How to Develop an App like StyleSeat?

Building an app like StyleSeat begins with understanding the needs of beauty and wellness professionals and their clients. StyleSeat is a powerful platform that enables users to browse services, view pricing, and book appointments online 24/7 without the hassle of calls or messages. 

Apps like StyleSeat offer professional tools to manage schedules, automated reminders, client histories, and integrated payment options. Using an easy-to-use interface, a centralized calendar, and marketing features, the app helps salons and independent stylists grow their businesses efficiently.

Are you the one looking to develop an app like StyleSeat? 

Well, a StyleSeat like app development requires an effective research, with seamless booking features, integrated payments, design user-friendly UI, and support professionals to lead ahead among competitors. 

Developing such an app requires careful planning, designing user-friendly navigation, implementing secure payment gateways, and building robust backend infrastructure to handle bookings and customers. 

In this blog, we will be assisting you with a complete guide to build an app like StyleSeat. 

Key Takeaways

• The beauty and wellness sector is rapidly digitalizing, with apps like StyleSeat generating revenue over USD 10 billion by 2025. 

• Essential app features include registration/login, service searching, real-time booking, in-app payments, review, and rating systems.

• Building such an app involves market research, choosing business models, features, tech stacks, designing, development, testing, and launch.

• AI integration optimizes scheduling, provides 24/7 customer support, personalized suggestions, dynamic pricing, and automates reminders.

• Monetization models include subscription fees, booking fees, dynamic pricing, payment processing fees, and product sales.

• JPLoft offers end-to-end custom mobile app development services with deep industry expertise, delivering scalable and user-friendly solutions.

StyleSeat: Book Hair & Beauty

StyleSeat is a comprehensive beauty and grooming marketplace that connects millions of clients with top hair, beauty, and barber professionals. It enables clients to search, discover, and book appointments seamlessly through a mobile app or website. The app offers 24/7 online booking, allowing users to view real-time availability and instantly secure appointments with stylists and beauty experts. 

For professionals, StyleSeat provides tools to promote their services, manage cancellations, accept deposits, and increase revenue by optimizing popular time slots. It also offers marketing support through email campaigns and social media integration to attract new clients. The app includes automated reminders that reduce no-shows and keep clients informed of their bookings. StyleSeat’s key features empower professionals to manage their business operations. 

For clients, the app allows them to browse extensive portfolios, read reviews, and compare prices before booking. They receive appointments and easily book recurring services. StyleSeat enhances both client satisfaction and professional productivity, making it a vital tool for growing beauty businesses. Its user-friendly interface and powerful features make it an essential platform for independent professionals and salons aiming to boost visibility and maximize bookings. 

If you develop a salon app like StyleSeat, understand that it bridges the gap between beauty seekers and professionals, offering a trusted, all-in-one platform for hair and beauty bookings.

Why Create an App Like StyleSeat?

Choosing to build an app like StyleSeat is strategically valuable due to its proven ability to drive substantial revenue, streamline business management for beauty professionals, and meet evolving client demands for convenience and efficiency. 

1. Large Market Opportunity

The beauty and wellness sector is massive and increasingly digitized, with apps like StyleSeat generating revenue of about USD 10.6 billion. Along with assisting professionals in managing client appointments and payments. With the boom in on-demand app development services, users now expect beauty and personal care solutions to be as accessible as ordering food or booking a ride. 

2. Empowerment and Revenue Growth for Professionals

StyleSeat boosts beauty professional revenues, up to 68% growth in the first 15 months. Robust scheduling, automated reminders, marketing tools, online reviews, and smart pricing features allow them to boost earnings and minimize no-shows. And also help reach new clients without the overhead of renting a traditional salon or shop. 

3. Dual-Sided Marketplace Model

Building a two-sided marketplace, where professionals and clients interact easily, unlocks robust network effects. Service providers increase the platform’s value for clients, while greater client presence attracts additional professionals. Users can find specialized services, compare, check real-time availability, and make secure transactions, all within one intuitive mobile interface.

4. Convenience and Enhanced User Experience

Features like instant booking, mobile access, automated reminders, and dynamic pricing improve efficiency and client satisfaction. About 85% of salon and beauty service bookings are made via the mobile app, showing strong consumer demand for mobile solutions. Integrated payment systems and client communication tools help both parties save time.

5. Financial Sustainability

Recurring subscription fees and transaction charges ensure stable, diversified revenue streams and high client retention. Studies show such businesses often achieve higher retention rates and profitability, which is critical for sustainability and for attracting investment or growth funding. This has helped StyleSeat attract major investors, raising funds of almost USD 40 million. 

6. Competitive Landscape 

With a relatively small market share compared to other sectors, new apps have the potential to innovate and thrive in niche or underserved markets. Allow businesses to experiment with substantial opportunities to introduce new features, such as advanced personalization using AI or support for niche services. 

Choosing to create a StyleSeat clone is supported by strong growth metrics, proven financial success, and tangible benefits for both beauty professionals and clients. The market remains fragmented, offering room for innovation and new entrants with focused features and improved user experiences.

Now that we understand why your business needs a salon app like StyleSeat, which presents such a valuable business opportunity. Let’s take a closer look at how the app works to connect clients with beauty professionals.

How Does an App Like StyleSeat Work?

The development of a salon app like StyleSeat focuses on operating as a two-sided online marketplace, seamlessly connecting beauty and wellness professionals with clients through features that simplify scheduling, payment, and business management. Here is a breakdown of the steps of how an app like StyleSeat works: 

Step 1. User Onboarding 

• Users download the app and sign up with email, phone, or social login.

• Beauty professionals create their profiles showcasing services, prices, availability, and portfolios.

Step 2. Service Discovery 

• Clients browse professionals by category (hair, nails, skincare, makeup, etc.).

• They can filter by location, availability, ratings, or price.

• Profiles display reviews, images, and detailed service menus.

Step 3. Appointment Booking

• Clients choose a service, select a date and time, and confirm the booking instantly.

• The system syncs with the professional’s calendar to show only available slots.

Step 4. Payment Processing 

• Payments are handled within the app through secure gateways.

• Options include credit/debit cards, wallets, or integrated payment systems.

• Professionals can set cancellation policies, deposits, or automatic payments.

Step 5. Reminders and Notifications

• Clients receive automated reminders about upcoming appointments.

• Professionals get alerts for new bookings, changes, or cancellations.

Step 6. Service Completion

• Clients visit the salon or service provider at the booked time.

• The professional delivers the service as per the booking.

Step 7. Reviews and Ratings

• After the service, clients leave reviews and ratings.

• This helps providers build trust and attract new customers.

Step 8. Business Management Tools

• Professionals access dashboards to track earnings, manage schedules, and analyze performance.

• They can also market themselves using promotions, loyalty programs, or automated client follow-ups.

If you start a salon business, an app like StyleSeat streamlines every stage of the beauty appointment journey for both clients and professionals, making scheduling, payments, and business growth much easier and more effective. Now, let’s dive into the key features you should include when you develop a StyleSeat clone.

Features to Include in an App Like StyleSeat

To build an app like StyleSeat, it is essential to include robust booking, profile, payment, and business tools for both beauty professionals and customers, along with salon app features that enhance ease of use and engagement. 

Below is a comprehensive list of features you should include while you make a StyleSeat app from scratch: 

These features collectively form the foundation of a successful booking and salon marketplace app similar to StyleSeat, supporting both client convenience and professional business management. Features set the foundation of your app, but execution determines its success. Next, we’ll walk through the easy steps to build an app like StyleSeat.

How to Build an App like StyleSeat?

Building an AI app like StyleSeat involves a systematic, step-by-step process to ensure a smooth, user-friendly, and scalable solution. 

Now, as you are looking for “how to create an app like StyleSeat”. 

Focusing on building a seamless booking system, secure payment integration, user-friendly design, and strong features for both professionals and clients. Aligning with market demands ensures better user engagement and business growth.

Let’s learn more in this blog. 

Step 1. Market Research and Competitive Analysis

Conduct thorough research on the industry requirements, customer needs, and salon app trends. Analyze the competitive platforms to avoid repeating mistakes and innovate with unique features. Identify your target audience (stylists, salons, freelancers, clients) and uncover gaps in the current market. This insight ensures your app solves real problems and offers features users truly want.

Step 2. Define Features and Business Model

A well-defined feature set and monetization plan help align your budget with long-term goals.

• Core features (MVP): Registration, profiles, service listings, appointment booking, payments, and reviews.

• Advanced features: AI recommendations, loyalty programs, team management, and inventory tracking.

• Finalize your revenue model: commission per booking, subscriptions, ads, or premium listings. 

Clear planning at this stage prevents feature overload and unnecessary development costs.

Step 3. Choose the Right Tech Stack

Choosing the right salon app tech stack ensures smooth performance and easy scalability as your user base grows.

• Frontend (Mobile): Swift (iOS), Kotlin (Android), or Flutter/React Native (cross-platform).

• Backend: Node.js, Django, or Ruby on Rails.

• Database: PostgreSQL, MongoDB.

• Cloud & Hosting: AWS, Google Cloud, Azure.

• Payments: Stripe, PayPal, Razorpay.

The strategic choice of mobile app tech stack makes future integrations and updates much easier.

Step 4. UI/UX Design

Create wireframes and prototypes that focus on the simplicity of mobile app design and ease of navigation. Both clients and professionals should find it easy to book or manage appointments in just a few taps. A sophisticated salon app design improves user retention and builds trust in your platform. Consistent branding across all screens enhances the overall app experience.

Step 5. Development Phase 

Breaking down development into modules helps speed up the process and allows parallel workstreams.

• Frontend: Build user interfaces for clients, professionals, and admins.

• Backend: Develop a booking engine, scheduling system, and payment gateway integration.

• APIs & Integrations: Maps, push notifications, and SMS/email services.

Agile methodology ensures faster iterations and easier feature adjustments with minimal salon app development challenges.

Step 6. Testing and Quality Assurance

After you develop a StyleSeat clone, perform rigorous manual and automated testing, covering usability, performance, mobile app security, and payment flow. Beta test with a small user group to collect feedback. Comprehensive testing prevents costly bugs and enhances the overall user experience. Early bug detection reduces delays and lowers post-launch maintenance costs.

Step 7. Security and Compliance 

Integrate data encryption, secure payment gateways, and GDPR/CCPA compliance to protect user data. Ensure privacy policies and legal regulations are implemented from the start. Strong salon app security builds user confidence and protects your platform from breaches. Proactive compliance helps avoid fines, lawsuits, and reputational damage in the future.

Step 8. Deployment and Launch 

Publish the app on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. Prepare a marketing campaign to attract your first users and professionals. A well-timed launch strategy with the assistance of the best mobile app development company ensures maximum visibility and quicker user adoption. Soft launching in a small region first can help gather feedback before scaling globally.

Step 9. Marketing and User Acquisition

After launch, focus on branding, digital marketing, influencer partnerships, and referral programs to bring professionals and clients on board. Strong marketing ensures your platform gains traction and doesn’t get lost in the competition. Retargeting campaigns can turn first-time users into loyal repeat customers.

Step 10. Post-Launch Supporting and Scaling 

Constantly monitor performance, fix bugs, and release new features. Introduce loyalty programs, AI-driven recommendations, and promotional tools as the user base grows. Continuous updates and improvements keep your app competitive in the evolving beauty-tech market. Scaling efficiently ensures your app can handle growth without crashing or slowing down.

Creating an app requires careful planning, the right tech stack, robust development, and continuous improvement. Following these steps ensures the creation of a robust, scalable app that meets the demands of both beauty professionals and clients, helping replicate StyleSeat’s success.

Now that we’ve explored the steps to build an app like StyleSeat, it’s worth looking at how AI can enhance development, help improve user experiences, and give your platform a competitive edge.

Can AI Be Helpful to Develop an App like StyleSeat?

AI can be highly beneficial in developing an app like StyleSeat, offering features that improve user experience, streamline business operations, and maximize profitability for beauty professionals. Ways in which AI in salon apps enhances their development and use: 

1] Smart Booking and Scheduling 

Partner with an experienced AI app development company for AI algorithms to analyze client preferences, staff availability, and historical booking data to automatically suggest optimal appointment slots, reducing last-minute gaps and boosting efficiency. It reduces manual scheduling errors and enhances overall operational productivity.

2] AI-Powered Chatbots and Virtual Assistants

Built-in AI chatbots provide instant responses to client inquiries about services, pricing, or availability.Handling live chat interactions and ensuring 24/7 booking accessibility even outside business hours. This enables experts to focus on providing high-quality service by avoiding responding to repetitive questions.

3] Personalized Recommendations

AI processes user behavior, past purchases, and appointment histories to recommend relevant services, treatments, or promotional offers, driving repeat business and customer satisfaction. It leads to improved customer loyalty and higher lifetime value. Hire dedicated developers to implement this feature in the app. 

4] Dynamic Pricing 

AI-driven pricing models consider real-time demand, competitor rates, and market trends to suggest pricing adjustments, maximizing revenue while keeping prices competitive for clients. It also helps businesses adapt quickly to seasonal and market fluctuations.

5] Automated Reminders and Reduced No-Shows

AI sends targeted reminders and follow-ups via SMS, email, or in-app notifications, minimizing missed appointments and lost revenue for professionals. Helps maintain a steady workflow and improves client-professional trust.

6] Data-Driven Insights

Beauty businesses gain enhanced analytics on peak booking times, service popularity, and client demographics, empowering better decision-making and business growth. Insights also help tailor marketing strategies for maximum impact.

7] Virtual Consultations

A trendy salon app idea in which AI enables virtual beauty consultations using facial recognition and augmented reality, helping clients try new looks and receive personalized suggestions before booking. Enhancing client engagement and reducing uncertainty before in-person appointments.

AI empowers both the development and operation of apps like StyleSeat, enabling smarter booking, personalized experiences, automation, and higher profitability for beauty professionals and platforms alike. 

Understanding how AI can shape your app is just one side of the equation. The other crucial factor is the cost of development. Let’s next break down how much it costs to make a StyleSeat clone.

What's the Cost to Make an App like StyleSeat?

The cost to make an app like StyleSeat depends on several factors, such as features, design complexity, platform choice, development approach, and the team’s location. The estimated total development cost of a salon app like StyleSeat in 2025 ranges between USD 25,000 and USD 150,000+. 

Cost Breakdown Table for Component Development of StyleSeat-Like App:

App Complexity with Total Cost to Build a StyleSeat Clone:

► Basic MVP: 

• Features: user registration, professional profiles, service listings, appointment booking, calendar integration, payments, and reviews.

• Development Time: 3 to 5 months

• Estimated Cost in USD: $25,000–$40,000 

► Mid-Level App:

• Features: Adds advanced features like push notifications, loyalty programs, discounts, business dashboards for professionals, in-app chat, and marketing tools.

• Development Time: 5 to 6 months

• Estimated Cost in USD: $40,000–$70,000

► Advanced App:

• Features: Includes everything plus AI-based recommendations, automated tax/accounting, team management for salons, inventory tracking, and an advanced admin panel.

• Development Time: 6 to 12 months+

• Estimated Cost in USD: $70,000–$150,000+

Additionally, ongoing costs for mobile app maintenance services, updates, security patches, and marketing should be budgeted, which can add up to several dollars annually. 

Investment to make a StyleSeat clone, partnering with the best mobile app development companies in the USA, is needed for continuous improvement, scaling, and high ROI for businesses.  

Now that we’ve explored the development costs involved in building an app like StyleSeat, the next crucial question is how such a platform generates revenue. Let’s look at the different monetization strategies that make apps like StyleSeat profitable.

How Does an App Like StyleSeat Earn Money?

An app like StyleSeat earns money through multiple revenue streams designed to provide value to both professionals and clients while ensuring the platform’s financial sustainability. Some of the most popular monetization models for salon apps like StyleSeat to monetize their app business are: 

1. Subscription Fees

Beauty professionals pay a monthly subscription fee for access to premium tools such as advanced scheduling, marketing insights, and client communication features. This builds strong long-term relationships with professionals, improving user retention and platform loyalty.

2. Transaction Fees

Apps like StyleSeat charge a transaction fee on each booking made through the platform, which accounts for the majority of its revenue. This fee is typically a small percentage of the appointment cost and is charged to the professional or client, depending on the specific plan.

3. Booking Fees

Clients are charged a small booking fee that ranges from $1 to $2.35 per appointment to cover payment processing costs and contribute to overall revenue. These fees help maintain the seamless and secure transaction process that improves client trust and satisfaction.

4. Smart Pricing Revenue Share

The platform offers a smart pricing feature that dynamically adjusts prices during peak demand. StyleSeat receives about 33% of the extra revenue generated from these price increases, creating a win-win for both professionals and the platform.

5. Payment Processing Fees

Best salon apps like StyleSeat integrate payment services (e.g., via Stripe), charging small processing fees per transaction, especially for users on premium plans. This streamlines payments for clients and professionals, creating a frictionless financial experience while generating consistent revenue.

6. Product Sales

Professionals can also sell beauty products through the platform during client checkouts, generating additional income and enhancing the overall revenue ecosystem for beauty salon apps like StyleSeat. This creates a commerce experience, adding value for users and the app. 

Along with knowledge of how to develop an app like StyleSeat, you should also know how apps like StyleSeat monetize through a mix of subscription models, transaction commissions, client booking fees, and value-added services. That future supports both platform growth and the success of beauty professionals. 

Talk to JPLoft's Team and Build an App like StyleSeat

If you are planning to build a beauty and wellness marketplace like StyleSeat, partnering with the right development team makes all the difference. At JPLoft Solutions, we specialize in creating custom, feature-rich mobile apps tailored to your business requirements.

With years of experience in building on-demand platforms, we understand what it takes to design a platform that connects clients with beauty professionals seamlessly. While giving professionals the tools they require to grow and reach new audiences. 

Whether you need an MVP to test the market or a fully scalable platform with AI-powered recommendations, loyalty programs, and marketing tools, we’ve got you covered. JPLoft, a top beauty salon app development company, doesn’t just focus on development; we provide end-to-end solutions, from research, design, and coding to deployment, testing, and ongoing support. 

By choosing JPLoft, you gain a reliable partner committed to delivering apps that are secure, scalable, and user-friendly.

Conclusion

If you make an app like StyleSeat, it offers a transformative opportunity to revolutionize the beauty and wellness industry by connecting professionals and clients efficiently through technology. The platform’s success lies in its user-centric design, facilitating seamless appointment booking, automated reminders, and integrated payment processing.

Apps like StyleSeat hold diversified revenue models that ensure sustainability while continuously enhancing user experience through innovation. Creating StyleSeat like app development requires careful planning, a focus on intuitive UI/UX, reliable backend infrastructure, and ongoing updates. Ultimately, an app like StyleSeat exemplifies how digital solutions can modernize traditional service industries, driving convenience, autonomy, and success for both businesses and consumers alike.