How much notice should a salon cancellation policy ask for?

24 hours is common for shorter services. 48 hours suits long ones such as colour, extensions or a full set. Choose the notice that gives you a real chance to fill the time again.

Can I charge a cancellation fee in Australia?

Yes, when the client agreed to a clear policy before booking and the fee is reasonable for what you lose. A fee far larger than your real loss risks being an unfair term. Since November 2023 unfair terms in standard contracts can attract penalties (see the ACCC).

Where should I put my cancellation policy?

On your booking page before the client confirms, in the booking confirmation, on your website and at the front desk.

Guides

Salon cancellation policy template (Australia)

Copy this policy, change the parts in square brackets, and put it where clients see it before they book. Notes on keeping it fair follow.

Facts checked 30 September 2026. Prices change; the sources are listed at the end.

The template

Cancellation and no-show policy

We keep your appointment time just for you. If you need to cancel or move it, please let us know at least [24] hours before.
Cancel or move with [24] hours' notice or more: no charge. Any deposit is refunded or moved to your new time.
Cancel with less than [24] hours' notice: a fee of [50]% of the booked service price.
No-show (you don't arrive and don't let us know): a fee of [100]% of the booked service price.
Running late: we'll do what we can in the time left. If we need to shorten or rebook your service, [the late-cancellation fee] applies.
Deposits: [a deposit of $X / X% of the price] is paid when you book and comes off your final bill.
If we need to cancel, we'll tell you as soon as we can and refund any deposit in full.
Illness or an emergency: tell us as soon as you can and we'll work it out with you.
Fees are charged to the card you saved when booking. [Business name], ABN [number].

Adapting it to your trade

Long services (colour, extensions, full sets, 90-minute treatments): ask for 48 hours’ notice and a deposit.
Short services (a trim, a brow tidy, a fill): 24 hours and a saved card is usually enough.
Solo operators: say how you’ll handle your own illness, since there is nobody to cover you.

Keeping it fair and clear

Show it before booking. A client should agree to the policy before they commit, not discover it afterwards.
Keep fees to your real loss. The time you could not sell, not a penalty on top.
Refund in full when you cancel. The policy should work both ways.
Use plain words. Avoid terms like “forfeit at our discretion”; say exactly what happens.
Show prices including GST. The ACCC expects prices shown to consumers to include it.

Running this policy in Preen

Take deposits and charge no-show and late-cancellation fees on a saved card. Set late-cancellation fees by how much notice the client gives, and a separate no-show fee. Your booking page shows clients your cancellation window, in hours, before they book, and their booking link shows any fee before they cancel.

More on setting the amount in how to take deposits.

Questions people ask

How much notice should a salon cancellation policy ask for?: 24 hours is common for shorter services. 48 hours suits long ones such as colour, extensions or a full set. Choose the notice that gives you a real chance to fill the time again.
Can I charge a cancellation fee in Australia?: Yes, when the client agreed to a clear policy before booking and the fee is reasonable for what you lose. A fee far larger than your real loss risks being an unfair term. Since November 2023 unfair terms in standard contracts can attract penalties (see the ACCC).
Where should I put my cancellation policy?: On your booking page before the client confirms, in the booking confirmation, on your website and at the front desk.

Sources

General information, not legal advice. If you’re unsure about your policy, ask a lawyer or your industry association.