Using nail salon scheduling software to book a manicure or pedicure has become the norm these days.

If you run a nail salon, you probably rely a lot on walk-ins rather than appointments.

And when you do make appointments, you typically take them by phone, jotting the name and time down (on paper!) in your book.

But with more and more services going online or relying on salon booking apps, it’s time to rethink how you allow people to book their nail appointments.

The upside? Using an online booking app for your nail salon will save you time and streamline your client traffic.

So, if you’re considering using online appointment scheduling for your nail salon for the first time, here are some elements you should look for in a platform.

Finding the Right Nail Salon Scheduling Software: A Checklist for Nail Salons and Manicurists

1. Flexible Scheduling

You should be able to:

• Set the length of time for your different services (a gel mani takes way more time than people think!)
• Tweak how far in advance someone can book a nail appointment (or how last-minute)
• Block out time for personal days
• Set no-show policies for your salon
• Require first-time customers to call and book before allowing them to book with you online…

You get the point. Look for scheduling software that’s highly customizable.

2. A Way to Link All Your Nail Artists Together

Chances are, you’re sharing nail appointments with at least three or four other manicurists or nail artists per shift.

Or maybe you’re a manicurist working out of a spa or salon that also offers hair appointments or facials.

Your online booking app should make it easy for you to coordinate everyone’s schedules in one place.

Look for booking software that can show multiple people’s schedules to clients at once.

This comes with an added bonus — customers can easily see which nail artist is available when, so you don’t have to field any more of those, “Is Ann working today?” calls.

You may also want to look for a booking app that offers a multiple locations feature, which is ideal for anyone running multiple nail salons in one city—or across multiple cities.

3. Service Waivers and Customizable Policies

Manicures are, quite literally, hands-on, so you need to be certain that everyone who comes into your nail salon follows the rules.

Look for online booking software that allows you to add your custom policies and share them upfront before a new customer books an appointment with you.

4. Multiple Payment Processing Options

You should be able to accept payment however works best for you, and that includes processing tips.

If you’d rather not accept cash, you’ll want online booking software that makes it easy for customers to pay with credit card. (It’s also just nice these days since fewer and fewer people carry cash.)

5. Clean-Up Time / Personal Time

Clean-up time between appointments? Always essential.

Building it into your schedule ensures that everything’s sanitized and ready to go for your next client.

(It’s also important for keeping you safe and healthy!)

Look for nail appointment booking software that allows you to build buffers between appointments for cleaning, responding to calls or texts, and whatever else you need to do.

You should also be able to block out periods of your day for personal time if you want to!

Everyone deserves time for a lunch — manicurists included.

6. Service Waitlists

If you have certain nail artists who are extremely popular with your customers, or if you’re always slammed on Saturdays, you definitely need a waitlist feature

That way, any time someone cancels an appointment, someone else gets offered that spot automatically without you having to take time during your busy days to call someone to offer them a last-minute opening.

You’ll also end up with fewer holes in your calendar, which means more money.

7. Text Reminders

Once you find nail salon booking software that offers automated reminders, you’re never going to want to look back.

Whether it’s by text or by email, sending automated appointment reminders to clients cuts down on no-shows and increases the number of appointments you have in a day.

8. No Hidden Fees

Look for online booking software that’s completely upfront about its pricing structure.

You should also be able to switch or cancel if the software isn’t working for you, your coworkers, or your nail salon in general.

9. Human Tech Support

You shouldn’t have to spend hours figuring out the technology. But if you do have a question, you want to make sure you can reach a real human if anything comes up.