Running a beauty salon means balancing great client relationships with the day-to-day flow of appointments, inventory, and staff management. And that’s where a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system comes in—it’s like having a dedicated assistant to help keep everything organized. With the right CRM, you’ll be able to streamline appointments, keep track of client details, and even boost your marketing efforts, all in one place.
But what is the right CRM for your salon? To help you decide, we reviewed and compared the most popular CRMs among beauty salons. Below, we have ranked the top five and explained how they compare so it’s clear which one is most likely to suit your business.
Here goes.
To start, let’s dive into an adaptable option that’s built to grow alongside your business…
1) Capsule CRM – Ready to Grow with You
Capsule CRM is a versatile solution for beauty salons looking to enhance client relationships while keeping operations smooth and organized. With over 10,000 satisfied customers, Capsule has proven itself in industries of all sizes, from scrappy startups to large enterprises. If you’re hoping for a system that can grow with your business, Capsule fits the bill.
Its user-friendly interface has earned an impressive 4.7 out of 5 stars on G2, a testament to its ability to meet a wide range of business needs. Capsule provides a suite of features designed to keep your salon organized and ready to capitalize on new sales opportunities as they arise. For salon owners seeking a CRM that’s both adaptable and effective, Capsule offers an all-in-one experience that’s hard to beat.
One of Capsule CRM’s strengths lies in its robust sales force automation capabilities. The software excels in customer data management, allowing salons to maintain detailed records of client preferences and service history. This feature enables personalized interactions and tailored recommendations.
The marketing automation module empowers beauty salons to execute targeted email campaigns effortlessly. By leveraging email automation, salons can deliver personalized content to their clientele, fostering stronger relationships and driving desired outcomes.
Capsule CRM also offers project management functionalities, enabling salons to efficiently plan, track, and execute various initiatives. This feature streamlines task management processes, allowing for effective resource allocation and progress monitoring.
The software’s reporting and analytics capabilities provide valuable insights through customizable dashboards. Beauty salons can leverage these tools to make data-driven decisions and optimize their performance.
While some CRMs adapt to various industries, our next option was crafted specifically for salons, making daily operations feel effortless and designed with beauty professionals in mind
2) Vagaro – Built for Salons, Built for You
Vagaro is a powerhouse CRM crafted specifically for beauty salons, offering a robust set of features that make running your salon a breeze. From streamlining operations to enhancing customer management, Vagaro covers all the bases for a comprehensive salon experience.
One of the standout features is Vagaro’s integrated payroll processing, which automates attendance tracking, hours worked, and commission calculations. By reducing manual data entry, it cuts down on errors in payroll—a welcome relief when handling busy salon days.
Vagaro’s mobile app also receives high marks from users, scoring a 4.7 rating on the Apple App Store and 4.3 on Android. This app lets you manage appointments on the go and even accept card payments with a Vagaro card reader, making it easy to stay connected with your business wherever you are. For a salon owner looking for efficiency and flexibility, Vagaro delivers on every front.
One of Vagaro’s strengths lies in its point-of-sale hardware compatibility. This integration enables salons to seamlessly handle transactions and inventory management within the same system.
Vagaro offers more extensive features compared to some competitors, making it suitable for salons seeking a feature-rich platform. It caters primarily to the U.S. market, with its headquarters located stateside.
The software facilitates omnichannel communication, allowing salons to interact with clients through various channels. This capability helps maintain consistent client engagement and improves customer service.
Looking for ways to better connect with clients while keeping your salon organized and thriving? Let’s check out a CRM designed to make those goals easy to achieve, with tools for growing and managing every part of your business…
3) MindBody – Where Strategy Meets Salon Style
MindBody has long been a trusted name in the beauty salon industry, known for providing a comprehensive suite of tools that keep operations running smoothly while enhancing the client experience. If you’re looking for a CRM that goes beyond the basics, MindBody’s robust features make it a strong contender for your salon.
MindBody’s appointment scheduling is particularly effective, allowing clients to book services online with ease. Plus, it includes inventory management and point-of-sale capabilities, so you can track products and process transactions efficiently. It’s all about making daily tasks seamless, so you spend less time managing the details and more time focusing on clients.
One of its most notable features is MindBody’s suite of marketing tools, which empower you to engage with clients through targeted campaigns and promotions. Paired with detailed reporting and analytics, MindBody helps you make data-driven decisions to keep your business growing. With MindBody, you’re not just managing appointments; you’re setting up a more strategic, data-driven approach to running a salon.
MindBody integrates with various third-party applications, expanding its functionality. This versatility makes it a popular choice for salons looking for a scalable solution.
Pricing for MindBody starts at $139 per month, which may be a consideration for smaller salons or those just starting out. However, many users find the investment worthwhile given the platform’s extensive features.
User reviews of MindBody are mixed. While some praise its comprehensive features, others note that the software can be complex to learn and use effectively. G2 rates MindBody at 3.6 stars based on 375 reviews, indicating room for improvement in user satisfaction.
Ready for a beauty software that matches your style? The next CRM option combines elegance with efficiency, offering tools that cater to salons of all kinds, ensuring each client experience is as polished as your work…
4) GlossGenius – Let Your Salon’s Style Speak
Since its launch in 2016, GlossGenius has quickly become a leading salon software choice for beauty professionals, including hair and nail salons, spas, brow and lash specialists, wellness centers, and estheticians. If you’re looking for software that’s built with the unique needs of beauty businesses in mind, GlossGenius is designed to cater to a wide range of services.
One area where GlossGenius really shines is its appointment booking customization features, which offer flexibility in scheduling and allow you to tailor the booking process to fit your specific needs. This level of customization helps create a smooth client experience and keeps your appointments organized exactly how you like them.
GlossGenius also provides robust business reporting tools, essential for tracking performance and making informed, data-driven decisions. The insights from these reports are invaluable for optimizing your operations and improving profitability, so you’re not just keeping track—you’re setting up your salon for growth.
The platform also includes pragmatic marketing tools that are user-friendly, even for those who aren’t tech-savvy. These features enable salon owners to effectively promote their services and engage with clients.
One of GlossGenius’s strengths is its CRM capabilities. The software allows for personalized client communication, such as birthday emails with special offers, which can enhance customer relationships and loyalty.
GlossGenius’s interface is known for its aesthetic appeal, aligning well with the beauty industry it serves. This attractive design, combined with its functional features, makes it a popular choice among beauty professionals.
As of 2024, GlossGenius has empowered over 40,000 independent beauty experts and teams. Its combination of practical features and industry-specific design continues to attract salon owners looking for comprehensive management solutions.
If streamlining and personalization are top priorities, our next option provides tailored booking and marketing tools that align with the specific needs of beauty salons, helping you keep clients engaged and operations smooth…
5) Boulevard – Built for Beauty and Beyond
Boulevard is tailored specifically for salons and spas, offering a suite of tools that make managing appointments, client relationships, and business operations feel effortless. If you’re looking for software built with beauty professionals in mind, Boulevard covers all the essentials in one streamlined platform.
One of Boulevard’s standout features is its powerful custom reporting, allowing you to track and achieve your growth goals. This data-driven approach supports informed decision-making and strategic planning—perfect for salon owners focused on expanding their business and boosting performance.
Boulevard also taps into social media to help salons attract and book clients with ease, expanding your reach to potential customers who can book directly from platforms they’re already using. This feature not only widens your audience but also makes scheduling seamless for clients, helping your salon grow in both reach and convenience.
The system includes email marketing capabilities, allowing salons to design and send campaigns to their client base. This helps maintain customer relationships and promote services or special offers.
One of Boulevard’s key strengths is its ability to automate manual tasks. This automation frees up time for salon staff to focus on providing excellent client experiences rather than administrative work.
Boulevard’s salon management software is particularly suited for businesses looking to streamline their operations and enhance client engagement. It offers a range of features that cater specifically to the needs of salons and spas.
The platform’s user-friendly interface makes it accessible for salon owners and staff, regardless of their technical expertise. This ease of use contributes to smoother day-to-day operations and improved efficiency.
Benefits of Using CRMs in Beauty Salons
A well-chosen CRM can transform the way you run your salon. With advantages that stretch from deepening client relationships to refining daily operations, these systems are invaluable to beauty businesses. CRMs don’t just organize—they enhance how you interact with clients and optimize every corner of your business. The result? Happier customers and a healthier bottom line.
Enhancing Customer Relationships
At its core, a CRM is designed to help you build and maintain strong relationships with your clients. By centralizing customer data, CRMs make it easy for you to access a client’s preferences, service history, and even special requests. Imagine having a tailored recommendation for each client at your fingertips. A CRM can even remind your staff of a client’s preferred hair color or favorite styling technique, making each visit feel personal and thoughtful.
CRMs also facilitate targeted marketing campaigns. Salons can segment their client base and send personalized promotions or birthday offers, increasing client engagement and loyalty.
Automated appointment reminders reduce no-shows and improve the overall customer experience. This feature saves time for both clients and staff while demonstrating the salon’s commitment to excellent service.
Streamlining Operations
Running a salon involves a flurry of administrative tasks–a CRM can streamline salon operations by automating many of those tasks. Automation tools let your team focus more on delivering an exceptional experience rather than getting bogged down in repetitive work. Appointment scheduling, for instance, becomes more organized and efficient. Your CRM manages bookings, tracks staff availability, and handles online reservations, reducing scheduling conflicts and overbookings. In the end, this makes the salon run more smoothly while boosting client satisfaction.
A CRM brings your salon’s operations into a streamlined, client-focused system, giving you the tools to manage clients and inventory with ease. With CRM integration, you can keep track of product usage, automate reordering, and monitor popular services, helping you maintain better stock control and allocate resources efficiently. This approach ensures that every part of your salon is geared toward growth and client satisfaction.
CRMs also provide valuable business insights through reporting and analytics features. Salon owners can track key performance indicators, such as revenue per stylist or client retention rates, to make data-driven decisions for growth.
Key Features to Look For in a CRM
When it comes to a robust CRM system for beauty salons, it should be packed with essential features that support your business from all angles. From streamlining daily operations to fostering better client relationships, a well-rounded CRM optimizes appointment management, organizes client information, and even enables targeted marketing campaigns. These functionalities make a CRM indispensable for any salon looking to elevate its service and efficiency.
Appointment Scheduling
An efficient appointment scheduling system is a non-negotiable for any salon. Your CRM should offer online booking capabilities, allowing clients the convenience of booking appointments whenever they please. To avoid double bookings, the system should also provide real-time availability updates and automated reminders, which can help cut down on no-shows and last-minute cancellations. By syncing with popular calendar applications, your CRM can also ensure that stylists have up-to-date schedules at their fingertips, no matter where they are.
Look for customizable booking options that accommodate different service durations and stylist specialties. The ability to set buffer times between appointments for cleaning and preparation is also valuable.
Customer Data Management
Effective customer data management is essential for delivering personalized service and maintaining long-term relationships with clients. A CRM should offer comprehensive client profiles that allow you to keep track of each client’s preferences, history, and special requests. This makes every visit feel personal, showing clients that you value their unique style and needs, building loyalty with each appointment.
A CRM should offer comprehensive client profiles that include:
- Contact information
- Service history
- Product preferences
- Allergies or sensitivities
- Special notes or requests
Look for systems that allow easy data input and retrieval during appointments. The ability to attach photos of previous styles or treatments can help maintain consistency across visits.
Consider CRMs that offer data segmentation capabilities, enabling targeted marketing efforts based on client preferences or visit frequency. Ensure the system complies with data protection regulations to safeguard client information.
Marketing Automation
For salons aiming to grow, using a CRM with Marketing automation features is a game-changer. With these features, your CRM can significantly boost client retention and attract new customers by sending tailored promotions and updates automatically. Systems with marketing automation are especially desirable, as they help you stay connected with clients while saving you time and effort.
Choosing a CRM with these capabilities ensures your salon not only runs smoothly but also delivers an outstanding, personalized experience that keeps clients coming back.
Look for systems that offer:
- Automated email campaigns for birthdays, promotions, or re-engagement
- SMS marketing capabilities for quick updates or last-minute appointment fills
- Social media integration for seamless content sharing and client engagement
Look for CRMs with customizable templates for marketing materials, allowing you to maintain brand consistency across all communications. The ability to segment client lists for targeted campaigns is crucial for personalized marketing efforts.
Consider systems that provide analytics on campaign performance, helping you refine your marketing strategies over time. Integration with loyalty programs can also incentivize repeat visits and increase client retention.
That’s a Wrap! Perfecting Your Salon with CRM
Running a salon is about balancing the art of personal service with the behind-the-scenes work that keeps your business thriving. With the right CRM, managing client details, scheduling, inventory, and marketing becomes seamless, freeing you up to do what matters most—creating memorable experiences for every client.
For those seeking versatility and a focus on growth, CRMs like Capsule and MindBody offer extensive features that support data-driven decisions and scalable functionality. If you’re looking for a system with beauty-specific tools, Vagaro and Boulevard shine with specialized features that address payroll, inventory, and social media integration, making daily operations feel effortless. Meanwhile, GlossGenius combines style with practicality, perfect for salons wanting a streamlined yet visually appealing platform with robust client engagement tools.
Whichever CRM resonates most with your business needs, rest assured that adopting the right software is a step towards a smoother, more organized salon. As you implement these tools, you’ll be setting up a solid foundation for long-term growth, happier clients, and a thriving, well-managed salon.
