Salon Software
The right systems quietly run a modern salon: online booking, POS, payments, CRM and the data behind smarter decisions. This hub tracks the platforms and features shaping UK salon operations, the market moves among the major providers, and how owners actually choose and switch tools. We weigh up add-on features against core value, and look at where automation and integrations genuinely save time. If you are evaluating salon software or getting more from what you have, here is the technology conversation for service businesses.
66 articles

Nail Tech's Brand Expands with HEMA-Free Focus
EL Nail Systems, founded by nail technician Emma Sarda, expands its product line with a focus on HEMA-free and TPO-free formulations.

Nail Tech Returns to Industry After 6-Year Break
Nail technician Claire Fox reopened her Huddersfield salon in early 2026 after a six-year break from the industry due to the pandemic.

Data Breach Fine: South Korea Hits Coupang with £322m Penalty
South Korea imposes a record US$409.3 million fine on Coupang for a data breach impacting over 33 million customers.

The Body Shop Appears on Lookfantastic for First UK Third-Party Retail Launch
The Body Shop launches on Lookfantastic, its first UK third-party retail platform, signalling a shift in its distribution strategy.

Salon Software in 2026: Essential Features for Business Growth
Essential software features for UK salons in 2026 include automated reminders, integrated payments, and client profiles to boost efficiency and revenue.

Beauty Investment Selects Innovation and Scalability Over Broad Reach
Beauty sector investment is increasingly favouring brands with clear differentiation and scalable growth, with venture funding and IPOs focusing on innovation.

Cosmetics Giants End Merger Talks; AI, IPOs and Packaging Innovation Dominate
Estée Lauder and Puig halt merger talks as Nykaa reports record profits, Oura files for IPO, and packaging innovation takes centre stage.

Hairdressers Journal Strengthens Editorial Team
Hairdressers Journal International announces editorial team expansion with new hires and promotions to boost content across all platforms.

Oily-Dry Skin: Beatrice's Simple Routine and Brand Needs
Consumers like Beatrice need lightweight, hydrating skincare that avoids greasiness and addresses anti-ageing needs, favouring trusted high-street brands.

Salon Operators Need Systems Beyond Social Media
Salon operators often rely on social media and personal contact, missing opportunities due to a lack of structured systems.

Coty Integrates AI for Content Across CoverGirl, Rimmel
Coty will use Pencil's AI platform for content creation across CoverGirl, Rimmel, Sally Hansen, and Max Factor, starting July.

Salon Payment Processing: Fees, Features, and Business Pitfalls
Integrated payment processing systems offer crucial revenue protection and operational efficiency for UK salons. Key features like card-on-file and deposit collection can recover thousands annually.

Salon Software Add-Ons: ROI Beyond Core Features
DaySmart Salon suggests six add-ons like text marketing and website builders can enhance salon profitability and client retention.

BeautyDeskAi Partners Square for Smarter Salon Operations
BeautyDeskAi partners with Square to integrate AI-powered client communication with booking and payment systems, aiming to streamline salon operations.

Estée Lauder Settles Canadian Data Breach Lawsuit for CAD $1.5M
Estée Lauder proposes a CAD $1.515 million settlement for two 2023 data breaches affecting Canadian customers.

Beauty Brands Face Scrutiny on Claims, Marketing, and Finances
Beauty brands face increased scrutiny on marketing claims and brand partnerships, alongside mixed financial results and significant corporate restructuring.

Bridal Nail Experts Reveal Client Booking & Consultation Tactics
Bridal nail specialists share strategies for consultations, social media promotion, and client experience to secure wedding bookings.

ASA faults La Roche-Posay on claim substantiation clarity
The ASA has ruled that La Roche-Posay failed to make verification of its 'No.1 dermatologist recommended' claim clear and accessible to consumers.

Salon Clients Face Hair Damage from Daily Water Exposure
Minerals in all water types build up on clients' hair, affecting texture, shine, and colour. Malibu C offers a vitamin C-based solution.

Salon VAT Threshold Success: 244% Growth Post-Restructure
B-Unique Beauty and Aesthetics saw 244% revenue growth in two years by restructuring after hitting the £90,000 VAT threshold.

Enki Launches Disposable Capes for Greener Salons
Enki Towels now offers disposable, recyclable hair cutting capes as a sustainable alternative to traditional salon linen.

Phorest Salon Software Drives Green Initiatives
Phorest Salon Software implements reforestation projects, waste reduction partnerships, and digital tools to help salons operate more sustainably.

Extensions Education: Spectrum One Launches Butterfly Cut Course
Spectrum One Hair Extensions founder, Katy Grimshaw, launches 'Beyond The Blend', an education platform for extension cutting techniques.

SEMCAP Targets $6.8 Trillion Market with New Beauty & Wellness Fund
SEMCAP launches a new Beauty & Wellness investment platform, targeting the $6.8 trillion global market with industry veteran Vasiliki Petrou at the helm.

9 Steps to Launching Your Independent Hair Styling Business
Nine essential steps guide aspiring independent hairstylists, from defining a niche and handling legalities to marketing and continuous learning.

Salon Software Buyers Guide 2026: Key Features & Costs
Key features, costs, and platform comparisons for salon management software in 2026 are detailed, highlighting essential tools for business growth.

Grooming Classes Boost Salon Staff Confidence Beyond Hair Skills
Personal grooming classes build confidence for beauty professionals, covering appearance, posture, and communication beyond hair styling.

British Hairdressing Awards Creates New Wales Category
The British Hairdressing Awards introduces a dedicated Wales Hairdresser of the Year category for 2026, offering Welsh stylists a distinct platform.

Salon Apps: Automation is Key for Efficiency and Client Loyalty
Salon booking apps streamline operations, reduce no-shows, and enhance client loyalty through features like 24/7 online booking and automated reminders.

Salon Tech: Client Convenience is Key in 2026
By 2026, client convenience via salon tech is essential for UK businesses, offering efficiency and enhanced client experience.

JD.com launches Joybuy e-commerce in UK, Europe
JD.com launched its Joybuy e-commerce platform in the UK and Europe on March 17, 2026, to compete with Amazon.

Amorepacific Integrates Shopping App with ChatGPT
Amorepacific launches Amore Mall, an AI-powered shopping app, directly on OpenAI’s ChatGPT platform, reaching over 900 million users globally.

Barber Apps in 2026: Efficiency, Client Care, and Data Overhaul
By 2026, barbershops must adopt digital appointment apps for efficiency, client satisfaction, and business growth. Key factors include features, pricing, integration, and ease of use.

Salon No-Shows Cost Thousands: How to Cut Losses
Missed appointments cost salons thousands yearly; implementing deposits, automated reminders, and clear policies can significantly cut losses.

Salon Marketing: 17 Tactics for 2026 Bookings
Salons can fill 2026 appointment books with 17 marketing strategies, from loyalty rewards and referrals to influencer partnerships.

Disposable Towels Offer Salon Advantages Beyond Hygiene
Disposable towels offer salon benefits beyond hygiene, assisting in colour application, drying, and client comfort at multiple stages.

Salon No-Shows Cost Thousands: How Systems Protect Profits
Salon no-shows cost businesses thousands annually. A quiz reveals how scheduling systems and automated confirmations are key to protecting profits.

Salon Growth: Data Shows 8 Strategies to Boost Business
The global salon market is set to surge, but UK salons need systematic strategies for booking, marketing, and client retention to achieve growth.

Salon Growth: Data Shows 67% Saw 30% Rise Last Year
67% of salons saw over 30% growth last year, driven by smart strategy and digital tools, not luck.

Salon Software Options for 2026: Beyond Booking
UK salons must embrace digital booking by 2026, with 67% of clients preferring online appointments. Software offers tools for scheduling, client management, and marketing.

Seasonal Packages Drive Year-Round Hair Extension Bookings
Inanch Emir outlines five seasonal marketing strategies for hair salons to boost year-round bookings for extension services.
Phia Secures $35M Series A for AI Shopping Agent Platform
AI shopping startup Phia raised US$35 million in Series A funding, reaching a US$185 million valuation to scale its intelligent shopping agent platform.

Hair Care Trends: Predicting Salon Needs for 2026
Industry predictions for 2026 focus on predictive, protective, and planet-positive hair care, impacting salon offerings and client expectations.

Rio Hair Founder Launches Social Media Business Course
Rio Hair founder Holly Fairley launches 'Post to Profit' social media course for hair professionals in March 2026.

Salon Personalization Drives Client Loyalty Beyond Technical Skill
Personalized salon services are a key driver of customer experience, focusing on understanding individual needs beyond technical skill.
Vegan Disposable Towels: Eco Benefits for Salons
Enki Towels promotes vegan disposable towels, citing savings in water, energy, and costs, alongside enhanced hygiene and brand reputation.
Medical Scheduling Software Market to Reach $879 Million by 2031
The medical scheduling software market is projected to nearly double from $469.61 million in 2025 to $879.32 million by 2031, driven by AI integration and mobile self-scheduling.

Salon Language on Textured Hair: Beyond Negativity
Shedid and Parrish founder Jessica Parrish urges salons to adopt positive language and personalised consultations for textured hair clients.

Eight WordPress Plugins Streamline Site Building in 2026
Eight WordPress plugins for 2026, including builders and booking tools, are highlighted for simplifying site construction and maintenance.

Salon Booking Software Market Set for 15% Growth to $4.88 Billion by 2029
The resource booking software market will grow 15.2% in 2025 to $2.81B, driven by hybrid work and AI scheduling. Forecasts reach $4.88B by 2029.

Salon Gift Card Software Market to Reach $0.88 Billion by 2029
The salon gift card software market is set to reach $0.88 billion by 2029, fueled by digital payment adoption and client demand for loyalty programs.

Salon POS Market to Hit $1.54 Billion by 2029 Amidst Digital Shift
The global salon POS software market is set to reach $1.54 billion by 2029, driven by digital payments and cloud-based solutions.

TGB Academy Links with Solo Platform for Business Support
TGB Academy and Solo join forces to offer nail professionals business management tools and a 90-day free trial.

Nail Tech Wellbeing: Lighting, Fumes, and Posture Advice
Nail technicians must prioritise wellbeing through better lighting, fume protection, and posture adjustments to maintain career longevity and work quality.

Salon Owners: Align Marketing Tools With Business Goals
UK salon owners must align digital marketing tools with specific business goals to drive growth and client acquisition effectively.

Top 10 HJ Instagram Posts Reveal Industry's 2025 Focus
HJ's 2025 Instagram data shows 'Save our Salons' and award wins were most popular, highlighting industry advocacy and achievement.

Salon Christmas Success: Rebooking, Retail, and Team Spirit
Salons can maximise Christmas through early rebooking, strategic retail bundles, and fostering team spirit, according to expert advice.

Silver Nails Surge: A Festive Trend for Salons
Silver nails are seeing a notable search increase, positioning them as the 'new neutral' and offering salons a timely festive opportunity.

Enki Towels Marks Decade of Eco-Friendly Salon Supplies
Enki Towels, founded in April 2015, marks ten years offering compostable, plant-fibre salon towels, highlighting cost and environmental benefits for businesses.

Christmas Nail Techs Face Glitter Fallout Post-Festive Season
UK nail technicians brace for a post-festive glitter clean-up challenge as clients demand sparkle, with 24 design ideas featured.

Festive Salon Success: Avoiding Burnout and Boosting Bookings
Salon experts share strategies for managing December's rush, focusing on client booking, team motivation, and self-care to avoid burnout.

Salon Owners: Embrace Competitions for Skill and Exposure
UK salon owners should leverage nail art competitions for skill development, team motivation, and crucial business exposure, moving beyond just prize potential.

Cyber Monday Outage: A Wake-Up Call for Beauty E-tailers
A Cyber Monday Shopify outage highlights the risks for UK beauty businesses reliant on single e-commerce platforms, urging contingency planning.

Festive Hair Trends: What UK Salons Need to Know
UK salons can boost festive bookings by mastering new takes on crimped styles, bouncy blow-dries, sleek looks, and braided ponytails for clients.

Salon Owners: Your Voice Needed on Budget Impact
UK hair, barbering & beauty professionals urged to complete industry survey post-Budget to ensure their voice shapes future policy.

Boost Bookings: Gen Z & Millennials Demand Online Ease
Gen Z & Millennials redefine self-care. Discover how social media & seamless online booking are key to attracting younger clients.