# Comb vs BackBar Pro: Hairstylist Software Compared Comparing software for an independent hair business? BackBar Pro and Comb both cover more than the calendar. Look closely at client records, supplies, business costs, and the tools that help your business look like you. Published by Comb. Official sources reviewed 2026-09-18. Canonical page: https://www.comb.works/compare/backbar-pro/ Comb individual plan: $45/month or $450/year. Colony is a separate paid team plan. Payment processing, extra marketing texts, and creative usage conditions are separate. ## What to consider ### Keep business costs in view. BackBar Pro lists Basic at $28/month and Premium at $49/month. Its expanded backbar inventory and receipt scanning sit on Premium. Comb includes expenses, receipt scanning with Sage, retail inventory, and business supplies in its $45/month individual plan. More: https://www.comb.works/features/#business ### Client memory matters. BackBar Pro confirms notes, photos, history, and color formulas. Comb brings client records together with categorized notes, preferences, visual mapping, and Sage context. Comb’s color-formula feature is marked beta in the checklist. More: https://www.comb.works/features/#clients ### Build the brand around the bookings. Comb includes a customizable booking website, portfolio, service imagery by Sage, and gift certificate artwork. BackBar Pro confirms a booking page; our reviewed sources do not establish an equivalent full website builder. More: https://www.comb.works/features/#website ## BackBar Pro pricing - Basic: $28/month; annual rate not listed. - Premium: $49/month; annual rate not listed. No annual subscription rate listed on the reviewed pricing page. Lists Stripe processing at 2.9% + 30¢ per transaction, separate from the subscription. - [BackBar Pro pricing & features](https://backbarhq.com/pricing) ## Feature checklist Confirmed and related capabilities are distinct. Not verified means the reviewed sources do not establish an equivalent, not that a feature is absent. Plan prices are full monthly subscription prices; +$ marks an additional monthly add-on. Clinical tools are compared by workflow, not compliance or certification. ### Booking & your calendar #### Online booking & appointment calendar Comb: Clients book. Your calendar keeps up. Status: Included. BackBar Pro: Confirmed capability. Basic, $28/month. Sources: https://backbarhq.com/pricing #### Handpicked appointment start times Comb: Exact starts · Offer the times you choose. Status: Included. BackBar Pro: Not verified in the reviewed sources. #### Different availability by service Comb: Services by day · Give each day a focus. Status: Included. BackBar Pro: Not verified in the reviewed sources. #### Dedicated VIP booking hours Comb: Separate hours for clients marked VIP. Status: Included. BackBar Pro: Not verified in the reviewed sources. #### Book during service processing time Comb: Let color develop while you see another client. Status: Included. BackBar Pro: Not verified in the reviewed sources. #### Prep, cleanup & appointment buffers Comb: Leave the room you need around a service. Status: Included. BackBar Pro: Not verified in the reviewed sources. #### Daily booking limits Comb: Set a ceiling for your working day. Status: Included. BackBar Pro: Not verified in the reviewed sources. #### Booking deposits Comb: Request a deposit before the visit. Status: Included. BackBar Pro: Confirmed capability. Basic, $28/month. Sources: https://backbarhq.com/pricing #### Card-on-file booking requirements Comb: Require a saved card for eligible bookings. Status: Included. BackBar Pro: Confirmed capability. Basic, $28/month. Sources: https://backbarhq.com/pricing #### Appointment waitlist Comb: Keep the next interested client in view. Status: Included. BackBar Pro: Confirmed capability. Basic, $28/month. Sources: https://backbarhq.com/pricing ### Client care & the little details #### Client profiles & visit history Comb: Visits, purchases, photos, and context together. Status: Included. BackBar Pro: Confirmed capability. Basic, $28/month. Sources: https://backbarhq.com/pricing #### Client notes & preferences Comb: Remember their preferences between visits. Status: Included. BackBar Pro: Confirmed capability. Basic, $28/month. Sources: https://backbarhq.com/pricing #### Categorized notes, pins & reminders Comb: Allergies, style, formulas, products—and reminders at the visit. Status: Included. BackBar Pro: Not verified in the reviewed sources. #### VIP markers & client tags Comb: Make your regulars easy to recognize and find. Status: Included. BackBar Pro: Not verified in the reviewed sources. #### Photos in the client record Comb: Keep visual references with the person. Status: Included. BackBar Pro: Confirmed capability. Basic, $28/month. Sources: https://backbarhq.com/pricing #### Inspiration & current-look uploads at booking Comb: Let clients share the look before they arrive. Status: Included. BackBar Pro: Not verified in the reviewed sources. #### Saved color formulas & variations Comb: Keep bowls, product amounts, developer, timing, photos, and result notes for next time. Status: Beta. BackBar Pro: Confirmed capability. Basic, $28/month. Sources: https://backbarhq.com/pricing #### Hair-color try-on previews with Sage Comb: Preview a completed formula’s color direction on a client photo and compare with the original. A consultation visual, not a guaranteed result. Status: Beta. BackBar Pro: Not verified in the reviewed sources. ### Forms, waivers & treatment notes #### Custom intake & consultation forms Comb: Build the questions your services need. Status: Included. BackBar Pro: Confirmed capability. Basic, $28/month. Sources: https://backbarhq.com/pricing #### Waivers & client agreements Comb: Collect consent alongside the client record. Status: Included. BackBar Pro: Confirmed capability. Basic, $28/month. Sources: https://backbarhq.com/pricing #### Electronic signatures Comb: Signed documents, kept with the client. Status: Included. BackBar Pro: Confirmed capability. Basic, $28/month. Sources: https://backbarhq.com/pricing #### Client documents & files Comb: Send documents and keep them with the client record. Status: Included. BackBar Pro: Not verified in the reviewed sources. #### Structured visit / SOAP notes Comb: Organize observations, treatment, and the next step. Status: Included. BackBar Pro: Not verified in the reviewed sources. #### Treatment templates & appointment charting Comb: Custom fields, service-linked templates, and a record for each visit. Status: Included. BackBar Pro: Not verified in the reviewed sources. #### Voice drafts for treatment notes Comb: Talk through the visit. Review the draft. Status: Included. BackBar Pro: Not verified in the reviewed sources. #### Copy a prior visit & preserve completed versions Comb: Pick up where you left off, with a record of changes. Status: Included. BackBar Pro: Not verified in the reviewed sources. ### Mapping & visual records #### Lash mapping Comb: Lengths, layers, zones, and saved designs. Status: Included. BackBar Pro: Not verified in the reviewed sources. #### Brow mapping Comb: Shape and placement you can revisit. Status: Included. BackBar Pro: Not verified in the reviewed sources. #### Hair extension mapping Comb: Map curved rows and individual pieces across head views; record installs, move-ups, replacements, and maintenance. Status: Included. BackBar Pro: Not verified in the reviewed sources. #### Head mapping Comb: Record the areas and details of your work. Status: Included. BackBar Pro: Not verified in the reviewed sources. #### Face & body treatment records Comb: Mark treatment areas alongside your notes. Status: Included. BackBar Pro: Not verified in the reviewed sources. #### Lash & brow map drafts with Sage Comb: Sage prepares a starting point from reference imagery. Status: Included. BackBar Pro: Not verified in the reviewed sources. ### Loyalty, memberships & gifts #### Points-based loyalty Comb: Reward visits and purchases your way. Status: Included. BackBar Pro: Not verified in the reviewed sources. #### Visit-based rewards / punch cards Comb: A little progress with every qualifying visit. Status: Included. BackBar Pro: Not verified in the reviewed sources. #### Loyalty tiers & client progress Comb: Make the next milestone feel special. Status: Included. BackBar Pro: Not verified in the reviewed sources. #### Birthday loyalty bonuses Comb: Give their birthday a little extra love. Status: Included. BackBar Pro: Not verified in the reviewed sources. #### Client referral rewards Comb: Thank clients for bringing someone new. Status: Included. BackBar Pro: Not verified in the reviewed sources. #### Custom loyalty card artwork Comb: Your colors, artwork, and stamp style; Sage can help with the art. Status: Included. BackBar Pro: Not verified in the reviewed sources. #### Service packages Comb: Bundle visits and track what is left. Status: Included. BackBar Pro: Not verified in the reviewed sources. #### Recurring service memberships Comb: Recurring offers with service visits and product credits. Bee Paid required. Status: Included. BackBar Pro: Not verified in the reviewed sources. #### Gift certificates / gift cards Comb: Sell a thoughtful gift. Redeem it at checkout. Status: Included. BackBar Pro: Confirmed capability. Basic, $28/month. Sources: https://backbarhq.com/pricing ### Messaging, campaigns & automations #### Appointment email & text reminders Comb: Keep clients in the loop about their visit. Status: Included. BackBar Pro: Confirmed capability. Basic, $28/month. Sources: https://backbarhq.com/pricing #### Two-way client messaging Comb: Chirp · Keep business conversations together. Status: Included. BackBar Pro: Not verified in the reviewed sources. #### Email marketing campaigns Comb: Send news and offers to your client audience. Status: Included. BackBar Pro: Not verified in the reviewed sources. #### Text marketing campaigns Comb: 500 marketing texts/month. Extra texts cost more. Status: Usage limits. BackBar Pro: Not verified in the reviewed sources. #### Client segments for campaigns Comb: Choose who a message is for. Status: Included. BackBar Pro: Not verified in the reviewed sources. #### Before-visit & aftercare automations Comb: Choose the trigger, service, audience, and message. Status: Included. BackBar Pro: Not verified in the reviewed sources. ### Worker Bees & booking follow-through #### Unfinished booking follow-up Comb: Drone · Send clients back to the booking they started. Status: Included. BackBar Pro: Not verified in the reviewed sources. #### Automatic waitlist outreach Comb: Drift · Match openings, contact clients, and optionally prioritize VIPs. Status: Included. BackBar Pro: Related tool. Basic, $28/month. One-tap offers; automatic outreach not established. Sources: https://backbarhq.com/pricing #### Automatic break protection Comb: Breathe · Protect time as the day fills up. Status: Included. BackBar Pro: Not verified in the reviewed sources. #### Due-for-a-visit rebooking reminders Comb: Tend · Follow up around the next service interval. Status: Included. BackBar Pro: Not verified in the reviewed sources. #### A learned voice for automated messages Comb: Echo · Use your writing sample to guide supported messages. Status: Included. BackBar Pro: Not verified in the reviewed sources. #### Group bookings to reduce gaps Comb: Swarm · Offer openings around existing appointments. Status: Included. BackBar Pro: Not verified in the reviewed sources. ### Your website & creative tools #### Customizable booking website Comb: Your colors, layout, service menu, and brand. Status: Included. BackBar Pro: Related tool. Basic, $28/month. Booking page; full website builder not established. Sources: https://backbarhq.com/pricing #### Portfolio gallery Comb: Give your work a place to shine. Status: Included. BackBar Pro: Not verified in the reviewed sources. #### Service images by Sage Comb: Make the menu look as good as the work. Status: Usage limits. BackBar Pro: Not verified in the reviewed sources. #### Gift certificate artwork by Sage Comb: A gift that looks like your business. Status: Usage limits. BackBar Pro: Not verified in the reviewed sources. #### Website backgrounds by Sage Comb: Give your booking website its own atmosphere. Status: Usage limits. BackBar Pro: Not verified in the reviewed sources. #### Writing help from Sage Comb: Sage drafts descriptions and campaign copy for review. Status: Included. BackBar Pro: Not verified in the reviewed sources. ### Sage & business intelligence #### Ask questions about your business Comb: Sage · Work with current calendar, client, and business context. Status: Included. BackBar Pro: Not verified in the reviewed sources. #### Setup & reviewed actions with Sage Comb: Prepare forms, services, campaigns, and more. Review before applying. Status: Included. BackBar Pro: Not verified in the reviewed sources. #### Live voice assistant Comb: Sage Live · Talk through the work. Status: Beta. BackBar Pro: Not verified in the reviewed sources. #### Assistant preferences & business memory Comb: Carry forward the preferences and goals you share. Status: Included. BackBar Pro: Not verified in the reviewed sources. #### Client-facing service guidance Comb: Sage Match · Help clients find a service that fits. Status: Beta. BackBar Pro: Not verified in the reviewed sources. #### Client return & retention insights Comb: See who is past their usual visit rhythm. Status: Included. BackBar Pro: Related tool. Premium, $49/month. Top-client analytics; personal return rhythm not established. Sources: https://backbarhq.com/pricing #### What-if business scenarios Comb: Decision Lab · Explore prices, capacity, and working patterns. Status: Included. BackBar Pro: Not verified in the reviewed sources. #### Goal planning & proactive business signals Comb: Momentum & Watch · Keep your priorities in view. Status: Included. BackBar Pro: Not verified in the reviewed sources. #### Booking website analytics Comb: See visits, sources, and the booking funnel. Status: Beta. BackBar Pro: Not verified in the reviewed sources. ### Checkout, money & stock #### Service & retail checkout Comb: Services, products, discounts, tips, and receipts. Status: Included. BackBar Pro: Confirmed capability. Basic, $28/month. Sources: https://backbarhq.com/pricing #### Payment history & refunds Comb: Follow the transaction from payment to refund. Status: Included. BackBar Pro: Not verified in the reviewed sources. #### Expense tracking Comb: Give every business cost a home. Status: Included. BackBar Pro: Confirmed capability. Basic, $28/month. Sources: https://backbarhq.com/pricing #### Receipt scanning with Sage Comb: Scan, review the details, and record the expense. Status: Included. BackBar Pro: Confirmed capability. Premium, $49/month. Sources: https://backbarhq.com/pricing #### Business mileage tracking Comb: Keep work travel with your business expenses. Status: Included. BackBar Pro: Not verified in the reviewed sources. #### Recurring expenses Comb: Track the costs that come around again. Status: Included. BackBar Pro: Not verified in the reviewed sources. #### Retail inventory Comb: Products, pricing, stock, and what you sell. Status: Included. BackBar Pro: Confirmed capability. Basic, $28/month. Sources: https://backbarhq.com/pricing #### Backbar & business supplies Comb: Track the products you use in your work. Status: Included. BackBar Pro: Confirmed capability. Premium, $49/month. Sources: https://backbarhq.com/pricing #### Stock movements & usage history Comb: Follow restocks, usage, corrections, and waste. Status: Included. BackBar Pro: Confirmed capability. Premium, $49/month. Expanded inventory. Sources: https://backbarhq.com/pricing #### Daily recaps & financial reporting Comb: Review the day, sales, and recorded costs. Status: Included. BackBar Pro: Confirmed capability. Basic, $28/month. Sources: https://backbarhq.com/pricing ### Safety & your boundaries #### Configurable client verification Comb: Set the confirmation level for online booking. Status: Included. BackBar Pro: Not verified in the reviewed sources. #### Client behavior score & booking threshold Comb: Beehavior · More context before the visit, not a safety guarantee. Status: Included. BackBar Pro: Not verified in the reviewed sources. #### Professionals review clients Comb: A rating first. Written detail shared with the author’s approval. Status: Included. BackBar Pro: Not verified in the reviewed sources. #### Block clients from booking Comb: Ban online bookings and remove future appointments with you. Status: Included. BackBar Pro: Not verified in the reviewed sources. #### Protection against repeat booking attempts Comb: Additional checks help recognize connected identities. Status: Included. BackBar Pro: Not verified in the reviewed sources. #### Saved-card checks Comb: Bee Paid checks authorization, screens identified prepaid cards, and requires current cards. Status: Included. BackBar Pro: Not verified in the reviewed sources. ### Independent, together #### Team members & shared booking presence Comb: Colony · Invite your people into a shared booking website. Paid team plan, separate from your individual subscription. Status: Separate paid Colony plan. BackBar Pro: Not verified in the reviewed sources. ## Questions ### Which BackBar product is compared here? This page compares BackBar Pro, the hairstylist software at backbarhq.com. It does not compare the unrelated Backbar bar and restaurant inventory product. ### How do Comb and BackBar Pro prices compare? Comb is $45/month or $450/year. BackBar Pro lists Basic at $28/month and Premium at $49/month. The reviewed BackBar Pro page does not list an annual subscription rate. Payment processing is separate. ### Do both products track stock? Yes. BackBar Pro includes retail inventory on Basic and expanded backbar inventory on Premium. Comb includes retail stock and business-supply tracking. Confirmed features and plan requirements are listed below.