The Best Software for Solo Nail Technicians in 2026
You do it all — nails, client management, marketing, and bookkeeping. The right software handles the admin so you can focus on what you love.
What Solo Nail Technicians Need From Legal Software
Solo nail technicians need affordable, simple software that doesn't require an IT background to use. You need online booking your clients can access 24/7, a card reader for in-chair payments, automated reminders to reduce no-shows, and basic marketing tools to keep your chair full — without paying for features designed for large teams.
Top 3 Software Picks for Solo Nail Technicians
GlossGenius
Purpose-built for solo nail techs — the industry favorite
GlossGenius is the #1 choice for solo nail technicians. The Standard plan at $24/mo includes a complimentary card reader, online booking, client management, and a stunning branded booking page — everything you need to run a professional independent nail business. The Gold plan's 0% platform processing fee is a game-changer: a solo tech processing $5,000/month saves $100–150/month on transaction fees versus standard processing rates. No other platform at this price is this complete for solo operators.
Pros
- Card reader included free — saves $50–300 in hardware costs
- Gold plan: 0% platform processing fee
- Beautiful booking pages clients love to share on Instagram
- Custom intake forms for nail service consultations and allergies
- Built specifically for independent beauty professionals
Cons
- —Not designed for multi-staff payroll
- —No consumer marketplace (clients must find you via other channels)
Fresha
Free forever — best option if you're price-sensitive
For solo nail techs with a loyal following, Fresha is an unbeatable value. You pay $0/month forever — the only cost is a 2.19% + $0.20 fee on bookings from brand-new clients. If 80% of your bookings are regulars, your effective monthly software cost might be $5–20. All features are included: booking, POS, marketing campaigns, and a consumer marketplace listing.
Pros
- Completely free subscription — saves $288–576/year vs. GlossGenius
- Full feature set including marketing and inventory
- Consumer marketplace to attract new local clients
- No lock-in — no fees to cancel
- Unlimited bookings on the free plan
Cons
- —No physical card reader included
- —Less beautiful design than GlossGenius
- —New client fees add up during growth phases
Square Appointments
Free for solo providers — great if you use Square hardware
Square Appointments is completely free for solo providers, with no monthly fee and no new-client transaction fees (unlike Fresha). You pay only Square's card processing rate (2.6% + $0.10). The tradeoff: it's not salon-specific and lacks a beauty marketplace. Best for solo nail techs already using Square for payments who want seamless booking integration.
Pros
- 100% free for individual service providers
- No transaction fees beyond standard payment processing
- Integrates seamlessly with Square POS and hardware
- Instagram and Google booking integrations
- Backed by Square's reliable payment infrastructure
Cons
- —Not salon-specific — lacks beauty industry features
- —No consumer marketplace for client discovery
- —Card reader must be purchased separately
Key Features for Solo Nail Technicians
What to look for when evaluating salon software for your practice.
24/7 Online Booking
Let clients book while you sleep. A booking link you share on Instagram, Google, and text that captures appointments automatically.
In-Chair Payment Processing
Accept cards, contactless, and digital wallets without a separate POS system. Tip prompts are included.
Automated Reminders
Set SMS and email reminders to send 24–48 hours before appointments. Reduces no-shows by 60–80% for solo operators.
Branded Booking Page
A professional booking website with your photos, services, prices, and reviews — your digital storefront without building a website.
Client Rebooking Campaigns
Automated messages to clients who haven't visited in 4–8 weeks to refill gaps in your schedule.
No-Show Fee Collection
Require a credit card at booking and charge a fee for late cancellations. Protect your time as a solo operator.
Pricing Comparison
Estimated pricing for solo nail technicians — most platforms offer discounts for annual billing.
| Software | Entry Plan | Mid Tier | Top Tier | Free Trial |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GlossGenius | $24/mo Standard | $48/mo Gold | N/A | |
| Fresha | Free | Free | Free | |
| Square Appointments | Free | Free | Free (solo) | |
| Booksy | $29.99/mo | $49.99/mo | $79.99/mo |
* Pricing based on publicly available rates. Custom-priced platforms require direct quotes. Annual billing typically saves 10-20%.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best app for a solo nail tech?
GlossGenius is the top choice for most solo nail techs in 2026. At $24/mo with an included card reader and a beautiful booking page, it covers everything a solo operator needs. If cost is the primary concern, Fresha (free) or Square Appointments (free for solos) are excellent alternatives.
How do solo nail techs take payments?
Most solo nail techs use software with a built-in card reader (GlossGenius includes one free) or use Square's card reader (sold separately from $49). Clients can also pay online at booking time by storing a card on file. Cash remains common in nail salons but digital payments improve income tracking significantly.
Do I need a booking website as a solo nail tech?
You don't need a separate website. GlossGenius, Fresha, and Booksy all provide a free booking page (yourname.glossgenius.com, etc.) that you can share on Instagram, Google, and via text. These pages are professionally designed and optimized for mobile — better than most custom websites for booking conversion.
How much does salon software cost for a solo nail tech?
Free options: Fresha (free subscription, fees on new clients only) and Square Appointments (completely free for solo providers). Budget paid options: GlossGenius Standard ($24/mo), Booksy Boost ($29.99/mo). Most solo nail techs find GlossGenius or Fresha the best balance of cost and features.
What if my clients are used to booking via text?
All major platforms let you create a booking link you can share via text message. When clients click the link, they see your real-time availability and book without calling or texting you. Many solo nail techs transition clients to online booking by including the link in their appointment reminder texts — most clients adopt it within 2–3 appointments.
More Practice Area Guides
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