Best salon software for solo stylists
Solo stylists need simple, affordable software that handles scheduling and client management without complexity. Look for easy setup, mobile access, online booking, and pricing that makes sense for a single operator—typically $30-50/month for a good solution.
What solo stylists actually need
Working alone means wearing every hat: stylist, receptionist, bookkeeper, and marketer. Your software should make life easier, not add another job.
Essential features
Online booking (you can't answer the phone while cutting hair), simple calendar (see your day at a glance with drag-and-drop scheduling), client notes (remember preferences, formulas, and details), appointment reminders (automated SMS or email), and mobile access (manage bookings from your phone).
Nice to have
Payment processing (if you want to take deposits or payments), basic reporting on your busiest days and popular services, and ability to block personal time easily.
Skip these
Team management features you won't use, complex inventory systems, multi-location support, and enterprise reporting.
Pricing considerations
Watch out for per-staff minimums
Some software has minimum seat requirements or features you don't need bundled into expensive plans.
Calculate the real value
If software costs $50/month but saves you 5 hours on admin and prevents 2 no-shows, that's excellent value. If it costs $20/month but doesn't reduce no-shows, it's actually more expensive.
Be careful with "free" software that takes commission on bookings. Calculate your actual monthly cost.
Setup reality
As a one-person business:
- You don't have IT support—software must be genuinely easy to set up
- You probably won't sit through hours of training videos
- If it takes more than a few hours to get running, it's too complicated
Good software for solo stylists should be usable within your first day.
Making the switch
If you're currently using paper, spreadsheets, or just your phone:
- 1Export your client list (even just names and phone numbers)
- 2Start with your services and their durations
- 3Set your working hours and any blocked time
- 4Add a few regular clients to test
- 5Share your booking link once you're comfortable
You don't need to migrate years of history immediately. Start fresh and build from there.
The right mindset
Software should:
- Give you more time to focus on clients
- Reduce phone interruptions during appointments
- Help clients book when it's convenient for them
- Make your business feel professional
It shouldn't require a degree in software engineering, cost more than a few client appointments per month, or create more work than it saves.
Related features
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