Best Booking Apps for Salons and Freelancers

By Michael Odell | Business & Branding | The International Institute of Beauty

When you’re running a salon or flying solo as a freelance beauty pro, time is your most valuable asset. Manually juggling appointments, chasing no shows, and replying to late night DMs? That’s time you’ll never get back.

The solution? A reliable, user friendly booking app that handles the admin while you focus on delivering standout service. But with so many options on the market, how do you know which one’s right for your business?

Contact us to report infringement.

Here’s a straight talking guide to the best booking apps for beauty professionals in the UK, whether you’re a salon owner, mobile therapist, lash tech, or skincare specialist.

Why a Booking App Is Non Negotiable in 2025

Let’s be clear: if you’re not using a proper booking system by now, you’re already behind.

Today’s beauty clients expect:

• 24/7 online booking

• Instant confirmation

• Automatic reminders

• Easy rescheduling

If your booking system is clunky (or non existent), you risk looking unprofessional and losing bookings to faster, slicker competitors.

A good booking app should do more than manage your calendar. It should:

• Help reduce no shows

• Save hours of admin time

• Improve client experience

• Allow you to upsell or manage promotions

• Give you valuable reporting and client data

Now, let’s break down the best of the bunch.

1. Fresha

Best for: Salons and solo professionals looking for a free, all in one system

Why it’s great: Fresha (formerly Shedul) has taken the UK beauty industry by storm, and for good reason. It offers online booking, POS, product inventory, client profiles, no show protection, and automated reminders… all with no monthly fees.

Pros:

• No subscription fees

• Sleek and user friendly for clients

• Marketing tools (email, SMS campaigns)

• Integrated payment processing

• Mobile app and desktop dashboard

Cons:

• 20% fee on new clients found via Fresha Marketplace

• You must use their payment system

Best for: Freelancers who want a zero cost way to look professional, or salons wanting a powerful, easy to use platform.

2. Timely

Best for: High end salons or beauty pros who want more advanced features and personalisation

Why it’s great: Timely has a polished interface and is loaded with features. It offers online booking, marketing, stock management, staff rosters, and client notes. Its analytics tools are perfect for those running a team or scaling up.

Pros:

• Beautiful booking interface

• Robust reporting and analytics

• Tailored features for beauty businesses

• Advanced marketing automation

• Integrates with Shopify and Mailchimp

Cons:

• Monthly fee (starting from £15 to £45 per staff member)

• Slight learning curve for beginners

Best for: Established salons or ambitious soloists looking to scale professionally and track their business performance in detail.

3. Ovatu

Best for: Freelancers and mobile therapists who want customisation at a low cost

Why it’s great: Ovatu is affordable and customisable, offering booking widgets for your website, SMS reminders, deposit management, and in depth client records.

Pros:

• Competitive pricing (from £15/month)

• Strong calendar and resource management

• Custom booking links and branding

• Easy to use and reliable

Cons:

• Interface isn’t as sleek as some competitors

• Fewer integrations

Best for: Freelancers who want a fuss free, budget friendly system that gets the job done.

4. Treatwell

Best for: Salons wanting more visibility and bookings through a large online marketplace

Why it’s great: Treatwell is like the Just Eat of beauty services, clients can browse and book treatments through the app or website. It gives your business exposure to thousands of potential clients.

Pros:

• Huge marketplace of beauty clients

• Helps fill empty slots

• Easy booking management

• Trusted by UK consumers

Cons:

• Commission fees (up to 35% on first bookings)

• Less control over branding and pricing

Best for: Salons looking to increase visibility and get a steady stream of new clients, but be prepared to factor in fees.

5. Square Appointments

Best for: Beauty businesses that also sell products or want a powerful POS system

Why it’s great:

Square started as a payment solution, but their appointment booking system is now a serious contender. It combines bookings, POS, invoices, and payments in one clean package.

Pros:

• Free for solo users

• Excellent POS and payment tools

• Built in invoicing and receipts

• Website builder and email tools

Cons:

• Not as beauty specific as others

• Add ons can get expensive

Best for: Freelancers and salons who sell retail products and want an all in one solution.

What to Look for When Choosing a Booking App

Every business has different needs. Here’s what to prioritise when picking your platform:

• Ease of use: for both you and your clients

• Mobile friendly: people book on the go

• Reminders & confirmations: reduce no shows

• Payment integration: deposits, prepay, or card on file

• Marketing features: upsell, retain, and re engage

• Client records: keep track of treatments and preferences

• Scalability: if you grow, will it grow with you?

Final Thoughts: Invest in the Right Tools, Reclaim Your Time

A booking app isn’t just a convenience, it’s a business essential. The right system will help you present your brand professionally, reduce admin, and create a seamless experience for your clients.

Whether you’re running a busy salon or working solo, choosing the best platform can free you up to focus on what really matters: delivering results, delighting your clients, and growing your income.

You’re in the business of beauty, and your time should be spent making people feel amazing, not wrestling with your calendar.