Why Nail Salon Software is Essential in 2026
Nail salons face tougher competition than ever, with client expectations for seamless booking, fast checkouts, and personalized service at an all-time high. In 2026, the global beauty salon software market is exploding, projected to hit $2.5 billion by 2028, driven by mobile apps and contactless payments. Generic POS systems fall short for nail techs who need color tracking, service timers, and walk-in queues.
Enter Tilavon: the best nail salon software built exclusively for this niche. Launching end of March 2026, it combines POS, scheduling, inventory, and employee tools in one affordable platform. Beta pricing locks in $19/mo for the Boutique plan (up to 5 employees) forever for the first 50 salons—far below competitors like Mangomint ($300+/mo) or Vagaro ($85+/mo).
Tilavon's Core Features: Tailored for Nail Salons
Tilavon isn't a one-size-fits-all tool. Here's what sets it apart:
- Lightning-Fast POS System: Process manicures, pedicures, and add-ons in seconds with tap-to-pay (Helcim/Stripe integration), cash/change handling, and client-facing tip screens. Owners report 15–30% tip boosts from visual prompts like "15% for great service?" Auto-split tips per tech based on time or service—no more disputes.
- Multilingual Everything: Supports English, Vietnamese, Spanish, and Chinese across POS, app, and client booking. Ideal for diverse U.S. markets like California or Texas salons serving immigrant communities.
- Smart Scheduling & Waitlists: Online booking widget for your site/Google, two-way SMS reminders (cuts no-shows 50%), and turn-based queues for walk-ins. Clients pick techs, add deposits, and get formula notes for repeat visits.
- Employee Mobile App: Techs clock in/out, view commissions in real-time, and access client histories on iOS/Android. Includes service timers to prevent overruns and inventory alerts for gel polishes.
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- Reporting & Growth Tools: Track revenue, peak hours, top services, and client retention. QuickBooks sync for taxes; AI add-ons ($69/mo beta) enable voice booking like "Book a gel mani with Linh tomorrow."
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Compared to alternatives:
FeatureTilavonMangomint
Vagaro
GlossGenius
Nail-Specific (Timers/Colors)YesNoPartialNoLanguages4111Beta Price/Mo$19$300+$85+$24+ (limited)No-Show Reduction50% SMSBasicEmailSMS extraFree MigrationYesNoQuoteNo
Real-World Benefits for Salon Owners
Sarah, a Houston nail salon owner (beta tester), switched from Vagaro and saw walk-in revenue jump 25% thanks to visual queues. "Tilavon's POS is twice as fast, and techs love the app—no more paper schedules," she says. For startups, free onboarding includes data import and custom setup—no contracts, cancel anytime.
In 2026, with labor shortages, retaining techs is key. Tilavon's commission transparency (real-time payouts viewable) reduces turnover by 20–30%, per industry benchmarks.
Pricing Breakdown & Getting Started
- Boutique ($19/mo beta): Up to 5 users, unlimited bookings/POS, core features.
- Pro ($99/mo beta): 10+ users, AI voice, advanced reports.
- Enterprise: Custom for chains.
No setup fees, free trial (no card), launching March 31, 2026. Sign up at tilavon.com/pricing for early access.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is Tilavon better than Square for nail salons?
A: Yes—Square lacks scheduling/multilingual; Tilavon adds nail tools at similar low fees.
Q: When does beta end?
A: $19/mo locks forever for first 50; post-launch ~$49/mo.