Category: Salon Management

Eyebrow tinting has exploded in popularity. Clients love the low-maintenance beauty routine. You love the quick turnaround and high margins. The “clean girl aesthetic” has made brow tinting a must-have service.

But here’s the reality: managing eyebrow tinting appointments is trickier than it looks.

You need to track patch testing (required 24-48 hours before first appointments). Color consultations take time. Before/after photos are crucial for your portfolio. Clients need rebooking reminders every 4-6 weeks. And let’s be honest, no one wants to play phone tag when their brows are growing out.

The traditional appointment book can’t handle the complexity of modern brow services.

Consider what eyebrow tinting actually requires:

• Patch testing scheduling 24-48 hours before new client appointments
• Color consultation time built into appointment durations
• Portfolio management for showcasing your before/after transformations
• Service combinations (tinting + waxing + lamination) with proper timing
• Automated rebooking based on individual hair growth cycles
• Client forms capturing allergies, medications, and previous reactions

But most appointment software treats brow tinting like a generic 15-minute service. They miss the nuances that make this business profitable: the consultation process, the patch testing requirements, the importance of visual portfolios, and the recurring nature of the service.

These are the five appointment software solutions I see the most successful eyebrow tinting specialists and brow bars using to streamline their bookings, showcase their work, and build recurring client relationships.

My Top 5 Eyebrow Tinting Appointment Software for 2025

1. Fresha: Best overall platform with free core features and massive marketplace exposure for brow artists
2. GlossGenius: Perfect for premium brow studios focusing on sophisticated client experiences and professional branding
3. Booksy Biz: Ideal for dedicated brow and lash specialists with strong no-show protection and client acquisition features
4. Square Appointments: Best for salons wanting seamless payment processing and professional point-of-sale integration
5. Vagaro: Comprehensive solution for full-service salons offering brow services alongside other beauty treatments

Fresha

Best for independent brow artists and small studios wanting professional features without monthly fees

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

I’ve seen Fresha transform how eyebrow specialists operate their businesses. What started as a simple booking platform has evolved into the complete business solution powering over 450,000 beauty professionals worldwide—and brow artists are some of their biggest success stories.

Fresha aims to be the ultimate software choice for waxing. Available for businesses of all sizes, from local boutique salons to international spa chains, it supports over 450,000 stylists and professionals globally, helping them elevate their service and exceed customer expectations.

Build Your Brow Portfolio Like a Pro

Eyebrow tinting is all about the transformation. Fresha’s portfolio system lets you upload unlimited before/after photos, organize them by service type (tinting only, tint + shape, brow lamination combos), and even tag specific color matches and techniques.

When clients browse your services online, they see your actual work—not stock photos. This visual proof is crucial for brow services where clients need to trust your color matching and shaping skills.

I know a brow artist in Austin who gets 40% more bookings for premium services simply because clients can see her tinting portfolio upfront. The visual evidence builds confidence before they even walk through the door.

Get Discovered by Clients Searching for Brow Services

Here’s where Fresha really excels: organic client discovery through their marketplace.

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 “eyebrow tinting near me” or “brow lamination,” your studio can appear in Fresha’s app results. This exposure is particularly valuable for brow services, where clients often research extensively and compare artists before booking.

A brow specialist I know in Denver gets 5-7 new clients weekly just from Fresha marketplace visibility. That’s $300-450 in additional revenue per week with zero advertising budget.

Handle Patch Testing and Consultation Scheduling

Eyebrow tinting requires patch testing for new clients 24-48 hours before their appointment. Fresha’s service builder lets you create “Patch Test” as a separate, quick appointment that automatically triggers booking the main service.

The system can send automated reminders about patch test results and preparation instructions for the actual tinting appointment. This automation ensures compliance while reducing the administrative burden on your team.

For consultation appointments, you can set up different service durations: quick touch-ups (15 minutes), full tint and shape (45 minutes), or premium packages with consultation and multiple services (90 minutes).

Pros & Cons

Fresha Alternative: Phorest

Phorest offers comprehensive salon management with strong client retention tools and detailed reporting. However, it’s primarily designed for larger salons and lacks the marketplace exposure and portfolio features that make Fresha so effective for individual brow artists.

GlossGenius

Best for premium eyebrow studios creating luxury client experiences and charging premium rates

Pricing: Starting at $24/month for solo practitioners; scales with team size

GlossGenius understands that eyebrow tinting is an intimate service where presentation matters. If you’re positioning your brow studio as a premium experience, this platform delivers the sophistication that justifies higher prices.

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

Create Trust Through Professional Presentation

Your booking experience sets client expectations before they arrive. GlossGenius creates an elevated experience that helps clients feel confident about trusting you with their brows.

The platform’s elegant design, custom branding options, and professional communication style immediately convey that you’re a serious, skilled brow artist worth premium pricing.

Clients love the easy interface. I love not chasing people down.

Automated Client Journey for Brow Services

Eyebrow tinting clients need more guidance than most beauty services. GlossGenius automates the entire client experience:

• Pre-appointment prep: Automatic messages with preparation instructions (no retinoids, avoid sun exposure)
• Patch test reminders: Ensures clients complete testing 24-48 hours before service
• Color consultation forms: Digital forms capture current brow routine, desired results, and color preferences
• Post-service care: Aftercare instructions sent automatically with specific tinting care tips
• Rebooking automation: Smart reminders based on individual hair growth cycles (typically 4-6 weeks)

GlossGenius offers a flat 2.6% processing rate for all transactions with no hidden fees, along with a mobile POS system and card readers for in-person payments.

Smart Forms That Capture Everything You Need

Brow tinting requires detailed information: current skincare routine, medications that affect hair growth, previous allergic reactions, desired color intensity.

GlossGenius’s Genius Forms automatically create customized intake forms based on your services. The system prompts clients to update their information before each appointment, ensuring you have current details about their routine and any changes.

This documentation protects your business while ensuring optimal color results and client safety.

Pros & Cons

GlossGenius Alternative: Boulevard

Boulevard offers similar premium positioning with advanced email marketing features and sophisticated client management. However, it starts at $175/month, making it significantly more expensive than GlossGenius for most eyebrow studios.

Booksy Biz

Best for dedicated brow and lash specialists focused on maximizing bookings and reducing revenue loss

Pricing: Starting around $30/month with all features included

Booksy has carved out a special niche serving brow and lash specialists. With over 15 million clients using their platform to book beauty appointments, they understand exactly what eyebrow artists need to succeed.

Booksy stands out as the best software for brow & lash technicians for several reasons, offering a comprehensive solution tailored to the unique needs of beauty professionals specializing in brows and lashes.

No-Show Protection That Actually Works for Brow Services

Missed eyebrow appointments are particularly costly because the time slots are usually booked weeks in advance during peak weekend hours. Booksy’s no-show protection creates real accountability:

Booksy reduces no-shows by up to 25% with prepayments, cancellation fees, and automatic reminders. For brow artists charging $40-80 per tinting service, this protection can save hundreds in lost revenue monthly.

The system can require deposits for first-time clients or during busy periods, and automatically charges cancellation fees for late cancellations. This helps ensure your weekend slots stay profitable.

Specialized Features for Brow Artists

Booksy isn’t just generic booking software—it’s built specifically for beauty professionals like brow artists:

• Portfolio showcase with before/after galleries organized by service type
• Client history tracking with photos and notes from previous appointments
• Service combinations perfect for tint + wax + lamination packages
• Automated marketing with campaigns tailored to brow service schedules
• Review collection that automatically requests feedback after appointments

With over 38 million clients world wide using Booksy to book appointments, you are guaranteed to increase your reach.

Built-in Marketing That Understands Brow Cycles

Eyebrow tinting clients need rebooking every 4-6 weeks. Booksy’s marketing automation understands these cycles and sends targeted campaigns:

• Rebooking reminders sent automatically 3.5 weeks after service
• Seasonal promotions for back-to-school or holiday brow prep
• Package promotions encouraging clients to book tinting with other brow services
• Birthday campaigns with special offers for loyal clients

Pros & Cons

Booksy Biz Alternative: Mangomint

Mangomint offers modern salon software with excellent customer service and intuitive design. However, it starts at $165/month and lacks the brow/lash-specific features and massive client marketplace that make Booksy compelling for eyebrow specialists.

Square Appointments

Best for salons wanting professional payment processing and seamless retail integration

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

Square Appointments excels when you need more than just booking—you need a complete business system that handles brow services, retail sales, and professional payment processing.

Square Appointments has made significant strides in 2024-2025, particularly standing out 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.

Professional Hardware Perfect for Brow Studios

Square’s payment terminals are designed for real-world beauty service use. Clients can easily complete payments and add tips while their freshly tinted brows set and they’re getting their aftercare instructions.

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 awkward cash transactions or outdated card readers that make your studio look unprofessional.

Retail Integration That Boosts Revenue

Successful brow artists don’t just provide services—they sell aftercare products, brow tools, and maintenance items. Square’s retail integration makes this seamless:

• Inventory management for brow pencils, growth serums, and aftercare products
• Automatic stock alerts when popular items are running low
• Package deals combining services with retail products
• Gift card sales perfect for brow maintenance packages

I know brow artists using Square who’ve increased their average transaction by 35% just by making retail sales easier and more professional.

Build Your Business Ecosystem Step by Step

Square’s “Lego approach” lets you start simple and add features as you grow:

• Start with basic appointment booking (free for solo brow artists)
• Add professional POS for retail and tip processing
• Include Square Marketing for email campaigns and client retention
• Build a website with Square Online that syncs with your booking system

Everything works together automatically. A client books a brow tinting appointment online, purchases aftercare products during checkout, and their information updates across all systems.

Pros & Cons

Square Appointments Alternative: Acuity Scheduling

Acuity Scheduling offers robust scheduling features with good customization options. However, it lacks the payment processing integration, retail capabilities, and professional hardware that make Square so appealing for retail-focused brow studios.

Vagaro

Best for full-service salons offering eyebrow tinting alongside hair, nails, and other beauty services

Pricing: Starting at $25-30/month with additional team members at $10 each

Vagaro takes the comprehensive approach to salon software. If you’re running a full-service salon where eyebrow tinting is one of many services, this platform handles every aspect of your operation.

Vagaro salon software has a base $25 monthly cost that includes scheduling, membership creation, appointment reminders & many more solutions.

Website Integration That Keeps Clients on Your Site

Here’s where Vagaro really shines: seamless website integration that maintains your professional brand.

The platform impresses with its website integration features. Clients can book appointments, choose specific staff, and purchase gift cards directly through your site without being redirected.

This is crucial for brow services where clients often research your work and compare before booking. Instead of sending them to a third-party booking page, they stay on your professional website throughout the entire process.

AI-Powered Content for Professional Marketing

Eyebrow studios need to educate clients about different tinting options, preparation requirements, and aftercare. Vagaro’s AI tools help create professional content:

New AI tools help craft professional service descriptions and marketing content, making it easier to maintain a professional online presence.

The system can generate descriptions for different brow services, explain the tinting process, set proper expectations, and create aftercare instructions—all in your brand voice and style.

 Management for Multi-Service Salons

If you offer eyebrow tinting alongside hair, nails, and other services, Vagaro handles the operational complexity:

• Inventory tracking for different tint colors, developers, and aftercare products across all services
• Staff scheduling with specialists for different service categories
• Client database with complete service history across all treatments
• Financial reporting showing profitability by service category and staff member
• Integrated marketing for cross-selling between service categories

Vagaro supports over 90,000 businesses daily. Vagaro customers include nail salons, tattoo parlors, pet grooming parlors, med spas, chiropractors, personal trainers, dance studios, and gyms.

Pros & Cons

Vagaro Alternative: Zenoti

Zenoti offers enterprise-level features with sophisticated reporting and multi-location management. However, with pricing starting around $300/month, it’s designed for larger salon chains rather than individual brow studios or small salons.

Essential Features Every Eyebrow Tinting Business Needs

Beyond basic appointment booking, here are the specific features that matter most for eyebrow tinting services:

Portfolio Management: Professional before/after galleries that showcase your color matching and shaping skills to build client confidence.

Patch Testing Coordination: Systems that track 24-48 hour patch testing requirements and automatically schedule follow-up appointments.

Color Consultation Tools: Digital forms that capture current brow routine, desired results, skin tone considerations, and color preferences.

Service Combinations: Ability to package tinting with waxing, threading, or lamination services with appropriate timing buffers.

Rebooking Automation: Smart reminders based on individual hair growth cycles, typically 4-6 weeks for tinting maintenance.

Client Education: Automated pre and post-care instructions specific to brow tinting (avoiding retinoids, proper aftercare, etc.).

Industry Tools That Complement Your Eyebrow Business

Beyond appointment software, here are additional tools that successful brow artists use:

• Ring Light and Phone Mount for consistent, professional before/after photography
• Canva Pro for creating service menus, aftercare cards, and social media content showcasing transformations
• Instagram Business for building your brow portfolio and attracting clients through visual content
• Google My Business for local SEO and managing reviews from brow tinting clients
• QuickBooks for tracking product costs vs. service revenue and managing business finances

Wrapping up

The right appointment software doesn’t just organize your calendar, it becomes the foundation for building a thriving, recurring-revenue beauty business.

Each of these five platforms excels in different areas:

• Choose Fresha if you want professional features without monthly fees, plus access to millions of potential brow clients through their marketplace
• Select GlossGenius if you’re positioning yourself as a premium brow artist and want sophisticated client experiences that justify higher pricing
• Pick Booksy Biz if you’re a dedicated brow/lash specialist who wants features specifically designed for your services and strong revenue protection
• Go with Square Appointments if seamless payment processing and retail integration are important for selling brow products and aftercare
• Choose Vagaro if you’re running a full-service salon where brow tinting is part of a comprehensive service menu

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

Start with a free trial of whichever system aligns with your brow business goals. Your clients will love the professionalism, and you’ll love having more time to focus on creating beautiful, confidence-boosting brow transformations.

Because in the eyebrow business, it’s all about the transformation, and the right technology helps you deliver consistent, stunning results that keep clients coming back every month.

Your waxing services are in high demand. Clients trust you with their most sensitive skin care needs. Your technique is flawless. Word-of-mouth referrals keep rolling in.

But here’s the challenge: managing waxing appointments is more complex than most beauty services.

You need to track different service durations (a brow wax takes 15 minutes, a full leg can take 90). Client skin sensitivities and allergies matter. Timing between appointments is crucial for proper room sanitization. And let’s be honest, no one wants to play phone tag when booking their Brazilian.

The old-school appointment book just doesn’t cut it for modern waxing salons.

Consider the reality:

• Different waxing services require vastly different time blocks and prep
• Client intake forms must capture allergies, medications, and skin conditions
• Proper scheduling gaps ensure adequate time for room cleaning and setup
• Automated reminders reduce no-shows (which are especially costly for longer waxing appointments)
• Online booking lets clients schedule sensitive services privately, 24/7

But waxing salons have unique requirements that generic booking software often misses.

You need systems that understand the nuances of intimate services, handle complex pricing structures (upper lip vs. full face vs. Brazilian), and maintain the professionalism that waxing clients expect.

These are the three appointment software solutions I see the most successful waxing salons using to streamline bookings, protect their revenue, and create seamless experiences for their clients.

My Top 3 Waxing Appointment Software for 2025

1. Fresha: Best overall platform with free core features and massive marketplace exposure for new client discovery
2. GlossGenius: Perfect for premium waxing salons that want sophisticated client experiences and professional branding
3. Vagaro: Ideal for established salons wanting comprehensive business management with advanced website integration

Fresha

Best for waxing salons wanting professional features without monthly subscription fees

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

I’ve watched Fresha revolutionize how waxing salons operate. What started as a simple booking platform has evolved into the backbone of over 450,000 beauty professionals worldwide—and waxing specialists are some of their biggest success stories.

Fresha aims to be the ultimate software choice for waxing. Available for businesses of all sizes, from local boutique salons to international spa chains, it supports over 450,000 stylists and professionals globally, helping them elevate their service and exceed customer expectations.

Handle Complex Waxing Services Like a Pro

Waxing isn’t one-size-fits-all. Your service menu might include:

• Quick touch-ups (eyebrows, upper lip) – 15 minutes
• Medium services (underarms, bikini line) – 30 minutes
• Full-body services (legs, back, Brazilian) – 60-90 minutes

Fresha’s service builder handles all this complexity. You can set different durations, required prep time between clients, and even build service packages (like “Summer Ready” that combines multiple areas).

The system automatically blocks appropriate time gaps between waxing appointments—essential for proper sanitation and setup.

Get Discovered by Clients Seeking Waxing Services

Here’s where Fresha truly shines for waxing salons: marketplace visibility.

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 “Brazilian wax near me” or “eyebrow waxing,” your salon can appear in Fresha’s app results. This organic discovery is particularly valuable for waxing services, where clients often research extensively before booking.

I know a waxing specialist in Miami who gets 6-8 new clients weekly just from Fresha marketplace exposure. That’s $400-600 in additional revenue per week with zero advertising spend.

Streamline Client Intake and Communication

Waxing requires detailed client information: current medications, skin sensitivities, previous reactions, menstrual cycle timing for certain services.

Fresha’s digital intake forms automatically collect this information before the appointment. Clients fill them out privately online, and the information syncs to their profile for future visits.

The automated communication system handles the delicate aspects of waxing appointment management: discrete reminder messages, pre-appointment care instructions, and post-service follow-up with aftercare tips.

Pros & Cons

Fresha Alternative: Phorest

Phorest offers comprehensive salon management with strong reporting and client retention tools. However, it’s primarily designed for larger salons and lacks the marketplace exposure that makes Fresha so effective for independent waxing specialists.

GlossGenius

Best for premium waxing salons focused on creating luxury client experiences

Pricing: Starting at $24/month for solo practitioners

GlossGenius understands that waxing is an intimate service requiring exceptional professionalism. If you’re positioning your waxing salon as a premium experience, this platform delivers the sophistication your clients expect.

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

Create Trust Through Professional Presentation

Your booking experience sets expectations before clients even walk through your door. GlossGenius creates an elevated experience that helps clients feel confident about sensitive services.

The platform’s elegant design, custom branding options, and professional communication style immediately convey that you’re a serious, trustworthy waxing professional.

Clients love the easy interface. I love not chasing people down.

Automated Client Care That Builds Loyalty

Waxing clients need more follow-up than most beauty services. GlossGenius automates the entire client journey:

• Pre-appointment prep: Automatic messages with preparation instructions
• Intake form reminders: Ensures health information is current
• Post-service care: Aftercare instructions sent automatically
• Rebooking prompts: Reminders for next appointment based on hair growth cycles

GlossGenius offers a flat 2.6% processing rate for all transactions with no hidden fees, along with a mobile POS system and card readers for in-person payments.

Smart Forms That Protect Your Business

Waxing requires detailed health information. GlossGenius’s Genius Forms feature automatically creates customized intake forms based on your services.

The system prompts clients to update their information before each appointment, ensuring you always have current details about medications, skin conditions, and previous reactions.

This documentation protects your business while ensuring optimal service outcomes.

Pros & Cons

GlossGenius Alternative: Rosy Salon Software

Rosy Salon Software offers a suite of tools to enhance wax salon, featuring easy scheduling, client booking, and a comprehensive salon point of sale (POS) system. One employee $29 Up to plus 21 employees $119. However, it lacks the premium design aesthetic and specialized client experience features that make GlossGenius compelling for high-end waxing salons.

Vagaro

Best for established waxing salons wanting comprehensive business management with powerful integrations

Pricing: Starting at $25-30/month; additional team members at $10 each

Vagaro takes the “everything included” approach to salon software. If you’re running a busy waxing salon with multiple rooms and services, this platform handles every aspect of your business operation.

Vagaro salon software has a base $25 monthly cost that includes scheduling, membership creation, appointment reminders & many more solutions.

Website Integration That Converts Browsers to Bookers

Here’s where Vagaro really excels: website integration that keeps clients on your site.

The platform impresses with its website integration features. Clients can book appointments, choose specific staff, and purchase gift cards directly through your site without being redirected.

This is crucial for waxing services, where clients often research extensively before booking. Instead of sending them to a third-party booking page, they stay on your professional website throughout the entire process.

AI-Powered Content That Positions You as an Expert

Waxing salons need to educate clients about services, aftercare, and expectations. Vagaro’s new AI tools help create professional service descriptions and marketing content.

New AI tools help craft professional service descriptions and marketing content, while core features like appointment scheduling, payments, and inventory management form a solid operational foundation.

The system can generate content for different waxing services, explaining what clients can expect, how to prepare, and post-service care—all in your brand voice.

Business Management for Growing Salons

Vagaro handles the operational complexity of multi-service waxing salons:

• Inventory tracking for different wax types, strips, and aftercare products
• Staff management with individual calendars and commission structures
• Client database with detailed service history and preferences
• Automated marketing for retention and rebooking campaigns
• Financial reporting that shows profitability by service type

Vagaro supports over 90,000 businesses daily. Vagaro customers include nail salons, tattoo parlors, pet grooming parlors, med spas, chiropractors, personal trainers, dance studios, and gyms.

Pros & Cons

Vagaro Alternative: Zenoti

Zenoti is interesting. Mostly because of how feature-rich the platform is and how detailed the reporting can be. However, considering the high starting price point, it is likely not a great solution for small salons and spa teams with simpler operations. For waxing salons wanting enterprise-level features, Zenoti offers advanced capabilities but at a significantly higher cost starting around $300/month.

Essential Features Every Waxing Salon Needs

Beyond basic appointment booking, here are the specific features that matter most for waxing salons:

Client Intake Forms: Comprehensive forms that capture medications, skin conditions, allergies, and previous reactions to wax services.

Service Customization: Ability to set different durations and pricing for various body areas, with appropriate buffer time between appointments.

Discreet Communication: Professional messaging that maintains client privacy for intimate services.

Aftercare Automation: Automated follow-up with post-waxing care instructions and rebooking reminders.

Staff Scheduling: For multi-room salons, coordination between waxing specialists and room availability.

Industry-Specific Tools Successful Waxing Salons Use

Beyond appointment software, here are additional tools that complement your waxing salon operations:

• Square Terminal for secure payment processing while clients are getting dressed
• Canva Pro for creating professional aftercare instruction cards and service menus
• Google My Business for local SEO and managing reviews for location-based searches
• Instagram Business for showcasing before/after results (with client permission)
• QuickBooks for accounting and tracking product costs vs. service revenue

Wrapping up

The right appointment software doesn’t just organize your calendar, it elevates your entire client experience and protects your revenue.

Each of these three platforms excels in different areas:

• Choose Fresha if you want professional features without monthly fees, plus access to millions of potential clients through their marketplace
• Select GlossGenius if you’re positioning yourself as a premium waxing salon and want sophisticated client experiences that justify higher prices
• Pick Vagaro if you’re running a comprehensive waxing business and need all-in-one management with powerful website integration

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

Start with a free trial of whichever system aligns with your salon’s positioning and goals. Your clients will appreciate the professionalism, and you’ll love having more time to focus on delivering exceptional waxing services.

Because in the waxing business, client comfort and trust are everything, and the right technology helps you deliver both consistently.

There was a time when appointment scheduling meant a giant paper book, sticky notes covering your mirror, and that sinking feeling when Mrs. Johnson called to reschedule her color appointment for the third time this week? Those days of frantically scribbling through crossed-out names and praying you didn’t accidentally double-book your busiest Saturday are (thankfully) behind us.

But the shift to digital scheduling isn’t just about ditching the paper chaos. Today’s clients expect to book appointments at 11 PM on a Sunday, get automatic reminders so they don’t ghost you, and pay online without having to fumble for cash. Meanwhile, you need something that won’t crash during your busiest week, can handle your complex color services that take different amounts of time, and doesn’t cost more than you make in a month.

The problem? There are approximately a million scheduling apps out there, each claiming to be “perfect for salons.” Some are built for dentists and adapted for hair. Others are so complicated you’d need a computer science degree to set them up. And don’t get me started on the ones with “simple” pricing that somehow ends up costing $200 a month once you add the features you actually need.

Meet your new front desk assistant

After testing dozens of appointment scheduling apps with real salon workflows, I found three that actually understand how beauty businesses work. These aren’t generic calendar apps with a “salon” label slapped on, they’re built for businesses where a “haircut” could mean anything from a 20-minute trim to a 3-hour transformation.

The 3 best appointment scheduling apps for beauty salons

• GlossGenius for beauty-focused features and design
• Square Appointments for payment integration and reliability
• Fresha for budget-conscious salons with marketplace features

What makes a great salon scheduling app?

Before we dive into the contenders, let’s talk about what actually matters for beauty businesses. Generic scheduling tools work fine if you’re a consultant booking 30-minute meetings. But salons? We’re different animals entirely.

You need an app that understands service variations, that a “color touch-up” is different from “full highlights with cut and style.” You need something that can handle processing time (because that balayage needs to develop while you start someone else’s cut), block out prep time, and maybe even suggest optimal booking patterns so you’re not stuck doing three hours of color services back-to-back.

Client experience matters too. Your scheduling app is often the first interaction potential clients have with your brand. If the booking process is clunky or the reminder texts sound like they came from a robot, that reflects on your professionalism.

And let’s be honest about budget, most salons aren’t swimming in cash. You need something that delivers real value without breaking the bank, especially when you’re already paying for booth rent, products, and equipment.

Testing criteria

I evaluated each app by setting up a fictional salon and testing real-world scenarios:

• Booking complex services (color + cut + style combinations)
• Managing cancellations and reschedules
• Setting up automated reminders
• Processing payments
• Handling no-shows and waitlists
• Managing team schedules for multi-stylist salons

I also looked at pricing transparency (goodbye, hidden fees), ease of setup, and how well each platform handles the beauty industry’s unique needs.

The best appointment scheduling apps for beauty salons at a glance

Best for beauty-focused experience: GlossGenius

GlossGenius pros:

• Designed specifically for beauty and wellness professionals
• Gorgeous, modern interface that reflects well on your brand
• Smart features like automated processing time and service combinations
• Flat 2.6% payment processing with no hidden fees

GlossGenius cons:

• US-only (sorry, international salons)
• More expensive than basic scheduling apps
• Can feel like overkill if you just need simple appointment booking

GlossGenius feels like it was built by someone who actually understands the beauty industry, probably because it was. This isn’t a generic booking app trying to work for everyone; it’s purpose-built for salons, spas, and individual beauty professionals.

What immediately struck me during testing was how thoughtfully designed everything is. When you’re setting up a “balayage with cut and style” service, GlossGenius automatically suggests realistic time blocks and asks if you want to include processing time. It understands that some services require prep, some need development time, and some can overlap with other appointments.

The client-facing booking experience is equally polished. Your booking page looks professional out of the box, no wonky fonts or generic colors that scream “I’m using free software.” Clients can book complex service combinations without getting confused, and the intake forms automatically adjust based on what they’re booking.

The payment integration is seamless, with a flat 2.6% processing rate that’s actually competitive in the payment processing world. No surprises, no different rates for different card types, no hidden fees for “keyed-in” transactions.

Where GlossGenius really shines is in the details. Automated appointment reminders include booking confirmations with intake forms. The calendar shows color-coded services so you can see at a glance when you have back-to-back technical services. The client database tracks everything from allergies to color formulas.

The marketing tools are surprisingly robust too. You can set up automated campaigns to remind clients about touch-ups, send birthday promotions, and even create referral programs that actually work.

GlossGenius pricing: 14-day free trial, then plans start at $24/month for Standard (includes booking, payments, basic marketing). Gold plan at $48/month adds team features and advanced marketing. Platinum at $72/month includes advanced analytics and premium support.

Best for payment integration and reliability: Square Appointments

Square Appointments pros:

• Completely free plan for solo practitioners
• Rock-solid payment processing with competitive rates
• Integrates with entire Square ecosystem (POS, online store, etc.)
• Works well for appointment-based businesses beyond just salons

Square Appointments cons:

• Interface feels more generic, less beauty-specific
• Advanced features locked behind paid plans
• Can get expensive quickly if you need multiple locations or team features

Square Appointments is the reliable workhorse of scheduling apps. While it may not have the beauty-specific charm of GlossGenius, it makes up for it with rock-solid reliability and seamless payment integration.

The free plan is genuinely useful—not a limited trial that forces you to upgrade after two weeks. Solo stylists can manage their entire booking and payment system without paying a monthly fee. You get online booking, automated reminders, and basic reporting. The catch? It’s limited to one location and doesn’t include some advanced features like waitlists or recurring appointments.

What makes Square Appointments special is the ecosystem integration. If you’re already using Square for payments (and many salons are), everything syncs perfectly. Your appointment revenue appears in the same dashboard as your retail sales. You can set up gift cards that work for both products and services. The Square Go marketplace can help new clients discover your business.

The scheduling interface is clean and functional, though not as beauty-specific as GlossGenius. You can set up complex services, but you’ll need to manually configure processing times and service combinations. It works, but requires more setup.

Client experience is solid. The booking page is professional, if a bit generic. Automated reminders are reliable. Payment processing is seamless, clients can save cards for future appointments and pay instantly after services.

Where Square Appointments really excels is reliability. It’s backed by a massive company with serious infrastructure. Your appointments sync across devices instantly, payment processing rarely has hiccups, and customer support actually exists when you need it.

Square Appointments pricing: Free plan for solo practitioners (unlimited bookings, basic features). Plus plan at $29/month per location adds team features, waitlists, and recurring appointments. Premium at $69/month includes advanced reporting and commission tracking.

Best for budget-conscious salons with marketplace features: Fresha

Fresha pros:

• Genuinely free plan for basic scheduling needs
• Marketplace helps new clients discover your business
• Competitive Plus plan pricing for teams
• Includes POS and inventory management

Fresha cons:

• Free plan is quite limited
• 20% commission on marketplace bookings feels steep
• Interface can feel cluttered compared to competitors
• Some users report customer service issues

Fresha takes an interesting approach to salon software: give away the basics for free and make money through their marketplace and payment processing. For budget-conscious salons, this can be a game-changer.

The free plan includes essential scheduling features, online booking, appointment management, client profiles, and basic reporting. It’s actually usable, not just a teaser to force you into paid plans. Solo stylists or small salons just starting out can run their entire booking system without monthly fees.

The Fresha marketplace is where things get interesting. Think of it like Yelp meets booking platform, clients can discover your salon, read reviews, and book appointments directly. This exposure can be valuable for new businesses or salons in competitive markets. The trade-off? Fresha takes a 20% commission on new client bookings that come through the marketplace.

For teams, the Plus plan at $9.95 per team member monthly is genuinely competitive. You get advanced scheduling features, marketing tools, team management, and full access to analytics. At under $50/month for a five-person team, it’s hard to beat on price.

The interface has improved significantly over the years, though it still feels busier than GlossGenius or Square. Everything you need is there, but finding it sometimes requires clicking through multiple menus. The recent updates have streamlined things considerably, but there’s still room for improvement.

Payment processing is handled through their integrated system at competitive rates (2.19% + $0.20 for most transactions). The POS features are solid, letting you sell retail products alongside services.

Where Fresha sometimes stumbles is in customer service and reliability. While most users have positive experiences, there are enough reports of payment processing delays and support issues to give pause. For a critical business system, reliability matters.

Fresha pricing: Free plan includes basic scheduling, online booking, and client management. Plus plan at $9.95/month per bookable team member adds advanced features, marketing tools, and team management. Marketplace bookings incur 20% commission (minimum $6) for new clients only.

Tips for choosing the right scheduling app for your salon

Here’s how to pick the platform that’ll actually help your business grow:

Start with your current pain points. Are you drowning in no-shows? Focus on apps with strong reminder systems and waitlist features. Struggling with payment collection? Prioritize seamless payment integration. Can’t keep track of your color formulas? Look for robust client history features.

Think about your growth plans. That free app might work fine now, but will it handle things when you hire your first assistant? Consider not just where you are, but where you’re going.

Test with real scenarios. Don’t just click through demo appointments. Set up your actual services with real pricing and timing. Try booking a complex color service with specific timing needs. See how the cancellation process works. Test the reminder system.

Consider your brand image. Your booking experience is often a client’s first impression of your professionalism. A clunky booking page or generic reminder texts can undermine your carefully crafted brand.

Factor in total cost. That $20/month app might end up costing $80/month once you add payment processing, team features, and marketing tools. Look for transparent pricing or apps that include everything in the base price.

Read the fine print on “free” plans. Some free plans are genuinely useful, others are basically demos. Understand the limitations before building your business around a free tier.

What’s next for salon scheduling apps?

The appointment scheduling space is evolving quickly, driven by changing client expectations and new technology. AI is starting to play a bigger role—not just in scheduling optimization, but in predicting no-shows, suggesting upsells, and even helping with inventory management based on booked services.

Integration is becoming more important too. The best scheduling apps are no longer just calendars; they’re becoming the central hub that connects your payment processing, marketing, inventory, and staff management. Expect to see deeper integrations with social media platforms, more sophisticated marketing automation, and better analytics.

Mobile-first design is becoming table stakes. Clients expect to book, reschedule, and pay from their phones without switching between apps or dealing with clunky mobile websites.

The marketplace model pioneered by platforms like Fresha is likely to expand. As discovery becomes more important for salons, expect scheduling apps to offer more ways to connect with new clients, though hopefully with better economics than current marketplace commissions.

But here’s the thing about choosing software: the best scheduling app is the one you’ll actually use consistently. A simple app that you use every day beats a feature-rich platform that sits unused because it’s too complicated or doesn’t fit your workflow.

Your scheduling app should disappear into the background of your business, handling the administrative stuff so you can focus on what you do best: making people look and feel amazing. Whether that’s a comprehensive platform like GlossGenius, a reliable workhorse like Square Appointments, or a budget-friendly option like Fresha depends on your specific needs and business goals.

The days of the paper appointment book are over. But the goal remains the same: keeping your chairs filled with happy clients who can’t wait to come back. Pick the tool that makes that happen most seamlessly for your salon.