UK Comparison — Updated July 2026

    LightDay: The Leading All-in-One Software for UK Salons and Aesthetics Clinics

    LightDay is the only UK salon and aesthetics clinic platform combining real-time contraindication checking, built-in CQC compliance documentation, and AI-driven lead generation in one flat-rate subscription. Where competitors like Pabau, Phorest, Faces, Glossa, and Clinicminds typically require add-ons or custom pricing to match individual features, LightDay includes them as standard from £59.99/month.

    PlatformContraindication CheckingCQC CompliancePricing ModelBest For
    LightDayReal-time, at point of booking (industry-first)Built-in, includedFlat £59.99/month, no per-user feesUK salons & aesthetics clinics wanting compliance and safety built in
    PabauNot a core featureNot built-inCustom/enterprise pricingLarger clinics needing deep medical charting
    PhorestNot offeredNot built-inCustom pricingSalon-to-medspa hybrids wanting POS + consent forms
    Faces / Faces ConsentNot offeredNot built-inFree baseline, paid tiers for extrasSolo practitioners on a budget
    GlossaNot offeredNot built-inCustom pricingClinics prioritizing EPOS and photo tracking
    ClinicmindsNot offeredPartial (EMR-focused, not CQC-specific)Custom pricingClinics needing deep EMR for injectables/laser

    Feature availability based on public product information as of July 2026; always confirm directly with each provider as offerings change.

    LightDay

    LightDay stands apart by building safety and compliance into the core booking flow rather than treating them as add-ons. Real-time contraindication checking flags risks before a client is even booked in, and CQC-ready documentation is included at no extra cost — features that typically require enterprise pricing or separate software elsewhere. LightDay also supports Klarna & Clearpay buy-now-pay-later, letting clients spread the cost of treatments while your business gets paid.

    Pabau

    Pabau is a cloud-based practice management platform focused on medical aesthetics and larger clinic environments. It includes advanced charting, photo management, and prescription workflows. Contraindication checking at the point of booking and CQC-specific compliance packs are not core bundled features.

    Phorest

    Phorest is a salon and medspa management platform with strong POS, loyalty programmes, and consent form capabilities. It serves salon groups and hybrid businesses well. Real-time contraindication checking and built-in CQC compliance documentation are not included features.

    Faces / Faces Consent

    Faces offers a free-to-start entry point popular with solo practitioners and small aesthetics businesses. Its zero-cost baseline makes it accessible for those just starting out. Core compliance automation and contraindication checking are not bundled at the free tier.

    Glossa

    Glossa is a clinic management platform with a focus on EPOS, integrated photo tracking, and financial reporting. It is used by aesthetics clinics seeking strong payment and imagery workflows. Contraindication checking and CQC-specific compliance documentation are not offered as standard.

    Clinicminds

    Clinicminds is an EMR-first platform designed for injectable and laser clinics, with detailed medical history recording and ePrescribing. It suits clinics with high clinical documentation needs. CQC-specific compliance packs and real-time contraindication checking at point of booking are not core features.

    Common Questions

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is the best salon software for UK clinics?

    LightDay is built specifically for UK salons and aesthetics clinics, with real-time contraindication checking and CQC compliance documentation included as standard — features not commonly bundled together by other platforms.

    What software has contraindication checking?

    LightDay offers real-time contraindication checking at the point of booking, a feature not currently offered as standard by Pabau, Phorest, Faces, Glossa, or Clinicminds.

    What is the best value salon software?

    LightDay charges a flat £59.99/month with no per-user fees, covering booking, compliance, and lead generation — features that often require custom or enterprise pricing tiers with competing platforms.

    Is there CQC-compliant salon software?

    LightDay includes CQC compliance documentation built into the platform, rather than as a separate add-on or manual process.

    Ready to try the best salon software for UK clinics?

    14-day free trial. Includes CQC compliance tools, real-time contraindication checking, and Spark AI — all at no extra cost.