Quick Overview
- 1#1: Vagaro - Comprehensive salon management platform for seamless appointment booking, client management, payments, and marketing tailored to hairdressers.
- 2#2: Booksy - Mobile-first booking app enabling hairdressers to manage appointments, client profiles, and payments on the go.
- 3#3: Fresha - Free, user-friendly booking software for salons with online scheduling, POS, and marketing tools for hairdressers.
- 4#4: Mindbody - Robust business management software for salons handling appointments, staff scheduling, payments, and client retention.
- 5#5: Boulevard - Modern, all-in-one salon software with advanced booking, retail management, and analytics for hairdressing businesses.
- 6#6: Mangomint - Elegant salon management tool featuring automated bookings, payroll, and inventory tracking for hairdressers.
- 7#7: GlossGenius - All-in-one platform for beauty pros offering bookings, payments, messaging, and website building for hairdressers.
- 8#8: Zenoti - Enterprise-grade software for multi-location salons providing appointment management, CRM, and operations automation.
- 9#9: Square Appointments - Simple, affordable scheduling and POS system integrated with payments for independent hairdressers.
- 10#10: Phorest - Cloud-based salon software focused on client retention, bookings, and targeted marketing for hairdressing salons.
Tools were carefully selected based on features, user experience, reliability, and value, ensuring they cater to the diverse demands of hairdressing businesses, from small studios to multi-location setups.
Comparison Table
Selecting the right hairdressing appointment software can transform daily operations and enhance client experiences; this comparison table dives into top tools like Vagaro, Booksy, Fresha, Mindbody, Boulevard, and more, exploring key features, pricing, and usability to help businesses find tailored solutions for their workflow and client base.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vagaro Comprehensive salon management platform for seamless appointment booking, client management, payments, and marketing tailored to hairdressers. | specialized | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Booksy Mobile-first booking app enabling hairdressers to manage appointments, client profiles, and payments on the go. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Fresha Free, user-friendly booking software for salons with online scheduling, POS, and marketing tools for hairdressers. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.9/10 | 9.0/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 4 | Mindbody Robust business management software for salons handling appointments, staff scheduling, payments, and client retention. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 5 | Boulevard Modern, all-in-one salon software with advanced booking, retail management, and analytics for hairdressing businesses. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 6 | Mangomint Elegant salon management tool featuring automated bookings, payroll, and inventory tracking for hairdressers. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 9.0/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 7 | GlossGenius All-in-one platform for beauty pros offering bookings, payments, messaging, and website building for hairdressers. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 8 | Zenoti Enterprise-grade software for multi-location salons providing appointment management, CRM, and operations automation. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 9 | Square Appointments Simple, affordable scheduling and POS system integrated with payments for independent hairdressers. | other | 8.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 10 | Phorest Cloud-based salon software focused on client retention, bookings, and targeted marketing for hairdressing salons. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.9/10 |
Comprehensive salon management platform for seamless appointment booking, client management, payments, and marketing tailored to hairdressers.
Mobile-first booking app enabling hairdressers to manage appointments, client profiles, and payments on the go.
Free, user-friendly booking software for salons with online scheduling, POS, and marketing tools for hairdressers.
Robust business management software for salons handling appointments, staff scheduling, payments, and client retention.
Modern, all-in-one salon software with advanced booking, retail management, and analytics for hairdressing businesses.
Elegant salon management tool featuring automated bookings, payroll, and inventory tracking for hairdressers.
All-in-one platform for beauty pros offering bookings, payments, messaging, and website building for hairdressers.
Enterprise-grade software for multi-location salons providing appointment management, CRM, and operations automation.
Simple, affordable scheduling and POS system integrated with payments for independent hairdressers.
Cloud-based salon software focused on client retention, bookings, and targeted marketing for hairdressing salons.
Vagaro
specializedComprehensive salon management platform for seamless appointment booking, client management, payments, and marketing tailored to hairdressers.
Vagaro Marketplace, which connects salons to new clients via search and automated lead generation
Vagaro is an all-in-one salon management platform tailored for hairdressers, offering seamless online appointment booking, scheduling, and client management. It streamlines operations with features like automated reminders, payment processing, inventory tracking, and marketing tools to boost client retention and acquisition. The mobile app ensures hairdressers can manage their business on the go, making it ideal for busy professionals.
Pros
- Powerful online booking with 24/7 availability and SEO-optimized marketplace exposure
- Comprehensive marketing automation including email/SMS campaigns and loyalty programs
- Robust reporting and analytics for business insights
Cons
- Pricing can add up with add-ons and per-client booking fees
- Steeper learning curve for advanced customization
- Limited free trial period compared to competitors
Best For
Hairdressers and small-to-medium salons seeking a feature-rich, scalable appointment and management solution.
Pricing
Starts at $30/month per location (Starter plan), scaling to $200+/month for Pro plans, plus 1-2% per-client booking fees and optional add-ons.
Booksy
specializedMobile-first booking app enabling hairdressers to manage appointments, client profiles, and payments on the go.
Booksy Boost: Automated marketing tool that promotes services to nearby clients, driving organic bookings via the platform's vast marketplace.
Booksy is a leading online booking and management platform tailored for beauty and wellness professionals, including hairdressers, enabling seamless client scheduling, payments, and business growth tools. It provides a centralized dashboard for managing appointments, client profiles, inventory, and marketing campaigns, with a robust mobile app for on-the-go access. The platform's marketplace connects hairdressers with new clients, boosting visibility and bookings in a competitive industry.
Pros
- Intuitive online booking system with real-time availability
- Powerful marketing tools like Boosts and promotions to attract clients
- Integrated payments, deposits, and no-show protection
Cons
- Transaction fees on the free plan can add up for high-volume users
- Advanced reporting and customization limited to higher tiers
- Occasional customer support delays during peak times
Best For
Independent hairdressers and small salons seeking an all-in-one platform with built-in client discovery and marketing.
Pricing
Free Pay-As-You-Go plan with 1.9-2.5% + fixed fees per booking; paid subscriptions from $29.99/month (Solo) to $89.99+/month (Team) for lower fees and more features.
Fresha
specializedFree, user-friendly booking software for salons with online scheduling, POS, and marketing tools for hairdressers.
Global client discovery marketplace that automatically promotes your salon to nearby potential customers
Fresha is an all-in-one booking and management platform tailored for hairdressers, salons, and beauty businesses, enabling seamless online appointment scheduling, client management, and point-of-sale transactions. It includes features like customizable calendars, automated reminders, inventory tracking, and marketing tools to help streamline daily operations and grow clientele. The platform's mobile app allows hairdressers to manage bookings on the go, while its global marketplace helps attract new customers.
Pros
- Free core plan with no upfront costs, ideal for startups
- Intuitive interface and quick setup for non-tech-savvy users
- Integrated marketplace for client discovery and marketing
Cons
- 20% commission on new client online bookings in free plan
- Limited customization options compared to enterprise tools
- Customer support can be slow during peak times
Best For
Small to medium-sized hair salons and independent stylists looking for an affordable, user-friendly solution to manage appointments and attract walk-in clients.
Pricing
Free plan (20% commission on new online bookings); Essentials from $19/month; Professional from $49/month per location (lower commissions, advanced features).
Mindbody
enterpriseRobust business management software for salons handling appointments, staff scheduling, payments, and client retention.
Integrated marketing suite with automated campaigns and waitlist management to maximize appointment fill rates
Mindbody is a robust all-in-one business management platform primarily designed for fitness, wellness, and beauty industries, including hair salons, offering advanced appointment scheduling, online booking, client relationship management, and payment processing. It supports hairdressers with features like staff rostering, automated SMS/email reminders, inventory tracking for products, and built-in marketing tools to boost bookings. While highly capable for scaling operations, its breadth can feel overwhelming for simple hairdressing needs.
Pros
- Comprehensive scheduling with drag-and-drop calendars and real-time availability
- Powerful marketing automation and client retention tools
- Extensive integrations with payment gateways and POS systems
Cons
- Steep learning curve and cluttered interface for beginners
- High pricing that may not suit small independent hairdressers
- Occasional performance issues and mandatory add-on fees
Best For
Mid-sized hair salons or chains needing a full-featured management suite beyond basic appointments.
Pricing
Starts at $129/month per location for core features, plus add-ons like marketing ($59+/month) and transaction fees (2.75%+); custom enterprise pricing available.
Boulevard
specializedModern, all-in-one salon software with advanced booking, retail management, and analytics for hairdressing businesses.
Visual drag-and-drop scheduling with intelligent waitlist auto-fill
Boulevard is a premium all-in-one management platform tailored for salons and spas, including hairdressing businesses, offering robust appointment scheduling, client CRM, POS, and payroll features. It enables online booking, visual drag-and-drop calendars, automated reminders, and detailed reporting to streamline operations. The software emphasizes a polished client experience with self-service portals and personalized service menus.
Pros
- Comprehensive feature set including POS, payroll, and marketing automation
- Modern, intuitive interface with strong mobile app support
- Excellent client engagement tools like self-check-in and prepayments
Cons
- High cost structure not ideal for small salons
- Initial setup and learning curve for advanced features
- Limited free trial and custom pricing opacity
Best For
Mid-sized to large hair salons and multi-location spas needing scalable, enterprise-grade management.
Pricing
Starts at ~$250/month per location plus transaction fees (~$0.50/ticket); custom enterprise plans available.
Mangomint
specializedElegant salon management tool featuring automated bookings, payroll, and inventory tracking for hairdressers.
Marketing Boosters – AI-driven automated campaigns that send personalized texts/emails to rebook clients and fill schedules automatically.
Mangomint is a modern, cloud-based salon management software designed specifically for hairdressers, spas, and beauty professionals. It streamlines appointment scheduling, online booking, client management, POS payments, inventory tracking, staff scheduling, and payroll. The platform also features advanced marketing automation and detailed reporting to help salons grow their business efficiently.
Pros
- Intuitive and visually stunning interface that enhances user experience
- Powerful automated marketing tools like Boosters for client retention and bookings
- Comprehensive all-in-one features including payroll, inventory, and reporting tailored for salons
Cons
- Premium pricing that may be costly for very small or startup salons
- Fewer third-party integrations compared to some competitors
- Advanced features have a learning curve despite overall ease of use
Best For
Established hair salons and multi-location businesses seeking a premium, design-forward solution with strong marketing capabilities.
Pricing
Starts at $165/month for 1 location and up to 3 users; scales with additional users ($55/user/month) and locations; custom enterprise plans available.
GlossGenius
specializedAll-in-one platform for beauty pros offering bookings, payments, messaging, and website building for hairdressers.
Automated booth rent collection and suite management for rental space stylists
GlossGenius is an all-in-one management platform tailored for beauty and wellness professionals, including hairdressers, offering seamless online booking, scheduling, and client management tools. It integrates payments, POS, marketing automation like email/SMS campaigns, and booth rental features to streamline operations for independent stylists and small salons. The software emphasizes a mobile-first, intuitive interface with customizable websites and client portals to enhance the customer experience.
Pros
- Intuitive mobile app and online booking with automated reminders reduce no-shows
- Integrated payments and booth rent collection simplify financial management
- Built-in marketing tools like Buzz for automated campaigns boost client retention
Cons
- Higher-tier features require premium plans, limiting value for basic users
- Reporting and analytics are solid but not as advanced as enterprise competitors
- Limited third-party integrations compared to more established salon software
Best For
Independent hair stylists and small salons needing an easy-to-use, all-in-one solution for bookings, payments, and marketing.
Pricing
Starts at $24/month (Essentials, solo user), $44/month (Pro), up to $114/month (Premium); annual discounts available, plus transaction fees.
Zenoti
enterpriseEnterprise-grade software for multi-location salons providing appointment management, CRM, and operations automation.
AI-powered business intelligence (Zenoti IQ) for predictive analytics and personalized client recommendations
Zenoti is a comprehensive cloud-based management platform tailored for salons, spas, and wellness businesses, including hairdressing services, offering end-to-end solutions from appointment booking to revenue management. It provides advanced scheduling with drag-and-drop calendars, client CRM, POS integration, inventory control, staff management, and marketing automation. The software excels in multi-location operations, delivering analytics and mobile apps for on-the-go access, making it suitable for scaling hair salons.
Pros
- All-in-one platform integrating bookings, payments, CRM, and analytics
- Powerful multi-location support with centralized control
- Advanced marketing tools like automated SMS and loyalty programs
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-tech-savvy users
- High pricing that may overwhelm small single-location salons
- Custom quotes make upfront cost comparison difficult
Best For
Mid-sized to large hair salons or chains with multiple locations needing enterprise-level management and scalability.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing starting at around $250-$500/month per location, scaling with users, services, and add-ons; free demo available.
Square Appointments
otherSimple, affordable scheduling and POS system integrated with payments for independent hairdressers.
Built-in Square POS integration for frictionless appointment payments and check-ins
Square Appointments is a versatile scheduling platform from Square, tailored for service-based businesses like hairdressers, offering online booking, calendar synchronization, automated reminders, and client management. It excels in integrating with Square's POS hardware for seamless in-person payments and check-ins during haircut or styling sessions. While straightforward for small operations, it provides essential tools like service menus, staff scheduling, and no-show protection without requiring advanced setup.
Pros
- Free plan for single-location users with no monthly fees
- Seamless integration with Square POS for instant payments
- Intuitive mobile app for on-the-go booking management
Cons
- Transaction fees apply (2.6% + 10¢ for card-present)
- Limited advanced salon-specific features like inventory tracking or client photo galleries
- Reporting and analytics are basic compared to specialized competitors
Best For
Solo hairdressers or small salons seeking simple, affordable scheduling with built-in payments.
Pricing
Free for one user/location (transaction fees apply); Plus at $29/month for multiple locations; Premium custom pricing.
Phorest
specializedCloud-based salon software focused on client retention, bookings, and targeted marketing for hairdressing salons.
Automated marketing engine with pre-built campaigns and client segmentation for personalized promotions
Phorest is an all-in-one salon management software tailored for hairdressers and salons, offering robust appointment booking, client relationship management, and point-of-sale functionality. It excels in marketing automation with targeted SMS/email campaigns, loyalty programs, and reputation management to drive client retention and new bookings. The platform provides detailed reporting, staff scheduling, and mobile apps for on-the-go access, making it suitable for multi-location businesses.
Pros
- Powerful marketing automation tools for client retention
- Comprehensive reporting and analytics dashboard
- Seamless integration with online booking and payments
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users
- Higher pricing for smaller salons
- Limited customization options in some areas
Best For
Mid-sized hair salons with multiple stylists seeking advanced marketing and client management features.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically starting at $199/month per location plus per-user fees; includes all features with no contracts.
Conclusion
After evaluating the top hairdressing appointment software, Vagaro emerges as the standout choice, offering a comprehensive platform for booking, client management, payments, and marketing tailored to hairdressers. Booksy and Fresha follow closely, with Booksy excelling in mobile accessibility and Fresha impressing with its user-friendly, free model, each filling specific needs for different businesses.
Ready to transform your salon workflow? Start with Vagaro for its all-in-one functionality, or explore Booksy or Fresha if mobility or affordability align better with your requirements.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison