In today’s convenience-driven world, beauty is no longer limited to just salons or spas; it’s just a tap away.
And if you are an entrepreneur who wants to enter the industry and search for a gap in this competitive market, then it's your time.
Well, entering in this devastating industry is possible, however, all you need is to evaluate the competitors. Hence one of the leading competitors is Glamsquad.
Why develop an app like Glamsquad? The reason we are focusing on building an app like Glamsquad in this blog is due to its increasing downloads and review.
Still confused?
Discover it all in this blog with us.
In this blog, we will walk you through everything you would require to know about developing an app like Glamsquad, reasons to create it, from monetization strategies to core development features, costing and much more..
Key Takeaways
The global salon service market is projected to be USD 429.8 billion by 2035, with Glamsquad being the leading on-demand beauty service app.
For startups and beauty businesses, creating an app like Glamsquad offers immense growth opportunities through on-demand convenience and personalized beauty services.
Core features to be included are smart scheduling, professional portfolios, AI recommendations, real-time availability, and in-app payment.
Development cost estimation for the development of a Glamsquad-like app is USD 25,000 for an MVP to USD 150,000+ for an advanced-features app.
AI integration can benefit from smart stylist matching, predictive scheduling, product suggestion, virtual try-ons, fraud detection, and business intelligence.
Complete development and launch assistance, offered by JPLoft for beauty apps, integrating real-time features, AI-powered tools, and scalable design.
About Glamsquad and Related Stats
Here, let’s begin with the concept of Glamsquad.
Glamsquad is a leading on-demand beauty salon app that brings professional hair, makeup, and nail services directly to clients' homes, offices, or hotels, at their convenience.
They provide this service in major US cities like Miami, Chicago, Boston, etc. Customers simply select the service, date, location, and payment through the app and get beauty services at their convenience.
They have completed 700,000 appointments with a 4-star rating, setting the standard for online professional beautician booking services and platforms.
Let's briefly go through the current salon appointment booking app statistics to better understand the demand and market growth:
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The global salon services market is valued at USD 232.6 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 429.8 billion by 2035 at a CAGR of 6.5%, estimated by Future Market Insights.
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According to the studies of Mordor Intelligence, the spa and salon software market is estimated to be at USD 1.01 billion in 2025.
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According to Mordor Intelligence, the spa and salon software market is expected to grow up to USD 1.69 billion by 2030, with a strong CAGR of 10.9%.
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Around 72% of salons utilize online booking systems and have seen a 24% increase in appointment bookings.
As digital salon apps emerge in the market and services expand, both consumers and professionals benefit from increased access and efficiency in the beauty industry.
After reviewing the statistics, let's examine how Glamsquad like app development could become one of the most profitable and enduring businesses for investors and developers.
Why Create an App like Glamsquad?
In today's convenience-driven, mobile-first economy, creating a beauty-on-demand service app like Glamsquad can be a highly strategic business decision.
Here’s a broad overview of why choosing to develop an app like Glamsquad can be a great business move in the current market:
A] Meeting the Modern Demand: Convenience and Access
Develop an app like Glamsquad to offer users the flexibility of booking any beauty service in just a few taps, with on-demand access to professional beauty experts at their doorstep, and the convenience of making last-minute changes in case of urgency.
B] Unlocking New Revenue Streams & Business Opportunities
Make an online app like Glamsquad to tap into innovative business models that redefine the beauty service industry. It connects freelance or contracted beauty professionals with clients, allowing them to earn a commission on every booked session.
C] Empowering Beauty Professionals and Freelancing
With beauty apps, beauty professionals can set their working hours and location, getting exposure to a vast client base. This model appeals to new-generation beauty experts for valuing flexibility, variety, and entrepreneurial freedom.
D] Market Growth and Consumer Trends
The online beauty and salon market is blooming with advanced integration of AI and extensive use of digital devices. At-home beauty services have experienced 60% growth, promising a greater revenue generation opportunity through a dedicated salon app for beauty businesses and startups.
E] Scalable and Expandable Model
Develop an app like Glamsquad to create a highly scalable and expandable business model suitable for both startups and established beauty brands. These apps can be integrated with diverse services such as wellness categories, in-app beauty product sales, branded merchandise, men’s grooming, and even virtual consultations.
As consumer expectations continue to evolve, Glamsquad mobile app development illustrates the immense potential for digital beauty platforms. These platforms reshape even the most personal and one of the world's oldest industries.
To create a salon app like Glamsquad, it’s essential to include several key features that help it stand out in the market and encourage customers to choose the convenience it offers. Let's next discuss these important features.
Features to Include in an App like Glamsquad
Creating a beauty service app inspired by Glamsquad requires a combination of technology with the highest standards of convenience, personalization, and professionalism. Keeping in mind the requirements of the fast-growing digital market, we have compiled the must-have features for a salon app.
Component |
Functionality |
Descriptions |
User Registration and Profile Management |
Sign-up |
Email, phone, and social sign-in |
Personal Profiles |
Preferences, allergies, style inspiration, and payment details. |
|
Professional Profiles |
Showcase portfolios, qualifications, valid license, background check, and schedules. |
|
Booking and Scheduling |
On-Demand & Advance Booking |
Real-time/future service appointments. |
Calendar Sync |
Integrates with the user's calendar to set reminders. |
|
Service Menu |
Service Offerings |
Listing of beauty services |
Personalized Recommendations |
Personalized AI recommendations of beauty services. |
|
Add-Ons & Bundling |
Service add-ons and bundled deals during checkout. |
|
Stylist Availability and Matching |
Real-Time Stylist Availability |
Lists immediately available stylists. |
Skill-Based Matching |
Matches clients to suitable stylists. |
|
In-App Payments |
Secure Payment Gateway |
Credit/debit cards, e-wallets, and promo code payments. |
Transparent Pricing |
Shows service cost, travel fee, and taxes. |
|
Ratings, Reviews, and Feedback |
Two-Way Reviews |
Review for both clients and professionals |
Notifications and Communication |
Appointment Reminders |
Real-Time SMS/notifications on booking updates |
In-App Messaging |
Secure chat between client and stylist |
|
Loyalty and Reward Programs |
Point Systems |
Rewards like discounts and loyalty points for booking/referral/review. |
Memberships |
VIP experiences, priority booking, or extra perks. |
|
Integrated Product Shop |
Beauty Store |
Sell in-app beauty products and tools. |
Product Suggestions |
Product suggestions based on appointments. |
|
Booking History and Customer Support |
Booking History |
Lists of past beauty appointments. |
Chatbots assistance |
In-app instant AI support |
|
FAQs/Tutorials |
In-app self-help guides, videos, and articles. |
|
Analytics and Business Dashboard |
Appointment Management |
Real-time tracking of schedules, earnings, ratings, and clients. |
Performance Insights |
Insights for improvement |
As the beauty industry continues its technological transformation, such features promise client loyalty, business growth, and an outstanding experience. Now let's check out the steps to develop and start a salon business with a high-performing app inspired by Glamsquad.
How to Build an App Like Glamsquad?
How to develop an app like Glamsquad?
To create a salon app like Glamsquad, you need a professional tech and design team that ensures a robust technical approach combined with a user-focused UI design.
Let’s check out the step-by-step guide for how to develop an app like Glamsquad.
Step 1: Market Research and Planning
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Target Audience Analysis: Conduct surveys and interviews, and refer to analytics to define your primary target users and their needs.
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Competitor Study: Analyze existing platforms like Fresha, Glamsquad, or Booksy for their features, user experience, pricing, and areas of improvement to make your app.
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Unique Value Proposition: Define special features that will make your app different from the existing best salon apps of 2025.
Step 2: Decide on a Business Model
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Marketplace Model: The app serves as an intermediary, earning a commission for each booking made between clients and professionals.
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Subscription Model: Offers clients memberships for discounts, added perks, professional premium listings, or reduced commissions for a monthly fee.
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Ad Revenue/Partnership: Consider running targeted advertisements or partnering with beauty brands for featured recommendations.
Step 3: List Out Key Features
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For Users: User registration with multiple sign-in options, service selections, appointment scheduling, securing in-app payments, booking status alerts, reviews, and personalized dashboards.
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For Professionals: Simple onboarding with verification, profile management, services offered, portfolio, pricing, availability calendar, job notifications, and tracking of earnings.
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For Admins: Control panel to oversee users/service providers, manage content, monitor transactions, run analytics, and handle disputes.
Step 4: Choose Technology and Architecture
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Mobile Development: Swift for iOS, Kotlin for Android, and React Native or Flutter for cross-platform and fast launches.
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Backend & Database: Plan the server and business logic, use Node.js/Django/Spring Boot for APIs, and use PostgreSQL/MySQL/MongoDB for the user data database.
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APIs & Integration: Integrate third-party services for maps, Stripe/PayPal for secure payments, email/SMS notifications, and authentication.
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Real-Time Features: Use sockets for live chat and real-time booking updates.
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Cloud Selection: For cloud services, deploy on AWS, Google Cloud, or Azure for scalability.
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Geolocation & Maps: Integrate geo-tracking with Google Maps or Mapbox.
The success of a beauty service app like Glamsquad depends on strategic planning, thoughtful integration of the right tech stack for a beauty salon app, and a relentless focus on safety, security, and quality of the app.
Step 5: Engage in UI/UX Design
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Wireframing & Prototyping: Design the salon app, its wireframes, and clickable prototypes for all user flows. Focus on simplicity, clarity, and minimal steps for quick and easy booking.
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User Testing: Conduct usability tests with target users and make changes based on feedback to fix pain points or confusions.
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Consistency: Establish a visually appealing color palette and maintain branding consistency throughout the app to represent professionalism and exclusivity.
Step 6: App Development
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Frontend: Develop separate interfaces for the clients and beauty professionals, ensuring mobile responsiveness, accessibility, and smooth animations.
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Backend: Build a robust database and APIs for handling the traffic input of bookings, payments, profiles, and notifications.
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Integration: Connect the app with payment processors, geolocation, scheduling engines, and internal messaging for a unified user experience.
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Development Methodology: Use Agile methodologies to divide work into segments for faster delivery and quicker adjustments.
Step 7: Incorporate AI and Advanced Features
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Smart Matching: Use machine learning algorithms to pair clients with optimal beauty professionals based on the service needs, ratings, and past preferences.
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Personalized Suggestions: Analyze user behavior to recommend trending looks, popular services, or bundle offers.
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Virtual Try-On/Analysis: Implement AR-powered features enabling clients to preview hairstyles/makeups or receive skin/hair assessments for just a selfie of the user.
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Predictive Analytics: Use data to forecast demand, adjust resource allocation, and tailor promotions.
Step 8: Testing and Quality Assurance
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Testing: Systematically test each feature workflow, such as registration, book flow, and payment chats, across all devices and platforms.
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Performance & Security Testing: Test for load handling, data encryption, and privacy compliance (GDPR, CCPA), and secure data storage of sensitive information.
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Beta Launch: Release to a limited group of the audience for gathering feedback and addressing real-world issues before making it public to avoid reasons for salon app failures for startups and businesses.
Step 9: Launch, Marketing, and Ongoing Support
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App Store/Google Play Store Release: Prepare compelling descriptions, screenshots, and video demos. Make sure store policies are followed.
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Marketing: Employ SEO, social media campaigns, influencer partnerships, and promotional coupons to attract both users and professionals.
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Continuous Enhancement: Regularly collect users' feedback, monitor analytics, release regular updates, and introduce new features, staying up-to-date with top salon app market trends.
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Support: Offer 24/7 customer support channels on chat, email, and telephonic calls for users and professionals.
Yes, to create a beauty app like Glamsquad, you can follow the above instructions, however, every customized app is different, and the staps can vary depending on your project requirements.
These types of apps succeeded through a blend of on-demand convenience, exceptional personalization, and robust digital features.
But have you ever wondered how AI can help upgrade the functionality when you create an app like Glamsquad? In the next section, we will see how AI integration is helping step up online beauty services platforms.
Can AI Help to Make an App Like Glamsquad? How!
Nowadays, beauty services have naturally merged with technology, and understanding how to build an app like Glamsquad is key to transforming the way users access such services. Integrating AI in salon apps like Glamsquad can elevate matchmaking and personalization for scheduling, retention, and business growth.
Let's explore the innovative ways AI can help build and enhance a beauty service app like Glamsquad.
1. Smart Stylist Matching
Instead of scrolling through dozens of stylists'/professionals' profiles with a vast pool of beauty services, users get AI-powered recommendations. This facilitates speedy reservations and significantly raises user satisfaction.
2. Personalized Service Suggestions
Through Augmented Reality (AR) and AI, users can virtually preview hairstyles, makeup, or other treatments on their images before booking an appointment. AI analyzes individual user profiles, skin tone, hair type, and facial features to recommend ideal beauty services.
3. Predictive Scheduling
Creating an AI app can analyze the user's behavior and routine preferences to offer available appointment slots. It will also help professionals by forecasting the peak appointment hours, so they can optimize and plan their schedules better.
4. Intelligent Product Recommendations
If you plan to sell beauty products on your beauty service app, then AI can help in giving personalized product recommendations to the users. They can provide suggestions based on booking and service history, skin/hair type, and frequency.
5. AI Chatbots for Instant Support
Instead of waiting in the customer support service waitlist, users can immediately interact with the AI chatbots for assistance or for common FAQs. This will resolve basic support issues and reduce the operational costs.
6. Business Intelligence and Decision-Making
AI can help in building a business and optimizing the booking opportunity. They analyze the service trends and user demographics. Suggest price optimization strategies. This predictive analytics helps to scale faster and smarter.
AI integration keeps you ahead of the competition, smart, and prepared for the future in a market that prioritizes convenience and beauty. Partnering with an experienced AI app development company could help you build a salon app like Fresha or Glamsquad. Now let's see how much the development and deployment cost of an app like Glamsquad.
What's the Cost to Create an App Like Glamsquad?
There are several layers involved in developing an app like Glamsquad for on-demand beauty and wellness services. Moreover, to create an online mobile app like Glamsquad, advanced AI features increase development costs due to their integration complexity.
The average cost to build an app like Glamsquad varies, such as:
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MVP: USD 25,000 - USD 40,000
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Mid-level app: USD 40,000 - USD 80,000
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Full-featured app: USD 80,000 - USD 150,000+.
A look-alike Glamsquad mobile app development cost has been broken down to provide a clearer understanding:
App Component |
Estimated Hours |
Cost (USD) |
Process Description |
UI/UX Design |
100 - 150 |
$3,000 - $7,000 |
Wireframe, branding, user flow |
User App (iOS & Android) |
500 - 700 |
$15,000 - $25,000 |
Booking, payments, notifications, profile |
Service Provider App |
400 - 600 |
$10,000 - $20,000 |
Availability, calendar, portfolio, earnings |
Admin Panel |
150 - 250 |
$4,000 - $8,000 |
Manage users, services, payments, reports |
Backend Development |
250 - 350 |
$7,000 - $12,000 |
APIs, payment integration, service logic |
AI Features |
200 - 300 |
$8,000 - $15,000 |
Smart suggestions, user retention logic |
AR Try-On (Optional) |
200 - 300 |
$10,000 - $18,000 |
Virtual makeup/hair previews |
QA & Testing |
100 - 200 |
$3,000 - $6,000 |
Bug fixing, cross-platform testing |
Project Management |
Ongoing |
$2,000 - $5,000 |
Coordination, sprints, client updates |
The development cost of a beauty service app like Glamsquad depends on your business requirements. Understanding the cost to create an app like Glamsquad is crucial for effective budgeting and planning.
Now comes the important part: how to monetize an app like Galmsquad. In the next section, we will go through the best monetization strategies for such apps.
Monetization Strategies to Include in an App Like Glamsquad
Creating a salon app similar to Glamsquad could lead to a number of income-generating prospects outside of simply charging for services. With the right combination of monetization strategies, you can turn your beauty service into a long-term, profitable business, benefiting both clients and professionals.
Below, we have listed the top monetization strategies for salon apps:
► Commission Per Booking
It is the core monetization model where a small commission fee of 15% to 30% is charged by the platform to the stylists or service providers each time a customer makes a booking for a beauty service.
► Subscription Plans
Most apps integrate weekly/monthly/annual subscription plans for their premium features for the customers. AI features like smart stylist matchmaking can become part of the premium subscription plan for users.
► Loyalty and Cashback Partnerships
The app can partner up with beauty brands or local salons to offer cashbacks on booking service appointments. Provides loyalty points redeemable for products or discounts and sponsored deals inside the app.
► Data Insights and Analytics (B2B)
Beauty service apps can sell anonymized trend reports to beauty brands or local salon chains looking to analyze customer behavior insights and training institutes analyzing skill demand.
► In-App Advertising
Apps put up banner ads in the explore section, sponsor professional product collections, and promote branded content like beauty tutorials and tips. Can advertise native salon or sponsored content from beauty brands
By integrating smart, user-friendly monetization models when you make an app like Glamsquad, you create a business that's both scalable and sustainable.
Challenges Faced to Create an App Like Glamsquad
To build an app like Glamsquad is to tap into an incredible potential business opportunity in the beauty service space, though it comes with its fair share of challenges.
Below, we have listed the major challenges for salon app development faced by startups and developers during the building of such an app:
A] Real-Time Scheduling and Location Tracking
Management of live bookings, last-minute cancellations, and accurate GPS tracking of beauty professionals' real-time functionality necessitates a strong backend infrastructure and synchronization.
B] Communication and Support Integration
Clients frequently need to consult stylists prior to and after appointments. Implementing secure, real-time chat as well as possible voice or video call options complicates matters, particularly in terms of privacy.
C] Secure Payments and Tips
From providing payment services for the services and in-app purchases to tipping, discounts, and taxes, your app should make sure to keep the payments secure and transparent to maintain the users' trust. Withdrawals of professionals’ appointment income should also be seamless.
D] Service Quality Control
Maintaining consistency in service quality across freelancers requires implementing service standards and genuine ratings & reviews of stylists to maintain the trust of the client.
E] Scalability and Performance
When the app gains popularity, it will require a scalable and high-performing architecture. Building an AI-powered system to personalize features for clients and service preferences is important.
Develop a salon app like Glamsquad to bridge the gap between beauty professionals and clients, overcoming challenges with smart planning, strong UX, and a reliable development team.
Talk to JPLoft and Create an App like Glamsquad
Wondering how to develop a salon app like Glamsquad and need help tackling development challenges for your beauty app idea?
Let’s collaborate and build it the right way, from day one, with JPLoft. Whether you are a start-up looking to shake up the wellness industry or a salon chain wanting to go digital, JPLoft is your trusted partner to create an app like Glamsquad.
Our professional developers specialize in creating high-performing, user-centric mobile applications with advanced features like real-time booking, stylist geo-tracking, in-app payments, and AI-powered recommendations.
Giving you a beauty service app tailored according to your business requirements, scalable, and ready for the current market needs.
Contact JPLoft, the best salon app development company today, to begin your journey towards creating the next beauty-on-demand sensation, just like Glamsquad!
Conclusion
Creating an app like Glamsquad isn't just about coding a beauty service app with a booking system. It's about building a connection between beauty professionals and their potential customers, which has to be a seamless, secure, safe, and personalized experience. Such apps require smart planning, strong UI/UX, and a reliable tech stack.
Focusing on key features such as personalized recommendations, seamless booking and scheduling, dynamic professional matching, and virtual consultations, your app can turn into a huge success and a future-proof business. Investing in these areas ensures your beauty service app can stand out and thrive in the rapidly evolving beauty industry.
FAQs
To develop an app like Glamsquad, define your target audience, choose core features (booking, stylist profiles, payments), design an intuitive UI/UX, and hire a skilled development team. Integrate real-time scheduling, GPS, and notifications. Test thoroughly and market effectively to attract users and beauty professionals.
Key features that are a must for an app like Glamsquad are
User profiles and personalized recommendations.
Booking and real-time scheduling.
Professional stylist matching algorithms and review/ratings.
Payment gateway integrations.
In-app chat and customer support.
Admin dashboard for business operations.
Such apps could integrate AI-powered personalized service recommendations, smart scheduling, virtual try-ons, automated customer support for clients and professionals, and predictive analytics. These features will create a superior and more efficient user experience.
A few major challenges while creating an app like Glamsquad:
Ensuring robust and reliable booking systems.
Building effective AI/ML models for personalization and matching.
Manage scheduling and real-time availability.
Security and privacy of data.
Achieving seamless user experience across devices and platforms.
Development of such apps generally ranges from 4 to 8 months in duration, depending on the complexity of the features integrated in the app. With a basic MVP (minimal viable product) costing USD 25,000 to a fully advanced features app costing USD 80,000. Integration of AI/AR will significantly increase time and budget requirements.
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