Key Takeaways
- Automation by accounting software saves time and reduces the risk of making mistakes in finance.
- The best accounting software for beauty salons has features for managing appointments, booking online, marketing and reporting & analytics.
- Among the best salon accounting software choices for 2024 are GlossGenius, Salon Accounting, FreshBooks, QuickBooks, Vagaro, Meevo and Phorest
- Look for software that is easy to use, can be connected to other systems, grows with your business, offers help when needed and matches your budget.
- Using salon accounting software is simple and you don’t need accounting experience.
Why Every Salon Needs Accounting Software
You realize as a salon owner that overseeing your finances is very important for the business’s success. Yet, it’s true that accounting can be a slow, difficult and sometimes tedious process. For this reason, beauty salon accounting is needed.
All your salon’s payments, service and tip earnings and expenses can be managed in a single software. You won’t have to hunt for receipts or try to recall what you bought three months ago. Since everything is centralized in the software, you can see your salon’s finances at any time.
Automation in accounting software helps businesses save a lot of time. It is both boring and easy to make mistakes when you have to type in data manually. The software can sync up all your transactions from the bank and your point-of-sale systems. This gives you extra time to concentrate on making your customers feel and look great.
With quick access to your financial data and reports, you can make better business choices. Interested in seeing which services are making the most profit or where you’re paying the most? You can get those insights quickly by using the software. When you have to pay taxes, you’ll be glad you chose hair salon accounting software. It gathers all your finances into a format that makes tax filing much easier. You won’t have to stay up late worrying about your spreadsheets.
Key Features of the Best Salon Accounting Software
There are differences in the quality of salon accounting software. To get the most out of your operations and life, search for these important features:
- Appointment Management: A convenient system for making, changing and canceling appointments. You don’t want to risk having two people book the same time slot.
- Online Booking: Let clients book their own appointments at any time of day or night using your online system. It allows others to see when you’re available and helps your front desk staff.
- Marketing Automation: You can use marketing automation to help you stay connected with your customers using email and text messages. A few software packages can be linked to social media to make promotion easier.
- Customer Relationship Management: Keep a record of your customers’ data, likes, formulas they use and their buying habits. Getting personal service is a big win!
- Inventory Management: Keep an eye on your product stock and receive notifications when supplies are nearing the end. You’ll never have to feel embarrassed about running out of your favorite shampoo.
- Reporting and Analytics: You can use custom dashboards and reports to check your business results and identify where you can improve. Knowing things gives you power.
- Payment Processing: Your staff and customers will find check out easy with integrated payment systems. Moreover, all your data is automatically transferred into your accounting system.
- Cloud-Based Software: With cloud-based software, you can reach your salon’s data from any location and have peace of mind since your data is backed up safely. Software that can be used from anywhere, just like you.
Top 5 Best Salon Accounting Software in 2025
Because there are many accounting software choices available, it can be hard to decide which one is right for your salon. The following are some of the best options to simplify your search:
GlossGenius – With Gloss Genius, salons can manage all their finances and produce detailed reports.
GlossGenius
Ideal for solo professionals, small- to medium-sized businesses, and self-care industries like salons, spas, hair stylists, makeup artists, and estheticians
Rasons to buy
- + All-in-one platform for booking, payments, marketing, and client management
- + AI-powered marketing tools and customizable booking websites
- + Advanced features like waitlists, rebooking reminders
Possible Drawbacks
- –Lacks features like invoicing, estimates, and bundled service packages
- –Limited client communication options
- ● Standard Plan ($24/month)
- ● Gold Plan ($48/month)
FreshBooks – is well-known for being easy to use and it now provides features designed for salon owners.
FreshBooks
Easy-to-use accounting software built for small business owners and freelancers. It simplifies invoicing, expense tracking, time logging, and reporting—making it a great tool for managing finances without needing an accounting degree.
Rasons to buy
- + User-friendly interface, ideal for non-accountants
- + Customizable invoicing with time tracking
- + Mobile app for managing finances on the go
- + Automated expense tracking and payment reminders
- + Integration with third-party apps (e.g., Stripe, PayPal)
Possible Drawbacks
- –Client caps on lower-tier plans
- –Advanced features only available on higher-tier plans
- ● Lite Plan: $21/month (5 clients)
- ● Plus Plan: $38/month (50 clients)
QuickBooks – is a well-known accounting tool for small businesses and it can be changed to suit salons.
Quickbooks
Best suited for small businesses, freelancers, startups, and mid-sized companies across various industries like retail, construction, and professional services
Rasons to buy
- + User-friendly interface with real-time financial tracking and reporting
- + Automates tasks like invoicing and reporting
- + Provides robust inventory tracking and customizable reports
- + Integrates seamlessly with third-party apps
Possible Drawbacks
- –File size and user limitations may hinder scalability for larger operations
- –Limited customization options and industry-specific functionalities
- ● Plans range from $20/month
- ● Payroll add-ons start at $50/month
Xero – This cloud-based platform is loved for its extensive ecosystem of third-party app integrations. Xero lets you connect all aspects of your business for streamlined accounting.
Xero
Ideal for small businesses, startups, freelancers, accountants, and bookkeepers seeking efficient, user-friendly cloud-based accounting solutions
Rasons to buy
- + Unlimited users across all plans
- + Simple setup and intuitive design with minimal learning curve
- + Strong invoicing, expense tracking, and bank reconciliation features
- + Multi-currency support in premium plans
Possible Drawbacks
- –No direct customer support calls
- –Entry-level plan restricts invoices and bills
- –Unsuitable for large businesses with high transaction volumes
- ● Early Plan: $15/month
- ● Growing Plan: $47/month
DaySmart Salon – Many people enjoy this cloud software because it offers a wide range of third-party app connections. You can connect all areas of your business in Xero for easier accounting.
DaySmart Salon
Best suited for salon & day spa owners, nail salons, barbershops, and freelancers. Ideal for small to mid-size businesses and growing teams with retail operations
Rasons to buy
- + Robust scheduling and appointment management
- + Automated client reminders and communications
- + Integrated payment processing
- + Detailed business reporting and analytics
Possible Drawbacks
- –Can be challenging to set up for non-tech-savvy users
- –Some technical issues (e.g., gift card limitations, system lag)
- ● Basic: $29/month (1 user)
- ● Deluxe: $69/month (3 users)
- ● Deluxe Growth: $149/month
Comparing the Best Salon Accounting Software
How do you pick the right one from all the options? As you look at your choices, remember these factors:
- Ease of use: You should choose software that is simple to use so your team can get started easily.
- Integration capabilities: Integration should be a priority; pick a system that works well with what you already use.
- Scalability: Your accounting software should be able to handle your salon’s growth.
- Customer support: It’s always helpful to have a team available to answer your questions when you need them.
- Pricing: Compare what you get for the money to find the plan that fits your requirements best.
How to Choose the Right Accounting Software for Your Salon
Interested in starting with hair salon accounting? Use these guidelines to decide what to do:
- Check what you need and how much you are willing to spend. Which features must the house have, no matter what?
- Use the points mentioned above to help you choose between different programs.
- Check what other salon owners are saying through user reviews and testimonials.
- Check out the software by using its free trial version. Nothing can replace the learning you get from actually doing something.
- Check if the software will work well with what you have now.
- Check what training and help will be available so that you can use the system easily.
FAQs About Salon Accounting Software
Is there anything else you want to know about salon accounting? All of these common questions are answered for you.
Is salon accounting software secure?
Absolutely. Reliable hair salon accounting software focuses on security and usually saves your important financial data in the cloud with frequent backups.
Can I integrate salon accounting software with my existing systems?
Most of the time, yes. The best accounting systems for salons are able to work with different software and offer many ways to integrate. It’s a good idea to make sure everything is correct before you buy.
How much does salon accounting software typically cost?
Pricing depends a lot on the particular features and package you select. A lot of software companies offer pricing plans that match the needs of salons of all sizes. You can even try some software for free before making a purchase.
Do I need accounting experience to use salon accounting software?
Nope! You don’t have to be an accountant to use most salon software, as it is designed to be simple and easy to use. With a little bit of training, using salon accounting software should be possible for anyone who can use a smartphone.
Conclusion
If you’re not sure if salon accounting software is necessary, I’ll say this: Doing the books isn’t your passion—making your clients look beautiful is. Software for accounting can help you save time and effort so you can focus on your passion, without worrying about your salon’s finances.
Beauty is a fast-changing industry, so salons using these tools will be ahead of their competitors. Automation and insights from accounting software help you survive and thrive in your business. Get started with easy financial management and you’ll be happy (and your accountant will be too).
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