Choosing a salon is easy when someone you trust recommends one. When they do not, most people pick from a map, a price or a photo and hope for the best. A few minutes of checking first makes a big difference, especially for colour, chemical treatments or anything for a big day.
1. Is it the right kind of place for what you want?
A barbershop is the right place for a skin fade. A spa is the right place for a massage. A ladies' salon or unisex salon may be best for colour. A nail studio for gel extensions. Start with the kind of place, then the place. If you are not sure which you need, our guide to Salon, spa, barber or nail studio: which to book helps.
2. Can you see the prices before you go?
A clear price list, even as "from" prices, tells you two things: what you will pay, and that the salon is comfortable being upfront. Be wary of a quote that only comes once you are in the chair. On Saloonly, every salon page shows its services and prices, in the salon's own currency.
3. Who will do the work?
For anything beyond a simple cut, the person matters more than the place. Look at who is on the team and what each person is known for. If you have a favourite stylist, choose them when you book.
4. Does it look clean and well run?
Clean tools, fresh towels, a tidy station and staff who wash their hands are basic, and you can tell a lot from the first minute. If anything feels off, it is fine to leave before the service starts.
5. Will they consult before a big change?
For colour, chemical straightening, a big cut or a bridal look, a good salon talks it through first: what you want, what your hair or skin can take, how long it will last and what it will cost. For colour and some treatments, ask whether they do a patch test first.
6. Is the time real, and what happens if you cancel?
Nothing spoils a visit like arriving to find the time was double-booked. Book a time the salon has actually confirmed as free, and know its cancellation cut-off in case your plans change. On Saloonly, the times shown are worked out from the salon's own diary, and you can cancel from My bookings up to the salon's cut-off.
7. Is it easy to get there, and how do you pay?
Check the location and opening hours before you go, and how the salon takes payment. On Saloonly you pay at the salon, by cash, card or however it takes payment, and Saloonly never asks for card details.
| Check | What a good sign looks like |
|---|---|
| Right kind of place | A barber for fades, a spa for massage, a nail studio for nails |
| Prices | Shown upfront, at least as "from" prices |
| Team | You can see who does what, and choose |
| Hygiene | Clean tools, fresh towels, tidy stations |
| Consultation | A talk-through before colour or big changes |
| Booking | A confirmed free time and a clear cut-off |
| Practical | Right hours, easy to reach, clear payment |
Keep reading: Salon, spa, barber or nail studio: which to book · How booking on Saloonly works, step by step · Saloonly: book salons, spas and barbers near you
Saloonly is a booking marketplace from SaloonERP, built by Lacspace. Details as they stood on 28 October 2026: the website and the Android app on Google Play are live, and the iPhone app is coming soon. Which salons you can book depends on who has joined near you. Features and details can change.
Frequently asked questions
How do I find a good salon near me?
Start with the right kind of place for what you want, then compare price lists, the team and the location. Book a time the salon has confirmed as free, and check its cancellation cut-off.
Do I need an account to book on Saloonly?
No. You choose a time, give your name and mobile number, and you are booked. You pay at the salon.
Should I ask for a patch test?
For hair colour and some chemical or skin treatments, it is sensible to ask whether the salon does a patch test before the full service.
Is there a Saloonly app?
Yes. The Android app is on Google Play, and the iPhone app is coming soon. On iPhone, everything works on saloonly.shop.
