Yes — Braidz IQ is free for clients. You only pay your braider's service price plus a small platform fee on the deposit when you book.
Browsing braiders, reading reviews, saving a wishlist, using the AI Braid Care chat, and messaging your braider are all free for clients on Braidz IQ.
When you book, you pay a refundable deposit (typically 25%) to hold the appointment. The platform fee is included in that deposit — never added on top of your braider''s service price and never charged on tips or cash add-ons. The remaining balance goes directly to your braider on the day of the appointment, in whichever way you''ve both agreed.
For braiders, joining and being listed is also free. We charge a small commission on the deposit when a booking completes, plus optional paid tiers for priority placement and analytics.
There are no monthly subscriptions, no hidden fees, and no charge to use the AI care assistant. If you cancel inside the free-cancel window, your deposit is fully refunded.