A successful nail salon depends on smooth appointments, reliable payments, organised staff, and strong client relationships. The right software makes these tasks easier, saves time, reduces no-shows, and supports business growth. With competition rising in 2026, the right appointment software can help a salon stand out. This list reviews the top platforms based on features, ease of use, price, and feedback from UK salons.
Photo by Giorgio Trovato on UnsplashTop 7 for best nail salon appointment software in 2026:
- Booksy Biz: Provides powerful reports and insights to track salon performance and growth.
- Trafft: Offers highly customisable pages for appointments that match a salon’s brand.
- Zenoti: Includes advanced team management tools to coordinate large teams.
- Phorest: Combines loyalty points and rewards with client appointment history.
- Square Appointments: Mobile-first interface makes managing bookings on the go easy.
- GlossGenius: Built-in website and online presence tools help attract new clients.
- Ovatu: Supports multi-service and group appointments for more flexible scheduling.
Comparison Table: Top 7 Nail Salon Appointment Software
| Company | Best For | Key Features | Pricing | Rating |
| Booksy Biz | All UK nail salons & beauty businesses | All-in-one booking, client management, integrated payments, marketing, reports, portfolio, no-show protection | From £15/user/month | 4.9/5 |
| Trafft | Small to large salons wanting flexible online booking | Custom branded booking site, group scheduling, automatic reminders, analytics, app integration | Free up to 5 users, plans from £23/month | 4.7/5 |
| Zenoti | Large, multi-location salons & medspas | AI scheduling, CRM, analytics, automated marketing, multi-site management | From £160/month | 4.6/5 |
| Phorest | Salons focused on marketing, client retention | Integrated POS, loyalty/reviews management, automated campaigns, mobile app | From £49/month | 4.8/5 |
| Square Appointments | Micro businesses & independent nail techs | In-app scheduling, POS, client reminders, integrated payments | Free for individuals, plans from £25/month | 4.7/5 |
| GlossGenius | Independent nail professionals & small salons | Intuitive app, custom branding, marketing tools, automated reminders, reports | From £38/month | 4.8/5 |
| Ovatu | Small to mid-sized salons needing a simple, affordable option | Flexible scheduling, POS, reminders, mobile app | From £15/month | 4.8/5 |
Booksy Biz
Location: Chicago, USA (global with strong UK base)
Year Founded: 2014
Rating: 4.9/5
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/booksy/posts/?feedView=all
Booksy Biz is an all-in-one nail salon software. Manage appointments, payments, promotions, reviews, and staff in one place. Clients can book 24/7, and features like no-show protection and automated reminders keep your calendar running efficiently. Suitable for independent nail techs and multi-location salons.
Best for: salons that want an advanced all in one platform with UK support.
Trafft
Location: Belgrade, Serbia
Year Founded: 2020
Rating: 4.7/5
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/trafft/
Trafft helps salons set up online appointment pages, send reminders, and accept payments. Its free plan for small teams gives new businesses a chance to grow without upfront costs. Mobile flexibility and customisation make it ideal for creating a branded client experience.
Best for: small salons or independent nail techs starting out.
Zenoti
Location: Bellevue, USA
Year Founded: 2010
Rating: 4.6/5
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/zenoti/
Zenoti suits bigger beauty businesses. Enterprise-level tools include AI insights, advanced reporting, and multi-location management. While pricing and setup are higher, it works well for salons part of a chain or looking to expand.
Best for: large salons or franchises needing enterprise features.
Best for: large salons or franchises that need enterprise features.
Phorest
Location: Dublin, Ireland
Year Founded: 2002
Rating: 4.8/5
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/phorest/
Phorest combines appointments and payments with marketing features. Loyalty programs, SMS campaigns, and review management help keep clients coming back. Ideal for salons prioritising client retention.
Best for: salons focused on client loyalty and marketing.
Square Appointments
Location: San Francisco, USA
Year Founded: 2009
Rating: 4.7/5
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/joinsquare/
Square Appointments is simple, affordable, and works perfectly for solo professionals. It offers free booking for individuals, integrated POS, and automated reminders to keep your schedule full. If you run a very small salon or work independently, it makes client management straightforward without extra costs.
Best for: independent nail techs or small salons needing a free option.
GlossGenius
Location: New York, USA
Year Founded: 2016
Rating: 4.8/5
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/glossgenius/
GlossGenius focuses on style, branding, and a professional client experience. It includes a custom booking app, seamless payments, and built-in marketing tools that help salons stand out. Boutique salons that value polished branding and client engagement will find it particularly useful.
Best for: boutique salons that value branding and client experience.
Ovatu
Location: London, UK
Year Founded: 2010
Rating: 4.8/5
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ovatu/
Ovatu keeps scheduling simple and affordable while still offering essential features. It covers appointments, reminders, POS, and even offline access, so salons can run smoothly even without the internet. While it lacks advanced reporting, it’s reliable for small to mid-sized salons that need a straightforward solution.
Best for: small salons that want a budget-friendly, reliable solution.
Summary
The best nail salon appointment software in 2026 helps UK salons streamline appointments, reduce no-shows, and grow their client base. Booksy Biz leads with an all-in-one platform, trusted support, and strong UK presence. Other options, including Trafft, Phorest, and Square Appointments, are suitable depending on salon size and budget. Using the right software makes scheduling easier, supports marketing efforts, and creates a better experience that keeps clients returning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which nail salon appointment software is right for 2026?
Booksy Biz is a strong choice for most UK salons because it handles appointments, client management, and marketing all in one place. If your salon is smaller or just starting out, you might also consider Phorest, Square Appointments, or Trafft. Each of these offers easy setup, flexibility, and features suited to different needs, so you can pick the one that fits your salon best.
Can I start for free if I run a small salon?
Absolutely. Square Appointments provides a free plan for solo professionals, while Trafft offers a free tier for small teams. These options are perfect if you’re testing the waters or want to get your scheduling system up and running without any upfront investment.
How can I reduce missed appointments and no-shows?
Automated reminders and confirmations make a huge difference. Tools like Booksy Biz and Ovatu send SMS or email notifications to clients, which keeps them accountable and helps you avoid empty slots in your schedule. It’s one of the easiest ways to make your day run smoother without extra effort.
Which software works best for larger salons or multiple locations?
If you manage a big team or multiple sites, Zenoti is built for that scale, offering advanced scheduling and reporting tools. Booksy Biz also scales well across locations, it gives you a clear overview of staff, appointments, and client activity without juggling multiple systems.
Can I run marketing campaigns directly from the software?
Yes. Booksy Biz and Phorest let you handle promotions, request reviews, and communicate with clients directly through the platform. That means you can keep your clients engaged and attract new ones without needing extra apps or tools, saving time and keeping everything in one place.
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