A website chatbot for hair salons, nail studios and day spas
Written by the Allinaa team · Updated
Your service menu makes perfect sense to your stylists. To a new client it is a list of words: balayage, babylights, gloss, keratin, dip powder, gel-X, hydrafacial. An Allinaa assistant explains your menu in plain language, using your own descriptions, and turns "I want something like this" into a booking request your team can act on.
Service menus clients don't understand: explaining the difference
A large share of salon questions are really "which of these do I need?" Examples:
- "What's the difference between balayage and highlights, and which takes longer?"
- "Is a gloss the same as a toner?"
- "Gel or dip powder for someone who types all day?"
- "What's included in the signature facial vs. the express one?"
The assistant answers from the descriptions you approve, so write each service the way your best front-desk person would explain it: what it is, who it suits, how long it takes, how long it lasts, and the price range. If your website only lists names and prices, the setup wizard's draft will be thin; add a sentence or two per service and the answers improve straight away.
Consultation and patch-test rules the assistant repeats correctly
Some services should not be booked without a step first: a color correction, a big blonde transformation, lash extensions, or any color service for a new client if you require a patch test 48 hours ahead. Put those rules in the knowledge as plain sentences ("New color clients need a patch test at least 48 hours before the appointment"). The assistant repeats them when relevant and suggests a consultation instead of a full appointment. It does not give skin or scalp advice; reactions and sensitivities go to your stylist or the client's doctor.
Booking requests with stylist and time preference (your booking tool stays in charge)
Allinaa does not connect to salon booking software, and it does not pretend to. If you already use an online booking page, put the link in the knowledge and the assistant will send clients there. For anything that needs a human decision, such as a long color service, a bridal party or a first visit with a specific senior stylist, it collects a request:
- Service, or "not sure, wants a consultation"
- Preferred stylist, or "anyone"
- Preferred days and times
- Name and phone or e-mail, with the client's permission to contact them
Your front desk gets an e-mail, the request sits in the inquiry inbox with a status and private notes, and the client receives a confirmation that the request arrived. Read about appointment requests.
Inspiration photos and "can you fix this?" (Premium)
On Premium, clients can send photos in the chat: a screenshot of the cut they want, or their current color they want corrected. Files are checked for malware and stored privately, and your stylist reviews them. The assistant does not promise a result from a photo; it says that the stylist will look and confirm what is possible and how many sessions it may take. See file uploads.
Deposits, late arrivals and cancellation policy
Policies are where the assistant saves your team the most awkward conversations, because it can state the rule calmly and the same way every time. Write down:
- Deposits: which services need one, and whether it is refundable
- How late a client can arrive before the service is shortened or rebooked
- Cancellation notice and the fee for no-shows
- Your policy on children in the salon, or guests waiting
Gift cards and package questions
Around the holidays and Mother's Day, gift card questions spike: where to buy, whether they expire, whether they cover tips, and whether a package can be split between two people. These are simple answers once written down. If you sell gift cards online, include the link.
Illustrative conversation
Client: What's the difference between balayage and foils? I want to go lighter but not high maintenance.
Assistant: Balayage is painted by hand for a softer, grown-out look, so most clients come back less often. Foils give more even, defined lightness from the root. For low maintenance, our stylists usually suggest balayage. Since it's a color service and you'd be new to us, we'll need a patch test at least 48 hours before. Would you like to request a consultation?
Client: Yes, with someone good at blondes. Weekday evenings.
Assistant: Two of our stylists specialize in blonding, and either can do the consultation. I'll send your request with weekday evenings as your preference. What name and phone number should the front desk use?
Illustrative example, not a real conversation.
Questions owners ask
Can clients book directly through the chatbot?
Not into your booking software. The assistant can share your online booking link or collect a booking request that your front desk confirms.
Will it quote exact prices?
It quotes the prices or ranges you publish for each service. Services that depend on hair length or a consultation are explained as ranges.
Can it handle patch-test rules?
Yes, if you write them into the knowledge. It repeats the rule and suggests a consultation. It does not give skin or allergy advice.
Can it recommend a hair color for me?
No. It explains your services and what a consultation includes, and offers to request one. Color advice comes from your stylists.