Choosing the right app for hairdressers is essential when it comes to managing appointments, client relationships, and business growth. In this blog, we compare the top four apps for hairdressers: Square Appointments, Fresha, Timely, and our very own Husl app. Let’s explore the features and benefits of each platform.
Square Appointments
Square Appointments is a versatile scheduling app that caters to a range of businesses, including hairdressers. Key features include:
- Online Booking – Clients can book appointments online 24/7.
- Calendar Management – Easily manage staff schedules and availability.
- Payment Processing – Accept payments in-person or online.
- Customer Notifications – Send automated reminders and follow-ups.
Pricing: Free for individuals; paid subscriptions unlock additional features.
Pros: User-friendly interface, integrates with other Square products, flexible for various business types.
Cons: Not specifically designed for solo hairdressers; some features may feel overwhelming for smaller operators.
Fresha
Fresha is a widely-used salon software with a strong reputation for ease of use. It offers:
- Seamless Online Booking – Clients enjoy a polished and professional booking experience.
- Automated Reminders – Reduce no-shows with SMS and email alerts.
- POS Capabilities – Efficient payment processing at competitive rates.
- Client Reviews – Leverage the Fresha marketplace to boost visibility and trust.
Pricing: Free to use, with transaction fees for new client bookings and payments processed through the platform.
Pros: No ongoing subscription cost, simple booking system, useful client communications.
Cons: A percentage fee applies to online bookings made via the marketplace.
Timely
Timely is a popular choice for salons with multiple staff or locations. It includes:
- Client Retention Tools – Reward returning clients with Timely Rewards.
- Appointment Management – Manage and prioritise bookings across teams.
- Pricing Plans – Four tiered options: BASIC, BUILD, ELEVATE, and INNOVATE, starting from $25 AUD per staff member per month.
Pros: Reliable booking system, scalable for growing businesses, strong reporting tools.
Cons: Less suited to solo freelancers; pricing may be a barrier for individual operators.
The Husl App
Built specifically for Australian independent and freelance hairdressers. Here’s why it stands out:
- Bookings & Appointments – Manage your calendar and accept bookings 24/7, with automatic reminders to reduce no-shows.
- Retail Flexibility – Earn commission selling Husl products, buy leading brands wholesale, or retail without holding stock.
- Get Paid Your Way – Accept card or cash, split payments, apply discounts, and issue refunds – all through the app.
- Built for Indies – No unnecessary features; just what independent hairdressers actually need.
- Earn While Away – Continue earning commissions on product sales even during holidays or sick leave.
- Dedicated Support – Enjoy personalised help without extra fees.
- Truly Free – No subscriptions or hidden charges. You’ll only pay optional SMS fees and standard transaction costs.
- Backed by Community Praise – Independents love its simplicity, functionality, and comprehensive features.
- Profit Share Program – Earn a share of Husl’s success. The more you buy and sell, the more you earn.
Pros: Tailored for solo hairdressers, intuitive design, access to top professional brands, built-in wholesale and retail tools, affordable, available on both iOS and Android.
Cons: Not designed for salons with staff, or businesses outside of hairdressing like gyms or retail stores.
While Square Appointments, Fresha, and Timely are all well-established platforms with solid functionality, the Husl App clearly shines for freelance and independent hairdressers. With its focus on solo operators, built-in income opportunities, and no subscription fees, Husl offers more than just appointment booking. It provides a smarter way to run and grow your freelance hair business.
Note: HUSL App pty ltd made all reasonable efforts to ensure that the information above was correct at the time of publishing. Future changes to a software’s pricing, features and availability cannot be documented here. Please check the respective software’s website for up to date information.
