How do I stop no-shows at my salon?
Last updated by the LushLane editorial team.
Short answer
The two changes that cut salon no-shows the most are taking a card deposit at the point of booking and sending automated SMS reminders 48 and 24 hours before the appointment. A 20–50% deposit with a 24-hour cancellation window is standard in the UK and is legal as long as your policy is shown before booking.
Set the right deposit
For appointments under £40, a flat £10 deposit works. For colour, extensions or anything over two hours, take 20–50% of the service price. Show the policy on the booking page before payment so it is agreed, not imposed. Most clients accept it without comment; the ones who object are usually the ones who no-show.
Get reminder timing right
Send an SMS 48 hours out (enough time for the client to rebook rather than cancel) and again 24 hours out. Email alone is not enough — SMS open rates are far higher. Include a one-tap reschedule link so a client with a clash moves the slot instead of ghosting it.
Fill the gaps you still get
Keep a waiting list and message it automatically when a slot frees. A cancelled Saturday colour slot is worth more filled at short notice than any deposit you keep.
Do it in LushLane
LushLane takes deposits by card at booking, sends automated SMS and email reminders on your schedule, enforces your cancellation window and keeps a no-show record on each client card. It is included in the £22 monthly price.
Try LushLane free for 60 days. £22/month after that, 0% commission, no contract, no card needed to start.
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How do I stop no-shows at my salon?
The two changes that cut salon no-shows the most are taking a card deposit at the point of booking and sending automated SMS reminders 48 and 24 hours before the appointment. A 20–50% deposit with a 24-hour cancellation window is standard in the UK and is legal as long as your policy is shown before booking.