Whether you have clients on a waitlist or you're starting from ground zero, becoming an independent hairstylist or salon owner offers plenty of opportunities, along with a fair share of challenges. Fortunately, there are resources to assist you nearly every step of the way, from processing payments to marketing your new business and connecting with prospective clients. So long as you've gotten your business registered and permits obtained, you're ready to start taking full advantage of these five apps for hairstylists.

Ring My Stylist

If you've decided on becoming an independent hairstylist or salon owner, Ring My Stylist will be your best friend. It's essentially a stylist appointment booking app - but with tons of perks that will help you stay organized, stand out to clients, and deliver a salon experience that's second-to-none.

With Ring My Stylist, you have the ability to:

• Manage bookings (reschedule, cancel, contact client)
• Customize your services with a duration, price, and detailed description
• Document client service history and formulas so you can provide consistent, quality services
• Automatically send out reminders to clients before their appointments
• View your daily, weekly, and monthly schedule
• Oversee client referrals

Download Ring My Stylist

ChargeStripe

Let's cut to the chase - one of the most exciting parts of becoming an independent stylist or opening a hair salon is the opportunity to make money. You don't need a complex (and expensive) payment processing software to charge your clients for your services. ChargeStripe is an easy-to-use credit card reader. It's the perfect app for hairstylists who usually take cash or checks, but want to occasionally be able to accept credit cards to give their customers flexible payment options.

With ChargeStripe, you can expect:

• To accept credit card payments from your mobile device
• No monthly or annual fees
• No additional card reader required
• The ability to type in a card number, or take a photo with your phone's camera
• To easily add your typical services or packages, like "Womens hairstyles,"Mens haircut," or "All-over highlights" for one-tap charges

Download ChargeStripe

SalonCentric

As you're preparing for life as an independent stylist or salon owner, you'll need to find a retailer to supply your products and equipment. SalonCentric is a distributor that works with independent hairstylists and salon owners, serving as a one-stop-shop to fill your space with everything you need to get started. Shop for products, tools, custom furniture, salon stations, shampoo equipment, reception desks, retail stands, barber chairs, and more.

It's also one of the best apps for hairstylists to ensure you always have your go-to products in stock. SalonCentric sells salon-quality brands like Amika, Bio Ionic, Bioelements, Dermalogica, Design.ME, It's a 10 Haircare, Kenra, L'ANZA, L'Oreal Professionnel, Matrix, Olaplex, Pravana, Pureology, Redken, Sam Villa, Sexy Hair, StriVectin,  and Surface.

Plus, SalonCentric makes it simple to re-order the products that you always need to have in stock by documenting your purchase history and storing it all in your online account. SalonCentric even has a Service staff that you can reach out to if you ever have issues with the tools and equipment you have purchased. You can also call them to order replacement parts or schedule a service appointment.

While you can take full advantage of the perks we just mentioned on a laptop or desktop, we recommend downloading the SalonCentric app to get access to these additional features:

• Loyalty Program and Rewards
• Barcode Scanning to look up products
• Inventory Lookup to see what your local retailer has in stock
• Communicate with your Salon Success Consultant
• Coupons and Deals
• Continued Learning Classes and Industry Shows

Download SalonCentric

Instagram

Instagram is one of the best apps for hairstylists. While you probably already have an account for personal use, it's time to start thinking about how to utilize it for business purposes. Stylists often use the app as an online portfolio to showcase their services, while clients use it to see if the stylist's work is up to their standards before booking an appointment with them. You can also use Instagram posts, stories, and IGTV to provide helpful educational material to your following by posting tutorials and haircare tips. The more you position yourself as an industry leader, the more trust you will build with current and potential clients, leading to more people walking through the doors of your salon!

Not sure where to start with Instagram marketing? Check out influencers like Jamie Dana, Chrissy Rasmussen, and Waseem Yoans who have made a living off of teaching other hairstylists and barbers how to use Instagram for business.

Download Instagram

Glamsquad

If opening a hair salon or working as an independent stylist is your dream, but you aren't 100% sure you're ready, a great place to start is the Glamsquad app. Allowing you to serve as a freelance hairstylist, this app helps you connect with clients in your area and get experience running your own business, creating your own schedule, and managing appointments. Plus, you don't need a physical location for your salon when you use Glamsquad. When clients book with you, they select the location for the appointment, whether it be their home or a special venue.

With Glamsquad, you can also expect to:

• Manage your payments within the app
• Receive discounts on Glamsquad line of hair care and makeup products
• Join a community of experienced hairstylists that you can learn from
• Have access to classes, seminars, and Pro Sessions to stay on top of industry trends

Download Glamsquad

Where To Find The Best Apps For Hairstylists

Each of the apps for hairstylists that we've mentioned above can be found in the iOS App Store and the Google Play Store, and many of them are free. To find more resources and connect with other stylists and barbers, follow us on Instagram.