10 Best Tanning Salon Software to Scale Your Business

Key takeaways

• The best tanning salon software combines booking, payments, and client management in one platform to reduce busywork and grow revenue

• Most tanning salon software options range from free to $165 per month, with payment processing fees varying significantly between platforms

• Look for tanning-specific features like package tracking, membership management, and automated reminders to reduce no-shows

• GlossGenius offers transparent flat-rate processing with no hidden fees, helping tanning salons save thousands annually

Tired of bouncing between tools for bookings, payments, marketing, and client details—and watching processing fees shrink your margins? GlossGenius consolidates bookings, payments, and client management in one platform, with transparent flat-rate processing. For businesses prioritizing marketing tools, Vagaro offers strong options, while Square provides a solid free tier for budget-conscious owners.

Quick comparison: best tanning salon software at a glance

Start your free trial with GlossGenius and see why tanning salons are moving to a single, unified system.

What is tanning salon software?

Tanning salon software is a digital platform that helps tanning businesses handle appointments, process payments, track client information, and automate marketing. Whether you're running UV tanning beds or spray tanning booths, the right software handles the operational complexity so you can focus on delivering that perfect glow.

Running a successful tanning salon means juggling a lot of moving parts: appointment booking, budgeting, inventory management, tanning equipment purchases, sanitization, plus client management and marketing to ensure you build a sustainable, loyal base. It can be overwhelming, especially if you're a small business just starting out.

Depending on your needs, you can opt for point of sale (POS) software that facilitates payment processing, tracks your transactions, and can even serve as a receipt printer for in-store purchases. Or, you can stick with basic scheduling software that makes it easy to manage employee schedules and provide online booking options to customers.

Types of tanning salon software

Understanding the different categories of tanning salon software helps you choose the right fit for your business:

POS-focused solutions prioritize payment processing and transaction tracking. These work well if you already have scheduling handled but need better checkout experiences.

Booking-focused platforms excel at appointment scheduling and calendar management—especially helpful if missed appointments are your biggest pain point.

All-in-one solutions bring booking, payments, marketing, and client management together in one place. These eliminate the need to juggle multiple systems and typically offer the best value for growing tanning salons.

Looking for an all-around tanning salon software choice that does it all? Try GlossGenius today and get a 14-day free trial!

What to look for in tanning salon software

The most important tanning salon software features include online booking, payment processing with low fees, automated reminders, and membership management. Here's a comprehensive checklist of features that truly cater to your needs.

Essential booking and scheduling features

• Online booking: Clients should be able to book appointments 24/7 without calling. The best platforms let clients book in 30 seconds or less

• Calendar management: Look for software that lets you filter by day, week, or staff member with color coding by service type

• Automated reminders: Lower missed appointments with text and email nudges. Businesses that use deposits can reduce missed appointments

• Waitlist functionality: Fill cancellations automatically by matching waitlisted clients to newly available slots

Payment processing and POS capabilities

• Credit card processing: Look for seamless credit card processing with transparent rates. GlossGenius offers transparent rates (flat 2.6%) with no hidden fees

• Point of sale system: An integrated POS system manages sales, inventory, and ensures transactions process efficiently

• Deposits and card-on-file: Protect your revenue by requiring deposits for bookings and storing cards securely

• Gift cards: Offering gift cards attracts new clients and retains existing ones

Tanning-specific management tools

• Membership and package management: Track prepaid tanning packages and recurring memberships with automated redemptions and renewals

• Client profiles: Store important details like visit history, skin type documentation, and service preferences

• Waivers: Digital waivers are especially important in the tanning industry for liability protection

• Inventory tracking: Monitor tanning lotions, protective eyewear, and other retail products

Marketing and client communication

• Email marketing: Built-in email marketing features help you engage clients, share promotions, and update them on new services

• Text messaging: Send appointment reminders and promotions directly to clients' phones

• Mobile app: A mobile app simplifies booking, allowing clients to manage their appointments on the go.

• Client management: Comprehensive salon management features track staff scheduling, inventory, and client histories.

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10 best tanning salon software options for 2026

Here are our top picks for the best tanning salon software, evaluated based on features, pricing, ease of use, and value for tanning-specific needs:

1. GlossGenius

2. Vagaro

3. Mindbody

4. Boulevard

5. Booksy

6. StyleSeat

7. Square

8. Acuity

9. Zenoti

10. Salonist

1. GlossGenius — best all-in-one tanning salon software

If you're trying to grow without adding complexity, busywork, or costly fees, GlossGenius offers a complete management platform with transparent processing rates and AI-powered tools built to support scaling.

For tanning salon software that balances intuitive design with robust features, GlossGenius stands out. GlossGenius is designed to be easy to use day to day, with a streamlined booking flow and an admin dashboard that reduces manual work. It's loved by many because it lets you handle all aspects of your business smoothly, from booking appointments to payments.

Benefits of GlossGenius

As a unified business management platform, GlossGenius helps tanning salons drive more bookings with its simple interface and automated marketing tools. Many businesses report revenue gains in their first year.

When marketing falls to the bottom of your list because you don't have time to write and plan campaigns, the platform's AI-powered marketing assistant helps you craft customizable messages in seconds—so you can promote new services, offer exclusive discounts, or send birthday outreach with a personal touch. GlossGenius supports rebooking workflows designed to improve repeat visits.

If you're stuck chasing deposits, fielding booking DMs, or losing clients because your website and booking experience feel unpolished, GlossGenius lets you manage customer relationships, take payments at a transparent flat rate, collect deposits, and build a custom booking site—so clients can book in under 30 seconds without downloads or logins.

GlossGenius also includes tools to manage your staff and handle payroll. Free up time by letting employees set their own calendar availability and edit shifts, or get access to reporting and analytics services so you can view detailed reports about your bookings, revenue, and client history.

Pricing plans

• Standard: Starting at $24/mo (billed annually) or starting at $28/mo (billed monthly)

• Gold: Starting at $48/mo (billed annually)

• Platinum: Starting at $148/mo (billed annually)

Payment processing: 2.6% flat rate.

Check out their pricing page to see a detailed breakdown of what each plan includes.

2. Vagaro — best for marketing tools

Vagaro is a strong fit for salons that want robust marketing tools and added marketplace visibility to attract new tanning clients.

Vagaro is worth considering if you want a user-friendly system to run day-to-day salon operations. It's known for its versatility and ease of use.

Benefits of Vagaro

Vagaro provides a comprehensive suite of tools for scheduling, stock control, and customer relationships. You can easily track appointments, sales, and even staff performance from one place. Plus, with Vagaro's marketing tools like email campaigns and promotional discounts functionality, growing your client base is easier than ever.

This salon software also integrates smoothly with popular online networks, such as Facebook and Instagram, enabling you to advertise services or special offers right on these widely-used websites without all the extra effort.

Pricing plans

Vagaro offers monthly subscriptions starting at $23.99 for individual business owners. Each additional employee calendar is $10 per month for up to seven licenses. After paying for seven licenses, you can add new employees at no additional charge.

Payment processing: Small merchants (under $4,000/month) pay 2.6% + 10¢ per card present transaction, plus an additional 6¢ per tap to pay transaction on top of the base processing rate. Large merchants (over $4,000/month) pay 2.2% + 19¢ per card present transaction, plus an additional 6¢ per tap to pay transaction on top of the base processing rate. Keyed-in transactions are 3.5% + 15¢ for both merchant types.

3. Mindbody — best for large tanning salons

Mindbody works best for larger tanning operations that need enterprise-grade features and AI-assisted support.

Mindbody can be a fit for businesses that want appointments, staff scheduling, and client management in one platform.

Benefits of Mindbody

Mindbody includes calendar integrations, appointment booking, staff scheduling, payroll, and automated no-show fees. Set up waitlists to fill your available time slots, send liability waivers, or expand your base using their marketing suite tools. Mindbody also includes AI customer support and a branded mobile app to support a stronger digital experience and consistent client communication.

Mindbody has an expansive offering of client management features, such as client profiles that can store important details like visit history and services. You can also view member account balances and set up automated notifications for bookings, reminders, cancellations, and purchases. Mindbody also offers automated email functionality and text messaging so you can reach out to your clients with news or updates about your business.

Pricing plans

Mindbody pricing starts at $99/month per location. Pricing depends on your plan and billing terms, including any promotions you signed up for.

Payment processing: Starting at 2.99% + 30¢ when cards are tapped, inserted, or swiped. Online and manual entry transactions are 3.60% + 30¢ per transaction.

4. Boulevard — best for premium client experience

Boulevard is a salon management platform with a modern interface and client experience features that may appeal to tanning businesses focused on premium service, especially if real-time inventory tracking is a priority.

Benefits of Boulevard

This modern software tool doesn't just make your life easier; it also helps deliver a more polished client experience. From seamless online booking to personalized experiences, Boulevard takes care of all the nitty-gritty so you can focus on providing stellar service. A big plus? It's built with real-time inventory tracking and automatic reordering to save you from stock-related headaches. No more scrambling for products or dealing with backorders.

Boulevard also provides client management features like customer profiles, so you can store notes or record preferences. The platform also offers automated client messaging and reminders, as well as targeted marketing campaigns to help you engage with your clientele and drive loyalty.

Pricing plans

Boulevard pricing starts at $158/mo for the Essentials plan and starts at $369/mo for the Prestige plan.

Payment processing: Starting at 2.65%, or as low as 1% with Boulevard Offset (where clients pay a 3% fee on credit card transactions).

5. Booksy — best for marketplace visibility

Booksy is a client-focused platform that supports appointment scheduling and client management, and helps salons reach new clients via its built-in marketplace and discovery features.

Benefits of Booksy

This app is designed for both owners and clients, creating smoother booking. Appointment reminders can also help reduce last-minute absences, keeping the schedule fuller. Manage staff schedules, create custom forms, and enhance your visibility on the marketplace all from one app.

Booksy also offers inventory management, plus the ability to showcase top reviews from other customers to give potential clients an idea of how you run your salon, making it easier to score their business. Clients appreciate how effortless it is to use while businesses love its calendar synchronization, marketing tools, and POS system integration, making their operations smoother than ever before.

Pricing plans

Booksy plans are $29.99/mo (plus tax), with an additional $20 per user. New customers can get Booksy for $19/month for 6 months with promotional codes.

Payment processing: 2.49% + 10¢ per card present transaction. Tap to pay is 2.49% + 20¢. Online and card-on-file transactions are 2.69% + 30¢.

6. StyleSeat — best for independent tanning business owners

StyleSeat is geared toward independent tanning business owners who want straightforward scheduling plus marketplace exposure to help attract new clients.

Benefits of StyleSeat

With StyleSeat, you get a unified setup for scheduling and booking windows, plus automatic emails that notify clients about your availability each month. Handle payments, track client histories, and take advantage of their marketing tools and digital marketplace to attract more clients and expand your business.

StyleSeat can also provide travel directions to your clients so they can easily find your business, while syncing information across all of your devices so you can access the details you need for your appointments anytime, anywhere.

Pricing plans

StyleSeat’'s plan is $35/mo, with a free 21-day trial. The subscription includes all features with no extra add-ons or hidden fees.

Payment processing: 2.2%-2.5% + 30¢ for card-present transactions. 2.2%-2.6% + 30¢ for card-on-file transactions. Tap to pay is 2.5% + 30¢.

7. Square Appointments — best free option for small salons

Square is a good pick for small tanning salons that want a free plan and reliable payment processing. This scheduling solution has a wide range of use cases for different types of businesses.

Benefits of Square Appointments

Square supports booking and includes tools for payments and inventory management. Clients can easily view your availability and book appointments directly from your website or social media profiles, with client profiles that help keep track of preferences and appointment history. Plus, with automated reminders and confirmations, no-shows are less likely to happen.

Square also offers point of sale and employee management features like individual calendars, commission tracking, and performance reporting, keeping your staff organized and on-track, while also providing key insights into your business's performance.

Pricing plans

Square pricing can be as low as $0 per month for their Free plan, which includes POS app, online site, item library, invoicing, booking, and checking/savings accounts. Paid plans start at $49/month (Plus) up to $149/month (Premium) per location.

Payment processing: 2.6% + 15¢ for tap, dip, or swipe transactions. 3.5% + 15¢ for keyed-in transactions. 3.3% + 30¢ for online transactions.

8. Acuity Scheduling — best for simple scheduling needs

Acuity is best for straightforward scheduling, particularly if you want strong calendar integrations and already use a payment processor. As a tanning salon owner, you might be familiar with the hassles of managing appointments and the annoyance of no-shows. Acuity Scheduling software steps in here to lighten your load.

Benefits of Acuity Scheduling

Acuity offers flexible online booking through an embedded branded page or shareable link, plus intake forms, real-time availability, and automatic reminders to streamline scheduling and reduce missed appointments.

Acuity Scheduling's client management tools track important customer information like contact details, appointment history, and other notes. The software also offers robust calendar management features such as custom availability and external calendar sync with Google Calendar and Outlook, ideal for businesses with multiple staff members.

Pricing plans

Acuity Scheduling prices start at $20/month, or $16/month when billed annually. The Growing plan is $34/month ($27 annually), and the Powerhouse plan is $61/month.

Payment processing: Depends on third-party vendors like Stripe, Square, or PayPal.

9. Zenoti

Zenoti helps tanning salon business owners effectively manage bookings by giving clients the power to self-schedule.

Benefits of Zenoti

Zenoti offers an intuitive interface that lets you manage bookings effortlessly, allowing clients to make their own appointments online, no phone calls required. Zenoti's client management tools facilitate lasting relationships with your customers, with detailed client profiles, visit history, and preferences, you can provide curated service and targeted marketing campaigns to keep your clients coming back.

Zenoti also offers a comprehensive suite of management tools for tanning salon business owners, including inventory management, staff scheduling, and payroll processing. The software also features reporting and analytics, providing valuable insights into your professional performance and identifying areas for improvement.

Pricing plans

Zenoti currently does not publicly list their pricing.

Payment processing: Zenoti does not publicly list their payment processing rates.

10. Salonist

Salonist booking platform is geared toward salons and spas looking for a simple yet robust software that also supports POS and client management.

Benefits of Salonist

The beauty of Salonist lies in its simplicity yet power-packed features. It helps streamline operations like appointment scheduling and customer management, letting professionals focus more on their craft than administrative tasks.

Beyond basic functions, it also offers benefits such as inventory tracking and employee performance metrics. But the cherry on top? The ability to integrate with social media platforms for better client engagement.

Pricing plans

Salonist offers plans starting at $799/year, or $79/mo when billed monthly for its Essential plan. Its Advance plan costs $1,090/year, or $109/mo when billed monthly. For its Expert plan, users pay $1,790/year, or $179/mo when billed monthly.

Payment processing: Depends on third-party processors.

Run Your Tanning Business Like a Pro with GlossGenius

The landscape of tanning salon software is vast, but don't let it overwhelm you. Remember, these solutions are designed to help your business shine, not dull your day. Read reviews, take a test drive with free trials if they're available, and get to know each platform’s features to identify the best tanning salon software option to properly suit your needs.

GlossGenius' all-in-one platform has everything you could want to optimize your daily routine and maximize your efficiency. Simplify appointments, streamline operations, and enhance customer experiences, all from one easy-to-use interface.

Your subscription includes access to GlossGenius’ Online Booking features, where customers can schedule appointments 24/7.

You’ll also get to take advantage of GlossGenius’ Reports & Analytics tools to get an in-depth look at how business is going, plus Marketing tools to expand your reach and grow your clientele.

Try GlossGenius free for 14 days!

This information is provided for general educational purposes only. For legal, cybersecurity or compliance advice specific to your business or situation, please consult a professional.

All prices and feature comparisons are as of February 2026. GlossGenius has no affiliation, sponsorship, or endorsement with the other companies mentioned in this article or their affiliates. All trademarks, logos, and brand names are used for identification purposes only and remain the property of their respective owners.