StrandNotes vs Charm — 2026

StrandNotes vs Charm

Charm is a popular client notes app with a clean interface and a free tier. StrandNotes is the newer option built specifically around the chemistry of hair color — with structured formula fields, Siri voice capture, and a client-safe aftercare card. Here’s how they compare.

We made StrandNotes, so we’re biased. We’ve tried to be accurate about where Charm does things better.

Quick Verdict

If you want structured formula logging and hands-free capture, StrandNotes wins. It’s the only app where you can dictate a formula mid-service with Siri, snap a handwritten formula with your camera, or send a client an aftercare card that shows care instructions but never exposes your formula.

Charm is a solid general-purpose client notes app — free to start and available on Android — but it uses free-text notes rather than dedicated formula fields. If you want to record developer ratios, processing time, and toner in structured fields you can search and repeat exactly, StrandNotes was built for that.

StrandNotes is also free to download, with no monthly cost while we’re in early access — compared to Charm at $3.99–$7.99/mo.

Feature	Our appStrandNotesFree	Charm$3.99–$7.99/mo
Pricing
Free tierNo credit card required	✓	✓
PriceTo unlock the full version	FreePremium coming later	$3.99–$7.99per month
Formula & Client Records
Structured formula logDedicated chemistry fields, not just a text box	✓ Dedicated formula fields	Free-text notes only
Built for hair color specificallyvs. a general client-notes app	✓	✓
Per-client photosBefore/after and inspiration photos	✓	✓
Public photo galleryBrowsing other stylists' work in-app	✓ Private by design	Public gallery
Capture & Efficiency
Hands-free voice capture"Hey Siri, log a formula" — dictate while your hands stay in the hair	✓ Siri App Intent	—
Photo capture of a formulaSnap a written formula instead of typing it	✓ Photo capture	—
Client Sharing
Client-safe aftercare cardShareable link with care instructions — no formula chemistry exposed	✓ Aftercare Card	—
Platforms
iPhone	✓	✓
Android	Planned	✓

Based on each app’s public App Store listings and website as of July 2026. Feature sets and pricing change — confirm current details before switching tools.

← See how we compare to all hair formula apps

iOS · Free to download

Built for the chair.