Your salon software is one of the backbones of your business. You might rely on your technology for a wide array of tasks, including booking, payments, tracking KPIs, inventory management and more – or you may still be searching for the perfect fit to help you seamlessly run your business. Our goal with this guide is to help you compare and contrast the helpful features and innovative offerings from the top salon-focused tech tools on the market today.
Sponsors of SALON TODAY’s special Technology Issue are listed first alphabetically with their logos – their support helps make this guide possible.
 
DaySmart Salon
daysmartsalon.com
(800) 527-7600
[email protected]
KEY FEATURES: DaySmart Salon is an all-in-one business management software solution that offers time-saving and automated features such as appointment scheduling, online booking, online gift card sales, business websites, text and email, digital forms and waivers, built-in payment processing, service deposits, online reviews, Instagram and Facebook integrations, employee management, multi-ticket checkout, payroll, advanced reporting dashboard, and much more.
NEW FEATURE: DaySmart recently revamped the ability to collect deposits in advance while also providing the opportunity to text last-minute opening announcements without incurring risks from mobile carriers. Last year, DaySmart launched its free, custom kiosk app designed to free up the burden on the front desk by allowing clients to check in for scheduled appointments or create a walk-in appointment request. 
 
EnvisionNow
envisionnow.com
(800) 231-9445
[email protected]
KEY FEATURES: Scheduling and POS with seamless features including automated marketing, two-way texting, online booking, service reminders, product recommendations, loyalty programs, memberships, goal tracking, reputation management, extensive reports, and contactless payments and deposits. Custom mobile apps for clients offering mobile booking, and an app for staff schedules and goals.
NEW FEATURE: EnvisionNow's Advanced Photos feature allows salon companies to capture consistent, professional photos of their work and compare them to 'before' pictures with interactive tools including ghosting, sliders, and morphing.
 
Fresha
fresha.com
[email protected]
KEY FEATURES: Appointments scheduling, payment processing, point of sale, marketing promotions, product inventory and online store management, reporting and analytics, consumer marketplace.
NEW FEATURE: Fresha’s marketing campaign builder is the latest addition to its market-leading platform. With the campaign builder’s simple drag-and-drop system, hair professionals can build content, segment their audiences, schedule email sends, and reach out to clients via text messages. All that activity can be achieved quickly, right from a phone or tablet, using the same platform they use to manage their business day-to-day.
 
NailSoft
nailsoft.com
(800) 807-6107
[email protected]
KEY FEATURES: Cloud-based, 4-in-1 Point-of-Sale system; client appointment and check-in app; integrated credit card processing; gift card and management; payroll and revenue management; unlimited text-to-client messaging; full suite of marketing tools; referral and loyalty programs; 24/7/365 tech support.
NEW FEATURE: NailSoft's built-in suite of marketing tools keeps you in touch with your clients by sending automatic birthday discounts, holiday messages, product specials and other creative messages that keep your clients coming back more often.
 
Rosy Salon Software
rosysalonsoftware.com
(877) 346-7679
[email protected]
KEY FEATURES: Online client scheduling; automated confirmations; text message and email marketing; curbside check-in; in-house notifications; mobile access; reporting; rewards and referrals; point of sale; product reservations; suggestive selling; inventory management; e-commerce; and RosyPay integrated payment processing with deposits, pre-authorizations, and card-on-file features.
NEW FEATURE: Ticket Fees allows salons to collect custom fees from clients in their sales tickets. The editing feature helps manage fees that vary by client or transaction. For example, salons can edit bag fees for areas that mandate charging for plastic shopping bags, color management fees to separate the charges from service revenue, and program fees to pass along costs for payment processing.
 
SalonBiz
salonbiz.com
(888) 809-2802
[email protected]
KEY FEATURES: Feedback and reviews; customizable rewards and referral programs; frequency of visit for pre-booking; single client database for multi-locations; integrated payments, including card-on-file and online gift card sales; mobile inventory management; recurring billing for memberships; online booking; pre-payment options; stylist app; mobile front desk iPad app for portable POS; consumer app for contactless check-in and out; reporting; SalonBiz Academy online training suite.
NEW FEATURE: SalonBiz Levels allows salons and spas to create tiered pricing for their staff. Simply create your levels, add the times and prices for each service in the level, then assign your staff. Staff have a clear career journey plan, and managers save time maintaining service menus. When a staff member is ready to level up, SalonBiz lets you know if they have any appointments booked and take care of the new menu and pricing in a click.
 
Vish
getvish.com
[email protected]
KEY FEATURES: Vish captures all details of every formula mixed so your team no longer needs to manually input color notes. Consistent color is mixed every time, services are never missed at checkout, and in-depth analytics enable you to manage your business efficiently— helping you maximize color profits without increasing services.
NEW FEATURE: Vish’s upcoming Plan Ahead™ feature will allow stylists to build a formula during the consultation on their mobile phone and have their assistant mix later, shaving valuable minutes from every consultation and client prep. This release is coming October 1, and includes all the favorite features stylists rely on as well as a growing list of salon software integrations with top companies.
 
Aurora Payments
risewithaurora.com
(833) 287-6722
[email protected]
KEY FEATURES: Aurora Payments is a network of technology and processing professionals dedicated to providing salon owners with customizable and reliable solutions, including NailSoft, a powerful POS system and management app for salons. Through reliable technology, Aurora helps businesses increase efficiency and achieve additional opportunities for growth. Aurora also provides contactless desktop terminals, online payments through your website, card readers for mobile devices, easy integration with other point-of-sale (POS) systems, QuickBooks, and other accounting software.
 
Boulevard
joinblvd.com
[email protected]
KEY FEATURES: Stunning, easy-to-use software for exceptional client experiences. Optimize your time, maximize income, and build deeper client relationships with Precision Scheduling™, custom client accommodations, smart automations, loyalty and membership programs, robust marketing, integrated POS and payments, custom reporting, and more. Plus, get time-saving workflow integrations like Shopify, Facebook/Inatagram, QuickBooks, and Zapier.
NEW FEATURE: Share the cost of credit card processing with Boulevard Offset and keep more of what you make. Boulevard lets you automatically and compliantly apply a credit card surcharge during checkout. The average Boulevard customer saves more than $9,600 per year in processing costs and recoups 99% of their credit card sales.
 
Canvas ME
canvasme.com
(973) 570-0452
[email protected]
KEY FEATURES: Unlimited applicants, search portfolios on Canvas ME, career pages and QR codes for salons, automated sharing links for social media, highlight your company culture with videos and images, integrate with recruitment platforms to streamline hiring process, real-time analytics, text message alerts, applicant tracking system, messaging features, video capability, "hire a pro" to build out your profile.
NEW FEATURE: Canvas ME's omni-channel function allows salons to recruit year-round, building their hiring funnel so they can save time, effort and money in the future. Salons can even link their Canvas ME business page to their website for an elevated career page that potential applicants will love.
 
CLICS
clics.com
(833) 692-5427
[email protected]
KEY FEATURES: CLICS is revolutionizing professional salons with the first digital hair color studio that can save salons up to 50% of hair color costs and save stylists up to an hour a day formulating color. The CLICS technology includes an app, digital dispenser, and an award-winning mixable hair color line. The system empowers colorists to design any demi or permanent shade with the touch of a button, then replicate that formula with precision to eliminate waste and automatically maintain color inventory.
NEW FEATURE: CLICS allows stylists to upload before and after pictures for every client serviced. You can select any client on the CLICS app to view the hair profile, consultation, past formulas, notes and pictures.
 
Glammatic Salon Marketing
glammatic.com
(857) 856-7707
[email protected]
KEY FEATURES: Salon website design and development, search engine optimization, social media management and content creation, blog content creation, reputation management, e-commerce.
NEW FEATURE: Glammatic social media management curates and designs content, and the software schedules and shares your posts for you. The company’s experts engage real followers and monitor reviews to save you hours each week. Glammatic provides you with 10+ customized social post templates, publishes 5+ weekly posts across your Instagram and Facebook accounts, and helps you grow your follower count to build a captive audience.
 
GlossGenius
glossgenius.com
(888) 979-7864
[email protected]
KEY FEATURES: GlossGenius is a booking and payments software that helps professionals and teams feel in control of their business operations. Custom online booking site, scheduling and calendar management, unlimited appointment confirmations and reminders, text and email marketing, social media templates, client profiles, notes, reviews, deposits, card-on-file cancellation protection, customizable default gratuities, split payments, and powerful rebooking technology that helps pros secure 99%-plus rebooking rates.
NEW FEATURE: With Genius Forms, professionals select from industry-specific question sets – or craft their own – and then decide which services those questions will apply to, as well as whether they will be asked only the first time or every time a client books that service. It takes just minutes to set up and all answers are fully integrated with the relevant client's profile.
 
INOVSHOP USA
inovshopusa.com
(833) 466-8747
[email protected]
KEY FEATURES: INOVSHOP USA’s experts in Digital Experiences, Media Content Management, POS Displays, Merchandising Security, Installation and Post Install services can ensure you are providing an unforgettable experience to your clients. Whether you’re attracting clients off the street or pushing to increase your conversion rates, INOVSHOP’s custom tools will support your business goals.
NEW FEATURE: With the new Lift and Learn technology, guests can have a custom experience as they simply lift up products to watch videos, view ingredients, and learn more, providing product consultation and a unique experience for self-shoppers.
 
Insight Salon & Spa Software
salon-software.com
(844) 483-9835
[email protected]
KEY FEATURES: Appointment book with online booking capabilities, POS, inventory, SMS appointment reminders and confirmations, marketing, client management, and lots of great reporting with phone and email support.
NEW FEATURE: Insight has the ability to capture credit card information when a client books online.  This information can be stored in the case of a no-show and used with a policy.
 
Inspire by STX
stxsoftware.com
(800) 766-4778
[email protected]
KEY FEATURES: Scheduling, online booking, text and email reminders, automated marketing, goal setting and tracking, client management, inventory management, advanced reporting, payroll, designated stylist app, designated client app, surveys and reviews, unlimited logins, memberships, POS and much more.
NEW FEATURE: Inspire by STX has partnered with SalonInteractive, which provides direct access to a detailed product catalog of over 450 brands with all the data you need to set up and manage your inventory in Inspire with a free, customizable online store. SalonInteractive pays commission to the business and records which stylist should receive commission.
 
Jon David Tech
jondavidtech.com
(571) 594-3822
[email protected]
KEY FEATURES: Effortlessly capture color formulas without lifting a finger. Simply scan and go with 100% accuracy. Front desk integration ensures that the exact formula is recorded for each client. The client's formula history is a searchable, clickable, fully detailed digital history book. Transparency, provided through a crystal-clear view of color product use, waste and individual performance allows owners and managers to individually tailor compensation plans. With the help of JD Tech’s insights, you can keep your color inventory accurately stocked, always ready to create any image for any client.
 
KORVUE
korvue.com
(866) 567-8838
[email protected]
KEY FEATURES: Cloud or local installation; multi-site and enterprise ready; interface, workflow, and automation customization; advanced scheduling of services, classes, and events; powerful point-of-sale; marketing and promotions; inventory and service-based product utilization; electronic forms; custom mobile apps.
NEW FEATURE: New consultation app with real time membership sign-up and custom packages.  Create a quote on the spot, and your clients can pay for it now or pay later.
 
Mangomint
mangomint.com
[email protected]
KEY FEATURES: Automated client self-check-in and self-checkout; Shopify integration; multi-account payments; online booking; integrated POS; full functionality on mobile, tablets, and desktop; memberships; automatic billing; staff and client management; gift cards; powerful reporting; automated messaging; two-way texting, Express Booking, and more.
NEW FEATURE: Mangomint recently launched Two-Way Texting as well as Resource Scheduling, which allows you to create, allocate, and automatically assign any resource to a service. Additionally, Mangomint is now fully HIPAA compliant so businesses can securely store medical records and client health data.
 
Meevo
meevo.com
(973) 402-9500
[email protected]
KEY FEATURES: Meevo empowers and prepares salon owners for success with smart and reliable solutions that help simplify daily operations, optimize productivity, and create more booking and revenue opportunities. Employee and waitlist management, online booking, Precision Timing™, payment processing, marketing, built-in revenue generating tools, and inventory management.
NEW FEATURE: MeevoPay™ payment processing is now available to all Meevo users to help streamline business operations and elevate the customer experience with convenient payment options and seamless transactions. The all-in-one payment processing solution offers low fixed rates, industry-leading fraud detection, integrated reporting, next day funding, a guaranteed POS uptime of 99.95%, and unparalleled support from a 100% US-based Meevo team.
 
Mikal SEVEN
mikal.com
(800) 448-5420
[email protected]
KEY FEATURES: Payroll, goal setting, inventory control, management, accounting reporting, online booking, employee mobile booking app, appointment marketing, free text and email marketing, integrated appointment confirmations, online gift card sales and redemptions.
NEW FEATURE: Mikal 7.2 just released with automatic integrated text appointment confirmations back to your system with one click from the client's phone. Follow up reminders to all unconfirmed client appointments. 
 
mya
joinmya.com
(608) 886-9585
[email protected]
KEY FEATURES: mya’s matchmaking software boosts revenue, retention, and average spend per visit by predicting positive outcomes before clients walk in the door for the first time. It helps beauty pros and brands grow their perfect clientele. By pairing people based on their skill set, budget, personality and lifestyle preferences, mya creates lasting relationships that keep both sides coming back for more.
NEW FEATURE: Formally known as Meet Your Stylist, the company is now called mya as they match hairstylists, barbers, and estheticians/skincare providers. mya will soon be adding nail technicians and massage therapists as well. With the rebrand comes a brand new, modern survey flow, new user interface, integration with salon softwares before the end of 2023.
 
Phorest Salon Software
phorest.com/us
(406) 284-7019
[email protected]
KEY FEATURES: Phorest supports and enables salons and spas to manage, market, and grow their businesses with advanced marketing features such as Phorest Ads Manager, Expert Recommendations, Online Reputation Manager, Email and SMS Marketing Suite and Treatcard Loyalty program; salon apps for both staff and guests; online booking; consultation forms; two-way text messaging; PhorestPay, online store and online gift cards; in-depth reporting and dashboards; staff performance and goal setting.
NEW FEATURE: The Phorest Ads Manager is an industry-first that allows salons to run social media ads via Facebook and/or Instagram, all from the comfort of their Phorest system. Along with 100+ ad templates you can use or customize for a range of occasions and promotions, you can access in-depth insights, including the total number of new or rebooked clients and total revenue for those new clients, as well as reach, impressions and click rate.
 
Salon Ninja
salonninja.com
(732) 800-9664
[email protected]
KEY FEATURES: Leads dashboard, email marketing, text marketing, voicemail marketing, Facebook lead ads, Google ads, automated drip campaigns, landing page builder, form builder, survey builder, call tracking, SEO, website marketing suite, pre-built marketing templates, two-way SMS and email messenger, leads pipeline, reviews manager, social media manager.
NEW FEATURE: AI deskless communication automation.
 
SalonInteractive
saloninteractive.com
(312) 300-0553
[email protected]
KEY FEATURES: SalonInteractive is an e-commerce and marketing platform that allows salons, spas, barbershops, and independent service providers to create free, customizable online stores to sell their favorite hair and beauty products. Every sale results in earned commission. Orders are fulfilled through local distributors and are shipped directly to the client's door. It’s fast and easy, and no worrying about shipping or managing inventory.
NEW FEATURE: With SalonInteractive's new Essentials Subscription, pros receive access to a library of themed promotions and can use professional marketing from some of the most recognized brands in the industry to keep their clients updated on new product launches, major discounts, and more.
 
SalonScale
salonscale.com
(833) 697-2253
[email protected]
KEY FEATURES: SalonScale’s innovative cost calculator only charges clients for the exact amount of product used in their service. SalonScale also helps keep you organized and efficient while mixing with features like digital formula storage; a developer ratio calculator; before and after photos; bowl names and tags; and the ability to duplicate or remix bowls.
NEW FEATURE: SalonScale’s new Waste Bucket feature will accurately record the excess color after each appointment and automatically adjust your color formulas to account for color waste. With this feature comes an additional waste report your salon can use as the ultimate coaching tool, providing insights into overmixing and identifying the most wasted products.
 
ShearShare
shearshare.com
(562) 774-3277
[email protected]
KEY FEATURES: Unlock brand-new revenue by making your suites and stations available to local professionals on demand. Staff up to full occupancy by listing your empty space at a time and price that’s convenient for you. Available in 900+ cities.
NEW FEATURE: Portable healthcare benefits, daily liability insurance, and HOT LEADS for salon owners. You can finally reach out to the tens of thousands of ShearShare-certified professionals that view your listings.
 
Square Appointments
squareup.com/appointments
(855) 700-6000
[email protected]
KEY FEATURES: All-in-one POS solution enabling salon owners to offer 24/7 booking, build a custom website, schedule team members, manage client relationships, sell retail items online and in-person, accept payments, and check out clients all from one place. Square Messages enables two-way communication between salons and their clients to confirm, reschedule, and cancel appointments, purchase retail items, share photos, and more.
NEW FEATURE: Tap to Pay on iPhone and Tap to Pay on Android are now available to businesses using Square Appointments, enabling stylists to collect contactless payments right from the salon chair without any additional hardware.
 
Textel
textel.net
844-483-9835
[email protected]
KEY FEATURES: Textel is a text messaging solution that lets you send one-on-one conversational messages with SMS and MMS. You can use automation and bots for after-hours auto replies, templates, and keyword responders. Or, add in custom SMS QR codes, schedule text marketing campaigns, add keywords to automate engagement or promote sales, specials, and recruitment, directing users straight to your website, videos, forms, and custom URLs. Access features from our web app, its mobile version, or integrate Textel with your existing POS platform. Textel is already integrated with Meevo, SalonBiz, and Inspire by STX.
NEW FEATURE: Textel’s industry-leading 1:1 and 1:Many texting platform is getting even better with new features, including AI-powered Text Bots, web-to-text website widgets, and pre-made templates for mass Blast campaigns. Textel makes it easier for you to turn SMS/MMS messaging into business.
 
Tippy
meettippy.com
(855) 831-2323
[email protected]
KEY FEATURES: Tippy generates higher tips for your employees and can save business owners on processing fees on tips. The Tippy app is integrated into your digital wallet (powered by Branch) so all tips are available immediately. The Tippy Support Team is always available.
NEW FEATURE: Tippy’s POS Integrations are a seamless, all-in-one checkout experience. This integration solution offers all the benefits of the Stand-Alone Solution plus: All-in-one customer checkout kiosk, single-swipe transaction, and integrated data that flows with your POS. Tippy is consistently continuing to release integrations, so make sure to check if your POS is integrated with them.
 
Vagaro
vagaro.com/pro
(800) 919-0157
[email protected]
KEY FEATURES: Online booking – require deposits at booking, charge no-show and cancellation fees and check clients out on their phones. Vagaro Pay Later, automated rent and fees, FREE Vagaro Marketplace, and waitlist.
NEW FEATURE: Add-ons help providers make more money in less time. Providers can set their automation triggers to automatically suggest extra upgrades based on what customers are booking, making it easy to upsell and cross-sell to increase revenue. The added flexibility to turn pre-existing services into add-ons also means you no longer must create your own add-ons within your service menu. Upselling high-value class packages and memberships during booking increases value for both you and your clients.
 
Valise AI
valisesuite.com
(865) 384-8564
[email protected]
KEY FEATURES: Valise AI offers businesses a unique opportunity to align the personality of their AI with that of their brand and business culture. This ultimately allows a business the ability to create a more consistent problem-solving process. Valise AI uses dynamic language and complex questioning to deliver proactive conversations and information that exceeds a customer’s expectations.
NEW FEATURE: Provide a fully customized AI experience for your visitors, providing better and faster customer service while collecting entire chat histories to learn more about customer needs.
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