Making Confidence More Accessible: Choosing the Right Payment Plans for Your Salon

By Marina Westover, Owner, TruYou Hair Co., West Palm Beach, FL

For many clients experiencing hair loss, investing in wigs, toppers, or high-quality extensions is about more than style; it’s about self-esteem and confidence. But with costs often ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, sticker shock can cause hesitation at checkout.

The good news? Flexible payment plan options — from “buy now, pay later” (BNPL) apps to salon-focused financing platforms — make these life-changing products more affordable while helping salons close more sales.

But with so many providers — PayPal Pay Later, Klarna, Cherry, Afterpay, Affirm, GlossGenius, and beyond — how do you know which to choose? Here’s what salon owners need to know about the most popular options, what they cost, and best practices for rolling them out.

The Major Players

PayPal Pay Later

• Clients love it: Trusted name, shortterm “Pay in 4” interest-free or extended financing options.

• Downside: Requires a PayPal account; long-term plans may charge interest.

• Cost to salon: ~2.9% + $0.30 (slightly higher for BNPL). You’re paid upfront.

Cherry

• Clients love it: Tailored for healthcare/ beauty, soft credit checks, higher approval rates.

• Downside: Less recognized; may require your team to explain.

• Cost to salon: 2.9-5%. You get paid upfront.

Affirm

• Clients love it: Great for big-ticket purchases, with financing up to 36 months. Clear, transparent terms.

• Downside: Interest rates can be steep; not every client qualifies.

• Cost to salon: 5-6%. Paid upfront.

Klarna

• Clients love it: Four interest-free payments, sleek app, heavily marketed.

• Downside: Limited long-term financing; potential late fees.

• Cost to salon: 3-6% per transaction. You’re paid in full immediately.

Afterpay

• Clients love it: Popular with younger shoppers, “Pay in 4” model, quick approvals.

• Downside: Purchase limits — better for toppers and small extension purchases, not custom wigs.

• Cost to salon: 4-6%. Paid upfront.

GlossGenius

• Clients love it: Built for beauty and wellness, integrates booking, payments, and financing.

• Downside: Less recognition outside the industry; long-term financing limited.

• Cost to salon: 2.6% for cards, ~6% for BNPL. Paid upfront.

Other Notable Options

• Sezzle: Gen-Z friendly, soft credit checks, interest-free installments.

• Denefits & Credee: No-credit-check approvals, flexible plans, designed for beauty and personal care.

• Square + Afterpay: Combines POS hardware and BNPL.

• Salon management systems like MangoMint, Zenoti, and Pabau Pay: Integrated booking and payments with financing add-ons.

Which Payment Plan Fits Your Salon Best?

Average Purchase Under $500 (toppers, partial extensions)

• Afterpay or Klarna — interest-free installments, simple and familiar.

Average Purchase $500–$1,500 (premium toppers, ready-to-wear wigs)

• PayPal Pay Later or Sezzle — trusted brands with flexible options.

Average Purchase $1,500–$3,000 (custom wigs, premium bundles)

• Cherry or GlossGenius — industry-focused, flexible approvals.

Average Purchase Over $3,000 (custom systems, full extension packages)

• Affirm — long-term financing (up to 36 months), predictable monthly payments.

Want All-in-One Simplicity (booking + payments + financing)?

• GlossGenius, MangoMint, or Zenoti — streamlined salon operations.

Pro Tip: Offer two options — one short-term (Klarna/Afterpay) and one long-term (Affirm/Cherry). This balances accessibility for smaller purchases with flexibility for premium investments.

For hair loss salons, payment plans are more than convenience — they’re a bridge to accessibility. By reducing the upfront cost barrier, you empower more clients to say “yes” to wigs, toppers, and extensions that restore confidence.

The winning strategy? Pair a mainstream BNPL provider with a salonfocused partner. That way, you meet clients where they are — whether they want a quick four-part payment or a longer-term financing plan.

Because at the end of the day, you’re not just selling hair. You’re helping clients feel like themselves again, and the right payment plan makes that transformation possible.

Best Practices for Salons Adding Payment Plans

1. Know Your Margins. BNPL fees are higher than card processing. Price accordingly.

2. Promote Financing Early. Mention “monthly payments available” in marketing, not just at checkout.

3. Be Transparent. Build trust by clearly explaining terms and fees.

4. Train Your Team. Staff should present financing as a helpful option, not a last resort.

5. Start Small. Begin with one or two providers, then expand if needed.