Best Staff Scheduling Software for Beauty Salons (2026)
Coordinate multiple stylists, manage shifts, track commission, and prevent scheduling conflicts — all from one dashboard.
The Problem
Scheduling conflicts are the #1 source of staff frustration in salons. The average multi-staff salon wastes 3–5 hours per week resolving scheduling conflicts, covering uncommunicated absences, and manually calculating commission. Staff scheduling software eliminates most of this friction.
- →Manual schedule management wastes 3–5 hours per week for salon owners
- →Text message shift changes are easily missed, causing coverage gaps
- →Commission calculations require manual math from sales reports
- →Staff can't see their own schedules or client lists without checking with management
- →Double-booking across multiple service providers happens without a shared calendar
Top 5 Software Solutions
Ranked for salon staff scheduling software
Vagaro
★★★★☆4.7/5Full staff management with built-in payroll
Best for: Salons with W-2 employees needing payroll integration
Mangomint
★★★★☆4.9/5Best-rated staff scheduling with optional payroll
Best for: Established salons wanting top-rated scheduling tools
Boulevard
★★★★☆4.7/5Smart scheduling with AI optimization
Best for: Premium salons with complex multi-provider schedules
Fresha
★★★★☆4.6/5Free multi-staff scheduling for unlimited staff
Best for: Cost-conscious salons with any team size
Feature Comparison
How top platforms compare on salon staff scheduling software capabilities
| Feature | Vagaro | Mangomint | Boulevard | Fresha |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Multi-Staff Calendar View | ||||
| Staff Mobile App Access | ||||
| Shift Scheduling (Clock In/Out) | ||||
| Built-in Payroll Processing | Add-on ($50/mo) | |||
| Commission Tracking | ||||
| Staff Performance Reports | Basic | |||
| Staff Availability Self-Management | ||||
| Automated Schedule Publishing | ||||
| Tips Distribution Tracking | Basic |
Pricing Comparison
Cost of salon staff scheduling software capabilities across platforms
| Software | Plan | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vagaro | 2–5 staff | $50/mo | Payroll included; scales with staff count |
| Mangomint | Essentials + Payroll | $165 + $50/mo | Best scheduling; payroll is optional add-on |
| Boulevard | Premier | $293/mo | Unlimited staff; payroll requires third-party |
| Fresha | Free | $0/mo | Unlimited staff; no payroll processing |
* Prices are per user/month billed annually. Contact vendors for current pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything attorneys ask about salon staff scheduling software
What is the best scheduling software for a salon with 5 employees?
For a 5-employee salon, Vagaro ($50/mo) is the most value-packed choice — it includes the scheduling, commission tracking, and payroll processing needed for managing a team. Mangomint ($165/mo + $50/mo for payroll) is rated higher but significantly more expensive. Fresha (free) handles multi-staff scheduling but requires a separate payroll solution.
How do I manage staff schedules at my salon?
Most salon platforms let you set each staff member's working hours, block personal time off, and view everyone's schedule on a single multi-column calendar. Staff can access their own schedule via a mobile app and request changes. The software automatically prevents double-booking across providers and shows clients only available slots for their chosen service provider.
Does salon software calculate commission automatically?
Yes. Vagaro, Mangomint, Boulevard, and Fresha all calculate service commission automatically based on commission percentages you set per staff member or per service type. At end of pay period, you run a commission report showing each staff member's service revenue and calculated commission. Vagaro and Mangomint can include this directly in payroll.
How does salon payroll software work?
Integrated salon payroll (available in Vagaro and as an add-on in Mangomint) pulls staff hours and commission data directly from the scheduling system. You review and approve the payroll, then the system either calculates net pay for you to distribute or integrates with ACH direct deposit. Vagaro's payroll handles W-2 tax withholding automatically.
Can booth renters use the same scheduling system as the salon?
Yes, with important considerations. In multi-staff platforms, each booth renter can have their own booking calendar within the salon's account while keeping their client data separate. However, many booth renters prefer their own independent accounts (GlossGenius or their own Fresha) to ensure full data portability and independence from the salon owner's account.
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