If you want your nail salon to thrive in 2026, great nail services aren’t enough on their own. Over 60% of UK salons are now using online booking platforms, so smart software has become standard. Picking the right system can make life so much easier, keeping your appointments, staff schedules, and even payroll under control.
This guide will review the top nail salon software 2026, detail the main features of each platform, and help you find a system to reduce missed appointments, improve client management, and support smoother day-to-day work. The goal is to provide a practical guide to help you build a better business.
Our Evaluation Process
We used independent data sources and verified client feedback to create this list. We researched platforms using market research, price data and aggregated ratings from trusted directories like G2, Capterra and Clutch.
Here is what we considered:
- Verified client reviews and satisfaction scores.
- The range of salon schedule and client management features.
- The price structure, free plan availability, and flexible paid plans.
- Usability across the booking app, web, and mobile devices.
- Integration with payments, marketing tools, and other platforms.
- The quality and reliability of support for salon owners and nail techs.
Comparison of the Top Nail Salon Software for 2026
Before we move to detailed reviews of each platform, here is a comparison of the 2026 leaders:
| Company | Starting Price* | Free Version | Key Features | Best For |
| Booksy Biz | £40.00/month | 7-day trial | Unlimited booking, staff management, automated reminders, no-show protection. | Growing beauty and nail salons. |
| Square Appointments | £0 (free plan) / £29/month (Plus plan) | Yes | Free booking site, POS integration, unlimited staff accounts, Square Go marketplace. | Solo professionals and small teams. |
| GlossGenius | £19/month | 14-day trial | Branded booking site, marketing tools, inventory management, Genius Forms. | Independents and small salons. |
| Vagaro | £24/month | 30-day trial | Feature-rich platform, website integration, client marketplace, AI content tools. | Cost-conscious salons that need comprehensive features. |
| Boulevard | Custom pricing | Demo call required | Precision Scheduling™, two-way text marketing, extensive integrations. | Larger businesses and salons focused on a premium client experience. |
| Mindbody | Custom pricing | No free trial | Branded app, class schedules, enterprise-level marketing, marketplace. | Wellness centers, spas, and salons with educational programs. |
| Booker | £102/month | No free trial | Mindbody marketplace integration, loyalty programs, customizable booking widgets. | Growing salons that need marketing and retention tools. |
| Zenoti | Custom pricing | No free trial | AI-powered automation, multi-location control, extensive customization. | Enterprise-level salons and large salon chains. |
| SimplyBook.me | £7.50/month | Yes | Customisable booking site, social media booking, loyalty programs, intake forms. | Customisation and multi-industry use. |
| Mangomint | £130/month | 21-day trial | Modern design, smart client interaction tools, payroll processing, extensive integrations. | Larger salons (5+ providers) that want a well-designed, intuitive system. |
*For exact pricing, please consult the provider as listed prices are approximate and may vary.
Top 10 Nail Salon Software: A Detailed Look
Here are detailed reviews for each of our top picks for the best nail salon software of 2026.
1. Booksy Biz
Booksy Biz is a top all in one nail salon software for UK businesses. It simplifies appointment scheduling, staff management and client communication. The platform has tools for promotion and payments in one place. Unlimited appointments, automated reminders and online payments to reduce no shows and client retention. Strong no show protection with prepayments and cancellation policies to secure your income. Bootsie lets you focus on your clients, not business admin.
Pricing: Starts at £40 per month for one user, with a £5 charge per additional team member
Key Features
- Unlimited appointment schedules with calendar management.
- No-show protection with prepayments and cancellation policies.
- Integrated payments, POS, and tools for promotion.
Rating: 4.7
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/booksy/
2. Square Appointments
Square Appointments is a system for schedules that combines appointments with integrated payments and POS functions. It has a free plan for solo nail techs and paid plans for larger salons. The platform is famous for its high-quality, modern POS hardware. Its unique “Lego approach” allows you to add tools like payroll or tools for promotion as your business expands. It is a user-friendly choice for individuals and small teams.
Pricing: A free plan is available; paid plans start at £29 per month per location.
Key Features
- A free website for online appointments and social integrations.
- Access to the Square Go marketplace app for client discovery.
- Integrated payments and compatibility with Square POS hardware.
Rating: 4.5
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/joinsquare/
3. GlossGenius
GlossGenius is the top choice for independent beauty professionals who want a stylish platform. This app provides appointment schedules, tools for promotion, and integrated payments. Everything from its website to its card reader has a design for a premium client experience. Smart features like Genius Forms show its deep knowledge of beauty pros’ needs. It is ideal for independents who prefer a great online look without technical fuss.
Pricing: Starts at £19 per month for the Standard plan.
Key Features
- A professional-looking salon website with a few clicks.
- Smart Genius Forms that suggest questions based on your specialty.
- Integrated tools for text and email campaigns.
Rating: 4.8
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/glossgenius/
4. Vagaro
Vagaro is like a Swiss army knife for salon software, with a huge number of features in an affordable package. It offers everything from payments and payroll to inventory and tools for promotion. The platform has a sophisticated website widget so clients can book directly on your site. While the interface can feel slower than others, Vagaro is a great choice for cost-conscious salons that need comprehensive features.
Pricing: Starts at approximately £24 per month.
Key Features
- A feature-rich platform with tools for payments, payroll, and inventory.
- A client marketplace to help you attract new clients.
- AI tools to help with service descriptions and marketing content.
Rating: 4.7
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vagaro/
5. Boulevard
Boulevard is a modern salon software with a fresh approach and contemporary interface. It offers a huge number of features, like an innovative front desk view, but remains intuitive. The platform is best for larger, established salons that need sophisticated automation for promotion and can commit to a 12-month contract. It is made for a premium client experience.
Pricing: Starts at £136 per month; custom pricing may apply.
Key Features
- Precision Scheduling™ technology to fill calendar gaps intelligently.
- Two-way text message features for targeted campaigns.
- Extensive third-party integrations with apps like Shopify and Instagram.
Rating: 4.6
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/boulevard/
6. Mindbody
Mindbody is a well-known platform for its unique ability to manage both salon services and educational classes. This makes it ideal for hybrid wellness businesses that offer treatments and courses. The interface can feel outdated and complex for simple tasks. It requires a 12-month contract, and no free trial is available.
Pricing: Starts at £102 per month; custom pricing may apply.
Key Features
- Dual capability for appointment schedules and class management.
- Access to the Mindbody Marketplace for new client acquisition.
- A branded app for a cohesive client experience.
Rating: 4.2
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mindbody/
7. Booker
Booker is an established salon software with a dated interface. Its greatest strength is its integration with the Mindbody Explore marketplace, which helps you reach a massive audience of new clients. The platform offers tools like loyalty programs and automated outreach. However, it requires a 12-month contract and has no free trial. This makes it a solid choice for salons that prioritize new client acquisition through a marketplace.
Pricing: Starts at £102 per month.
Key Features
- New client acquisition through the Mindbody Explore marketplace.
- Tools for loyalty programs and gift card management.
- Automated campaigns based on client visit history.
Rating: 4.1
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/booker-software/
8. Zenoti
Zenoti is an enterprise-level software for large salon chains and multi-location businesses. It has an “AI First” approach to automate tasks like marketing campaigns and analytics. The platform offers extensive customization and centralized control, but its interface is dated and complex. Zenoti is powerful for franchises that need unified control, but it requires a 12-month contract.
Pricing: Starts at a minimum of £238–£317 per month.
Key Features
- An “AI First” approach with automated campaigns and analytics.
- Centralized control for multi-location management.
- Extensive customization options and custom reports.
Rating: 4.4
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/zenoti/
9. SimplyBook.me
SimplyBook.me provides appointment schedules and online appointment tools for a wide range of service businesses. It includes functions for client management, automated reminders, and promotion through social media. The platform is a great choice for businesses that value high levels of customization. Its price tiers scale with the number of appointments and features you use.
Pricing: A free plan is available; paid plans start at £7.50 per month.
Key Features
- A customizable website for online appointments.
- Tools for social media appointments and loyalty programs.
- Integrated payments with support for deposits and POS.
Rating: 4.4
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/simplybook.me/
10. Mangomint
Mangomint is a new generation of salon software with a fresh, modern feel. Its tools are so intuitive they just blend into your daily work. The platform is excellent for client interaction with features like two-way texting and email campaigns. It feels like a system made for salon professionals. Mangomint is best for larger salons that want smart, well-designed software and can handle a higher entry price.
Pricing: Starts at £130 per month.
Key Features
- Smart client interaction with two-way texting and an intelligent waitlist.
- Full-service, built-in payroll processing.
- Automated email and text message flows for personalized campaigns.
Rating: 4.7
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mangomint/
Summary
The choice of the right schedule system can transform how a nail salon handles bookings, payments, and client communication. Among the available options, Booksy Biz stands out as a top choice for 2026, with a complete suite of tools made to handle both daily operations and long-term salon growth.
When you select a platform, remember to define your salon’s needs, list must-have features, and try demos before you make a commitment. The right software is more than an expense, it is an investment in the future of your salon.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What exactly is nail salon software?
Think of nail salon software as your digital assistant. It helps you manage appointments, let clients book online, and keep in touch with them easily. Most platforms also handle payments, send automated reminders, and help you manage your team so you can keep clients coming back and attract new ones.
2. What are the most important features for a nail salon?
You’ll want online booking, automated reminders, integrated payments, and inventory management at the very least. Extras like multi-staff calendars, client profiles, and marketing tools for emails or SMS can really help you stay organized and grow your business.
3. Can my clients book their own appointments online?
Absolutely. Most systems give your clients a website or app where they can book in just a few clicks whether they’re on their phone, computer, or even social media. Some platforms even sync with Google Reserve, making it super easy for your clients to schedule.
4. Will a free plan be enough for my nail business?
Free plans usually cover the basics, like online booking and simple reminders. If you want advanced features like detailed reports, payroll tools, or marketing campaigns, you’ll likely need a paid plan. Many solo techs and small salons start free and upgrade as they grow.
5. How does this software help keep clients coming back?
These tools help you stay connected with clients through automated reminders, loyalty programs, and personalized options. By storing client preferences and appointment history, you can offer tailored experiences, reduce no-shows, and build stronger relationships.