Best Booking Software and Appointment Setter Apps for Hair Salons and for Hairdressers in 2025
Running a successful hair salon today means juggling walk-ins, managing staff, keeping loyal clients happy, and staying on top of bookings. Gone are the days of pen and paper appointment logs. In 2025, the secret weapon of top-performing salons? Smart booking software for hairdressers and hair salon businesses.
But with dozens of apps on the market, how do you pick the right one for your salon?
Let’s cut through the noise.
We’ve tested, reviewed, and compiled a list of the top appointment setter apps and booking software for hair salons in 2025. Whether you're a solo stylist or managing a bustling salon team, there’s something here for you.
Why Your Salon Needs Appointment Software in 2025
Before we dive into the list, here’s why booking software isn’t just a nice-to-have — it’s essential:
- Time-Saver: No more double-booking or forgotten appointments.
- Online Booking 24/7: Let your clients book when it’s convenient for them — even at 2 AM.
- Fewer No-Shows: Automated reminders keep your chair full.
- Better Client Experience: Customers can rebook, cancel, and get notified easily.
- Integrated Payments: Upsell, invoice, and get paid — all in one place.
🥇 1. Fresha – The All-In-One Powerhouse (FREE to use)
Best for: Independent stylists, small-to-midsize salons
Price: Free (with optional premium add-ons)
Why Fresha stands out in 2025:
Fresha has been a favorite for years, and in 2025, it’s still leading the pack. With zero monthly fees, this platform gives salon owners a powerful toolkit for managing appointments, staff, stock, and payments.
Features:
- Online booking website
- Instagram & Google integration
- POS and inventory management
- SMS/email reminders
- Customer reviews and rebooking prompts
Pros:
- 100% free to use (Fresha takes a small fee on new client bookings via their marketplace)
- Beautiful interface for staff and clients
- Booking widgets for your website/socials
Cons:
- No phone support
- Limited customization for branding
Best part? You don’t even need a website — Fresha creates a booking page for you.
🥈 2. GlossGenius – For Stylish, Solo Salon Owners
Best for: Independent stylists and boutique salons
Price: $24/month
Why we love GlossGenius:
If your salon’s vibe is as important as your services, GlossGenius nails it. The booking pages are absolutely gorgeous, and it's tailor-made for stylists who care about design.
Features:
- Stunning booking site with your branding
- POS with tap-to-pay
- Analytics and sales tracking
- Client notes & formulas storage
- Automated marketing (email/texts)
Pros:
- Incredibly easy to set up
- Very “Instagrammable” interface
- Accepts payments with low fees
Cons:
- Best for solo stylists — not great for large teams
- Limited custom workflows
Bonus: You can also track color formulas and client preferences — perfect for returning clients.
🥉 3. Boulevard – For Premium Salons That Want VIP Service
Best for: High-end, multi-stylist salons
Price: Starts at $175/month
Why it’s worth the investment:
Boulevard isn’t cheap, but it’s tailored for upscale, luxury-focused salons. If you’re looking to impress clients from the moment they book, this is the platform for you.
Features:
- Smart waitlists and double booking features
- Custom branded mobile app
- CRM with client preferences
- Commission and payroll support
- Premium support
Pros:
- Sleek, luxury client experience
- Built-in marketing tools
- Customizable workflows and pricing
Cons:
- High price tag
- May be overkill for smaller salons
If your brand screams elegance and precision, Boulevard’s your match.
🧩 4. Square Appointments – Budget-Friendly With Great POS
Best for: Stylists who want simple, affordable, and powerful POS
Price: Free for individuals, $29/month for teams
Square nails the basics.
If you already use Square for payments, Square Appointments is a no-brainer. It integrates seamlessly and gets the job done without extra fluff.
Features:
- Easy scheduling and online booking
- Integrated Square POS
- Google Calendar sync
- Client management and history
- No-show protection
Pros:
- Free for individuals!
- All-in-one tool with payments, hardware, booking
- Works beautifully on mobile
Cons:
- Lacks advanced customization
- Not as “pretty” as GlossGenius
If budget matters and simplicity is key, Square Appointments is dependable and efficient.
🧠 5. Vagaro – A Do-It-All Platform for Growing Salons
Best for: Salons expanding to multiple services and staff
Price: Starts at $30/month
Why choose Vagaro:
Vagaro brings robust features that work across beauty, fitness, and wellness — making it ideal for salons that also offer spa or esthetician services.
Features:
- Online booking with your branding
- Custom forms and waivers
- Built-in marketing tools (email, SMS)
- Payroll and inventory tracking
- Mobile app for clients and staff
Pros:
- Scales well with your business
- Tools for upselling services/products
- Integration with Zoom and fitness classes
Cons:
- Interface can feel clunky
- Some features cost extra
If your salon is evolving into a multi-service beauty hub, Vagaro keeps everything connected.
💬 6. Timely – For Super Organized Salons That Love Reports
Best for: Data-driven salon managers
Price: Starts at $35/month
What’s Timely good at?
If you’re the type of salon owner who loves running reports and keeping things ultra-organized, Timely was made for you.
Features:
- Smart scheduling
- Detailed analytics dashboards
- Automated client reminders
- Built-in consultation forms
- Deposits and cancellation policies
Pros:
- Powerful calendar and reporting tools
- Very flexible with pricing and services
- Helpful customer support
Cons:
- Slight learning curve
- Price increases quickly with added staff
Want to stay on top of your numbers? Timely puts your data front and center.
📱 7. Booksy – The Community Favorite for Client Discovery
Best for: Finding new clients through the Booksy marketplace
Price: $29.99/month
Why it’s unique:
Booksy isn’t just a booking app — it’s a discovery platform, too. Think of it like Yelp + a booking calendar in one.
Features:
- Book directly through Instagram, Google, or Facebook
- Community reviews
- In-app messaging with clients
- POS and reporting
- Targeted promotions
Pros:
- Brings in new clients via marketplace
- Great for building your local reputation
- Easy rescheduling and cancellation features
Cons:
- App interface can feel busy
- You compete with other salons in the same area
If growing your client base is your 2025 goal, Booksy gives you visibility and a strong backend to manage it.
⚡ Quick Comparison Table
App NameBest ForStarting PriceUnique FeatureFreshaFree tool for solo/mid salons$0No monthly fee, powerful booking & POSGlossGeniusStylish solo owners$24/monthBranded booking pagesBoulevardPremium high-end salons$175/monthVIP client experience + branded appSquare ApptsSolo stylists w/ POS needsFree-$29/monthSeamless Square POS integrationVagaroSalons with multiple services$30/monthScalable with advanced toolsTimelyData lovers$35/monthAdvanced analytics and formsBooksyGrowing client base$29.99/monthClient discovery platform
🔮 Future of Salon Booking in 2025 and Beyond
The booking software landscape is evolving. In 2025, these trends are reshaping how salon owners run their businesses:
- AI-powered client retention tools: Expect smarter reminders, upsell suggestions, and dynamic pricing.
- Voice-command bookings: Clients can rebook via Siri or Alexa.
- Hyper-personalized marketing: Based on client history and preferences.
- Wearable tech integrations: Appointment reminders on smartwatches.
Choosing the right platform now sets you up to ride these waves — not get swamped by them.
🧴 Final Thoughts: How to Choose the Right App for Your Hair Salon
With so many great tools, it all comes down to your salon's vibe and workflow.
Here’s a quick guide:
👩🎤 If you're a solo stylist:
- Go with GlossGenius or Square Appointments.
👨👩👧👦 If you manage a team:
- Try Fresha, Vagaro, or Timely.
🏛️ If you're building a luxury brand:
- Invest in Boulevard.
📢 If you're trying to grow fast:
- Booksy is your best bet.
And remember: most of these platforms offer free trials. Take them for a spin and see which one fits your salon's rhythm best.
✅ Your Next Steps
- Pick your top 2 or 3 favorites.
- Sign up for the free trial or demo.
- Test it with real bookings.
- Choose the one your team and clients love the most.
The right software is like the perfect haircut — invisible when it works, but transformative for how you feel and function.
Welcome to the future of salon management — sleek, smart, and totally stress-free.
