12 Best Booking Apps for Nail Salons in 2026
The best booking app for nail salons handles add-ons, long sets and deposits. 12 apps compared, prices checked 14 October 2026, free plans and limits.
Photo: Giorgio Trovato / Unsplash
The best booking app for nail salons is one that books the right length for each set and takes a deposit. Fresha suits most salons that want a low price per technician and a marketplace. GlossGenius suits solo US nail techs. startbuddi suits nail salons in Nigeria and across Africa that take deposits through Paystack and book clients from WhatsApp. Prices were checked on 14 October 2026.
startbuddi is our product. We’ve listed its limits as plainly as everyone else’s.
Key takeaways
- Nail appointments vary more in length than most beauty services. An app that lets clients add removal or nail art, and adds the time, saves you from overrunning all day.
- Long sets are where no-shows hurt most, so put a deposit on anything over an hour.
- Free plans exist (Square Appointments, Goldie, Setmore, SimplyBook.me, startbuddi), but most leave out no-show fees or text reminders.
- Check payments work in your country before you choose. Several big names only take payments in North America, the UK, Europe or Australia.
Nail salon booking apps compared
| App | Best for | Starting price (checked 14 Oct 2026) | Free plan | Standout for nail salons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fresha | Most nail salons wanting a marketplace | NGN 6,800/month (as shown from Nigeria) | No (7-day trial) | Low price per technician, processing and finishing times |
| GlossGenius | Solo and small US nail salons | $24/month billed annually ($28 monthly) | No (14-day trial) | Booking site, card on file and retail in one app |
| Booksy | Nail techs who want to be found in an app | $29.99/month + tax (US); £40/month + VAT (UK) | No (14-day US trial) | Waitlist, forms and no-show protection on one plan |
| Square Appointments | Salons in Square’s countries on a budget | $0 (Free); Plus $49/month per location (US) | Yes | Deposits and reminders on the free plan |
| Vagaro | US, UK, Canada and Australia salons with several techs | $23.99/month for 6 months, then $30 (US) | No (30-day trial) | Reminders included, free marketplace listing |
| startbuddi | Nail salons in Nigeria and Africa booking through WhatsApp | See pricing | Yes | Deposits by card, transfer, USSD or mobile money through Paystack |
| Timely | Salons that want add-on upsells and per-tech pricing | $9/month (Base, solo); Build $26 per staff | No (14-day trial) | Add-on services and client photos on Elevate |
| Mangomint | Busy US nail salons with a front desk | $120/month per location + $10 per user | No (demo account) | Unlimited text and email reminders included |
| Goldie | Solo nail techs starting out | Free (20 appointments a month); Pro $19.99/month | Yes | Deposits on the free plan |
| StyleSeat | US nail techs who want marketplace reach | $19/month (limited-time rate) or $199/year | No (free trial) | No charge per extra team member |
| Setmore | Small salons wanting a free start for a team | $0 for up to 4 users | Yes | Free plan covers four techs |
| SimplyBook.me | Home-based or part-time nail techs | €0 (Free, 50 bookings a month) | Yes | Pricing by booking volume |
Prices are in each vendor’s own currency, before tax and card processing. We checked from Nigeria, and Fresha and Timely show prices by location, so check the page for your country.
How we chose
We judged each app on what decides a nail salon’s day:
- Booking the right length: add-ons, combined services and buffer time for cleaning the station.
- Choosing a technician: per-tech calendars, “any available tech” and separate links.
- No-show protection: deposits, card on file, cancellation fees and reminders.
- Client records: notes on shape, length, allergies and past designs.
- True cost and country: subscription, per-tech charges, text messages, marketplace fees and where payments work.
Every price and feature comes from the vendor’s own pages, read on 14 October 2026. We didn’t test the apps hands-on and we don’t quote review scores. Phorest is left out because it’s quote-only with no free trial, and Boulevard because its plans start at $143 a month on annual billing for up to five providers, which is more than most nail salons need.
1. Fresha
Fresha is booking and payments software for beauty businesses, with a marketplace where clients search for salons nearby.
Best for: nail salons of any size, in Fresha’s payment countries, that want a cheap price per technician and new clients from the marketplace.
Key features
- Processing and finishing times on services, so a gel set can block the tech while leaving the drying time free.
- Consultation forms, patch tests, packages, memberships and gift cards on every plan.
- Deposits and no-show protection through Fresha’s own payments.
Pricing: Fresha’s pricing page shows local prices. From Nigeria on 14 October 2026 it listed Independent at “NGN 6,800” a month and Team at “NGN 4,500” per bookable team member, with a 7-day trial and no free plan. Email reminders and app notifications are free and unlimited; 20 text or WhatsApp messages a month are included per plan or team member, then charged per message. Fresha charges a one-time fee on brand-new clients who find you through its marketplace in many countries; the page we saw from Nigeria listed that fee as free.
Pros
- Most features on both plans, at a low price per tech.
- Large marketplace in the countries Fresha serves.
Cons
- Deposits and no-show charges need Fresha payments, and when we loaded the page from Nigeria its payment features showed as unavailable there.
- Extra messages, loyalty and insights cost more.
Skip it if you need in-app deposits in Nigeria. See Fresha alternatives for other options.
2. GlossGenius
GlossGenius is booking, payments and marketing software for beauty professionals in the US.
Best for: solo nail techs and small US salons that want booking, payments and a simple site in one place.
Key features
- Unlimited client notifications, email and text marketing, and inventory and retail management on Standard.
- Gold adds forms and waivers, an automated waitlist and Google booking.
- Deposits, cancellation and no-show policies, and card on file.
Pricing: GlossGenius pricing lists Standard at $28 a month or $24 billed annually, Gold (up to 9 staff) at $56 or $48, and Platinum at $168 or $148. There’s a 14-day trial and no free plan.
Pros
- Retail and inventory included for selling cuticle oil and polish.
- Clean, fast setup for one chair.
Cons
- US only, per its terms.
- Forms and a waitlist need Gold.
Skip it if you’re outside the US.
3. Booksy
Booksy is a booking app with a consumer marketplace, used by nail techs, barbers and stylists.
Best for: nail techs in the US, UK, Ireland, parts of Europe and South Africa who want to be found in an app.
Key features
- One plan with no-show protection, waitlists, custom forms and liability waivers.
- Free appointment confirmations and reminders.
- 2,000 marketing texts a month in the US (500 in the UK).
Pricing: Booksy’s US pricing page lists “$29.99 per month + tax”, extra users at $20 a month and a 14-day trial; the UK is £40 plus VAT with extra users at £5. Boost, its optional marketplace promotion, takes a one-time 30% fee on a new client’s first visit, up to $100 in the US.
Pros
- One plan, no add-on maze.
- Text allowance big enough for promotions.
Cons
- US salons pay $20 a month for each extra tech.
- Boost costs a lot on a pricey first set.
Skip it if your chairs are already full from regulars. Read Booksy alternatives for more.
4. Square Appointments
Square Appointments is Square’s booking app, linked to its card readers and point of sale.
Best for: nail salons in Square’s countries that want a free plan and Square hardware at the counter.
Key features
- Unlimited staff calendars on the free plan, plus online booking and text and email reminders.
- Deposits and prepayments listed on every plan.
- Premium adds resource booking for “rooms, chairs, stations”, useful when pedicure chairs run out before techs do.
Pricing: Square’s US pricing page lists Free at $0, Plus at $49 and Premium at $149 a month per location, with a 30-day trial of the paid plans. The UK lists Plus at £29 and Premium at £69.
Pros
- A free plan that genuinely runs a small salon.
- Point of sale for retail from the same supplier.
Cons
- Cancellation policies and no-show fees need Plus.
- No version in Africa.
Skip it if you trade outside Square’s countries. Compare it with us in startbuddi vs Square Appointments.
5. Vagaro
Vagaro is salon and spa software with a free marketplace listing and many optional add-ons.
Best for: US, UK, Canadian and Australian nail salons with several techs who want reminders included.
Key features
- “Unlimited notifications & appointment reminders” and 1,000 free emails a month.
- Free listing on the Vagaro Marketplace.
- Add-ons for forms, text marketing, a website and a check-in app.
Pricing: Vagaro’s US pricing page shows “$23.99 / mo. Exclusive rate for the first 6 months”, normally $30, for one bookable calendar, plus $10 for each extra calendar up to seven. The UK page shows £20 against £30. There’s a 30-day trial.
Pros
- Reminders don’t cost extra.
- Extra techs stop adding cost after seven calendars.
Cons
- The low price is introductory and extras are add-ons.
- Only in four countries.
Skip it if you want one all-inclusive price. See Vagaro alternatives.
6. startbuddi
startbuddi is an all-in-one workspace for service businesses. Bookings sits alongside a client list, an inbox for WhatsApp, Instagram and email, and invoices.
Best for: nail salons and home-based nail techs in Nigeria and across Africa that book clients through WhatsApp and Instagram and want deposits in naira.
Key features
- Require payment to book: a deposit or the full price before the slot is confirmed. With Paystack, clients pay by card, bank transfer, USSD or mobile money; with Stripe, by card.
- Booking questions on each service, such as “Do you have gel or acrylic on now?” as a single choice, so you know if removal is needed. Answers can be saved to the client’s record.
- Buffer time after each appointment, a daily cap per service, and Block time for breaks.
- A personal booking page for each technician, or round robin to share “any tech” bookings.
- One automatic reminder at the time you choose, by email, or by WhatsApp or SMS once set up, and a follow-up email after a no-show.
Pricing: a free plan is available with one live service; see pricing. A full nail menu needs a paid plan.
Pros
- Deposits in naira, by the methods Nigerian clients use.
- Client messages, bookings and invoices on one record.
- No marketplace fees.
Cons
- One service per booking, with no add-ons on the booking page. You’d set up combined services such as “Gel full set with removal”.
- No retail stock or till.
- No recurring bookings for regular infills.
- No marketplace to bring new clients.
- On a phone you get the overview and booking links; the calendar and services are managed on a computer or tablet.
Skip it if clients routinely build their own appointment from a long add-on list, or you sell a lot of retail. More on startbuddi Bookings.
7. Timely
Timely is salon software priced per bookable staff member.
Best for: salons in Australia, New Zealand, the US, UK or EU that want to sell add-ons when clients book.
Key features
- Elevate adds “Upsell effortlessly with add-on services”, digital consultation forms, stored client photos and a waitlist.
- “No new client fees” on any plan.
- An SMS allowance per staff member: 25, 100, 200 or 350 a month depending on plan (US).
Pricing: Timely’s pricing page lists, in US dollars, Base at $9 (solo only), Build at $26, Elevate at $39 and Innovate at $47 for one staff member a month, with lower prices for each extra. UK prices start at £9. There’s a 14-day trial.
Pros
- Add-ons and client photos suit nail work well.
- No marketplace commission.
Cons
- The nail-friendly features are on Elevate, not the cheaper tiers.
- Payments and deposits only in Australia, New Zealand, the US, the UK and most of the EU.
Skip it if you need deposits in Africa.
8. Mangomint
Mangomint is salon and spa software aimed at established businesses with a front desk.
Best for: busy US nail salons with several techs and a receptionist.
Key features
- “Unlimited text and email confirmations and reminders” at no extra cost.
- Deposits, cards on file and express booking through Mangomint’s own payments.
- Add-ons for phone, payroll and marketing credits.
Pricing: Mangomint’s pricing page says “Monthly price is $120 per location and $10 per user”, so a solo tech pays $130. There’s no free plan; it offers a trial account with demo data.
Pros
- Reminders included without counting messages.
- Built around a front desk.
Cons
- Expensive for one person.
- Deposits require Mangomint’s own payment processing.
Skip it if you work alone.
9. Goldie
Goldie is a booking app for independent beauty and wellness professionals.
Best for: solo nail techs just starting out who want a free plan with deposits.
Key features
- Starter: free, 20 appointments a month, one user, appointment deposits and built-in payments.
- Pro: unlimited appointments, no-show protection, automated reminders, 500 SMS credits a month and a service photo portfolio.
- Pro Plus: team members, online forms and a waitlist.
Pricing: Goldie’s pricing page lists Starter as free, Pro at $19.99 a month ($199.99 a year) and Pro Plus at $39.99 a month ($399.99 a year).
Pros
- A free plan with deposits.
- A portfolio to show off designs.
Cons
- Reminders are manual on the free plan.
- Teams need Pro Plus.
Skip it if you run a salon with several techs on a tight budget.
10. StyleSeat
StyleSeat is a booking app and marketplace for US beauty professionals.
Best for: US nail techs who want marketplace reach for a low monthly fee.
Key features
- Deposits, no-show protection, intake and consultation forms, client notes and a waitlist.
- “$0 per additional team member” for up to 15 chairs.
Pricing: StyleSeat’s join page shows a “Limited time” rate of $19 a month after a free trial, or $199 a year. Its help centre still describes a $35 Premium plan and marketplace fees, so confirm which fees apply to you.
Pros
- Cheap for a whole salon.
Cons
- The rate is a limited-time offer, and its pages disagree on fees.
- US only in practice.
Skip it if you want fixed, published marketplace fees.
11. Setmore
Setmore is general appointment software used by many service businesses.
Best for: small nail salons that want a free start for up to four techs.
Key features
- Free for up to 4 users, with one email reminder.
- Pro: unlimited users, deposits and 500 SMS credits a month per team member, where SMS is available.
Pricing: Setmore’s pricing page lists Free at $0 and Pro at $5 per user a month on annual pricing.
Pros
- Free plan for a small team.
Cons
- Deposits and SMS need Pro.
- Not built around beauty: no add-ons or retail.
Skip it if you need add-on services at booking.
12. SimplyBook.me
SimplyBook.me is general booking software priced by booking volume.
Best for: home-based or part-time nail techs with a modest diary.
Key features
- Free: 50 bookings a month, one provider, basic email reminders.
- Deposits and point of sale from Basic; buffer times on all plans.
Pricing: SimplyBook.me’s pricing page showed Free at €0, Basic at €11.9 a month billed annually (€13.9 monthly) and Standard at €24.9 (€29.9). SMS credits are extra.
Pros
- A real free plan.
Cons
- Generic, with no nail-specific tools.
- Messaging costs extra.
Skip it if you run a busy salon.
How to choose the best booking app for nail salons
Start with how your appointments are built, then money, then country.
- How varied are your appointment lengths? If clients pick removal, extensions and art, you want add-ons that add time (Timely Elevate, Fresha, Vagaro). If your menu is simple, combined services work in any app.
- Will one tech or any tech do? Clients who follow a favourite tech need per-tech links. Walk-in-friendly salons want “any available” booking.
- Where do no-shows hurt? Put a deposit on long sets and on new clients. The no-show cost calculator shows what missed sets cost you each month.
- Do you sell retail? If yes, choose an app with point of sale and stock, or keep a separate till.
- Can it take payment in your country? This rules out half the list outside North America and Europe.
How a nail appointment’s length builds up: a worked example
Illustrative times for one client booking a gel full set at a two-tech salon:
| Part of the appointment | Minutes |
|---|---|
| Soak-off removal of old gel | 15 |
| Gel full set | 75 |
| Simple nail art on two nails | 15 |
| Clean and reset the station | 10 |
| Total slot to block | 115 |
If the app only knows “Gel full set, 75 minutes”, the next client is booked 40 minutes too early and the whole afternoon slides. So either let clients add the extras (add-on services), or create services that already include them. At a ₦20,000 set, a 30% deposit is ₦6,000, enough to make a no-show think twice. Our post on how much deposit to charge clients helps set the figure, and the no-show policy template gives you the wording.
| Your salon | What to prioritise | Apps that fit |
|---|---|---|
| Solo nail tech, US | Free or cheap plan, deposits, portfolio | Goldie, GlossGenius, StyleSeat |
| Two to five techs, US or UK | Per-tech calendars, add-ons, reminders | Fresha, Timely, Vagaro, Square |
| Busy salon with front desk | Unlimited reminders, retail, check-in | Mangomint, Vagaro, Square Premium |
| Nail salon in Nigeria or Africa | Deposits by transfer or USSD, WhatsApp | startbuddi, SimplyBook.me |
Is there a free booking app for nail techs?
Yes. Square Appointments has a free plan with deposits in its countries, Goldie’s free plan takes 20 appointments a month with deposits, Setmore is free for up to four users, SimplyBook.me for 50 bookings a month, and startbuddi has a free plan with one live service. Free plans usually leave out automatic text reminders or no-show fees.
Set up your nail salon bookings in startbuddi
If your clients book by WhatsApp DM and you lose money to no-shows on long sets, set up your sets as services with a deposit and booking questions, then share one link. Start free, no card needed. A beauty website template can sit in front of it, and reminders are covered in how to automate appointment reminders. For the wider beauty market, see salon appointment software, our list of the best booking apps for barbers, the general best booking software list and our appointment scheduling software overview.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best booking app for nail salons?
For most nail salons, Fresha gives the most for a low price per technician, where its payments are available. Solo US techs often prefer GlossGenius or Goldie, and US salons with a front desk look at Mangomint. In Nigeria and much of Africa, choose an app that takes deposits through a local provider such as Paystack.
What is the best booking app for nail techs working alone?
Goldie and GlossGenius are built for one-person beauty businesses in the US, and Square Appointments' free plan works in Square's countries. A home-based tech in Lagos or Accra can take deposits through startbuddi's free plan with one live service.
How do I stop no-shows at my nail salon?
Take a deposit on long sets and new clients, send a reminder the day before, and publish a cancellation policy clients agree to when they book. Mark no-shows in your app so you can spot repeat offenders, and ask them to prepay in full next time.
Should nail add-ons be bookable online?
Yes, if your app supports add-ons that add time, because it keeps the diary accurate. If it doesn't, create combined services such as "Gel full set with removal" so the slot length is right.
Do nail salon booking apps charge commission?
Some do on new clients from their marketplace. Booksy's optional Boost takes 30% of a new client's first visit, up to $100 in the US, and Fresha charges a one-time fee on brand-new marketplace clients in many countries. Timely says it charges no new client fees, and startbuddi has no marketplace.
Can clients book a specific nail technician?
In most of these apps, yes: each tech gets their own calendar and often their own booking link. startbuddi gives each technician a personal booking page, or shares "any tech" bookings by round robin.
Tiwalade Joanna Okedara-Kalu is the founder, CEO and CTO of startbuddi, the business system that brings clients, bookings, invoices, projects, marketing and the Chip AI assistant into one place. Tiwalade builds software around how service businesses really work day to day, and writes about client management, getting paid on time and why small businesses outgrow the tools they start with.
Founded startbuddi and leads its product and engineering
