Top Must-Have Apps for Salon Suite Management in 2025
- luxxee
- Mar 24
- 19 min read
In 2025, managing a salon suite is all about having the right tools at your fingertips. With numerous apps designed to streamline operations, from scheduling to payments, it can be tough to know which ones are truly essential. This article highlights the top must-have apps for salon suite management that can help you run your business smoothly and efficiently.
Key Takeaways
Choose apps that simplify appointment scheduling and management.
Look for features like automated reminders to reduce no-shows.
Consider platforms with strong reporting tools to track your business performance.
Ensure the app is cloud-based for easy access on the go.
Prioritize apps that integrate well with other business tools.
1. Mangomint
Mangomint is making waves in the salon suite management world, and for good reason. It's not just another app; it's a comprehensive solution designed to streamline pretty much every aspect of your business. I remember when I first heard about it, I was skeptical. Another salon app? But after digging in, I was genuinely impressed.
Mangomint stands out with its intuitive design and focus on creating a seamless experience for both salon owners and their clients. It's like they actually talked to people in the industry before building it, which is a nice change of pace.
One of the things I appreciate most is how well it handles client data management. You can pull up a client's history in seconds, make notes, and even upload files directly to their profile. And the best part? You own your data. They don't hold it hostage if you decide to switch systems down the road. That's a big deal.
Mobile apps for both Apple and Android devices.
Automated email and text message flows for personalized marketing.
Comprehensive payroll processing.
Mangomint's "invisible" philosophy is what sets it apart. The tools are so intuitive and efficient that they seamlessly blend into your daily operations. It's about making your life easier, not forcing you to adapt to a clunky system.
I've seen a lot of salon software come and go, but Mangomint feels different. It's clear they're committed to customer service and user experience, and that makes all the difference.
2. GlossGenius
GlossGenius is making waves, especially with its focus on ease of use and sleek design. It's really geared towards independent beauty pros who want something that looks good and is simple to operate. I've heard from a few stylists that the interface is super intuitive, which is a big plus when you're juggling appointments, payments, and everything else.
One thing that stands out is their website builder. Apparently, it's incredibly fast to set up a basic site using the info you already have in the system. That's a huge time-saver. Of course, if you're a bigger operation, you might want more customization and SEO support, but for solo folks, it seems perfect.
Here's a quick rundown of what you can expect:
Average Price: Around $48 per month.
Trial: Usually a 14-day free trial.
Contract: You can typically cancel anytime.
I've been told that the GlossGenius app is where you'll manage most of your business. It's available for both Apple and Android, so you're covered no matter what kind of phone you have. It's nice to know you can handle everything on the go.
They also have this thing called Genius Forms, which is supposed to suggest questions based on your specialty. So, if you're an esthetician, it'll suggest esthetician-related questions, and so on. Sounds like it could save a lot of time creating and managing client intake forms.
3. Vagaro
Vagaro is a pretty popular choice for salon suite management, and for good reason. It's got a lot going for it, and it seems to work well for both individual stylists and bigger salon setups. I've heard good things about how it handles appointments and keeps track of clients, which is super important when you're trying to keep everything organized. It's definitely one of those apps that people keep talking about, so it's worth checking out if you're looking for something new.
Vagaro is known as a feature-rich and affordable salon software. It seems like they've tried to pack in a lot of useful tools without making it too expensive, which is always a plus.
Here's a quick rundown of some things you might want to know:
It's got appointment scheduling, which is a must-have.
Client management is supposed to be pretty good.
It also handles payments, so you don't need a separate system.
I think the best part about Vagaro is that it tries to be an all-in-one solution. It's not just about booking appointments; it's about managing your whole business. That can save you a lot of time and hassle in the long run.
They also have some add-ons you can get, like automated text marketing for $20 a month, a website builder also for $20 a month, and even a salon POS software for $10 a month. It's cool that they give you options to customize it to what you need.
4. Square Appointments
Square Appointments is a pretty solid choice for salon suite management, especially if you're already in the Square ecosystem. It's got a clean interface and integrates well with other Square services, which can simplify your payment processing and overall business management. The calendar is fast and easy to use, allowing drag-and-drop appointment scheduling and easy switching between different views.
Square Appointments offers multiple booking channels, including a booking website, embeddable widgets, and the Square Go marketplace app. Square Go provides a free marketplace profile that helps clients discover and book your services, with all appointments syncing automatically to your Square calendar.
Here's a quick rundown of what I like about it:
Easy to use calendar with drag-and-drop functionality.
Integration with the Square ecosystem for payments and other services.
Multiple online booking channels.
Free access to reporting app.
One thing I appreciate about Square Appointments is its straightforward approach. It doesn't overwhelm you with features you don't need, and it's relatively easy to learn, even if you're not super tech-savvy. Plus, the reporting features give you a good overview of your business performance.
When you sign up for Square Appointments, you also get free access to their reporting app. You’ll find several predefined reports available and you can also create custom salon business reports.
5. Booksy
Booksy is a popular choice, especially in the health, wellness, and beauty sectors. It's known for its comprehensive platform that adapts well to various business types, from pet grooming to photography studios.
One of Booksy's biggest strengths is how well it integrates with other platforms. These integrations with search engines, business directories, and social media sites make it easier for potential clients to find and book your services. This can really boost your online booking presence.
Booksy offers a 30-day free trial, so you can test it out before committing. After the trial, subscriptions start at $29 per month, with each additional staff member costing $20. They also have add-ons like mobile payment processing and card readers.
Booksy is a solid option if you want a system that connects you to a wider audience. The integrations are a game-changer for visibility, and the pricing is reasonable for the features you get. It's worth checking out if you're looking to grow your client base.
6. Zenoti
Zenoti is really making a push into AI, which is interesting. They're trying to automate a lot, from answering phones to doing marketing. They even have an AI assistant called Zeenie to help you use the platform. It's available in nearly 50 countries worldwide.
I think Zenoti is best for bigger salon chains. It has a lot of features, but it can be a bit complex to learn. The menus can be complicated, and sometimes it's hard to find what you need. But if you're willing to put in the time, it can be pretty powerful, especially for bigger businesses. Zenoti offers a comprehensive suite of features online booking, point of sale (POS), inventory management, and marketing tools.
Here's a quick rundown:
Integrated payments through Zenoti Payments
Custom reports
Help center and Zenoti University (training) available
Zenoti is trying to move away from the old way of doing things, where software companies just update their software every few years. They're trying to be more modern with their "AI First" approach. But the interface still feels a bit old-fashioned. It's not the prettiest, but it gets the job done.
7. Boulevard
Boulevard is often talked about as being geared towards larger salon businesses with a focus on marketing. It's got a pretty comprehensive set of features, but that also means it comes with a higher price tag. I've heard mixed reviews about their mobile app, so that's something to keep in mind.
Here's a quick rundown of what people seem to like and dislike:
Strong marketing tools
Good overall feature set
Designed for bigger operations
Higher cost compared to other options
Some features are locked behind more expensive plans
Mobile app can be a bit glitchy
I think Boulevard is a solid choice if you're running a larger salon and really want to focus on marketing. But if you're just starting out or have a smaller operation, you might find it a bit too expensive or complex. It's worth checking out their demo to see if it fits your needs. Customizing San Antonio stylists salon suites can be a game changer.
I've seen some people say that their marketing suite isn't as smart as it could be, potentially leading to higher costs. So, it's worth doing your homework before committing.
8. Timely
Timely is a pretty solid option for salon suite management, especially if you're looking for something that can scale with you. It's designed to handle everything from solo stylists to larger salons with multiple staff members. I've heard good things about how it helps streamline day-to-day operations, which is always a plus.
One of the things that stands out is its focus on appointment scheduling software. It's not just about booking appointments; it's about managing your time effectively and making sure everything runs smoothly.
Here's what I like about Timely:
Easy to use: The interface is pretty intuitive, so you don't need to be a tech whiz to figure it out.
Scalable: Whether you're just starting out or have a growing team, Timely can adapt to your needs.
Comprehensive features: It covers a lot of ground, from appointment booking to client management and reporting.
I remember when my friend Sarah was struggling to keep up with her salon appointments. She switched to Timely, and it made a huge difference. She said it saved her hours each week and helped her stay organized. It's those kinds of stories that make me think Timely is worth checking out.
Timely seems like a good choice if you want a reliable and efficient appointment scheduling system that can grow with your business. It might not be the flashiest option out there, but it gets the job done.
9. Acuity Scheduling
Acuity Scheduling is part of the Squarespace family, which is a leader in website building and hosting services for small businesses. If you're already using Squarespace, this makes Acuity an easy choice. It's a solid option for businesses looking for a straightforward scheduling solution.
It's used by freelancing professionals and mid-sized businesses alike. Clients can use Acuity to schedule appointments, cancel sessions, receive price quotes, and even schedule recurring appointments. If your clientele is local, but you want to expand your services to a global audience, Acuity serves nine other markets besides the US, making it a great starting point if you intend to take your business international.
Acuity Scheduling offers a 7-day free trial and a freemium version, so you can get started with no upfront costs. It's scalable, so you won't have to switch platforms in the future. It also offers diverse payment acceptance, which will ultimately help you in the long run.
Here's a quick look at what Acuity Scheduling brings to the table:
Appointment scheduling salon software
Client management
Payment processing
Customizable branding
10. Salon Iris
Salon Iris is another option to consider for managing your salon suite. It's been around for a while, and many stylists find it meets their needs. It offers a range of features designed to help with day-to-day operations.
Salon Iris provides tools for:
Appointment scheduling
Client management
Point-of-sale transactions
Inventory tracking
One thing I've heard from other stylists is that Salon Iris can be a bit complex to learn at first. However, once you get the hang of it, it can be a pretty powerful tool. It's worth checking out their free trial to see if it's a good fit for your salon suite. If you're looking for salon booking software that has been around for a while, this might be it.
11. Shedul
Shedul is a popular option, especially since it's free! It's designed to handle a lot of the basic needs of salon suite management. It's a solid choice if you're just starting out and want to keep costs down.
Shedul is used in many countries. Here's a quick look at some of its features:
Appointment scheduling
Client management
Marketing tools
Reporting
Shedul's free model can be really attractive, but it's important to consider if it will scale with your business. As you grow, you might find that you need more advanced features that aren't included in the free plan. Think about your long-term needs before committing.
Shedul is a good starting point for salon suite management, but make sure it fits your future plans.
12. Phorest
Phorest is a popular choice for salon suite management, known for its comprehensive features and focus on growth. It's designed to help salons manage appointments, track inventory, and boost marketing efforts. Phorest aims to provide a complete solution for running a salon business, from front-desk operations to back-end analytics.
One of the things that stands out is their commitment to innovation. They're always adding new features and improvements, which is great for keeping up with the changing needs of the industry. However, this also means there can be a bit of a learning curve as you get used to the new tools.
Here are some of the things Phorest does well:
Appointment scheduling and management
Inventory tracking
Marketing and loyalty programs
Reporting and analytics
Phorest is a solid option if you're looking for a feature-rich platform that can handle all aspects of your salon suite business. It might be a bit overwhelming at first, but the investment could be worth it if you're serious about growing your business.
Phorest's pricing can be a bit higher compared to some other options, but it reflects the depth of features Phorest Profile and support they offer. It's worth considering if you need a robust system and are willing to pay a bit more for it. Phorest is a strong contender in the salon software space.
13. Fresha
Fresha is another popular option for salon suite management, especially known for its free tier. It's got a lot going for it, but like anything, it's not perfect. Let's break down what makes Fresha tick.
Fresha offers a marketplace where you can promote your salon. This can be a great way to get new clients, but it also means you're competing with other salons on the platform.
Here's a quick rundown of some pros and cons:
Pros:Free to use (with limitations)Marketplace for promotionUnlimited free SMS notifications
Cons:Limited customization optionsClients need a Fresha account to bookLimited integration with other platforms
Fresha's free SMS notifications are a big draw for many salons. Being able to send reminders and updates without incurring extra costs is a definite plus. However, the limited customization and integration options can be a drawback for some.
Fresha's user reviews often highlight its ease of use and the value of its free features. However, some users find the lack of customization frustrating. It really depends on what you're looking for in a salon management app.
14. Salonized
Salonized is another option worth considering for your salon suite. It's designed to help you manage appointments, client data, and marketing efforts all in one place. It's available in 130 countries.
Salonized aims to streamline your daily tasks, letting you focus more on your clients and less on administrative work. It's got features to help with online booking, automated reminders, and even managing your inventory.
Here's a quick rundown of what Salonized brings to the table:
Appointment Scheduling: Easy drag-and-drop interface.
Client Management: Keep track of client history and preferences.
Marketing Tools: Send out promotions and newsletters.
Point of Sale: Process payments and manage transactions.
If you're looking for a system that covers the basics and offers some marketing capabilities, Salonized might be a good fit.
15. SimplyBook.me
SimplyBook.me is another solid option for salon suite management. It's known for its flexibility and wide range of customization options. It's a good pick if you want a system that can adapt to your specific needs without being overly complicated.
SimplyBook.me offers a free plan for very basic use, which is great for getting started. As your business grows, you can upgrade to a paid plan to unlock more features and capacity. It's a scalable solution that can grow with you.
Here's what makes SimplyBook.me stand out:
It offers a wide range of customization options, allowing you to tailor the booking experience to match your brand.
It supports multiple locations and service providers, making it suitable for larger salon suites.
It integrates with various payment processors, so you can easily accept online payments.
It's a pretty good choice if you want something that's not too expensive and has a decent amount of features.
16. Appointy
Appointy is another option to consider for managing your salon suite. It aims to provide a comprehensive solution for scheduling and business management, but how well does it stack up?
One thing I noticed is that Appointy tries to be an all-in-one solution. It handles appointments, client management, and even marketing. The key is whether it does all of these things well enough for your specific needs.
Here's a quick look at some potential pros and cons:
Pros:Offers a free plan (though limited).Includes marketing tools.Handles multiple locations.
Cons:Can get pricey as you add features.Some users report a steeper learning curve.Customer support can be hit or miss.
Appointy could be a good fit if you're looking for a system that does a little bit of everything. However, if you need a specialist in a particular area, like super-detailed appointment tracker, you might want to look at other options.
Ultimately, the best way to know if Appointy is right for you is to try out the free plan and see how it fits with your workflow.
17. MyTime
MyTime is another option in the salon suite management software space. It aims to provide a comprehensive solution for appointment scheduling, customer management, and point-of-sale transactions. I remember when I first looked into it, I was pretty impressed with the range of features it seemed to offer.
One thing that stood out was its focus on marketing tools. It seemed like they were really trying to help businesses grow, not just manage day-to-day operations. It's got some awards too, like Best Time Clock, Best Employee Scheduling, and Best HR & Employee App in 2023.
Here's a quick rundown of some of its features:
Appointment scheduling
Customer database
Marketing automation
Employee management
I think the biggest thing to consider with MyTime is whether its feature set aligns with your specific needs. Some users might find it a bit overwhelming if they're just starting out, while others might appreciate the depth of functionality. It's worth taking the time to explore its capabilities and see if it's a good fit for your salon suite. Keeping track of your finances is important, so make sure you have a good system for financial tracking in place.
18. SalonRunner
SalonRunner is another option in the salon management software space. It aims to provide a comprehensive solution for managing various aspects of a salon business. I've heard mixed reviews, but it seems like it could be a good fit for some salons, especially those looking for something relatively straightforward.
Here's a quick rundown of what SalonRunner offers:
Appointment scheduling
Client management
Point-of-sale (POS) capabilities
Inventory tracking
Reporting features
SalonRunner seems to focus on providing a user-friendly experience, which can be a big plus for salon owners who aren't particularly tech-savvy. However, some users have mentioned that its feature set isn't as extensive as some of the other options on the market.
It's worth checking out Rosy Salon Software and comparing it to SalonRunner to see which one better fits your salon's specific needs. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual requirements and preferences.
19. 10to8
10to8 is another appointment scheduling software that's been around for a while, and it's still a solid choice for salon suite management. It's not as flashy as some of the newer apps, but it gets the job done. It's particularly good if you need a system that can handle a lot of different staff members and services.
It's got the basics covered:
Online booking
Automated reminders
Calendar sync
Reporting
One thing I appreciate about 10to8 is its focus on communication. It sends out SMS and email reminders, which can really cut down on no-shows. Plus, it integrates with a bunch of other tools, so you can keep everything in one place.
While it might not have all the bells and whistles of some of the other options, it's a reliable choice, especially if you're looking for something that's easy to set up and use. It's worth checking out if you're just starting out or if you need a simple, straightforward scheduling software for your San Antonio salon suites.
20. StyleSeat
StyleSeat is a platform that's been around for a while, and it's still a popular choice for many salon professionals. It's essentially a marketplace where stylists and clients can connect. You create a profile, list your services, and clients can book appointments directly through the StyleSeat platform.
The main draw of StyleSeat is its large user base, which can help you get discovered by new clients. It's like having another storefront, but online. However, that also means you're competing with a lot of other stylists in your area.
Here are a few things to keep in mind about StyleSeat:
It can be a great way to attract new clients, especially when you're just starting out.
The platform handles the booking process, which can save you time and effort.
You'll need to factor in StyleSeat's fees when setting your prices.
One thing I've heard from other stylists is that it's important to manage your StyleSeat profile actively. Keep your photos updated, respond to reviews, and make sure your pricing is accurate. Otherwise, you might not get the results you're hoping for.
StyleSeat is easy to use, so you don’t need to worry about a steep learning curve. It's a solid option if you're looking for a simple way to manage your appointments and get more visibility. When comparing StyleSeat and Booksy, consider what is more important to you: ease of use or comprehensive features.
21. Schedulicity
Schedulicity is a pretty popular choice, and it's not just for salons. You'll find it used by pilates studios, tattoo shops, and all sorts of businesses. It's a solid option if you want something that can handle appointments, class bookings, and even multi-session workshops.
One cool thing about Schedulicity is that you get a business listing in their marketplace. Think of it as extra visibility for your salon. It's like getting a free ad just for using their software. Plus, they have integrations for social media, so clients can book appointments directly from your Facebook page or website. That's super convenient for everyone.
Schedulicity is great for boosting your salon's visibility. The marketplace listing and social media integrations can really help you reach more clients. It's worth checking out if you're looking to grow your business.
Here's a quick rundown of what you can expect:
Online booking
Business listing in Schedulicity marketplace
Social media integrations
Customer management tools
Schedulicity offers a 14-day free trial. After that, the unlimited plan starts at $34.99 per month for solo providers, with the price increasing as you add more users. It's a good fit for solopreneurs and small businesses in the US or Canada who want an easy-to-use, all-in-one solution. The marketplace feature makes it especially appealing if you're trying to increase your salon's online presence.
22. Genbook
Genbook is another option to consider for managing your salon suite. It's designed to help you streamline your scheduling and attract new clients. Let's take a closer look at what it brings to the table.
Genbook aims to simplify the booking process for both you and your clients. It offers a range of features to help you stay organized and grow your business.
Online Booking: Clients can easily book appointments through your website or the Genbook app.
Automated Reminders: Reduce no-shows with automated text and email reminders.
Marketing Tools: Attract new clients and keep existing ones engaged with built-in marketing features.
Genbook provides a solid set of tools for managing appointments and client communication. It's worth exploring if you're looking for an all-in-one solution that covers the basics well. It might not have all the bells and whistles of some of the more advanced platforms, but it's a reliable choice for many salon suite owners.
23. SalonTouch
SalonTouch is another option to consider for managing your salon suite. It's been around for a while, so it has a pretty established user base. SalonTouch aims to provide a comprehensive solution for salon management.
It's got the basics covered, like appointment scheduling and client management. You can also track inventory and manage employee schedules. It's designed to handle the day-to-day stuff, so you can focus on your clients.
Here's a quick rundown of some features:
Appointment scheduling
Client history tracking
Inventory management
Employee scheduling
SalonTouch is designed to be an all-in-one solution, but some users find the interface a bit dated compared to newer apps. It might be a good fit if you prefer a more traditional approach to salon management software. Consider how you can optimize salon suite spaces to complement your software choice.
While it might not have all the bells and whistles of some of the newer platforms, it's a solid choice if you're looking for something reliable and established.
24. Hairbrained
Hairbrained is a bit different. It's more of a community and education platform for hair stylists. Think of it as a social network meets online learning. It's not a full-blown salon management software like some of the others, but it can be a really valuable resource for staying up-to-date on trends and techniques.
It's not about booking appointments or managing inventory. It's about connecting with other stylists, sharing ideas, and learning new skills. If you're looking to grow your skills and network, Hairbrained is worth checking out. It's a great way to find work-related questions and answers.
Hairbrained is a great resource for stylists who want to stay connected and learn new things. It's not a replacement for salon management software, but it can be a valuable addition to your toolkit.
Here's what Hairbrained offers:
Online courses and tutorials
A community forum for stylists
Inspiration and ideas from other stylists
25. and more
Okay, so we've covered a bunch of the big names in salon suite management apps, but the world of software is always growing. There are always new apps popping up, or existing ones getting updates with cool new features. It's worth keeping an eye out for what else is out there, because you might find something that's an even better fit for your specific needs.
Here's a quick rundown of some other options you might want to check out:
Mindbody: A pretty popular option, especially if you're also into fitness or wellness services. It's got a lot of features, but some people find it a bit overwhelming.
Fresha: This one's been gaining traction, and it's known for having a pretty generous free plan. Could be a good starting point if you're on a tight budget. It's a good option for online booking system.
Square Appointments: If you're already using Square for payments, this could be a no-brainer. It integrates really well with their other services, which can simplify things.
Don't be afraid to try out a few different apps before you settle on one. Most of them offer free trials, so you can get a feel for how they work and see if they're a good fit for your business. The best app is the one that makes your life easier and helps you grow your salon suite.
And hey, who knows what new apps will be out there by 2025? The tech world moves fast, so stay curious and keep exploring!
Wrapping It Up
In 2025, picking the right salon management app is super important for your business. The tools we talked about can really help you keep things running smoothly, from booking appointments to managing your finances. Remember, every salon is different, so what works for one might not work for another. Take your time to explore these options and see which features fit your needs best. The right app can save you time, reduce stress, and help you grow your salon. So, don’t rush it—find the one that feels right for you!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is salon management software?
Salon management software helps salons run their business smoothly. It includes tools for scheduling appointments, managing clients, and handling payments.
How do I choose the right app for my salon?
To pick the right app, think about what your salon needs most. Look for features like appointment scheduling, reminders, and customer management.
Are these apps easy to use?
Yes, most salon management apps are designed to be user-friendly, making it easy for salon owners and staff to learn how to use them.
Can I access these apps on my phone?
Yes, many salon management apps are cloud-based, meaning you can access them from your phone or tablet, making it convenient to manage your salon on the go.
Do these apps help with marketing?
Yes, several apps offer marketing tools, like sending reminders or promotions to clients, helping you keep your customers engaged.
Is there a free trial for these apps?
Most salon management apps offer a free trial, so you can test them out before deciding to pay for a subscription.
What if I have a small salon?
Many of these apps are suitable for small salons and independent stylists, offering features that fit your needs without being overwhelming.
How can I manage my client information?
Salon management software usually includes a customer database, allowing you to track client visits, contact details, and preferences easily.
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