Categories to consider
- Hair salon (primary, or Nail salon)
- Beauty salon
- Nail salon
- Eyelash salon
- Waxing hair removal service
- Hair removal service
Attributes
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Wheelchair-accessible restroom
- Wi-Fi
- LGBTQ+ owned
- Black-owned
- Small business
Typical services
- Women's haircut
- Men's haircut
- Color and highlights
- Balayage
- Blowout
- Keratin treatment
- Manicure
- Gel pedicure
- Lash extensions
- Brow waxing
Specific beats general
Google uses salons as its own example of category choice. Its help article says that instead of a general category like “Salon”, you should choose a specific one like Nail salon. The same applies across beauty. A salon built around cuts and color is a Hair salon. One built around lashes is an Eyelash salon. Beauty salon fits a place that offers a broad mix with no one specialty.
Categories also decide which features you get. Google says health and beauty businesses may see a booking button and a services list they can update. The categories you pick may also set the label shown on your profile, so a wrong primary can make Google describe you as something you’re not.
Booking from Google
Clients want to book without calling. Add your booking software’s link in the booking options. Many salon software providers also add links automatically. If several appear, set a preferred one so it’s at the top. If a provider you’ve left still shows, request removal; Google gives providers five days to take it down.
A services list clients can compare
Salon services carry a lot of detail: length, time, starting price. Under Edit services, add each service, write a short description and put the starting price in the price field. Never in the name: Google rejects custom service names that include prices or phone numbers. Services appear under Services in Maps and may be highlighted when someone nearby searches for one.
Review requests and color complaints
You can ask every client to leave a review, but Google prohibits discounts or free services in exchange, and asking only clients you expect to rave. In replies, thank the client and the stylist if they named one. For an unhappy color result, offer a fix appointment by phone instead of debating the shade in public.
Stylists and booth renters
Salons often have chair renters running their own small businesses. Google’s practitioner rules describe public-facing professionals who can be contacted directly at the verified location during stated hours. Google doesn’t address booth rental by name, so apply that test honestly and avoid duplicating the salon’s own profile.
Photos are the portfolio
Clients judge a salon by its work. Post finished cuts, color and nails in natural light, and avoid heavy filters, which Google asks you to skip. Videos up to 30 seconds show movement and shine better than stills. Get clients’ permission before posting faces.
If it doesn't work
- Google calls your salon a Beauty salon after you picked a specific category: categories may also drive the label Google shows. Recheck your primary.
- An old booking provider is still linked: remove the provider; providers have 5 days to take links down.
- A service with a price in the name was rejected: move prices to the price field.
- Your salon can't get the Google Verified badge on Local Services Ads: Google says it's unavailable for beauty verticals.
Questions owners ask
Should I choose Beauty salon or Hair salon?
Google's own example says not to pick a broad option like 'Salon' when a specific one fits, using Nail salon as the better choice. A salon where most bookings are cuts and color should lead with Hair salon.
Can booth renters at my salon have their own profiles?
Google's practitioner rules cover public-facing professionals who can be contacted directly at the location during stated hours. A renter who runs their own book, takes their own bookings and can be reached at your salon during stated hours fits that description and can have a profile under their own name. A stylist on your payroll is better served by being named on the salon's profile.
Can I offer a discount for reviews?
No. Google prohibits offering incentives such as discounts or free services for reviews. Asking every client for an honest review, with no reward, is allowed.
Sources
- Choose a business category (support.google.com)
- Manage your services on your Business Profile (support.google.com)
- Prohibited and restricted content (support.google.com)
- About Local Services Ads (support.google.com)
Checked 13 Nov 2026. When the platform changes its process we update this page and log it in What changed.