6 Best CRMs for Beauty Businesses: Automate, Organize, and Grow

Your beauty salon is a brand, an experience, and a place where clients come to look and feel their best. They want effortless booking, personalized care, and a seamless visit from start to finish. But behind the scenes, keeping everything running smoothly isn’t easy.

Clients expect seamless service, they want to book in seconds, receive timely reminders, and have a personalized experience every time they visit. 

Appointments pile up, schedules overlap, client preferences get lost, and managing payments, staff, and marketing can feel like a full-time job. If you still rely on manual booking, scattered spreadsheets, or multiple disconnected tools, it is only a matter of time before things start slipping through the cracks.

A good CRM  transforms your business. Automated scheduling, real-time client tracking, seamless payments, and innovative marketing tools are all in one place. No more double bookings, missed follow-ups, or wasted hours on admin work. Instead, you get more time to focus on what matters: your clients. In this blog, we break down the six best CRMs for salons and how they can help you streamline operations, build stronger client relationships, and grow your business effortlessly.

What is a CRM for Salons? 

Running a salon involves managing bookings, keeping track of client preferences, handling payments, and running marketing campaigns. A CRM (customer relationship management) system for beauty salons helps streamline these tasks, allowing you to focus on delivering great services while keeping your business organized.

A CRM for hair salons is a software solution that automates daily operations, improves client relationships, and helps salons run more efficiently. Whether you own a small studio or a multi-location salon, the right CRM can make a big difference.

Benefits of a Salon CRM

1. Automated Appointment Scheduling

A CRM for beauty salons allows clients to book online anytime, reducing scheduling errors and last-minute cancellations. Many systems also send automated SMS or email reminders, helping minimize no-shows.

2. Centralized Client Data and History Tracking

A salon CRM stores details like past appointments, favorite services, and product purchases in one place. This helps you offer a more personalized experience, such as remembering their preferred hair color or recommending the right skincare treatment.

3. Personalized Marketing and Loyalty Programs

A sound CRM system for beauty salons makes sending promotional offers, birthday discounts, and client follow-up messages easy. Many CRMs have built-in email and SMS marketing tools, helping you keep clients engaged and encourage repeat visits. Loyalty programs can also be integrated, rewarding clients for referrals and frequent bookings.

4. Integrated Payment Processing

Handling payments manually or through multiple systems can slow down your business. A CRM for salons often includes built-in POS (point of sale) features, allowing clients to pay online or in person through secure transactions. Some CRMs offer contactless payments, membership subscriptions, and invoice tracking for smoother financial management.

5. Employee and Inventory Management

A CRM can help track employee schedules, performance, and commissions if you manage a team. Some systems even allow staff to access their bookings, reducing the workload on front desk managers. A CRM for beauty salons can also monitor inventory levels, alerting you when it’s time to reorder products to avoid running out of stock.

Top 6 CRMs for the Beauty Industry

Let’s explore the top 6 CRMs for beauty businesses that can help streamline your business and enhance client relationships.

1. HubSpot

HubSpot is a powerful CRM system for beauty salons that goes beyond appointment scheduling and client management. Known for its robust marketing, sales, and customer service tools, HubSpot helps salons grow their client base, improve communication, and streamline operations. It is ideal for beauty businesses looking for an all-in-one platform to manage customer relationships, automate marketing, and track business performance.

Features

• Advanced Client Management and Tracking: HubSpot allows salons to store detailed client profiles, track past appointments, and monitor customer interactions across different channels, helping businesses personalize their services.

• Automated Marketing and Email Campaigns: With built-in email marketing, SMS automation, and targeted promotions, salons can effortlessly engage clients, send appointment reminders, and promote special offers.

• Seamless Integration with Booking and POS Systems: HubSpot integrates with third-party booking and payment platforms, allowing businesses to manage appointments, process payments, and track revenue all in one place.

• Comprehensive Analytics and Reporting: Salons can use HubSpot’s detailed reports to track customer trends, measure marketing success, and optimize business strategies for better profitability.

Is HubSpot Ideal for Your Beauty Business?

HubSpot is an excellent choice for salons prioritizing marketing, customer engagement, and business growth. It is also a strong contender if your beauty business needs a CRM that manages clients and helps attract and retain them with innovative marketing tools.

Pricing

• Free plan available with essential CRM tools
• Paid plans start at $18/month for advanced marketing and automation features.
• Scalable pricing for growing businesses

Discover effective strategies to enhance customer success by reading our blog on maximizing customer success with HubSpot.

2. Fresha

Fresha is a free CRM for beauty salons that helps manage bookings, client data, and payments without subscription fees. It is made for small to mid-sized salons that need an easy-to-use platform to streamline operations. With built-in appointment scheduling, automated reminders, and payment processing, Fresha makes running a salon more efficient without added costs.

Features

• Free Online Booking System with Calendar Integration: Clients can schedule appointments through your website, social media, or the Fresha app. The system syncs with your calendar, making managing and avoiding double bookings easy.

• Automated SMS/Email Appointment Reminders: Fresha automatically sends reminders to clients before their appointments, reducing no-shows and last-minute cancellations.

• Payment Processing with No Subscription Fees: Unlike many CRMs, Fresha does not charge a monthly fee. Instead, you pay a small commission per transaction, making it budget-friendly for salon owners.

• Client History Tracking for Personalized Services: The system stores client visit history, including past services and product purchases. This helps provide a personalized experience, improving customer retention.

Is Fresha Ideal for Your Beauty Business?

Fresha is perfect for salons that need a cost-effective yet fully functional CRM. If you are a small or mid-sized salon looking for a no-subscription solution with appointment management, payment processing, and client tracking, Fresha is an excellent choice. Fresha is a great solution for salon owners who want an affordable, easy-to-use CRM system for beauty salons without recurring subscription costs.

Pricing

• No monthly fees
• Commission-based pricing: A small percentage is charged only when transactions are processed through the system.
• Optional paid features: Some premium tools (such as additional marketing features) are available at an extra cost.

3. Vagaro

Vagaro is a CRM system for beauty salons that offers scheduling, marketing, and business management tools. It’s designed for salons needing more than appointment booking, helping with client engagement, sales tracking, and staff management. With an all-in-one dashboard, Vagaro simplifies daily operations, making it an excellent option for growing salons.

Features

• Online Appointment Scheduling with a Customizable Website: Clients can book directly from your website, social media, or the Vagaro app. You can customize your booking page with branding, service details, and availability.

• SMS/Email Marketing and Loyalty Programs: Vagaro helps salons retain clients with automated SMS/email promotions, appointment reminders, and loyalty rewards. You can also send targeted offers based on customer history.

• POS System with Inventory Tracking: Integrated point-of-sale (POS) lets you process payments, track sales, and manage stock levels. You get real-time alerts when products run low, making inventory management more effortless.

• Payroll and Employee Management: Vagaro simplifies staff scheduling, commission tracking, and payroll processing. Employees can view their schedules, manage bookings, and track earnings in the system.

Is Vagaro Ideal for Your Beauty Business?

If your salon needs a comprehensive CRM with strong marketing tools and business management features, Vagaro is a solid choice. It’s ideal for salons that want to automate marketing, track client engagement, and manage finances in one system.

Pricing

Vagaro offers a tiered pricing model based on the number of service providers:

• $25/month for a single-user salon
• $35/month for two users
• $45/month for three users, with additional pricing for more staff

Each plan includes booking, marketing tools, and payment processing, with optional add-ons for payroll and advanced features.

4. Zenoti

Zenoti is a CRM for beauty salons, spas, and multi-location businesses that offers advanced automation, analytics, and customer engagement tools. Made for larger businesses, it streamlines scheduling, payments, and marketing while providing deep insights into business performance. Zenoti helps salons manage operations efficiently across multiple locations with AI-powered features and mobile-friendly solutions.

Features

• AI-Powered Customer Engagement Tools: Zenoti uses artificial intelligence to personalize client interactions, sending automated appointment reminders, follow-up messages, and promotional offers based on customer behavior.

• Advanced Reporting and Analytics: The system provides real-time business insights, including revenue tracking, staff performance reports, and customer retention rates. This helps salon owners make data-driven decisions to improve profitability.

• Integrated POS with Mobile Payments: Zenoti’s point-of-sale system allows seamless payment processing, including contactless and mobile payments. It also supports membership billing, subscriptions, and package deals.

• Membership and Loyalty Program Management: Salons can create customized loyalty programs and membership plans to retain clients. Automated reward tracking and exclusive member benefits help increase repeat visits.

Is Zenoti Ideal for Your Beauty Business?

Zenoti is ideal for large salons, spas, and multi-location businesses that need a scalable solution with advanced automation and deep analytics. If your salon requires AI-driven marketing, in-depth reporting, and integrated payment solutions, Zenoti is a strong choice.

Pricing

• Custom pricing based on business size and needs
• A subscription-based model with additional costs for premium features
• Free demo available to explore the platform before committing

5. Boulevard

Boulevard is a premium CRM for beauty salons for high-end businesses prioritizing client experience. It offers advanced scheduling, seamless client communication, and custom branding to enhance the salon experience. With a focus on personalized service and operational efficiency, Boulevard helps salons manage bookings, payments, and customer engagement. 

Features

• Smart Scheduling with Automated Recommendations: The system suggests ideal appointment slots based on availability, client history, and staff preferences, optimizing bookings to reduce gaps in the schedule.

• Two-Way Text Messaging for Client Communication: Salons can engage with clients via real-time text messaging, allowing for quick confirmations, reschedules, and personalized responses.

• Integrated Payment and Tipping Options: Boulevard offers seamless in-person and online payment processing, including digital tipping options, ensuring a smooth checkout experience.

• Custom Branding for a Seamless Salon Experience: Businesses can personalize their booking interface, emails, and client interactions to maintain a consistent and professional brand image.

Is Boulevard Ideal for Your Beauty Business?

Boulevard is best for high-end salons and beauty businesses wanting a polished, professional, personalized client experience. If you prioritize smart scheduling, efficient communication, and seamless branding, Boulevard is an excellent choice.

Pricing

• Custom pricing based on salon size and features needed
• A subscription-based model with premium add-ons
• Free demo available to explore features before purchase

6. Mindbody

Mindbody is a CRM system for beauty salons and wellness businesses that offers online booking, marketing tools, and staff management. Designed for salons, spas, and fitness studios, it integrates scheduling, memberships, and payroll management to support businesses that offer a mix of beauty and wellness services.

Features

• Online Booking via Mobile App and Website: Clients can book services through the salon’s website or the Mindbody app, providing flexibility and convenience for appointment scheduling.

• AI-Powered Marketing and Customer Retention Tools: Mindbody uses AI to analyze client behavior and send targeted promotions, reminders, and rebooking incentives to increase customer loyalty.

• Membership and Subscription Management: Ideal for businesses offering recurring services, Mindbody supports membership plans, automated billing, and client access to special deals.

• Staff Scheduling and Payroll Tracking: The platform simplifies staff management by handling schedules, time tracking, and payroll processing in one place.

Is Mindbody Ideal for Your Beauty Business?

Mindbody is perfect for salons and spas offering wellness services like yoga, massage, or holistic treatments. If your business needs membership management, advanced marketing tools, and seamless payroll processing, Mindbody is a reliable choice.

Pricing

• Starts at $129/month for basic features
• Higher-tier plans available for advanced tools
• Free demo available before committing

Comparison Table: Top 6 CRMs at a Glance

Learn how to utilize HubSpot for sales with our blog on 10 fundamental strategies to maximize your sales efforts using HubSpot.

When Does Your Beauty Business Need to Switch to a CRM?

Here’s when you should consider making the move:

1. You’re Struggling with Appointment Scheduling

Clients are double-booked or missed due to manual tracking.

You spend too much time confirming and rescheduling an appointment.

No-shows are increasing because clients don’t get reminders.

2. Client Information is Disorganized

You don’t have a system to track customer preferences, past services, or purchase history.

Your team cannot easily access client details, affecting personalized service.

You rely on paper records or scattered spreadsheets to store client data.

3. Your Marketing Efforts Are Inconsistent

You don’t have a way to send automated appointment reminders or promotions.

Client engagement is low because there’s no structured follow-up after visits.

You’re missing opportunities for repeat business due to a lack of loyalty programs.

4. Payment and Billing Issues Are Slowing You Down

You rely on manual transactions, causing delays at checkout.

Clients want more payment options like contactless, memberships, or online payment.

Tracking sales, invoices, and revenue reports is complicated and time-consuming.

5. Managing Staff and Inventory is Becoming a Challenge

Employee schedules and commissions are hard to track.

You’re running out of popular products because inventory isn’t updated in real-time.

Payroll calculations are manual and prone to errors.

6. You’re Expanding Your Business

You’re opening a second location and need a system to manage multiple branches.

You need better control over operations as your client base grows.

Scaling up is difficult without automation and reporting tools.

Why Switch to a CRM?

A CRM for salons centralizes your operations, making bookings, client management, payments, and marketing seamless. It saves time, reduces errors, and improves customer experience. If you recognize any of the signs above, it’s time to invest in a CRM system for your beauty salon to keep your business running smoothly and growing efficiently.

Transform Your CRM Strategy with INSIDEA’S HubSpot Services

As a HubSpot Diamond Solutions Partner, we take pride in assisting you in streamlining your HubSpot efforts. With our best-in-class marketing, sales, and service solutions, we help you scale exponentially. INSIDEA’s HubSpot Specialists have the required in-depth knowledge and can provide expert guidance on how to use the platform to meet your business needs. 

Explore the range of services we offer:

• HubSpot Onboarding: Seamless onboarding process to get your team up to speed and fully integrated with all HubSpot features.
• HubSpot Management: Ongoing management ensures your HubSpot environment runs at peak efficiency.
• HubSpot Migration: Smooth and secure migration services that protect your data and enhance your CRM capabilities.
• HubSpot White-Label Solutions: Exclusive white-label services tailored to your brand, allowing you to offer branded HubSpot solutions.

Get in touch today to learn more about how INSIDEA can help you succeed!

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