For salons and barbershops
Salon POS software that keeps the chair filled
Yes, salon POS software can be free. A salon or barbershop can book, remind, check out and remember every client on a free plan, including deposits at booking. Charging a no-show fee is the main thing you'd pay to add.
Solo stylists, busy barbershops, nail and lash studios, groomers. Your calendar is your business, so that's where we start.
The client cycle
From first booking to "same time in six weeks?"
Most of a salon's money comes from people coming back. Each step below is a chance to make that easier.
They book
From your booking page, your Instagram profile or a Book button on Google. At 11 pm, while you're asleep.
They put down a deposit
Ask for a deposit or full prepayment when they book, so the slot means something.
They get reminded
Automatic text and email reminders before the appointment. Fewer "oh, that was today?"
They pay and tip
Check out from the appointment itself, add a product, take a tip on the screen.
You write it down
Formula, length, the thing they hated last time. Next visit, it's on their profile.
No-show protection
Deposits vs. no-show fees: know the difference
These sound alike but work differently. A deposit is money you collect when the client books. If they don't show, you already have it. A no-show fee is charged after the fact to a card they saved when booking, based on a cancellation policy they agreed to.
For a lot of shops, deposits on the long or expensive services are enough. If you have chronic no-shows on short appointments too, a card-on-file policy is the stronger fix.
Square FreeDeposits and prepayment at bookingSquare PlusCancellation policy and no-show fees
Client notes
Your memory, on every profile
Clients notice when you remember. Keep color formulas, allergies, photos of last time's cut and anything else on the client's profile, and pull it up the moment they sit down.
- Notes and files on each client
- Visit history and what they bought
- Each stylist or barber gets their own calendar
On Square Free
A full appointment book on Free
Online booking
Your own booking site, plus Book Now buttons on Instagram, Facebook and Google.
Calendars for the whole team
Unlimited staff calendars with their own hours.
Deposits and prepayment
Ask for a deposit or the full amount when someone books.
Automatic reminders
Clients get a reminder before their appointment, so fewer people forget.
Client notes and files
Notes, reminders and attachments on each client's profile.
Checkout with tips
Check out at the chair or the front desk, with tips on screen and cards on file.
When you'd want to upgrade
When you want stricter rules
Deposits are free. Charging a no-show fee under a cancellation policy is not. That's the line most salons care about.
- Square PlusCancellation policy and no-show feesCharge the card on file when someone doesn't show.
- Square PlusProcessing timeBlock time for color to process and book another client in the gap.
- Square PlusMulti-staff bookings, classes and packages
- Square PlusWaitlist, confirmations and Google Calendar sync
- Square PlusCommissions, timecards and tip pooling
- Square PremiumRooms and stations as bookable resources
Plan prices and card rates change, so we keep them in one place instead of on every page. See current pricing or Square rates and hardware.
Getting started
Booking on in an evening
- 1
Sign up
Create the free account and connect your bank.
- 2
Add services
Name, length and who does each one.
- 3
Set your hours
Per person, with breaks, and a deposit rule if you want one.
- 4
Share the link
Put it in your Instagram bio and on your Google profile.
Questions
Salon and barbershop owners ask us
Should I ask for a deposit when someone books?
For long or high-value services, it's worth it. A deposit is the simplest way to cut down on no-shows, and clients who've put money down tend to show up. For a quick cut or a beard trim, most shops skip it so booking stays easy.
What should I keep in client notes?
Anything you'd otherwise have to remember: color formulas, clipper guard numbers, allergies, how they like their neckline. When a client sees a different stylist, the notes mean they still get the cut they asked for last time.
Can I charge a no-show fee on Square Free?
You can take a deposit or prepayment at booking on Free, which handles most no-shows. A cancellation policy with an automatic no-show fee needs Square Plus.
Does it work for a barbershop that takes walk-ins?
Yes. Walk-ins check out like any other sale, and booked clients sit on the same calendar. A digital waitlist is a Plus feature, so on Free most shops just keep walk-ins in order at the chair.
Does it run on an iPad?
Yes. The free Square Point of Sale app runs on iPad as well as iPhone and Android, and Square Stand turns a compatible iPad into a front desk station with tap and chip payments built in. See the stand and the rest of the lineup on our Square rates and hardware page.
Still deciding? See which POS hardware fits your business and whether a free POS is enough, or browse all our free POS guides. Current rates are on our pricing page, and every reader and terminal is on the Square rates and hardware page. More answers on the FAQ page, or call (888) 243-3831.
Fill the book, not the paperwork. Start free.
Square Free has no monthly software fee and no long-term contract. You pay a processing fee when a customer pays by card, and nothing on cash. Current numbers are on our pricing page.
No monthly fee on the free plan. No long-term contract. Cancel anytime. See current pricing.
Free POS System is operated by POSUSA, an authorized Square reseller. POSUSA may earn compensation when you sign up through our link. It doesn't cost you a cent more. Read our disclosure.