Basic Training- New Screens (UK/IRE)

Interface Update Stakes

Phorest, a dominant player in salon management software, serves more than 9,000 hair and beauty businesses worldwide, with a strong foothold in the UK and Ireland. The company rolled out a refreshed interface dubbed 'new screens' or Phorest 10, featuring a streamlined layout and modern design to boost usability. This update follows the introduction of AI-driven features like Front Desk AI at the January 2026 Salon Owners Summit, where over 600 industry leaders gathered in Dublin.

The timing aligns with broader challenges in the salon sector, including economic uncertainty and the need for resilient operations. Inflation and staffing shortages have pushed owners to seek integrated tools that connect bookings, payments, and client communications seamlessly. Phorest's changes aim to address these by enabling faster workflows and better data visibility, potentially increasing revenue through improved retail and rebooking features.

Salons using the software face real disruptions if unprepared. The permanent update, slated for the near future, will replace the old interface entirely, affecting everything from appointment planning to performance tracking. Without adaptation, errors in daily routines could lead to lost bookings or client dissatisfaction, exacerbating financial strains in an industry where margins are tight.

Less obvious are the tensions between innovation and practicality. While owners may welcome AI for strategic insights, frontline staff could resist the learning curve during peak hours. There's also a competitive angle: rivals like Fresha or Mindbody offer similar updates, forcing Phorest users to weigh switching costs against staying current. Surprising data from industry reports shows that salons with updated tech see 15-20% higher client retention, but only after an initial dip in productivity.