What is the best salon software for an Estonian barbershop?

You might expect a morning at a Tallinn barbershop to kick off much like in Sydney or Boston—doors open, clients start arriving, appointments fill up, and the day unfolds at a steady pace. But by noon it’s obvious that Estonian salons are in a league of their own. Here, over 7,500 salons (officially 6,061 registered businesses) are run by nearly 16,000 beauty professionals—roughly 1.2% of the entire population. Almost 46% of all bookings happen after the salon’s doors are locked, and digital services are standard fare, with internet use reaching 93.7%. GDPR is enforced as strictly as a border control guard, and every app button, automatic message, and notification expects impeccable service in Estonian.

What makes Estonian barbershops unique is that most studios are small—up to five team members—and their staffing models vary: some barbers work on payroll, others rent a chair and operate independently.

Such a setup means an Estonian barber doesn’t just need any one-size-fits-all salon software, but a platform built around their specific rhythm and requirements. The software must be available 24/7, make online booking as seamless as scrolling Instagram, support both salaried staff and booth renters, and guarantee full data security in line with Europe’s strict GDPR regulations.

Barbers have told us that thanks to SalonLife, they save around 45–60 minutes of administrative work every day—that’s time previously spent manually adjusting schedules, tracking product usage, and sending reminders to loyal clients.

Next, let’s explore why SalonLife has gained remarkable popularity and praise among Estonian barbershops and barbers over the past year.

Local software market: plenty of options, but choosing the right one matters

The Estonian beauty-services software market is far from empty. Local barbershops actively use well-known international solutions like Fresha, Treatwell, and Vagaro, which have proven their worth with extensive features and marketing prowess. Whether you choose Fresha, Treatwell, or SalonLife, they’re all powerful platforms designed to streamline your operations!

However, a closer look reveals a trend: more and more Estonian barbershop owners are opting for a solution tailored to their specific needs—SalonLife. Why? Because it’s often those little details that others overlook which shape your daily workflow and client satisfaction.

Why SalonLife is every barber’s dream software and a true game-changer

Imagine your workday as a barber: you step into a barbershop brimming with energy, ready to sculpt the perfect beard, cut stylish hair, and provide a relaxing experience that leaves your client feeling refreshed and confident. In reality, little oversights—overbooked schedules, running out of beard oil, or misplacing a client preference note—can disrupt the creative flow. These daily headaches drain your energy and shadow your true craftsmanship, making work frustrating, especially when walk-in clients expect speedy service.

Many barbers share these frustrations, relying on regular clients for beard and hair maintenance, as well as spontaneous walk-ins. But what if there were software that not only keeps everything organized but also helps grow your client base—without charging a commission on each new booking? Meet SalonLife—an intelligent system built for beauty professionals, including barbers. It frees up your time for creativity, optimizes daily operations, and supports your barbershop’s growth.

The platform covers everything you need—from inventory management and client communication to flexible booking options. Plus, SalonLife’s Marketplace is a revolutionary feature that makes your business visible to thousands of potential clients completely free of charge. The platform is easy enough for beginners, backed by excellent customer support, and available both on the web (salon.life) and mobile. Below, we dive deeper into the features that make the biggest difference in a barber’s daily routine.

Inventory management: avoid “out-of-stock” moments and optimize costs

Inventory management is critical in barber services—a missing beard oil, shaving cream, or clipper can bring your day to a halt and disappoint both you and your client, especially when a walk-in customer is waiting. I remember once having to tell a client that we’d run out of their favorite beard oil—it was not only embarrassing but also hurt the salon’s professional image.

SalonLife makes it simple: add products to the system, set retail and cost prices, and the software tracks stock levels automatically. The system accounts for usage by each team member, sends alerts for low-stock items, and deducts products from inventory in real time when added to an appointment. You can distinguish between retail items (e.g., beard oils sold to clients) and consumables (e.g., products used during services), reducing waste and fine-tuning your purchasing plan.

Client profiles and notes: make every service personal

Barbering is built on trust and a personal touch. You need to remember each client’s beard and hair preferences to deliver consistent service every visit. SalonLife’s client database makes managing this information a breeze: all important preferences—haircut or beard style, quantity, allergies, and more—are saved to the client profile and displayed automatically for each booking.

Calendar and scheduling: full control in your hands

Every barber has a personal calendar where appointments and breaks can be added, moved, or duplicated with a simple drag-and-drop. The mobile version is especially convenient—adjust your schedule on the go. You can set service preparation and finish times, add flexible walk-in slots, and automate break times so your workspace is always ready.

Online booking: a 24/7 open barbershop

Modern clients want to book when it suits them—whether at midnight or early on a Sunday. SalonLife gives you complete control: open booking to everyone or restrict it to loyal clients, define lead times and booking windows, and design the booking form to match your brand.

Notifications and client communication: keep clients loyal

Automated notifications—booking confirmations, reminders, or a friendly “we miss you” after three weeks—feel personal and attentive to clients. Often, a single polite reminder is enough to bring a client back and maintain loyalty.

Payment solutions and analytics: wrap up worry-free and make smart decisions

An integrated payment solution makes the end of the day easy—card payments, cash, and gift cards are recorded directly in the appointment, giving you a real-time overview of daily turnover. Plus, detailed reports on sales, popular services, and staff performance provide a solid foundation for strategic decisions.

Marketplace: attract new clients for free and smartly

SalonLife’s Marketplace (SalonLife Connect) is a revolutionary marketplace linking barbers with thousands of potential clients—completely free and commission-free. About 28% of bookings come from it, as clients search for “barber in Tallinn” or “beard trim” and find your profile. It’s more effective than a social media post that can get lost among thousands of competitors.

Your profile as a perfect homepage: all you need in one place

• Essential info and visuals: introduction, location, gallery with before-and-after photos.
• Client feedback: verified ratings and fresh reviews that build trust.
• Services and prices: a full, transparent price list with durations and product details.
• Staff info: each barber’s specialties and experience.
• Contact and extras: phone, email, social links, and aftercare tips.
• Direct booking: simple, account-free booking that boosts conversions.

Solving the “quality problem”: trust over quantity

Clients don’t need more options—they need reliable barbers they can feel comfortable and secure with. SalonLife’s detailed profiles provide the necessary information for an informed decision, matching clients to your skills and style without uncertainty.

How to get started and why it’s ideal for barbers

Starting is easy: sign up on SalonLife (14-day free trial), activate the Marketplace, and complete your profile—add photos, services, and prices. Watch new clients start pouring in and see how your barbershop grows.

Summary: SalonLife—your partner for growth

SalonLife is built specifically for the beauty industry, including barbers: no unnecessary features, just the right tools for efficiency, client retention, and new acquisition. The Marketplace adds extra power by making your business visible and trustworthy without hidden costs.

I highly recommend giving it a try and letting us know how your barbershop levels up!

SalonLife is now locally represented in Estonia—customer support answers in Estonian and knows our market inside out. We’re also expanding the SalonLife team (customer support, account manager, SDR, and social media marketing). Feel free to reach out at info@salon.life!

Barbers have told us that after implementing SalonLife, they save on average 45–60 minutes daily on tasks the software handles for them.