Best Online Booking Systems for Beauty Salons in 2026 (Full Comparison)
This guide compares two major systems for 2026: Nexaloom (built specifically for beauty and creative service providers) and Fresha (a well-known platform in the beauty and wellness industry).
— Nexaloom
In 2026, beauty salons and wellness professionals rely more than ever on advanced booking and management tools to simplify operations, reduce admin time and deliver a seamless client experience.
With rising competition in the beauty industry, choosing the best booking software for your salon can directly influence your revenue, client retention and overall brand perception.
This guide compares two major systems for 2026: Nexaloom (built specifically for beauty and creative service providers) and Fresha (a well-known platform in the beauty and wellness industry).
Why a Good Booking System Matters for Beauty Salons
A modern, well-designed beauty salon booking system helps salons:
Offer 24/7 online booking, allowing clients to book whenever they want.
Automate reminders and confirmations, reducing no-shows dramatically.
Manage client profiles including history, preferences, allergies and past services.
Accept payments, deposits and invoices in one place.
Organise staff schedules without manual admin or double-booking issues.
With so many operational and financial benefits, picking the right software is a major business decision.
Nexaloom vs Fresha — Comparison for Beauty Salons (2026)
Feature / Criteria | Nexaloom | Fresha |
|---|---|---|
Ideal For | Beauty salons, makeup artists, lash/brow techs, nail studios, wellness & creative service businesses | Beauty salons, spas, barbers, individual beauty professionals |
Booking & Scheduling | ✅ Full booking system with appointments, services, packages | ✅ Online booking & appointment scheduling |
Client Management | ✅ Advanced CRM with service history, notes, preferences | ✅ Client history, notes, basic CRM |
Payments | ✅ Built-in payments with no commissions | ⚠️ Online payments available; transaction fees apply |
Marketing Tools | ✔ Integrated communication & retention tools | ✔ Marketing features, reminders, promotions |
Staff Management | ✔ Multi-staff support, multiple treatment rooms | ✔ Multi-team support; pricing increases per staff calendar |
Pricing | Transparent, £0 for independent professionals and flat pricing for big salons | ⚠️ £9.95/month per staff calendar + fees (2025 update) |
Marketplace | 100% your brand, no commissions | ⚠️ Marketplace adds clients but charges 20% on first-time bookings |
Best For | Salons wanting control, transparency & no commissions | Solo pros & small salons needing marketplace visibility |
Strengths of Nexaloom
Built specifically for beauty & creative service providers.
No marketplace commissions or hidden fees.
Clean and detailed client management system with preferences and history.
One unified platform for booking, payments, client management, and operations.
Excellent for salons with multiple staff, complex schedules, or diverse services.
Strengths of Fresha
Large marketplace that can bring new clients.
Great option for solo beauty therapists or very small teams, but paid.
Offers booking, CRM, POS and analytics.
⚠️ Drawbacks of Fresha (2025–2026 Update)
£9.95/month per staff calendar, which adds up as your team grows.
20% commission on new clients from the Fresha marketplace.
Several advanced features and marketing tools are paid add-ons.
Less flexibility and branding control for salons wanting to build their own identity.
Which Booking System Is Best for Your Salon in 2026?
Choose Nexaloom if:
You want full control, your own branding and no commissions.
You need an all-in-one digital ecosystem without extra costs.
You manage multiple staff members or treatment rooms.
Client relationships and brand experience matter more than marketplace traffic.
Choose Fresha if:
You’re a solo beauty therapist or a very small salon.
You want quick client acquisition through the Fresha marketplace.
You don’t mind paying commissions for new clients.
Final Verdict: The Best Booking System for Beauty Salons in 2026
Both platforms offer strong features — but their strengths serve different types of salons.
Nexaloom is best for salons that prioritise brand control, transparency and long-term growth, with no hidden fees or commissions. For beauty salons looking to scale in 2026, Nexaloom provides a powerful, clean and seamless digital ecosystem designed specifically for modern beauty businesses.
