If you’re running a hair or beauty salon in the UK, you know that your day isn't just about creating the perfect bob or a flawless set of acrylics. It’s a juggling act of managing appointments, keeping track of stock, making sure your stylists are happy, and, most importantly, getting paid.
For a long time, many salons relied on a paper diary and a basic card reader. But as we move further into 2026, that just doesn't cut it anymore. If you want to grow, you need an epos system that works as hard as you do. In this guide, we’re going to break down everything you need to know about picking the best pos system for your salon, with a specific focus on two of the biggest players in the UK: Epos Now and SumUp.
What Exactly is an EPOS System for Salons?
You’ve probably heard the terms "POS system" and "EPOS system" thrown around. They basically mean the same thing: Electronic Point of Sale. However, for a salon, it’s much more than just a fancy cash register.
Unlike a standard retail pos system that just scans barcodes, a salon-specific setup puts appointment scheduling at the very heart of the business. It’s the brain of your salon. It manages your calendar, stores your client’s colour history (no more lost record cards!), tracks your shampoo stock, and handles your payments.
We think the biggest advantage is the "all-in-one" nature. Instead of having one app for bookings, another for your accounts, and a separate card machine, a good pos system brings it all together.
Alt Text: A modern UK hair salon counter featuring a sleek touchscreen EPOS terminal and a professional product display.
Why UK Salons are Choosing Epos Now
When it comes to the best pos system for UK hair and beauty businesses, Epos Now is usually at the top of the list. We’ve spent a lot of time looking at their software, and it’s clear they understand the specific headaches salon owners face.
One of the standout features is the integrated booking system. You can allow your clients to book online 24/7, which means you’re literally taking bookings while you sleep. The system automatically updates your staff rota, so you don't have to worry about double-booking your star colourist.
If you’re curious about the nitty-gritty details, we’ve written a really in-depth Epos Now till system review that covers everything from pricing to hardware quality. We highly recommend giving it a read before you make any big decisions.
Key Benefits of the Epos Now Till System:
- SMS Reminders: This is a lifesaver. It automatically sends a text to your clients before their appointment, which drastically reduces no-shows.
- Client Management: You can store detailed notes, allergy test results, and even "before and after" photos.
- Commission Tracking: No more Sunday nights spent with a calculator; the system calculates exactly what each stylist has earned.
- UK-Based Support: They offer 24/7 support, which is vital if your system decides to have a moment right in the middle of a busy Saturday.
SumUp: The Cheapest EPOS Solution for Small Salons?
On the other end of the spectrum, we have SumUp. If you’re a solo stylist or a small boutique salon looking for the cheapest pos system, SumUp is a fantastic contender.
It’s incredibly easy to set up. You can practically be taking payments five minutes after opening the box. While it might not have the heavy-duty inventory features of a retail pos system, it’s perfect for those who want simplicity and low upfront costs.
You can check out our SumUp POS system review to see how it stacks up against the bigger systems. It’s often the go-to for mobile hairdressers because the hardware is so portable.
Alt Text: A mobile hairdresser using a compact SumUp card reader to take a contactless payment from a client.
Essential Features You Can't Ignore
Whether you’re looking at an epos now till system or something else, there are a few features that we think are non-negotiable for a UK salon in 2026:
1. Integrated Payments
Don't settle for a "standalone" card reader where you have to manually type the price into the machine. You want a system where the till talks to the card reader. It prevents mistakes and makes your end-of-day cashing up so much faster.
2. Inventory and Stock Control
If you sell high-end retail products, you need to know when you're running low. A good retail pos system feature within your salon software will alert you when it's time to reorder your favourite Moroccan oil or hairspray.
3. Reporting and Insights
Do you know which day of the week is your quietest? Or which stylist is selling the most retail products? Your pos system should give you these answers in a couple of clicks. It’s the best way to make smart business decisions.
4. Loyalty Programmes
It’s much cheaper to keep an existing client than to find a new one. Look for a system that lets you run a digital loyalty scheme, no more lost cardboard stamps!
Comparing the Big Names: Epos Now vs. SumUp vs. Others
While Epos Now and SumUp are great, you might be wondering about other names like Shopify POS or Toast POS.
In our experience, Toast POS is fantastic, but it’s really more of a restaurant pos system. It’s built for kitchens and tables, not for hair consultations. Similarly, Shopify POS is brilliant if you have a huge online shop and just a small physical presence, but for a service-based salon, Epos Now usually wins out on the booking features.
If you’re on a tight budget, searching for the cheapest epos options is a good start, but remember that the "cheapest" today might cost you more in lost bookings or manual admin later.
Alt Text: A comparison chart showing the different hardware options for Epos Now and SumUp till systems.
Hardware: What Do You Actually Need?
You don't need to turn your salon into a NASA control centre. For most UK salons, the essential kit includes:
- The Brain: Usually a 10-inch or 15-inch touchscreen terminal.
- The Card Reader: Must accept contactless, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.
- Receipt Printer: Even though many people prefer email receipts now, it’s always good to have a physical option.
- Cash Drawer: For those clients who still prefer to pay with notes.
We love how the Epos Now till system looks on a counter, it’s sleek and professional, which fits the aesthetic of a high-end salon perfectly.
Dan’s Top Tip: Don't Skip the Demo
We always tell our clients at What EPOS: never buy a system without seeing it in action. Most providers, especially Epos Now, offer a free demo. It’s your chance to ask, "How do I book in a bridal party?" or "Can I see my profit margins for last month?"
If a provider isn't willing to show you how the software works, they’re probably not the right fit for you.
Alt Text: A salon owner sitting at a desk and having a virtual demo of an EPOS software on their laptop.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best pos system for your salon is a big deal. It’s an investment in your sanity and your business's future.
If you want a robust, all-in-one powerhouse that handles everything from rotas to retail, we’d suggest looking at our Epos Now till system review. It’s arguably the most complete package for UK beauty businesses right now.
However, if you’re just starting out or keeping things very simple, the SumUp POS system is a brilliant, budget-friendly way to get professional.
Still not sure? Feel free to browse our blog for more comparisons, or contact us directly. We’re here to help you find the tech that lets you get back to what you do best: making your clients look and feel amazing!
Meta Description: Looking for the best epos system for your UK hair and beauty salon? Our guide compares Epos Now and SumUp to help you find an affordable, feature-rich POS system.
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