The Beauty Industry’s Guide to Payment Processing That Works

Running a successful beauty business takes more than skill with a brush or a pair of scissors. For the beauty industry, payment processing plays a big role in daily operations. It affects everything from client experience to cash flow. If you’re still relying on outdated tools or manual tracking, it may be time to switch.

Let’s walk through the essentials of payment processing for spas and salons, why it matters, and the tools that work – like card terminals, QR code payment, and how Noda helps the beauty industry accept secure payments with less cost and hassle.

Why upgrading your salon’s payment processing system is worth it

Today’s clients expect fast, flexible payment options. Card, tap, bank transfer, digital wallets – and increasingly, QR codes. You’ve probably heard the question: “Can I scan to pay?”

If your beauty business can’t handle that request, you might be losing clients without even realising it. And it matters. Regular salon-goers spend around £3,059.91 per year on beauty treatments. That’s not a transaction you want to miss because of an outdated setup.

This matters even more for mobile professionals. Freelance makeup artists or nail techs don’t always have access to card terminals. With QR payments, they can take payments on the spot using just a phone or printed code.

Benefits of QR payments for the beauty industry

QR payments are helping salons and mobile professionals accept payments quickly, without relying on terminals. With usage projected to hit €4.75 trillion globally, now’s the time to integrate it into your setup.

What to look for in a beauty industry payment processing solution

The beauty sector is personal and hands-on. It runs on appointments, tips, and often includes mobile services. Your payment system needs to keep up.

Look for a spa and salon payment system that is:

• Flexible – Works for walk-ins, bookings, mobile professionals, and events
• Customisable – Allows tailored receipts, pricing, and tipping options
• Integrated – Syncs with your booking system or salon management software
• Secure – Offers encryption, fraud protection, and full compliance

Reliable merchant services for the beauty industry should also include transparent pricing and responsive support. Because when clients are lining up, the last thing you need is a frozen terminal or a surprise fee.

How to accept payments in your beauty business

Taking payments in the beauty industry isn’t one-size-fits-all. Your setup should match how and where you work – whether you’re in a busy salon, running your own studio, or offering mobile services.

Here’s how to start accepting payments with ease:

1. Set up a merchant account or payment provider

To take card payments, you’ll need a merchant account or a payment processing provider. Platforms like Noda, SumUp, and Stripe are popular among salons, each with a different focus. Noda supports online payments and QR codes, SumUp for in-person payments with terminals, and Stripe is often used for online card payments and basic integrations. Some salons also use tools like Pabau or Vagaro, which combine payments with scheduling and client management.

2. Choose your payment methods

Offer a mix of options to suit different clients:

Card readers and POS systems

Still a common choice for salons with a physical location. Tap-to-pay and chip readers are quick, familiar, and efficient. You’ll need a merchant account and payment terminal, but they’re ideal for walk-ins and everyday transactions.

Online payments and booking links

Great for appointment-based services. Let clients pay a deposit or settle the bill ahead of time. It helps reduce no-shows and keeps your calendar running smoothly.

QR code payments

QR payments are becoming common in spas and salons, especially among clients who prefer using their phones. With no extra hardware needed, they’re practical for mobile stylists, home visits, and events. Clients simply scan the code you created, pay through their bank app, and that’s it.

3. Link your system with your salon software

Sync payments with your booking or POS software to save time on admin. Many tools now offer built-in payment integrations, so you can manage everything from one place.

4. Communicate payment options clearly

Add your accepted payment methods to your booking pages, social media, or printed materials. Clients appreciate knowing what to expect, and it speeds up checkout too.

QR payments in particular are growing fast. Juniper Research estimates they’ll reach €4.75 trillion globally by 2025, driven by client demand for simple, contact-free transactions.

Set your beauty business up with a system that’s modern, reliable, and built for how you actually work.

How Noda makes QR code payments work for beauty businesses

If you’re always on your feet, the last thing you need is a slow payment system. Noda lets you accept QR payments quickly and easily, without extra hardware or confusing setup.

All-in-one QR code payments built for the beauty industry

• Instant QR codes, no setup fuss: Create payment QR codes in seconds. No apps, no plugins, no terminals, and no long onboarding required. You can also generate a No-code Payment Page in just a few clicks, ready to share by link or QR.
• Low-cost, transparent pricing: Flat fee from £0.20 per transaction for UK businesses. No monthly charges or card network fees.
• Faster payouts, less waiting: In-person payments are supported in the UK with instant payouts. For online payments, including international transactions, funds are settled within one working day.
• Secure and fully compliant: Bank-grade encryption, SCA, and PSD2 compliance. Noda is FCA-registered in the UK.
• Custom branded experience: Make the payment experience feel like part of your brand by adding your name and logo to the checkout screen.

Get your QR Code working in 3 steps

You don’t need to be tech-savvy or spend hours setting things up. Noda is designed to be straightforward, so you can focus on your clients, not your payment system.

Talk to the Noda team

We’ll walk you through everything and get you up and running within 24 hours. No paperwork overload, no long wait. Just a smooth onboarding experience with real humans helping you out.

Create your QR code

Once you're in, just log into your dashboard, enter the amount, and click to generate your QR code. It takes seconds, and there’s no complicated software to install.

Share it your way

Use what works best for your setup. Show the QR code on your phone, display it on a screen, print it for your reception desk, or send it via SMS, email, or even Instagram DMs.

Get paid fast

With one quick scan and a tap in their bank app, your client’s payment is on its way to your account. No holding periods or complicated processing – just instant, secure transfers you can count on.

Make every client interaction smoother with Noda QR payments

You’ve got clients to take care of, Noda takes care of the payments. From QR codes to no-code payment pages, everything’s designed to make your life easier. You can accept payments in seconds without setting up card readers or downloading complex apps.

Show a QR code on your phone, print one for your station, or send a payment link before the appointment. Payments go straight to your account, and your client gets a smooth, secure experience every time.

Try Noda today and spend less time chasing payments and more time doing what you love.