 60-minute gel manicure appointment represents $45-80 in lost revenue. Booksy’s deposit system and cancellation policies ensure you’re compensated even when clients don’t show.

Everything Included, No Hidden Fees

With other software, the “extras” add up fast. Email marketing, SMS reminders, credit card processing—suddenly your $30/month software costs $150.

With Booksy, every feature is included:

• Unlimited online booking across all team members
• Automated email and SMS marketing campaigns
• Complete POS system with inventory tracking
• Portfolio showcase for your nail art
• Detailed performance analytics and reporting
• Mobile app for on-the-go management

All the tools you need to manage and grow your client base, in one spot. Use free text & email message blasts to build relationships with clients and keep them coming back.

Built for Team Nail Salons

Managing multiple nail technicians is complex. Different specialties, varying schedules, commission structures. Booksy handles all of it.

Individual calendars sync with the master schedule. Commission tracking happens automatically. Performance reports show which techs are booking the most premium services.

You can place an appointment widget on your nail salon’s website. This widget integrates seamlessly with your site, allowing clients to book appointments directly without having to leave your webpage.

Pros & Cons

Booksy Biz Alternative: Schedulicity

Schedulicity offers appointment scheduling and basic marketing features at lower prices. However, it lacks the no-show protection and comprehensive business management tools that make Booksy worth the investment for revenue-focused salons.

Zenoti

Best for multi-location nail salon chains and enterprise operations

Pricing: Starting at $300/month (custom pricing for larger operations)

If you’re running multiple nail salon locations or planning serious expansion, Zenoti is the platform built for scale.

Zenoti is fully capable of operating the entire nail salon. It is an all-in-one platform designed to streamline and enhance various aspects of nail salon operations.

Enterprise-Level Features for Growing Chains

Zenoti isn’t for everyone—and that’s by design. This platform is built for serious nail salon businesses:

• Multi-location management with centralized reporting
• Advanced staff scheduling across locations with automatic optimization
• Sophisticated inventory management with automatic reordering
• Detailed financial reporting with profit analysis by service, location, and technician
• Customer relationship management with lifetime value tracking

I’ve seen three-location nail salon groups use Zenoti to identify which services are most profitable, which locations need staffing adjustments, and which clients are worth targeted retention campaigns.

Centralized Operations That Scale

Managing multiple nail salons is complex. Staff scheduling, inventory distribution, performance tracking—Zenoti centralizes everything.

Real-time dashboards show you exactly what’s happening across all locations. Which salon is booking the most gel extensions? Who needs more nail art supplies? Which location has the highest client retention?

Set your brand or franchisees up for success with a single software platform for all locations.

Advanced Marketing and Client Retention

Zenoti’s marketing tools go beyond basic email campaigns:

• Predictive analytics that identify which clients are likely to stop coming
• Automated loyalty programs with points for different service types
• Targeted promotions based on client spending patterns and preferences
• Review management across Google, Yelp, and social platforms

Pros & Cons

Zenoti Alternative: Mindbody

Mindbody offers similar enterprise-level features with a strong marketplace presence. However, it’s primarily designed for fitness studios and may feel less tailored to nail salon-specific workflows compared to Zenoti.

Other Essential Tools for Modern Manicure Businesses

Beyond appointment software, here are the additional tools I see successful nail salons using:

• Instagram Business for showcasing nail art and attracting clients through visual content
• Canva Pro for creating professional social media content and promotional materials
• QuickBooks for accounting, tax preparation, and financial reporting (integrates with most appointment systems)
• Google My Business for local SEO, client reviews, and local discovery
• Ring Light and Phone Mount for consistent, professional nail art photography

Transform Your Manicure Business

The right appointment software doesn’t just organize your schedule, it becomes the foundation for scaling your nail business.

Each of these five platforms excels in different areas:

• Choose Fresha if you want maximum features and marketplace exposure without monthly fees
• Go with GlossGenius if you’re positioning yourself as a premium nail artist and want elegant client experiences
• Pick Square Appointments if seamless payment processing and professional hardware are priorities
• Select Booksy Biz if no-shows are hurting your revenue and you want comprehensive business management
• Invest in Zenoti if you’re running multiple locations or planning serious expansion

The best appointment software is the one that fits your current business model while supporting your growth ambitions.

Start with a free trial of whichever system aligns with your goals. Your clients will love the convenience, and you’ll love having more time to focus on what you do best: creating beautiful nails.

Because at the end of the day, technology should make your life easier, not more complicated.