Best Salon Software in the UK: An 8-Point Checklist for Owners

Lists of the best salon software are usually written by a vendor ranking itself first. We make SalonOS, so we will not rank tools. Here is what to test in any salon software, ours included, before you sign up.

1. Online booking that matches your diary

Clients should see real availability, pick a stylist, and book without calling. Check what happens with double-booked slots, buffer times and a stylist's days off.

2. A till that fits how you take money

Ask how the software handles card, cash, vouchers and split payments on one bill. Run a few real bills through a trial before you trust it.

3. VAT

If you are VAT registered, check how the software shows VAT on invoices and receipts and how you get the numbers to your accountant. Ask the vendor, then confirm the answer with your accountant. Do not assume it works the way your old system did.

4. Reminders and no-show cover

Reminders by text or WhatsApp cut missed appointments. Look for automatic reminders, a way for clients to confirm or cancel, and a clear record of who agreed to marketing messages.

5. More than one location

If you have, or plan to have, a second salon, check for one login, separate roles per location, and reports you can read across all of them.

6. Staff pay and commission

Commission, tips and attendance in the same place as the bills mean fewer spreadsheets at month end. Ask how commission is worked out and whether you can export it.

7. Price you can read

Find out whether you pay per stylist, per location, per booking or by quote, and what changes when you add a chair. Published prices make comparison easy. Ask about contract length and how to leave.

8. Getting your clients in and out

Check that you can import your client list and history, and that you can export your data if you leave.

How to run the test

Shortlist two or three tools. Give each one the same working day: book five appointments, take payments including a split bill, send a reminder and run an end-of-day report. The one that feels easiest with your team is usually the right one.

Where SalonOS fits

SalonOS covers booking, billing, memberships, payroll and an AI receptionist across locations, with prices published per location on our pricing page. Book a walkthrough or start a free trial, and use the checklist above on us too.