18 years helping Irish businesses
choose better software

What Is Phorest?

Phorest is an all-in-one solution to enable your salon to reach their full potential. From seamless online booking, hassle-free reporting, or the industry’s most innovative marketing features.

Track your teams performance, win back lapsing clients with automatic, targeted messages and get your clients in more often with your own branded salon booking app and salon loyalty cards. And stand out by generating reviews with our automated reputation tool!

Who Uses Phorest?

Phorest was born on the salon floor and bred to help businesses like yours thrive. Today, Phorest is used by over 10,000 businesses and over 155,000 hair and beauty professionals worldwide

Phorest Software - Appointment Screen
Phorest Software - Marketing Suite
Phorest Software - Staff performance management
Phorest Software - Salon booking app
Phorest Software - Multiple Devices

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Reviews of Phorest

Average score

Overall
4.8
Ease of Use
4.7
Customer Service
4.8
Features
4.5
Value for Money
4.4

Reviews by company size (employees)

  • <50
  • 51-200
  • 201-1,000
  • >1,001
Sandra
Sandra
Proprietor in Ireland
Verified LinkedIn User
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

I have this software for last 7 years and think it is the best in the market

5.0 7 years ago

Comments: I think this software is great. Contact to client is easy, online bookings, easy in use etc.

Pros:

This system is easy to use, i like that there are regular updates to make its better and better. Very good support, too.

Cons:

I would like if the working with the database on the pages would be easier. For example- if you work on clients database if you go from page 1 to work on page 2 to delete or archive some client the system automatically brings you back to page one. It is quite annoying if you are working on page 5 and you would like to work with more than one client on this page. You constantly have to scroll the system from page one. (I am not sure I explained this correctly :))

Dee
Co-Owner CEO in US
Retail, 11–50 Employees
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

Alternatives Considered:

Technology with quality

5.0 4 months ago

Comments: I’ve referred every stylist I know to use the system. The reviews on Google alone have been a wonderful perk.

Pros:

Technology and willingness to always update

Cons:

The cost/charge per text. And the text line not being able to go to just one employee.

Phorest Salon Software Response

4 months ago

Hi Dee,  Thank you for your glowing review of Phorest. It means the world to us that owners like you are happy with Phorest and that it is helping you to grow your business and make your life easier.  Regards, Robert Sheehan. Head of Sales & Marketing

Pamela
President in US
Consumer Services, 2–10 Employees
Used the Software for: 1-5 months
Reviewer Source

Bait and Switch

1.0 10 months ago

Comments: Needless to say, we are looking at other systems and will be cancelling as soon as possible.

Pros:

Roster works well. Appointments scheduling

Cons:

Too many reports that are too complex and not user-friendly. It looks like they have no idea of what is needed for back-office reporting in a salon. Payroll download to CSV with useless information, data not in any logical order, and it reads top to bottom instead of left to right which is how most systems work. There are differences between the desktop and web applications as far as functionality, so I find myself toggling between the 2 to get the information I need. And most importantly, there was not honest full disclosure from sales on what was included AND that we would be locked into a 1-year contract that will be automatically renewed unless you give no less than 2 months notification in writing to cancel. Most systems do not have a contract. Be careful of the SMS texts and what is included versus extra. Things that are included in most other systems are extra with Phorest. On multiple occasions we had to reach out to get a function added that we should have had from the beginning. Each time I try to get do something and I use the help function, go to our system and we don't have the functionality that their instructions give.

Jessica
Owner in US
Retail, 11–50 Employees
Used the Software for: 1+ year
Reviewer Source

10/10 for phorest

5.0 3 months ago

Comments: I have a great experience with phorest, my coach is amazing and we have seen a lot of success from having phorest

Pros:

The support I receive is awesome! As a busy salon owner I need to be able to have support quickly when things arise.

Cons:

I love it all, I would like a wait list guests can self add too, that would be a great feature

Phorest Salon Software Response

3 months ago

Hi Jessica,  Thank you for your glowing review of Phorest. It means the world to us that owners like you are happy with Phorest and that you get the support you need from the team. We pride ourselves on offering best in class support to our customers. We currently are working on a large number of improvements and grievances that people have in Phorest based on customer feedback. I'm hopeful that you will see improvements that you want (and love) in the not too distant future Regards, Robert Sheehan. Head of Sales & Marketing

Susan
Owner in US
Health, Wellness & Fitness, 11–50 Employees
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

Favorite Salon Software

5.0 3 months ago

Pros:

Phorest is very versatile, so it offers options that work with each salon's specific needs. I also love the customer service. They quickly answer any questions that I have.

Cons:

Some of the technology is is beyond me, but again, they are there to help!

Phorest Salon Software Response

3 months ago

Hi Susan,  Thank you for your review of Phorest. It means the world to us that owners like you are happy with Phorest and that it is suited to your business needs. Regards, Robert Sheehan. Head of Sales & Marketing

Becca
Salon Manager in US
Cosmetics, 11–50 Employees
Used the Software for: 1+ year
Reviewer Source

5th Avenue Salon Review

5.0 2 months ago

Comments: Mostly positive. We are not currently using all that we pay for, but are working toward using the features included in our plan. It feels like a lot to implement but that's a good problem to have. I know once we are using it all properly, it will help us care for our customers and grow our numbers.

Pros:

Working with [sensitive content hidden], my Salon Success Manager! She helps me navigate the software with confidence. It has a lot of capabilities and that can feel overwhelming at times! Working with her helps me understand the features and move forward with a better understanding so I can properly train my team.

Cons:

I don't like that I cannot do more than one Cashup in a day.

Phorest Salon Software Response

last month

Hi Becca,  Thank you for your review of Phorest. It means the world to us that salon managers like you are happy with Phorest and that it is helping you to grow your business and make your life easier.  We hope that you will love it even more once you are using all the amazing features we have to offer you! Regards, Robert Sheehan. Head of Sales & Marketing

Verified Reviewer
Verified LinkedIn User
Cosmetics, 2–10 Employees
Used the Software for: 1+ year
Reviewer Source

Ok System with horrible customer service and no follow up

3.0 3 years ago

Comments: I’ve had a ton of ups and downs from day one. Beware what the sales team promises because it’s not likely true. And good luck if you want to streamline marketing and your online store. The store will not sync with any social media or selling platforms, so it’s essentially useless. Marketing is decades behind anything else out there.

Pros:

POS system is good. Easy product setup.

Cons:

The worst customer care I have dealt with in a very long time. The online store is very sub-par. Marketing looks horrible. System and app do not work well together. Way to expensive for the service you receive.

Phorest Salon Software Response

2 years ago

Hi, We at Phorest are extremely sorry to hear that you've had a negative experience with us. We strive to help you grow your business and make your life easier and we clearly haven't met those expectations. Since your review, we have made huge changes to our software as a whole and particularly our online store and inventory tracking and integrations. We'd love for you to consider Phorest again and book a demo to see all our new amazing features such as.. - Online Store Overhail - Cardless Checkout - Contactless Check-In - QuickBooks/Xero Integration - Curbside Pick Up ...and so many more.

Verified Reviewer
Verified LinkedIn User
Health, Wellness & Fitness, 51–200 Employees
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

Unprofessional Company with hidden charges and poor data management

1.0 4 years ago

Comments: I have had this software for over 5 years and they are only interested in how they can make more money out of their clients. They charge inflated prices for simple things and hide the charges so you aren't aware of them. They introduce new features which sound great but in reality don't work and then charge you a higher subscription for their software for the new features when don't work. For example they introduced a feature called client reconnect which is supposed to text clients when they are overdue their appointment but it just doesn't work, yet they charge an extra £40/month for it. Also if you have multiple sites, none of their reports or stock inventory work across multiple locations so you have to go into each location to run reports or get stock information which is very time consuming. It also doesn't link into any other software or marketing software so you have to do work arounds and manual exports if you want to use your client data in facebook or email marketing. The email and text marketing within Phorest is expensive and poor quality compared to industry specific software so another downside to Phorest. There are many much superior softwares available that are cheaper, easier to run and integrate easier into other business softwares. Having stuck with Phorest for over 5 years now I wish I had made a move to better software years ago.

Pros:

The appointment diary is simple and visual but basic. There is an online reputation manager which helps you manage your online reviews but now I have seen what other systems can do I think it is basic and its only available when you are on their most expensive package.

Cons:

The company has hidden charges which they deduct at source so you can't see them or audit them. They consistently over charge and apply higher charges to bills than your original contract and insist on payment by direct debit so its not easy to detect them. They manipulate your data without knowledge or consent, for example they opted many of my clients out of being able to receive marketing information without my knowledge, I only discovered by accident and it turned out to have been an issue in their software which they denied to begin with but then had to admit it was their fault. I have no idea if they corrected the fault just with my account or whether other customers who have been affected but are still in the dark. A few years ago they made a major to how their online booking system worked, but didn't inform any of their clients so all our online bookings on our website went down and again it took a few weeks for them to admit the mistake was theirs, but it still cost me thousands with my website developer to re-design my website to overcome their change which is incredibly poor change management and poor knowledge of their customers and how they use the software.

Monique
Owner in US
Writing & Editing, 2–10 Employees
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

Alternatives Considered:

Poor customer care

3.0 6 years ago

Comments: As of 2019 my experience is horrific. There is nothing I like about this software anymore. I would rather go back to salon iris. I just wish they were cloud base.

Pros:

Client management Client connect Email marketing

Cons:

US customer support is awful! Absolutely terrible. When they were in Ireland it was amazing. I can’t wait to leave as I have tried to communicate with their teams for months but still nothing has gotten better. Software doesn’t have you tube tutorials to help problem solve many features are not easy to find or use. When a client is a no show and you collect the deposit it goes to your billing and not to your bank account. That’s just ridiculous.

mindy
Owner in Canada
Individual & Family Services, 2–10 Employees
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

Best Ever!

5.0 5 months ago

Comments: Best POS for my hairsalon I recommend Phorest to all the business owners I know.

Pros:

I love Phorest it makes my job as an owner and manager so easy! The reports and the online booking system is awesome!

Cons:

I would like a way to go through the client list to monitor 1 time visits from a few years a go to the rest of the regular clients that have maintained visits to archive them for a better idea of traffic.

Phorest Salon Software Response

4 months ago

Hi Mindy,  Thank you for your wonderful review and vote of confidence in Phorest! It means the world to us! For any feedback on changes you’d like in the product, we are always listening to owners like you to help make Phorest even better. If you reach out to your dedicated Salon Success Manager, they will pass that feedback onto the Product Development team about making that improvement. Regards, Robert Sheehan. Head of Sales & Marketing

Kaldev
MD in UK
Management Consulting, 2–10 Employees
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

basic add ons

3.0 8 years ago

Comments: Please add a function where multiple client payments can be taken, as a partner/couple or a friend may be paying for treatments for 2 people even 3 at times, this would be a fantastic function and make the system less cumbersome and time-consuming when taking group payments. Also, add a basic invoice log: date, type of invoice (stock, utilities), Company, ref number, amount, Paid/unpaid, this will enable to look at business cash flow and will turn the system into a true salon management system. Set 2 stock levels - 1) store room stock 2) treatment room stock, will aid in easier stock taking, tracking of stock etc.... RETURNS: when an item is returned system automatically returns item to stock, should be 2 options 1) return to stock 2) return to supplier (returned to supplier, refund client, and value deducted from professional sales purchases Loyalty points: on pos ask if products to be redeemed on points, able to set independent amount of points will aid marketing, and request loyalty card no Loyalty card no points, there is no point in salons investing in loyalty cards if these are not going to be produced, and salons will not see the need for investing in these as the loyalty points are automatically applied, with the no card no points system, salons will benefit if clients do not produce card, also clients will Add to subconsciously keep the card with them and hopefully promote benefits to friends and family

Ela
spa manager in Ireland
Hospitality, 51–200 Employees
Used the Software for: 1+ year
Reviewer Source

Very basic, would not recommend for large operations

3.0 3 years ago

Comments: a very basic system, not quite what I would like in the busy spa

Pros:

Easy to use for staff and good visually.

Cons:

quite limited with reporting, cant store credit card details, can have only one confirmation email and can't re-send it.

Phorest Salon Software Response

2 years ago

Hi Ela, I am sorry to hear that you are not fully satisfied with the service from Phorest. Since your review we have launched numerous new features that make us even better for a busy spa like yours. We'd love for you to consider Phorest again and book a demo to see all our new amazing features such as.. - Online Store - Cardless Checkout - Contactless Check-In - Curbside Pick Up ...and so many more.

Vi
Marketing Manager in UK
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

It is a good software, easy to use and quick.

4.0 7 years ago

Pros:

I like that everything is easy to find. Big buttons, does what it says on the tin really. Easy to input data, maybe too easy that people just don't input anything else apart from name, tel and email and still saves it? I like the email functionality which is free, SMS functionality but it is paid. Also can link to social media, which is good for salons with less than 3 branches (easier to manage the content).

Cons:

Reports are not as easy to do, if you do not want the standard stuff. I would personally improve that bit and make clever reports. Also, I would prefer the app to be improved as it looks very dated and old and it is not as personalised as you would need. Additionally, push notifications on the app for appointment reminders should come as standard and at the moment this function is not available. Everyone does push notifications, even for pushing content on blogs and social media.

Amy
Owner in UK
Used the Software for: Not provided
Reviewer Source

Easy to use, amazing after sales team

5.0 10 years ago

Comments: I was recommended by a customer of mine who loved their system. I called the number listed on the website 3 times with no answer and no answer machine facility. I then filled in a contact form and someone (Brian I think!) called me straight away and apologised for the phone technical issues, they explained everything really well to me and I felt that this was the right system for me and loved the philosophy of "Let's Grow." I booked an appointment to meet with a sales rep. When the rep came, I felt a little disappointed, he wasn't really that friendly and I felt like he sped through some of the features. A few of the questions I asked he answered with "the trainer will show you that on the day" which wasn't really what I wanted to hear when I was debating wether or not to spend a lot of money on a system. I asked if I could apply a 25% discount to group of customers that have used me for 10 years and I was told "No, you'll have to do that manually for each one, each visit" (the technician today laughed and told me of course I could :) ) When I saw my customer I told her about my bad experience and she convinced me to try again (so you need to thank her- (Tej & Co)) and said she'd had nothing but good experiences, so I decided to give it another go. The technician Dave who came out to me today was amazing, really friendly and so helpful, answered all my questions and went out of his way to give me contact details and then help me again at 7.30pm to set up my home computer. He is a real credit to your company! Everybody else that I've spoken to either over the phone or via email have been great, responding quickly to everything and again really friendly but professional. I haven't heard from the rep since the day I paid my deposit, and I feel like that says it all. I never write reviews (least of all bad ones!) but I truly believe that without that recommendation or your other staff I wouldn't have come on board with Phorest, and that would have been a massive shame- I've only had it 12 hours and I love it!

Shirley
Managing Director in UK
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

Good software

4.0 8 years ago

Pros:

The support team are brilliant and always happy to support and help where they can. Customer service excellent too. I like that its iCloud based . I like the reports too when they work!!

Cons:

We can not book colour online because we can't book across three chairs !! Was promised we would be able to do this in the sales pitch - yet to happen and have resigned myself to accepting that it wont work as I don't think there is a way for it to happen. We are very happy we moved over to Phorest anyway and 4 years on, we like it and have just purchased another license for you new salon ( so it cant be bad!! )

Matthew
Stylist in Canada
Hospitality
Used the Software for: 1-5 months
Reviewer Source

This Software Rocks!

5.0 8 years ago

Comments: Its been a fantastic transition from MINDBODY software to PHOREST . The Team at Phorest is nothing short of brilliant.
I Just want to share Two things. 1 the software 2 The support.
1. I have been using Mindbody for over a year. I have a medium size staff of 6 stylist in total and depend on a full management software to manage my small salon.
Honestly you cannot even compare the software, Phorest is way more complete, and is made for the hair industry. It works so well, No bugs. The software never crashes. It works smoothly.
Its really simple and easy to navigate, book appointments , run reports.
I wish I had found the software ages ago! My old software was crashing and full of bugs, constantly on the phone trying to fix an issue on the site that was the software.
They have amazing social media integration. Marketing is all worked into the software, and very easy to use. They have great email campaigns all built in.
Well I could write a full page here but will move quickly to point 2.
2 The service and support is amazing, we have had ongoing training for all our staff, If we are stuck on any difficulty amazing support is just a call away.
I Am looking forward to making full use of this powerful tool in my Salon, and looking forward to growing my business with Phorest.
Thanks to Daniel , Shane, Barbara, Martha Helen And all the guys at Phorest for all the help support and training. Looking forward to growing with Phorest.
Matthew Jonathan

Pros:

Easy to use. A complete system. Great support

Cons:

None

Charley
Salon Owner in UK
Health, Wellness & Fitness, 2–10 Employees
Used the Software for: 1+ year
Reviewer Source

Woukd highly recommend to everyone (and I do!)

5.0 8 years ago

Comments: Phorest had been absolutely amazing from day one. Unlike other companies that once they have sold you the software, you never hear from anyone again. Phorest really care about their clients. The continued support, blogs and customer service are incomparable. Not forgetting the software itself is fantastic. Everything we asked for and more so much, in fact, I probably don't use ALL the features available due to having to sit down and read through all the manual - Highly recommend this.
Today was the first time we had to phone forest 're a support matter in 18months and it was resolved promptly not affecting business because the IPads and Phones were still working.
Thanks a million guys

Pros:

Online bookings, Reports, photos & marketing

Cons:

Unable to upload your own consultation forms from other companies

Linda
Director in UK
Used the Software for: 1+ year
Reviewer Source

Makes salon administration easy

5.0 7 years ago

Pros:

Everything, it's easy to use, very convenient, gives me access to the salon 24/7. Very professional & the customer support is excellent.

Cons:

The software comes at a price & there are fees that come with online booking etc. There are occasionally issues with access as it is cloud based which affects our ability to process clients & make bookings but these are very rare.

Angela
Owner in UK
Health, Wellness & Fitness, 2–10 Employees
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

Excellent Customer Support

5.0 7 years ago

Comments: Really helps me to manage the business more easily

Pros:

Quick and efficient support by experts. Easy to use software. Lots of reports Makes running the business that bit easier!

Cons:

Doesn't integrate with merchant services unit- have to cash up twice, once on system and once on merchant service terminal and hope the two match! No stats on emails which makes me still prefer Mailchimp

Chris
owner in Canada
Marketing & Advertising, 2–10 Employees
Used the Software for: 1-5 months
Reviewer Source

Alternatives Considered:

Phorest Experience

5.0 4 years ago

Pros:

The most important thing about Phorest is it's ease of access to everything you need. You pay a premium for convenience, hence why it is so successful.

Cons:

The cost of Phorest is very expensive but like I said - you pay for convenience. Another thing I disliked was the customer service never wanted to fix a situation, just to help make an issue right. Many issues occur and eventually preventive actions would be more preferred than accommodation.

Phorest Salon Software Response

2 years ago

Hi Chris, I am sorry to see that you are not fully satisfied with Phorest. If you are with Phorest, you have a dedicated Salon Success Manager that should be actively working on your business to help you get the most from the software. Since your review we have launched numerous new features. We'd love for you to consider Phorest again and book a demo to see all our new amazing features such as.. - Online Store - Cardless Checkout - Contactless Check-In - Curbside Pick Up ...and so many more.

George
Recruiter in India
Retail, 51–200 Employees
Used the Software for: 1+ year
Reviewer Source
Source: SoftwareAdvice

It is a good software, easy to use and quick.

5.0 7 years ago

Pros:

The automated reach out to Cilents is such a time saving feature. I do like the loyalty scheme feature this I feel will support further growth together with the intervertebral social media marketing.

Cons:

The training sessions I feel would be much more beneficial in smaller groups. With Phorest there does appear to be a lot of add ons to your original purchase price and monthly fee but hopefully as phorest's software encourages growth & Cilent retention these will be an investment.

Amy
Beauty Therapist / Business Owner in UK
Health, Wellness & Fitness, 2–10 Employees
Used the Software for: 1-5 months
Reviewer Source

Everyone has been really helpful, efficient and really supportive helping me set up my new software.

5.0 7 years ago

Comments: I'm really hoping it is going to help me boost by business reputation online and bring in new business and help with retaining existing clients and turn them into loyal regular clients.

Pros:

Its really user friendly. The staff have been amazing and genuinely want to help me grow my business and do well. Love that you can link all your reviews in one place and monitor them. so much easier. Also love all stock is easily managed and the Treatcards are a great idea that my clients are really excited to get involved in. Also cannot wait to be able to use my salon app.

Cons:

That its web based... I think its a real downside. But so far its only downside. Possibly would be good to be able to do more on Phorest Go! I do alot from home on my day off and it would be great to be able to see a little more on my phone/tablet rather than having to purchase another computer for home or bring my work computer home.

Emilia
manager in US
, 2–10 Employees
Used the Software for: 1+ year
Reviewer Source

lovely

5.0 7 years ago

Comments: works great

Pros:

love the system, when something is misunderstood or there was a mistake made the customer service is right there so help and they are very patient, explain you everything step by step

Cons:

sometime the simple is hard to use. also booking, clients that use online booking, for some reason it is hard for them to use the website

Brid
Salon owner in Ireland
Used the Software for: 6-12 months
Reviewer Source

So easy to use. It really takes the stress out of day to day running of my salon

5.0 7 years ago

Pros:

The weekly & monthly reports on all services, stock, products & staff so helpful. On line booking has massively increased our business. our clients love the on line booking. the promotional emails are great for quite weeks. The treat cards really work for new clients to get them to return again.

Cons:

clients having to much access to their client services history on line. not having a cancellation list for online users

laura
Salon owner in Ireland
Health, Wellness & Fitness, 2–10 Employees
Used the Software for: 6-12 months
Reviewer Source

The best receptionist ive ever had

5.0 6 years ago

Comments: Online booking is such a huge help. The bookings judt keep coming.
Ability to charge for no shows is a god send

Pros:

Online booking option is so helpful as we send it in our automated email response. The ability to fully charge no shows is a really good deterrent also.

Cons:

It crashes every once in a while. Usually for no more than 60 minutes and probably only a handful of times a year. They are very quick to get on top of any problems