Knowing the cost of tanning is important when planning your budget. The most obvious factor is the type of tanning you choose. Options include sunbathing, indoor tanning beds, spray tans and self-tanning products. Each has benefits, drawbacks, and varying costs.
Tanning Salons and Session Costs
A single tanning session can cost $7 to $25. Tanning salons may charge monthly, allowing unlimited tans, or sell bulk minute plans. Monthly rates range from $20 to $125, with most people paying $20 to $55. For example, Zoom Tan charges $12 per session or $59 monthly for unlimited tans.
Spray tanning costs $20 to $65 per session depending on the method. Machines run about $25 to $50, while airbrush spray tans cost up to $75. Non-bed tanning lotions range from $15 to $75. Some gyms include tanning in memberships, while others charge extra.
On average, a basic sunbed costs £600 to £2,000. High-end models cost up to £10,000. A spray tan session at a salon averages $40, ranging from $18 to $100 based on location, salon quality, type of spray tan, and discounted packages. One customizable session can take you three to five shades darker for up to seven days.
Sunless Tanning and Accelerators
Over 10 million Americans use sunless tanning solutions like sprays and capsules for fast, safe, effective tanning. Prices range from $50 to $75 based on skin type. Self-tanners with ingredients that react with skin cells can provide even, natural-looking results at home.
Tan accelerators are designed to help your skin tan more quickly and evenly by stimulating melanin production.
Tanning Sessions and Maintenance
Usually, the skin will not tan after the first session, and the results only become visible after 3-5 sunbed tanning sessions. These sessions allow the skin to oxidize its melanin, darken the cells, and produce a tan. If your tan starts to fade before the next visit, waiting at least 48 hours between tanning sessions is generally recommended. It allows the tan to build up consistently and the cells to develop safely.
Most indoor tanning professionals recommend 3 tanning sessions a week until a tan is developed, and then 2 each week after that to maintain the tan.
It is best to start with 5 minutes per session and gradually increase the time by 1-2 minutes each time so that our skin would adjust accurately without overexposure. The amount of time you need to spend in a sunbed in order to get a tan will depend on several factors including your skin type, the wavelength of light being used in the bed, and your desired level of tanning.