Fresha vs The Hair & Beauty Directory: Which Is Right for Your Business?

Quick answer: Fresha and The Hair & Beauty Directory do different jobs. Fresha runs your bookings and lists you in its own marketplace. The Hair & Beauty Directory helps you be found on Google and in AI search, and links clients to whichever booking system you use. For many businesses, the strongest choice is both.

At a glance

• What it is. Fresha: a booking system with a client marketplace. The directory: a professional profile built to help you be found online.
• Where clients find you. Fresha: inside the Fresha app and website. The directory: on Google, in AI search and on the directory.
• How clients book. Fresha: through Fresha. The directory: through your own booking link, whichever system you use.
• Fees. Fresha: a monthly subscription, 20% on a new marketplace client's first booking and card processing fees. The directory: no booking fee or commission.
• What you can show. Fresha: treatments, prices and reviews. The directory: qualifications, specialisms, reviews and the standards you work to.
• Who controls your visibility. Fresha: the marketplace's ranking. The directory: your profile is built to be read by search engines.

How Fresha works

Fresha handles bookings, reminders, payments and client records in one place. Its marketplace works like a shop window: clients browse by treatment, price and location and book instantly. Clients know the name and it shows up when people search, which is why so many professionals use it.

What Fresha costs in the UK

At the time of writing (October 2026), Fresha's UK pricing is:

• Subscription: £14.95 a month for one person, or £9.95 a month per bookable team member.
• New client fee: 20% of the first appointment when a new client finds you through the Fresha marketplace, with a minimum of £4. Repeat visits from that client are not charged.
• Card payments: from 1.19% plus 20p in person, and 1.40% plus 25p online.

Prices exclude VAT and can change, so check Fresha's pricing page before you decide.

How The Hair & Beauty Directory works

The Hair & Beauty Directory gives you a profile built to help you be found when clients search Google or ask AI tools for recommendations, such as "qualified skin therapist near me" or "inclusive salon in Newcastle". Your profile shows your qualifications, specialisms, reviews and the standards you work to, so clients can see what makes you different before they book. We do not take a booking fee or commission. Your profile links straight to your booking system, so clients book with you directly.

Visibility you build vs visibility you rent

On a marketplace, the platform decides where you appear and how you sit next to the salon down the road, and clients often compare on price and speed. A directory profile adds to your own presence online, and it keeps working for you whichever booking system you use.

Using both together

Many professionals use both. Fresha handles the bookings and brings marketplace clients, and your directory profile builds your visibility on Google and links clients straight to your Fresha booking page.

If you are working to a tight budget, another option is a lower cost booking system linked from your directory profile. That way you keep the visibility and avoid marketplace fees.

FAQs

Is Fresha free?

No. Fresha now charges a monthly subscription, a one-off fee on new marketplace clients and card processing fees.

Does Fresha take a percentage?

Yes, 20% of the first appointment for new clients who find you through its marketplace, with a £4 minimum. There is no fee on bookings from your existing clients.

Do I need a website if I use Fresha?

It helps. Search engines and AI tools need trusted information about you beyond the booking app. A website, a directory profile, or both will help you be found.

Can I link Fresha to my directory profile?

Yes. Add your Fresha booking link to your profile so clients can book with you straight away.