What is the best salon software with digital forms?
The best salon software with digital forms lets you build custom forms with various field types, capture electronic signatures, and automatically send forms to clients before their appointment. Look for software that stores completed forms against the client profile for instant retrieval.
What to look for in a form builder
Not all form builders are equal. Some salon software offers basic text fields and a signature box. Others give you a full drag-and-drop builder with conditional logic, multiple field types, and the ability to create different forms for different services. The right choice depends on how complex your compliance requirements are.
- Drag-and-drop or intuitive form builder — no coding required
- Multiple field types: text, dropdown, checkbox, date picker, file upload
- Electronic signature capture with timestamp
- Conditional fields that show or hide based on previous answers
- Auto-send based on the service being booked
- Forms stored permanently on the client profile
Essential field types
| Field Type | Use Case | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Text input | Open-ended responses | Describe any allergies |
| Dropdown select | Predefined options | Skin type: Oily / Dry / Combination / Normal |
| Checkbox group | Multiple selections | Select all that apply: Pregnant, Breastfeeding, On medication |
| Date picker | Date-specific information | Date of last chemical treatment |
| Signature | Legal consent | Client acknowledgement of risks |
| File upload | Reference images | Photo of desired hairstyle or skin concern |
Keep forms as short as possible. Every additional field reduces the completion rate. Ask only what you genuinely need for the specific service.
Auto-send and workflow integration
The biggest time-saver is linking forms to services so they are sent automatically. When a client books a chemical peel, they receive the consent form via email or SMS. When they book a standard haircut, they receive the basic intake form (if they have not already completed one). No manual work from your team.
Pre-appointment completion
Clients complete forms on their own device before arriving. This means no clipboard at reception, no waiting while they fill in pages, and no illegible handwriting. The team member reviews the completed form on their screen before starting the service.
In-salon completion
For walk-ins or clients who did not complete their form in advance, you need the option to hand them a tablet or send a quick link to their phone. The form should be mobile-optimised and fast to complete.
Compliance and record keeping
For beauty clinics, med spas, and salons offering treatments like lash lifts, chemical peels, or laser hair removal, consent forms are not optional — they are a legal and insurance requirement. Your software needs to store completed forms in a way that is tamper-proof, timestamped, and easily retrievable.
- Each completed form should be immutable — no edits after signing
- Timestamp records exactly when the form was signed
- Forms are linked to the specific appointment they were completed for
- Easy export for insurance claims or regulatory audits
- Retention policies that align with your industry requirements
Different states and territories in Australia may have specific requirements for consent form retention periods. Check your industry body's guidelines for the minimum period.
How salon software form builders compare
Not every salon platform includes a form builder, and the ones that do vary significantly in capability. Here is how the major platforms compare for digital consent form features.
| Feature | Bella Booking | Fresha | Timely | Kitomba | Standalone (Jotform/Zylu) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Built-in form builder | Yes — drag-and-drop | Limited | Basic forms | No — paper or third-party | Yes — full builder |
| Custom field types | Text, dropdown, checkbox, date, signature, file upload | Basic text + signature | Text + signature | N/A | Extensive |
| Electronic signatures | Yes — timestamped | Yes | Yes | N/A | Yes |
| Auto-send by service type | Yes — specific forms per service | Limited | No | N/A | No — manual send |
| Stored on client profile | Yes — permanent, linked to appointment | Yes | Yes | N/A | No — separate system |
| Conditional fields | Yes | No | No | N/A | Yes |
| Mobile-optimised | Yes | Yes | Yes | N/A | Yes |
| Included in plan | Yes — all plans | Higher tiers | Higher tiers | N/A | Separate subscription ($30-100+/month) |
The main advantage of a built-in form builder over standalone tools like Jotform or Zylu is integration. When forms are part of your salon software, completed forms automatically attach to the client profile and the specific appointment. With a standalone form tool, you need to manually match forms to clients — or build an integration, which adds complexity and cost.
Australian compliance requirements for salon consent forms
Australian salons offering cosmetic, beauty, or therapeutic treatments have specific obligations around informed consent. These requirements come from multiple sources.
Privacy Act 1988 (Cth)
If you collect personal information (health conditions, allergies, medications), you are covered by the Australian Privacy Principles. You must tell clients what information you collect and why, store it securely, and allow them to access or correct it. Digital forms with timestamped signatures and secure storage help demonstrate compliance.
Professional body requirements
Industry bodies like the Australasian College of Cosmetic Surgery (ACCS) and various state beauty therapy associations require specific consent documentation for treatments involving chemicals, laser, IPL, injectables, and skin penetration. Check your professional body's requirements — many mandate specific information that must appear on consent forms.
Insurance requirements
Your professional indemnity insurer may require proof that clients gave informed consent before treatment. If a claim is made and you cannot produce a signed consent form, your cover may be voided. Digital forms with timestamps and secure storage are generally preferred by insurers over paper forms, which can be lost or damaged.
Retention periods
There is no single mandated retention period across all Australian states, but general guidance suggests retaining health-related consent forms for a minimum of 7 years (or 7 years after the client turns 18, for minors). Some professional bodies recommend longer periods. Your software should make it easy to retain forms indefinitely without additional cost.
If you offer any treatments that carry risk — chemical peels, lash lifts, waxing, microneedling, laser, or injectables — you should have a treatment-specific consent form, not just a generic intake form. A good form builder lets you create different forms for different service categories.
Common form templates salon software should include
A well-equipped form builder should let you create any form from scratch, but having ready-made templates saves setup time. These are the most commonly needed forms across salon types:
- General client intake form — contact details, health conditions, allergies, medication
- Cosmetic treatment consent — risks, aftercare, client acknowledgement for peels, microneedling, etc.
- Lash and brow treatment consent — patch test confirmation, allergy history, adhesive sensitivity
- Hair chemical treatment consent — colour allergy history, previous chemical treatments, scalp condition
- Waxing consent — skin sensitivity, retinoid use, sun exposure, contraindications
- Skin penetration consent — for treatments covered under state public health regulations
- COVID/illness screening — still required by some clinics and insurers
- Minor consent — parental/guardian consent for clients under 18
- Photo consent — permission to use before/after images for marketing
Not all of these will apply to every salon. A hair salon primarily needs intake and chemical treatment forms. A beauty clinic or med spa might need five or six different forms. The key is being able to link the right form to the right service so it is sent automatically when that service is booked.
Related features
Explore by business type
In-depth guides
Explore comprehensive guides on this topic
Ready to try Bella Booking?
Start your free trial today. No credit card required.
Australian-made. Multi-timezone support.