Most nail salons approach POS systems with the wrong mindset.

They think, “As long as it takes payments, it’s good enough.”

This is a recipe for frustration.

A basic card reader won’t manage bookings, track inventory, or handle staff commissions.

It won’t keep loyal clients coming back or help you see where your money is really going. 

And in a market where the UK hair & beauty industry is worth around £5.8 billion in 2025, with nail salons alone contributing over £600 million, that’s a big disadvantage.

Here’s the thing: a POS system isn’t just about payments.

It’s about running your salon more efficiently.

In this guide, I’ll break down the best POS systems for nail salons in the UK, so you can find one that actually supports your business.

Best Nail Salon POS Overall UK

Here’s a quick overview of the best options, which we explore in more detail later in this guide:

• Best overall POS for nail salons in the UK: Usetapp
  
  

• Best for quick card payments: Zettle by PayPal
  
  

• Best for appointment-heavy salons: Square POS
  
  

• Best for budget-friendly plans: SumUp
  
  

• Best for loyalty and repeat clients: Loyverse POS

How Does a Nail Salon POS Work?

A nail salon POS system helps you manage everything in one place, processing payments, scheduling appointment services, tracking inventory, recording client preferences like favourite colours or nail art styles, and even calculating staff commissions. 

Most systems are software-based, with optional hardware like card readers or receipt printers, making it easier to handle busy days without the hassle of paper logs or multiple tools.

With a salon POS, you can:

• Accept payments via card, contactless through your smartphone, or mobile wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay
  
  

• Manage bookings and send automated appointment reminders
  
  

• Track staff schedules, commissions, and performance
  
  

• Reward loyal clients with discounts, points, or perks

How it Differs from a Retail POS

Why Does POS  Matters for Salon Owners

Having the right POS system for a nail salon means:

• Speed: Faster checkouts and less waiting
  
  

• Efficiency: Payments, bookings, and staff all in one system
  
  

• Client experience: Personal touches like reminders and loyalty perks
  
  

• Easy management: More time for clients, less time on admin

How We Picked the Best Nail Salon POS Systems

To find the best POS system for a nail salon, we focused on a checklist that directly impacts salon operations, client experience, and growth:

• Whether the system allows a quick setup without heavy hardware.
  
  

• How well it provides booking tools like online scheduling, reminders, and calendar sync.
  
  

• Whether it is a hardware POS, mobile POS, or softPOS that works on phones or tablets.
  
  

• If it supports flexible payments with chip & PIN, contactless, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.
  
  

• How clear are the setup fees and ongoing costs, including per-transaction charges?
  
  

• Whether it offers loyalty features such as CRM, visit history, and rewards.
  
  

• If it supports staff management with multi-user access and commission tracking.
  
  

• How well it is tailored for the UK with VAT invoicing, GBP pricing, and local support.

By using this flow, we narrowed down the list to the most practical and UK-ready POS systems for nail salons in 2025.

What We Found in Our Evaluation (Quick Comparison)

7 Best Beauty Salon POS Systems [Free + Paid]

 5 Best POS System for Nail Salon in UK

Here are the 5 POS systems we found most useful for nail salons in the UK.

Each one has its own strengths, and we’ll walk you through what they do best.

1. Usetapp – Best POS for Modern UK Salons

Usetapp is a cloud-based Soft POS system built for UK businesses that lets you run your entire nail salon from just a phone or tablet. 

Unlike traditional tools, it works as a softPOS, meaning you can accept card and mobile payments, manage bookings, and track clients without extra hardware.

That makes it especially useful for freelancers and small salons that want to stay professional while keeping costs low.

Key Features That Make It Ideal for Salons

• QR checkout so clients can pay in seconds without waiting
  
  

• Digital receipts sent instantly to reduce paper clutter
  
  

• Built-in eShop to sell nail polishes or aftercare kits online
  
  

• AI-powered analytics to see which services bring in the most money
  
  

• Appointment tracking that keeps bookings organised in one place
  
  

• Loyalty options to reward repeat clients with discounts or perks

How You’ll Be Charged on Usetapp

The pricing is straightforward:

• No setup fees or contracts – start without upfront costs
  
  

• Free Plan (£0/month) – unlimited transactions, business dashboard, 1.49% flat transaction fee
  
  

• Pro Plan (£29/month) – adds AI sales predictions, extended analytics, free offline dongle, with a lower 0.99% fee
  
  

• No hardware required to get started (dongle included in Pro)
  
  

• Simple, transparent pricing designed for UK nail salons

Pros

• Quick to set up, no hardware needed
  
  

• Affordable and clear UK pricing
  
  

• Modern features like QR checkout and loyalty rewards

Cons

• Not the best fit if you need advanced stock management
  
  

• UK customer support is still expanding

Best For

• Freelancers working on their own
  
  

• Small salons that want speed and simplicity
  
  

• Owners who prefer affordable pricing with modern checkout options

7 Best SoftPOS Providers in the UK

2. Zettle by PayPal – Best POS for Quick Card Payments

Zettle by PayPal is a mobile POS system designed for small UK businesses that need fast, reliable card payments. 

It comes with a lightweight card reader that connects to your phone or tablet, making it easy for nail salons to accept chip & PIN, contactless, and mobile wallet payments on the spot.

What makes Zettle stand out is its integration with PayPal.

If you already use PayPal for online sales, you can keep all your payments in one place.

Key Features That Make It Ideal for Salons

• A portable card reader that works with iOS and Android devices
  
  

• Contactless and chip & PIN payments with support for Apple Pay and Google Pay
  
  

• PayPal integration for smooth online and offline transactions
  
  

• Sales reports to track daily revenue and busiest times
  
  

• Inventory tracking if you also sell nail care products

How You’ll Be Charged on Zettle

Zettle does not charge a monthly fee:

• No contracts or setup fees – only pay per transaction
  
  

• The card reader costs about £29 one-time to get started
  
  

• Flat 1.75% fee on every card payment (chip & PIN, contactless, Apple/Google Pay)
  
  

• No monthly subscription – pay-as-you-go model
  
  

• Designed for salons that want simple, flexible payments without fixed costs

Pros

• Excellent customer service, quick to respond and resolve issues

• Reliable long-term use (trusted by users for 8+ years)
  
  

• Helpful and patient chat support, even for non-technical users
  
  

• Easy process for replacing or upgrading card readers

Cons

• Reports of payments being held without a clear explanation
  
  

• Issues with locked or faulty terminals that cannot be fixed

• Very limited warranty coverage and poor replacement offers
  
  

• Terminals may not be durable or long-lasting for salon use

Best For

• Nail salons that mainly need fast, secure card payments
  
  

• Freelancers who travel and want a portable POS
  
  

• Owners who already use PayPal for online sales

5 Best Zettle (By PayPal) Alternatives For Your Business

3. Square POS – Best POS for Appointment Management

Square POS is a flexible point-of-sale system that combines payment processing with built-in booking and staff tools. 

For nail salons in the UK, it is especially useful if you manage multiple technicians or offer a wide range of services that need proper scheduling.

Unlike payment-only systems, Square gives you both a free POS app and add-ons like Square Appointments.

This makes it more than just a checkout tool; it becomes a salon manager in your pocket.

Key Features That Make It Ideal for Salons

• Online booking system with calendar sync to keep appointments organised
  
  

• Automatic reminders to reduce missed appointments
  
  

• Staff scheduling tools with role-based access
  
  

• Customer profiles that store service history and preferences
  
  

• Detailed sales reports to track performance and peak hours
  
  

• Integrated payments including chip & PIN, contactless, Apple Pay, and Google Pay

How You’ll Be Charged on Square

Square POS has a free plan, and you only pay when you take payments:

• No setup fees – free to start, you only pay when you take payments
  
  

• Free Plan (£0/month) – 1.75% per card payment, good for basic selling in person, online, or by phone
  
  

• Plus Plan (from £29/month) – same 1.75% fee but adds tools for cafes, shops, and service businesses needing more control
  
  

• Premium Plan (custom pricing) – tailored features and custom rates for larger or more complex salons
  
  

• Card reader optional – one-time purchase starting from £19

Pros

• Very user-friendly layout once set up

• Broad range of services and features to support salon needs
  
  

• Makes managing salon operations simpler and less stressful
  
  

• Good value for money compared to its wide feature set

Cons

• Delayed payouts, with some users waiting several days for funds

• Reports of fraud and security concerns after transactions
  
  

• Customer support can be slow and difficult to reach
  
  

• Flat fees become costly for larger transactions
  
  

• Invoicing and billing tools are not always smooth for service businesses
  
  

• Inventory setup can feel intimidating for first-time users

Best For

• Nail salons with multiple staff members
  
  

• Owners who want built-in booking and scheduling
  
  

• Salons that need strong client tracking and reporting

5 Best Square Alternatives & Competitors for Hardware-Free Payments

4. SumUp POS – Best Budget-Friendly Option

SumUp POS is a low-cost payment solution built for small businesses in the UK. 

For nail salons, it is ideal if you want something simple that lets you take card and contactless payments without worrying about monthly subscriptions.

SumUp is known for its portable card readers, which connect to your phone or tablet.

This makes it especially handy for solo nail technicians or small salons where space and budgets are limited.

Key Features That Make It Ideal for Salons

• Portable card readers that fit easily into your setup
  
  

• Supports chip & PIN, contactless, Apple Pay, and Google Pay
  
  

• No monthly fees, just pay per transaction
  
  

• Easy reporting to track sales and daily totals
  
  

• Invoice and remote payment options for clients who pay later
  
  

• Basic product catalogue to track nail care products if you sell extras

How You’ll Be Charged on SumUp

SumUp keeps pricing transparent:

• No monthly fees or contracts – simple pay-as-you-go pricing
  
  

• In-person payments (card/contactless): 2.6% + 10p per transaction
  
  

• Online or manual entry: 3.5% + 15p per transaction
  
  

• Invoice payments: 2.9% + 15p per transaction
  
  

• No setup fees – card readers are low-cost and optional

Pros

• Saves space and resources by removing the need to carry multiple cards

• Helps customers save money at stores they visit regularly
  
  

• Easy to use for both businesses and clients
  
  

• Portable card readers make it convenient for small salons or freelancers
  
  

• Affordable with no monthly subscription fees

Cons

• Automatically sends texts to customers after 30, 60, or 90 days, which not all businesses want

• Customers sometimes complain about receiving too many emails and texts
  
  

• Limited booking and appointment features compared to full salon POS systems
  
  

• Basic reporting, which may not be enough for growing salons

Best For

• Freelance nail technicians who want low-cost payments
  
  

• Small salons looking for a simple and portable solution
  
  

• Owners who prefer pay-as-you-go pricing instead of subscriptions

5. Loyverse POS – Best for Customer Loyalty

Loyverse POS is a free point-of-sale system that stands out for its strong customer loyalty tools. 

While it works as a general POS, it is especially useful for nail salons that rely on repeat clients and want to build lasting relationships.

The system helps you track client visits, store service history, and run reward programs that keep customers coming back.

For a salon, this means fewer lost clients and more repeat bookings.

Key Features That Make It Ideal for Salons

• Loyalty program tools to reward repeat clients with points or discounts
  
  

• Customer profiles that store service history and preferences
  
  

• Free POS app available on both iOS and Android
  
  

• Inventory management if you also sell nail care products
  
  

• Sales analytics and reports to track daily performance
  
  

• Multi-store support if you run more than one salon location

How You’ll Be Charged on Loyverse

Loyverse offers a free base version with optional add-ons:

• Free Plan (£0/month) – includes sales tracking, inventory management, receipts, and real-time reports
  
  

• Transaction fees vary, depending on the payment provider you connect to
  
  

• Add-ons (from £4.99/month) – unlock advanced inventory, employee permissions, and multi-store features
  
  

• No hardware required – though optional printers and tablets can be added

Pros

• Easy to use with a simple, intuitive layout

• Reliable performance for daily business operations
  
  

• Strong reporting features with a comprehensive range of analytics
  
  

• Works well as a free POS solution with optional add-ons
  
  

• Flexible enough for small businesses to grow with

Cons

• Can feel slow and less flexible during daily operations

• Requires the use of Loyverse servers, raising privacy and control concerns
  
  

• Basic features like downloading reports now cost extra (£5/month)
  
  

• Feels like charging more without adding new functionality
  
  

• Some users describe the shift as disappointing after years of use

Best For

• Nail salons that rely on repeat clients and want loyalty programs
  
  

• Owners who want a free POS with the option to upgrade later
  
  

• Small chains or salons with multiple locations

How to Choose the Right POS for Your Nail Salon

The best POS system for a nail salon depends on your setup and goals.

Here’s a quick guide to match tools with your needs.

Each POS system has its strengths, whether that’s bookings, loyalty, or low-cost payments.

Looking across all the factors, Usetapp appears in nearly every category, which makes it a practical option for many UK nail salons.

Conclusion

Choosing the right POS system for a nail salon is about more than just taking payments. 

The right tool saves you time, keeps bookings organised, makes checkouts smooth, and helps you build stronger relationships with your clients.

In the long run, that means happier customers and steady growth for your salon.

If you are looking for a UK-ready POS that’s affordable, simple, and smart, give Usetapp a try.

It is built for small businesses like yours and makes running a salon much easier.

If you are curious to see how it works in practice, try Usetapp’s starter plan.

It is a simple way to test whether it fits your nail salon before committing long-term.

FAQs 

What is the best POS system for nail salons in the UK?

The best overall option for many UK salons is Usetapp, since it covers payments, bookings, loyalty, and staff tracking in one place. Square, Zettle, SumUp, and Loyverse are also strong, depending on whether you prioritise bookings, low costs, or loyalty programs.

How much does a POS system for nail salons cost in the UK?

Most POS systems for salons in the UK start at £0/month with per-transaction fees (like Zettle and SumUp). Paid plans such as Usetapp Pro (£29/month) or Square Plus (£29/month) add more advanced features like analytics and staff management.

Can I use Square or Zettle for a nail salon?

Yes, both Square and Zettle work well for nail salons. Square is better if you need built-in appointment booking and staff scheduling, while Zettle is a good pick for quick and reliable card payments without monthly fees.

What is the cheapest salon POS system in the UK?

SumUp and Zettle are usually the cheapest, as they have no monthly costs—you just pay a small fee per transaction. This makes them ideal for freelancers or small salons on a budget.

Do UK salon POS systems accept Apple Pay and Google Pay?

Yes, most salon POS systems in the UK, including Usetapp, Square, Zettle, and SumUp, support Apple Pay and Google Pay along with chip & PIN and contactless cards.