5 Best POS Systems for Salons in 2026

The Best POS Systems for Salons: Top 5 Software Picks of 2026

Modern salons need point-of-sale (POS) systems that handle it all. The right system can seriously up your game by improving client interactions and boosting revenue. When it’s easy to buy the products as they check out and book appointments from home, clients are more likely to rebook again and again.

In this guide, we’ll give you the inside scoop on POS software, like what it can actually do for your salon and which are the best POS systems for salons in 2026.

What’s a Salon POS System?

Salon POS systems are central hubs for the front desk. These software-forward systems support the client experience as much as the salon’s checkout process. They combine software with hardware like iPads and card readers so your clients can easily pay for their visit (and any retail products they’re picking up).

A POS system handles most of your salon’s financial tasks in one place, processing payments, calculating tips and loyalty discounts, and managing retail and reporting programs. Some even make it easy to integrate with other software that tracks staff hours and performance, leading to less manual work on your end.

Features To Look for in Salon POS Systems

Shopping for salon POS software gets a lot easier when you know what to look for. Every self-care business is unique, but here are a few features that most teams need:

• Fast and flexible checkout: POS software should make paying fast and convenient for everyone, offering things like mobile payment options and easy-to-follow on-screen prompts.

• Integrated payments and tipping: Your POS system should support multiple payment options, like mobile wallets and cards on file, so no one has to dig through their wallet for the one method you accept. Look for software that automatically calculates tips at set percentages (like 15%, 20%, and 25%) and applies loyalty rewards and discount codes, too.

• Reporting and sales insights: Good salon POS software doesn’t stop working for you once the client has paid. It’ll also include high-level details like retail trends and retention data. These insights can help you adjust your strategies (such as scheduling a full-team workshop to perfect the latest TikTok hairstyle trend) and stay on top of your revenue flow before rent’s due.

• Client profiles and purchase history: Choose tools that let you personalize the salon experience. Client profiles store information like their birthdays for special discounts and notes from their past sessions to help your stylists provide better service from moment one.

• Retail and inventory management: Keep track of backbar inventory and retail products directly in your POS system. Your software should send an alert when you’re running low and automate order purchasing so you never have to run out of a dye color mid-service.

How To Choose the Best Salon POS System

Before you start researching and selecting a POS system, you need a game plan. There are lots of software solutions for spas out there, so knowing what you need ahead of time can side-step information overload.

These tips will help you stay organized and focus on your salon’s long-term goals.

Define Your Salon’s POS Needs

Choosing software starts with taking stock of your needs, so assess your current POS processes. What does the checkout process look like? Where does it slow down? Are there features that overlap with your other software solutions or things you’d like to collapse into one program?

Make a list of your wants and needs, then reference it during your search to narrow down your options.

Evaluate Ease of Use for Your Staff

Your chosen POS software should make your employees’ lives easier. Ideally, they’ll be able to pick it up in their first few days without tons of hands-on training.

Part of this onboarding process includes the software company’s customer service, too. A program with a strong team behind it will help you set everything up and get questions answered along the way.

Check How the POS Connects To Booking and Scheduling

The best POS tools integrate with scheduling systems you already use. Appointment reminders, automated calendar syncing, and easy rebooking options can reduce no-shows and double-booking. This way, your front desk team can schedule clients for a touch-up or a fresh cut in six weeks while they’re still standing at the counter, so they’re more likely to keep coming back.

Compare Pricing and Total Cost

Price is always important to consider, especially if you're just getting established or planning your next location. But comparing upfront costs is only the first step. You also need to compare how different software options impact your long-term overhead.

Some systems may seem affordable at first, but consider how they’ll impact your overhead over time. Study the fine print: Are there high processing fees? Are their long-term contracts undercut by unreasonable cancellation penalties? POS systems that don’t integrate well with other software means paying for more subscriptions every month, too.

Plan for Growth and Scalability

You shouldn't have to adjust your business goals around your software or do a massive overhaul every time you outgrow your current system, no matter how big your salon gets. So make sure your beauty salon’s POS has the flexibility to scale with your growing salon. 

It should be able to manage more locations and team members without glitching, process more complex loyalty and membership programs, and have the wiggle room to add new workflows as tech evolves.

5 Best Salon POS Systems

Every POS system has its strengths, but not all of them are going to be the right fit for your needs. We’ve gathered details on five of the best POS systems for salons so you can cut the noise and find software that works for you.

1. Boulevard

Boulevard is an all-in-one platform designed for premium salon management and client experiences. It’s an ideal choice for established and growing salons looking to streamline every workflow while maximizing their income. It integrates with over a dozen other common apps and web services while bringing everything else in-house.

Some of Boulevard’s best features include:

• Flexible payment methods

• Role-based permissions and staff management

• Organized client profiles and inventory tracking

• Multi-location management and reporting tools

• Cross-device compatibility

• Precise scheduling and self-booking portals

• Integrated loyalty programs and marketing campaigns

Pricing starts at $158/month/location for salons paying annually.

2. Vagaro

Vagaro is a POS platform that’s generally used by independent stylists and small salons that also offer fitness and wellness classes. It includes a website builder and a marketplace where users can find salons in their area. 

Its notable features include:

• Hybrid salon and fitness POS management

• Online booking and scheduling

• Client discovery marketplace

• Calendar synchronization

• Vagaro-branded hardware that’s automatically compatible with their software

For one stylist at one location, Vagaro starts at $23.99/month. Pricing scales with the number of stylists—with seven or more, you’ll pay $83.99/month. However, if you run more than one location, you’ll need to reach out to their support team for more information about their enterprise pricing. Vagaro also offers a 30-day free trial.

3. Mangomint

Mangomint’s POS system is known for its simple interface, designed for independent salons and boutique spas looking for software without any frills. It’s mainly a POS software, but offers some lightweight marketing tools, booking portals, and client data storage options.

Here are some of Mangomint’s main features:

• Self-checkout and tip prompts

• Scheduling and staff management

• Virtual waiting rooms

• Two-way text-based client communication

• Remote payments

Pricing starts at $175/month for small teams and includes a free trial.

4. Fresha

Fresha is a low-price POS software with a focus on flexible scheduling and data privacy. It’s a budget-conscious option known for its app-based marketplace, similar to Vagaro. Fresha includes room for extensive client notes, making it a better option for medspas and boutiques that offer medically focused or detail-oriented services than traditional salons.

This POS system’s core functions include:

• HIPAA compliance to protect client data

• Centralized client app

• Automated appointment reminders

• Up-front payment options

• Global currency support

Pricing starts at $19.95/month for a single provider, or $14.95/stylist/month for teams, with a seven-day free trial. If your salon has over 20 team members, you’ll need to reach out to Fresha’s support team for enterprise pricing details.

5. Square

Square is a general business platform used by businesses of all kinds. Its salon-specific POS software includes marketing campaigns, scheduling apps, and multiple payment options, with a focus on the client experience. Since it’s a widespread software solution, clients are likely to be familiar with Square—but there are fewer UI customizations you can use to personalize the look to match your brand identity.

Some of the major features of this POS system include:

• No-fee tier for solo stylists

• Enterprise-level scaling capabilities

• Color-coded staff scheduling and commission tracking

• Inventory management

Square offers a free plan for single salons, with only a few basic features. Richer experiences start at $49/month/location.

Transform Your Salon Checkout Experience With Boulevard

The right POS system can reshape your salon’s client experience. With faster checkout, accurate tipping, and easy rebooking, your salon can keep the relaxing vibes going after clients walk out the door. 

Modern salons need modern software to stay on top of their schedules and keep their clients happy. Boulevard is an all-in-one platform that simplifies checkouts for self-care businesses of all sizes and supports you as you grow. 

Whether you’re looking at client profile management or financial reporting, bring everything together with our advanced software solution. Check out Boulevard's Salon Software to learn more.

FAQ

Does a salon POS system need to integrate with scheduling software?

A POS system can stand on its own, but it can improve daily workflows when it’s integrated with scheduling tools. Adding appointment booking and calendars to your POS system can boost your client retention because it’s easier for front desk staff to book a client’s next appointment in the moment.

Can a salon POS system track tips and commissions?

Yes, and they should! Strong POS software can automatically calculate tips and offer set percentages that make it easier for clients to pick an appropriate amount. It can also track commissions for a more accurate picture of your finances.

When should a salon consider upgrading its POS system?

It might be time to upgrade if there are lines forming at your front desk due to error messages and lag, or if it isn’t compatible with the latest hardware and payment methods. Feeling like it’s time to update your other hardware and software systems is also an indicator that it’s time to look into a new POS system—or an all-in-one choice like Boulevard.