Best Salon Appointment Scheduling Software (2025)

Your appointment book is the heartbeat of your salon business. Every empty chair represents lost revenue. Every missed call is a potential client who booked with your competitor instead. And every double-booking disaster chips away at your reputation.

The numbers paint a stark picture: industry research shows only about 54% of salon appointment bookings happen during business hours. That means nearly half of your potential clients want to book when your doors are closed, when your front desk is empty, when you're elbow-deep in a balayage. If you're only capturing daytime bookings, you're leaving almost half of your potential business on the table.

And the phone problem? It's worse than you think. Data from our own industry analysis suggests the average salon loses approximately $45,000 annually from unfilled appointment slots tied to missed booking calls. That's not a typo. Empty appointment slots represent revenue that can never be recovered.

The solution? Smart salon appointment scheduling software that works as hard as you do. This guide breaks down the 12 best options available in 2025, covering everything from free tools perfect for solo stylists to enterprise platforms running multi-location empires.

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Does Your Salon Need Scheduling Software in 2025?#

If you're still managing bookings with a paper calendar, sticky notes, or just your phone's basic calendar app, you're fighting an uphill battle. Modern salon scheduling software isn't just a digital appointment book. It's your silent business partner, handling dozens of tasks that would otherwise eat up your day.

The case for making the switch:

-> Around-the-clock booking. Your clients don't stop wanting appointments at 6 PM. They're scrolling Instagram at midnight, remembering they need a touch-up, and if you offer online booking, they can secure that slot right then. No phone tag required. No "I'll call tomorrow" and then forgetting. Online booking availability directly increases total bookings because you're capturing impulse decisions 24/7.

-> Automated reminders that actually work. How many no-shows have you dealt with this month? Each one is an hour (or more) you could have filled. Scheduling software sends email and text reminders automatically, and the impact on no-show rates is significant. Clients show up because they got a nudge. Simple as that.

-> Better client experience. Today's customers expect convenience. User-friendly online booking has become essential, not a nice-to-have. When clients can see your availability and book without waiting on hold, they feel taken care of. That perception translates to customer loyalty.

-> One-stop management. Good scheduling software shows your whole team's calendar in one place. Color-coded appointments, drag-and-drop rescheduling, staff availability at a glance. No more flipping through pages or texting everyone "are you free at 2?"

-> Built-in client memory. Most platforms double as mini CRM systems. They remember that Sarah prefers a specific colorist, that James is allergic to certain products, that Maria always tips well and should get priority booking. Comprehensive customer databases help personalize service and make clients feel valued.

-> Integrated payments. Collect deposits when clients book. Charge for no-shows. Sell products and gift cards. Many scheduling platforms include point-of-sale functionality, so checkout is seamless.

The bottom line: Scheduling software isn't an expense. It's infrastructure. The time you save, the no-shows you prevent, and the after-hours bookings you capture will pay for the subscription many times over.

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What Features Should Salon Scheduling Software Have?#

Not every platform is right for every business. Before you commit, think through these key considerations:

Online Booking and Calendar Features#

You need a system that handles the basics beautifully:

• Online booking portal that works on web and mobile

• Calendar management with easy drag-and-drop editing

• Multi-staff support (if you have a team)

• Recurring appointment options for regulars

• Buffer time settings between appointments

Automated Reminders and Client Messaging#

The right software talks to your clients so you don't have to:

• Automated confirmation emails/texts when someone books

• Reminder messages before appointments (24 hours, 2 hours, whatever you set)

• Follow-up messages for rebooking prompts

• Two-way texting (some platforms let clients reply)

Payment Processing and Deposits#

Money matters. Look for:

• Credit card processing (either built-in or integrated)

• Deposit requirements to secure bookings

• No-show fee capability (store cards on file)

• Gift card and package sales

• POS for retail products

Client Profiles and Service History#

Your relationship with clients is everything:

• Detailed client profiles (contact info, history, notes)

• Formula cards and preferences (crucial for color services)

• Birthday tracking for personalized marketing

• No-show history to identify problem clients

Email Marketing and Loyalty Programs#

Growth requires outreach:

• Email marketing tools (some platforms include this)

• Loyalty programs (points, rewards)

• Referral tracking

• Last-minute opening promotions

Revenue Reports and Staff Performance#

What gets measured gets improved:

• Revenue reports (daily, weekly, monthly)

• Staff performance metrics

• Booking trends (peak times, slow days)

• Client retention rates

Pricing Plans and Growth Options#

Be honest about your budget and growth plans:

• Free vs. paid tiers (and what's included at each level)

• Per-user pricing vs. flat monthly fees

• Contract requirements (month-to-month vs. annual)

• Transaction fees on payments

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12 Best Salon Scheduling Software Options Compared#

We've analyzed the market, reviewed user feedback, and compared features across the top platforms. Here's what you need to know about each option.

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1. Square Appointments#

Best Free Plan for Solo Stylists

If you're a one-person operation, Square Appointments is hard to beat. The completely free plan covers everything an independent stylist needs: online booking, calendar management, automated reminders, and seamless integration with Square's payment processing. You're not paying a monthly fee and then getting nickel-and-dimed on features. You get the full scheduling toolkit at zero cost.

What makes it stand out:

• Free online booking website with your branding

• Google Calendar sync

• Automatic email and text reminders

• Credit card on file for no-show protection

• Integrated POS (use Square Reader for payments)

Pricing breakdown:

Square uses a location-based pricing model:

Payment processing fees apply (around 2.6% + 10 cents per swipe), but there's no extra charge on the free plan beyond those transaction fees.

Best for: Solo stylists, booth renters, or very small teams who want professional scheduling without a monthly bill. Also ideal if you're already using Square for payments.

Trade-offs: Larger salons might find Square's reporting and marketing features basic compared to industry-specific platforms. But for individuals, the value is unmatched.

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2. Vagaro#

Feature-Rich All-in-One for Small to Medium Salons

Vagaro has earned its reputation as a "Swiss Army knife" of salon software. It packs scheduling, POS, inventory, payroll, marketing, and more into a single platform. Despite the depth of features, pricing remains accessible for growing businesses.

What makes it stand out:

• Embeddable booking widget for seamless website integration

• Built-in marketplace where clients discover local salons

• Email and SMS marketing tools with automation

• Inventory management with barcode scanning

• AI-generated marketing content for service descriptions

• Payroll module (optional add-on)

Pricing breakdown:

Vagaro prices by staff count:

Text reminders have a small per-message fee. Payment processing charges standard rates. No long-term contract required, and there's a free 1-month trial to test everything.

Best for: Small to mid-sized salons wanting one platform to run everything. If you don't want to juggle multiple subscriptions for scheduling, marketing, and POS, Vagaro consolidates it all.

Trade-offs: The interface can feel dense because there are so many features. Expect a learning curve as you explore everything.

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3. Fresha#

Best Free Core Platform (With Optional Upgrades)

Fresha took the industry by storm by offering powerful scheduling software with no monthly subscription fee. Yes, really. You can use the full scheduling, POS, and client management features for free. Fresha makes money through payment processing fees and commissions on new clients from their marketplace.

Why this matters: When you're just starting out, every dollar counts. Fresha eliminates the barrier of monthly software costs entirely.

What makes it stand out:

• Zero monthly cost for core features

• 80,000+ businesses and 450,000+ professionals use the platform globally

• Consumer marketplace brings new clients to you

• Built-in online store for retailing products

• Modern, clean interface

Pricing breakdown:

The Plus tier adds advanced marketing, custom branding, and analytics. But many salons run successfully on the free version alone.

Best for: Cost-conscious salons, new business owners, mobile beauty techs, and anyone who hates fixed monthly bills. Fresha is especially popular internationally (20+ languages supported).

Trade-offs: Clients need to create a Fresha account to book (minor friction). Limited integration with external tools like QuickBooks. You're somewhat locked into their ecosystem.

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4. GlossGenius#

Sleekest Design for Independent Stylists

GlossGenius is the platform for stylists who care deeply about aesthetics. Everything from the booking page templates to the card reader hardware is designed to look beautiful. If your brand is about elegance and sophistication, GlossGenius matches that energy.

What makes it stand out:

1. Stunning booking website templates (looks like a pro built it)

2. Express Booking feature fills calendar gaps intelligently

3. Chic card reader (even the hardware is stylish)

4. Review management with filtering (positive reviews go public, negative ones stay private)

5. Simple income and expense tracking

6. No app download required for clients to book

Pricing breakdown:

Payment processing is built in with competitive rates (around 2.6% flat). No free tier exists, but the polish justifies the cost for brand-conscious professionals.

Best for: Independent stylists, booth renters, and beauty suite operators who want their digital presence to look as good as their work. The mobile app is excellent for managing everything from your phone.

Trade-offs: Limited team management features. Larger salons will outgrow it quickly. No free plan means you need revenue coming in before subscribing.

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5. Booksy#

Best Marketplace for Attracting New Clients

If you're trying to grow your client base, Booksy's marketplace might be your secret weapon. Over 10 million consumers use the Booksy app to discover and book beauty services. Getting listed puts you in front of people actively searching for services in your area.

What makes it stand out:

• Massive consumer app with local search

• Instagram booking integration

• Strong community among barbers and stylists

• Waitlist feature for same-day openings

• Two-way messaging with clients

• No commission on bookings (unlike some marketplaces)

Pricing breakdown:

Booksy charges per staff member:

All features included at every level. No tiered plans with locked features. Payment processing around 2.69% per swipe.

Best for: Barbershops, hairstylists, and nail techs who want exposure to new clients. Particularly strong in urban areas where Booksy has heavy consumer adoption. Also great for social media-savvy pros (the Instagram integration converts followers to bookings).

Trade-offs: Per-staff pricing adds up for larger teams. If you're already fully booked, the marketplace benefit matters less.

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6. Acuity Scheduling (Squarespace Scheduling)#

Most Flexible for Spas and Wellness

Acuity isn't salon-specific, but that's actually an advantage for businesses with complex needs. It handles group classes, packages, subscriptions, and multi-service bookings with ease. If your spa offers workshops alongside treatments, or you sell membership plans, Acuity's flexibility shines.

What makes it stand out:

• Deeply customizable booking forms

• Group events and class management

• Packages, gift certificates, and subscriptions

• Integrations with Zoom (for virtual consultations), Stripe, PayPal, QuickBooks, Mailchimp

• Zapier connection (thousands of app integrations)

• Automated email sequences (reminders, follow-ups, rebooking prompts)

Pricing breakdown:

Acuity offers three tiers:

7-day free trial available. Acuity doesn't include its own payment processor, so you'll connect Stripe, Square, or PayPal and pay their fees separately.

Best for: Day spas, wellness centers, and multi-service businesses. Also excellent for solo practitioners who want maximum control over their booking process. Strong choice if you already use Squarespace for your website.

Trade-offs: No built-in POS or inventory management. The interface is functional but not flashy. Salon-specific features (like formula cards) aren't native.

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7. Goldie (formerly Appointfix)#

Budget-Friendly for Starting Out

Goldie keeps things simple. It's a mobile-first scheduling app with a generous free tier and affordable upgrades. If you're just starting out or operate on tight margins, Goldie gives you professional appointment scheduling without the professional price tag.

What makes it stand out:

• Free plan includes unlimited appointments

• Works offline (access your schedule without internet)

• 40% no-show reduction from automated reminders

• Simple client database with notes and photos

• Deposit collection through Stripe integration

Pricing breakdown:

Three clear tiers:

14-day free trial on paid plans. No contracts.

Best for: Independent stylists just getting started, barbers on a budget, or anyone transitioning from pen-and-paper. The free tier is genuinely usable, not a teaser.

Trade-offs: Basic feature set compared to full salon management platforms. Limited marketing tools. You'll outgrow it if your business scales significantly.

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8. Mangomint#

Premium Modern Solution for Boutique Salons

Mangomint represents the new generation of salon software. It's designed to feel "invisible" in the best way, making complex operations feel effortless. The interface is modern, the features are deep, and the company prioritizes user experience over cramming in every possible feature.

What makes it stand out:

• Beautiful, fast interface

• Two-way client texting from within the platform

• Intelligent waitlist and express booking

• Advanced email marketing with drip campaigns (best-in-class)

• Staff commission and payroll tracking

• No contracts, full data ownership

• 21-day free trial

Pricing:

Mangomint doesn't publish exact pricing because it's customized, but the average runs around $245/month for mid-sized businesses. Pricing scales by team size.

Best for: Established boutique salons and spas ready to invest in a premium tool. Multi-location businesses benefit from centralized reporting. Owners frustrated with clunky legacy software often migrate to Mangomint for the modern experience.

Trade-offs: Price is prohibitive for solo operators or brand-new businesses. This is a "you get what you pay for" platform aimed at businesses with real revenue to invest.

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9. Boulevard#

Enterprise Platform for Larger Operations

Boulevard represents a new generation of salon software aimed at established businesses serious about growth. Their Precision Scheduling algorithm optimizes booking to minimize gaps. Their marketing suite rivals dedicated email platforms. And their front-desk dashboard is designed for multi-tasking efficiency.

What makes it stand out:

• Precision Scheduling fills calendars intelligently

• Contact center functionality for multi-location call handling

• Client lifetime value tracking

• Dashboard shows clients in service, waiting, checked out

• Advanced membership and package management

Pricing:

Custom quotes only, but average pricing runs around $425/month. 12-month contract typically required. No free trial usually offered.

Best for: Luxury salons, multi-location businesses, med spas focused on client lifetime value. Businesses with a dedicated operations team to use advanced features.

Trade-offs: High cost and commitment. Overkill for small operations. The lack of a trial means you're committing based on demos and trust.

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10. Phorest#

Best for Client Retention and Marketing

Phorest approaches salon software from a marketing-first perspective. Their TreatCard loyalty program, automated campaigns, and reputation management tools are designed to keep clients coming back. If client retention and rebooking are your biggest challenges, Phorest was built for you.

What makes it stand out:

• TreatCard loyalty program (clients earn points, redeem rewards)

• Automated win-back campaigns for lapsed clients

• Review management (routes positive reviews to Google/Facebook, keeps negative ones private)

• Custom-branded salon app for clients

• Industry benchmarking in reports

• European origin with global expansion

Pricing:

Starts around $99/month for basic tiers, scaling up based on staff count and features. Annual contract typically required.

Best for: Established salons with 5+ staff focused on client retention. Spas wanting to build membership revenue. Businesses willing to invest in marketing automation.

Trade-offs: Contract commitment required. More expensive than simpler alternatives. If you won't use the marketing features, you're overpaying for what you need.

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11. Mindbody (and Booker)#

Enterprise Solution for Large Operations

Mindbody is the established giant, particularly strong in fitness and wellness but used by many large salons and spas. It's powerful, complex, and comes with the baggage of legacy software. The interface can feel dated compared to newer competitors, but the feature depth is undeniable.

What makes it stand out:

• Handles both appointments and classes

• Massive consumer app (better for fitness discovery)

• Analytics 2.0 with advanced reporting

• Messenger[ai] for automated chat booking

• Branded app option

• Integration with nearly any tool you use

Pricing:

Tiers range from around $129/month to $399/month depending on features. Add-ons (marketing, branded app) cost extra. 12-month contract required, typically no free trial.

Best for: Multi-location operations, salon/spa/fitness hybrids, businesses that need enterprise reliability and don't mind complexity.

Trade-offs: Interface feels clunky to many users. Steep learning curve. Contract and lack of trial creates friction. Some salons are migrating away to modern alternatives.

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12. Zenoti#

AI-Powered Enterprise for Franchises

Zenoti sits at the top of the market, serving franchise chains and large spa brands with enterprise-grade features. They've leaned heavily into AI, introducing tools that automate everything from marketing campaigns to phone call handling. Their "AI First" approach aims to reduce manual work across all operations.

What makes it stand out:

• Zeenie AI assistant helps navigate features

• AI phone system handles calls and bookings

• 30,000+ business client base for benchmarking

• Cross-location booking and centralized management

• Auto-reorder inventory management

• Enterprise security and compliance

Pricing:

Custom quotes only. Minimum starting point around $300/month, but most businesses pay significantly more. 12-month contract required.

Best for: Franchise operations, multi-location chains, high-end resorts, and businesses that want cutting-edge AI automation at scale.

Trade-offs: Complex interface with nested menus. Massive overkill for single locations. Price and complexity create a high barrier. Only makes sense at significant scale.

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Salon Software Pricing Comparison Chart#

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Can AI Phone Answering Work With Salon Scheduling Software?#

Something the software comparison doesn't address: what happens when clients call?

You can have the best online booking system in the world, but some clients will always prefer to pick up the phone. Maybe they have a question before booking. Maybe they want to reschedule but don't want to navigate an app. Maybe they're calling from the car and just want to talk to someone.

The problem? You're busy with clients. Your staff is busy. The phone rings and nobody answers.

Every unanswered call is a potential lost booking. Industry data shows that salons lose significant revenue simply because nobody picked up when a client called.

This is where Eden comes in.

Eden is an AI receptionist purpose-built for service businesses like salons. Eden answers your calls 24/7, talks to clients naturally, captures their information, and can even send scheduling links so clients book directly into your calendar.

How Eden works alongside your scheduling software:

1. Client calls your salon number

2. Eden answers (even at midnight, even on holidays)

3. Eden captures their name, callback number, and what they need

4. If you've enabled scheduling, Eden texts them a link to book

5. You get a call summary with transcript by SMS and email

6. The booking lands in whatever scheduling software you use

What Eden brings to the table:

-> 24/7 coverage: Never miss an after-hours booking opportunity

-> Bilingual support: Fluent English and Spanish

-> IntelliSpam filtering: Blocks robocalls so you're not paying for junk calls

-> Call transfers: For urgent matters, Eden can warm-transfer to you

-> Call recording and transcripts: Every conversation logged and searchable

-> 5-minute setup: Give us your website, forward your calls, done

Pricing is straightforward:

The Pro plan at $99/month with unlimited minutes is popular with busy salons. Think about it: if Eden captures just two or three bookings you would have missed, it's paid for itself.

The combination matters: Great scheduling software handles online bookings. Eden handles phone bookings. Together, you capture appointments from every channel without adding staff.

Ready to stop missing calls? Try Eden free for a week with 30 minutes of call time to see how it works with your existing setup.

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How to Choose the Right Salon Scheduling Software#

With twelve solid options on the table, how do you decide? Focus on these factors:

Which Software Fits Your Salon Size?#

Solo stylists and booth renters: Start with Square Appointments (free), GlossGenius (beautiful), or Goldie (simple). You don't need enterprise features. Keep it lean.

Small teams (2-5 people): Vagaro, Fresha, or Booksy offer the features you need without overspending. Multi-staff support, solid POS, reasonable pricing.

Established salons (6+ staff): Consider Mangomint, Phorest, or Acuity depending on your priorities (modern UX, marketing focus, or flexibility).

Multi-location and enterprise: Boulevard, Mindbody, or Zenoti were built for complexity at scale.

What Do Your Clients Prefer?#

How do your clients prefer to interact?

-> Tech-forward clients: Online booking is essential. Any of these platforms deliver.

-> Phone-preferring clients: You need a backup system (like Eden) for call handling.

-> Marketplace seekers: Booksy, Vagaro, and Fresha have consumer apps that can bring new clients.

-> Luxury expectations: GlossGenius, Mangomint, and Boulevard provide premium experiences.

What's Your Real Budget?#

Don't just look at the monthly fee. Consider:

• Per-staff vs. flat-rate pricing (big difference as you grow)

• Transaction fees on payments

• Contract requirements (annual vs. month-to-month)

• Add-on costs (marketing tools, SMS, branded apps)

A "$0 free plan" with high transaction fees might cost more than a flat monthly subscription if you're doing volume.

Always Try Before You Buy#

Most platforms offer trials. Use them. Book test appointments. Run through checkout. See how reminders look. Don't commit to annual contracts until you've lived with the software.

For platforms without trials (Boulevard, Mindbody, Zenoti), request thorough demos and talk to current users if possible.

Check Your Integration Needs#

What else do you use?

• Square for payments: Square Appointments integrates perfectly

• Google Calendar: Make sure your choice syncs

• QuickBooks: Vagaro, Acuity, and others connect

• Website builder: Acuity is seamless with Squarespace

• Phone booking: Eden works with any scheduling software that has online booking

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Salon Scheduling Software FAQ#

What is the best free salon scheduling software?

Square Appointments offers the most robust free tier for solo stylists, with no monthly fees at all. Fresha is also completely free (they make money on payment processing and marketplace commissions instead). Goldie's free tier works well for basic needs with limited SMS reminders.

How much does salon booking software typically cost?

Ranges widely. Free options exist. Solo-focused platforms run $16-30/month. Mid-tier team solutions cost $25-99/month depending on staff count. Premium and enterprise platforms range from $200-400+/month. Factor in payment processing fees (usually 2.5-2.9% per transaction) on top of subscription costs.

Can scheduling software really reduce no-shows?

Yes. Automated reminders make a significant difference. Platforms like Goldie claim 40% no-show reduction from reminders alone. The ability to require deposits or store cards on file adds another layer of protection. Clients who've put money down show up.

Do I need different software for a spa vs. a hair salon?

Not necessarily, but some platforms handle spa-specific needs (group classes, packages, room resources) better than others. Acuity excels at complex booking scenarios. Phorest and Mangomint handle multi-service spas well. Hair salon-only operations have simpler needs that most platforms cover.

How do I handle clients who still want to call to book?

This is where most scheduling software falls short. Online booking handles digital clients, but phone callers get voicemail if you're busy. The solution is pairing your scheduling software with an AI phone receptionist like Eden. Eden answers calls 24/7, captures client information, and sends booking links, so no phone inquiry goes unanswered.

What features matter most for independent stylists?

Keep it simple: online booking, automated reminders, basic client notes, and payment processing. Square Appointments, GlossGenius, and Goldie nail these essentials without complexity. As you grow, you can upgrade to more feature-rich platforms.

Should I choose software with a client marketplace?

If you're actively trying to attract new clients, marketplaces (Booksy, Vagaro, Fresha) provide exposure. If you're already fully booked from referrals and marketing, the marketplace is less valuable. Consider where your new clients currently come from.

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Picking the Right Salon Scheduling Software#

The best salon appointment scheduling software is the one you'll actually use consistently. An expensive, feature-rich platform gathering digital dust helps no one. A simple, affordable tool used daily transforms your operations.

Our recommendations by situation:

• Starting out with no budget? Square Appointments or Fresha. Free works.

• Solo stylist wanting polish? GlossGenius looks beautiful and runs smoothly.

• Growing team needing all-in-one? Vagaro delivers features without complexity.

• Established salon ready to invest? Mangomint or Phorest depending on your focus.

• Multi-location or enterprise? Boulevard, Mindbody, or Zenoti have the scale.

And regardless of which scheduling software you choose, remember that online booking doesn't solve the phone problem. Clients still call. They call when you're with clients. They call after hours. They call because they have questions.

That's exactly why we built Eden. While your scheduling software handles digital bookings, Eden handles every phone call, so no opportunity slips through.

The winning combination: Great scheduling software plus AI phone answering means you capture bookings from every direction. Your calendar stays full. Your clients feel taken care of. And you focus on what you do best: making people look and feel amazing.

Try Eden free for a week alongside whatever scheduling software you choose. See how many calls you've been missing.