Salon Tanning At Home Saves Time And Money

September 8th, 2010

By Tom Sample

Do you want to have a year-round tan without having to travel to the beach? Hate going to the salon only to find you have to wait in line despite a set appointment time? If so, maybe you should consider buying your own home tanning bed.

Home tanning beds are ideal for those who spend a lot of time at the beach or salon trying to soak up some color. As long as there’s enough room in a home for the machine, it will certainly be more convenient. But, for those who spend a lot of money on salon tanning, the purchase might even be a cost saver.

The advantage of owning your own tanning bed include:

* Ease of use. There’s no longer a need to book an appointment, take off from work or what have you. Tanning is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

* Less driving. You won’t have to drive to the beach or salon.

* Money savings. By no longer having to pay for salon services, or gas for the trips, the cost of your bed should pay itself back pretty quickly.

Of course, there are other benefits, not the least of which is the fact your tan will be easier to maintain all over. By having the bed in your own home, you have the freedom to tan as little or as much as you want when ever you want.

Now, going about choosing the right kind of bed for you and your wallet can be the really tricky proposition. Tanning beds are fairly complex pieces of machinery and you want one that’s not only good, but also safe and, of course, affordable. This means you’re going to have to do some shopping around and some studying up.

Since you’ll be putting your body in the bed and tanning your skin there, you want a bed that’s known for its quality and its safety features. You don’t want to cut corners here. Used tanning beds can be a good route to go for money savings, but make certain the bed you get is one that meets certain safety and performance requirements. Becoming a crispy critter on Day One isn’t your intent!

Before you buy a bed, new or used, check into different manufacturers and models. Read consumer reports and safety alerts. Check the different features beds have. As the solo user of the bed, you’ll want one with a lot of user control options. Make sure you read reports from past buyers, too. Look for information about how the beds performed in home settings and what past owners have said about ease of use, safety features and so on.

A tan is something many people want and will go to great lengths to get. A home tanning bed is a great way to go for those who don’t have the time or the inclination to head to the beach or salon to keep their color maintained. It can be a cost savings, too, for those who spend a lot of money on the pursuit. Plus, the convenience just can’t be beat. Just make sure what you buy is solid, safe and functional. Shopping around and doing some homework can result in a great purchase.

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How To Tan The Safe Way With Tanning Lotions

September 8th, 2010

By Ken Morris

These days we all want to enjoy the healthy glow that comes with a beautiful tan, but with more and more evidence coming to light with regards to the dangers of the sun’s rays we have to be increasingly careful about jetting off on vacation and roasting in the midday sun in order to try and get some color. Exposing your delicate skin in hot weather can result in a multitude of problems, but luckily you can now enjoy a golden glow without having to put up with the risks – thanks to the availability of a range of tanning products for the face and body. From high quality tanning lotions to facial tanner products and tanning crème, you can enjoy a wide range of sunless tanning products so you don’t even have to endure the expense of a holiday in order to look as though you have a beautiful, natural tan. People use all sorts of tanning products these days, from tanning beds to spray on lotions. You can get products that can be easily used in your own home as well as sunless tanning services at a salon.

Avoid the dangers of the sun with these products

There are many dangers that come with exposing your skin to the sunlight. Some of the well known potential dangers of basking in the sun include:
+ Sunburn
+ Prematurely aging skin
+ Skin cancer
+ Blotching
Of course, some of these conditions are more serious than others, but even the mildest of these problems can cause massive discomfort depending on the level of burning and exposure. If you spend all day in the sun trying to achieve that tan you may find yourself walking away with peeling, red skin – or worse – instead of a golden tan. However, with tanning lotions and other sunless products you can look forward to a great, natural looking tan without the expense or health problems of having to jet off to somewhere hot and sunny to get than tan.

The fast and easy way to a great tan

With good quality tanning lotions you can rest assured that you will enjoy natural looking, even results. You can let others think that you have enjoyed a holiday in some far flung destination without ever having to leave your home – and the great thing is that you can achieve these results quickly and easily so if you have a special occasion and you want to add some color to your skin then there is no easier way than with today’s great range of tanning products. Many of these items can be used without any fuss in the privacy of your own home, and because they are simple and fast to apply you can get the bronzed look you are after in next to no time. Many lotions and sprays offer long lasting results too, so you won’t have to keep re-applying on a regular basis in order to keep that golden glow going.

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How To Take Care Of Your Home Tanning Bed

September 8th, 2010

By John Grant

We all wanted to have our tanning beds to last as long as possible. This is why some people buy tanning beds that are touted to be durable. But tanning beds do last long if the owners take good care of them.

Here are some ways to take good care of your tanning bed.

After each session, you need to do two things, “inspect” and “clean”. You need to inspect the click strip and make sure that it is attached firmly. And you need to inspect the facial glass (if your tanning bed has it) and make sure that it has no cracks or any other “blemishes”. Then, you need to clean. You must clean the bench and canopy acrylics. Use only the right cleaning liquid, not alcohol nor bleach. And use only soft non-abrasive cloth. You must also clean the tanning bed pillow. Do not use the outdoor or oil-based tanning lotions. These will damage the acrylic. And lastly, you must clean and sanitize the goggles. This is also for your own safety.

Everyday, you do the same thing to your tanning bed, even if you are not using them, and especially if there are many users of the bed. That is, you must inspect and clean. You must inspect the acrylics for cracks, wear, or hazing. Then, you clean the pillow, the bench, and the canopy acrylics. You must also clean and sanitize goggles and the bed exterior. Again, use only the approved cleaning solution.

Once a week, aside from inspecting and cleaning, you must do more things to make sure that your tanning bed is in top condition. You must dust the lamps. But do not touch them with your bare hands. Then you must remove and clean the inside of the bench and canopy acrylic sheets. You must wipe and vacuum the fans, the vents, and the vent hoses. Check if the shock tension needs to be adjusted. If it does, then adjust it. Check the set bolts if these are still tight. And check the power cord and the bench-to-canopy connectors if these are also snug with no wear and tear.

And monthly, you clean again the bench and canopy acrylics. You also need to clean the reflectors using the appropriate cleaning solution. Inspect the vent hoses for optimum ventilation and do the necessary adjustments if needed. For sufficient ventilation, make sure that the bed is at least six inches away from the wall. And lastly, check the voltage being supplied to the bed. It should conform with the ones stated in the manufacturer’s guidelines. If you need to replace a lamp, choose replacements that meet the frequency recommendations.

When you do all these things with your tanning bed, then you are assured that the quality of your tanning bed will last longer.

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How to Have Your Own Tanning Salon Franchise

September 8th, 2010

If you’re interested in a franchise investment opportunity but aren’t sure what kind of franchise to invest in, consider investing in a tanning salon franchise. Since many people equate beauty with having a rich, tropical tan, but are either concerned about lengthy sun exposure or don’t have the time to “work” on their tan in the sun, tanning salons are very popular and tanning salon franchise opportunities is growing.

For a tanning salon franchise, your main responsibility in starting your business is finding a location for it and purchasing equipment. Unlike food franchise opportunities, the main investment for a tanning salon franchise is up front in major equipment purchases, like tanning beds and other tanning equipment.

Choosing a Tanning Franchise Opportunity

There are many different opportunities for tanning salon franchising and many companies who are looking to expand through franchising. To select a franchise opportunity that’s right for you, you need to decide how much you want to invest, how “hands on” you want the parent company to be, and how much time and energy you’re willing to put into marketing and promotion.

Some tanning companies who offer franchise opportunities will provide you with everything from advertising and promotion techniques to sales techniques to pricing strategies, while other companies will let you work out the promotion and marketing yourself. If you are adept at marketing and promotion and enjoy devising sales plans, then a company that gives you more autonomy is probably for you.

The current primary growth in tanning salon franchises is in sunless tanning and specialized UV tanning, so make sure you select a company who recognizes growth areas and is committed to providing cutting-edge service. If a company does not recognize the future of the industry, even if they’re currently making good profits, their shortsightedness does not bode well for their longevity.

Some tanning companies may offer financing for their investments, and some may not. Decide if financing is a necessity before you invest, and research if the company you are interested in will help with your financing if you need them to.

Your Investment Cost

A tanning salon franchise is available at a wide range of prices. Some franchises may require as little total investment as $50,000 to $80,000 with $15,000 – $35,000 required in liquid capital. Other, “higher-end” franchises can require up to $770,000 with $250,000 required in liquid capital. How much you want to spend on your investment will probably determine what franchising opportunities are available to you.

Researching Tanning Salon Franchise Opportunities

The best thing to do if you’re interested in investing in a tanning salon franchise is to research, research, and research. There are quite a few websites that give information on franchising, and are good jumping-off points to research individual companies in-depth. Once you identify some tanning companies that seem like a good fit for you, send away to the company for more complete information on what they expect of their franchisees, the total investment necessary, and location opportunities. Make sure you investigate several different tanning companies so you can make an informed decision before parting with your money.

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How To Get Tanning Bed Financing

September 8th, 2010

Have you ever asked yourself, “where can I get tanning bed financing to buy my own tanning bed I can keep at home?” Living in the northwest where seeing sunlight is a freak occurrence, I’ve heard this question asked more times than anyone should ever have to hear.

Over the last decade and a half or so, it seems that tanning salons are popping up almost as fast as coffee shops. But you may not always feel up to the long trek out to your local tanning salon, so what’s the alternative?

Buy a home tanning bed.

There is one thing that stops most people from buying a residential tanning bed however. Purchasing your own tanning bed often costs a pretty penny. And since many of us do not have a few thousand dollars just stashed away, financing can certainly become an issue here.

Finding a financing deal will not be the most difficult part of your search though. A quick search online will bring up many dealers from all across the country who are more than happy to extend financing options to you.

Many times the process will be a simple matter of passing a credit check, choosing your bed and wa-la – you’re off to the races with only a small payment to make each month for your home tanning bed.

Even better than that, many of these financing plans will require little to no money down. All you need to do is pay the one time service charge and off you go with the tanning bed of your dreams.

Another very viable option for those of you who do not wish to get involved in lengthy financing plans is to lease your tanning bed. Many companies also have lease plans available that last as short as 36 months or as high as 48 months or more.

Flexibility goes a long way towards making a sale and tanning bed suppliers have learned this so take advantage of it! Naturally though there are some common sense items that you should always keep in mind before making a purchase like this.

While it may be tempting to splurge and get the latest and greatest tanning bed, compare its features against others that might be a few years older. You might even consider buying a used tanning bed that is still in like-new condition to cut down on costs a bit.

Don’t let yourself get burned (pun intended), get what you can afford. If you can afford what you want, more power to you. If you’re buying a tanning bed for your home, make sure you have the space in your home to fit this tanning bed and also be sure to get the voltage from your outlets tested.

There’s no point in spending thousands of dollars on a tanning bed if all it’s going to do is make your electrical outlets explode! Use your common sense and shop around. Before you know it you’ll be sporting an even, all-year-round tan that will have some green with envy and others looking even more pale than usual.

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How to choose the right tanning bed for you – a few tips

September 8th, 2010

By Linda Smith

Choosing the proper tanning bed can prove to be a little difficult, especially if you know nothing on the subject of tanning. Beds have different names, different specifications and, of course, different prices for a minute. Fortunately, you don’t need to be an expert to find the right tanning bed, you have to know about only a few simple facts. They are all discussed below.

UVA and UVB tanning bed bulbs

The first thing you have to check is the kind of tanning bed bulbs. Generally speaking, there are two kinds of tanning bed bulbs – “UVB and UVA” and “UVA” only. If a tanning bed has the first kind of bulbs, you will have to spend a lot of time to get a tan (20 minutes 3 to 5 times a week for over a month only to acquire base tan).

UVA-only bulbs

If the tanning bed uses the other kind of bulbs (UVA-only), you have to spend much less time on the tanning bed than under UVA and UVB bulbs. Of course, it usually means that you have to pay for UVA-only tanning bed a few times more per minute than for UVA and UVB, but remember that ALL you need is 3 to 5 sessions total, not per week, so in some cases UVA bulbs in your tanning bed can actually save you money and time.

Staying tanned

The tanning process is simple. You lay on the bed for several minutes, pay for it and that it until the next session. The problem begins when you’ve already finished the sessions and you don’t use a tanning bed anymore. Many people tend to think that their tan will last forever, but of course that’s not true. Whether you’ve got your tan sitting on a beach or laying on a tanning bed, it will eventually fade. Unless you decide to go to a tanning saloon and spend a few minutes on a tanning bed every month, you won’t be able to keep your tan. So, do not forget about visiting a tanning saloon regularly!

Precautions

Knowing the difference between UVA and UVB bulbs, as well as staying in touch with a tanning saloon is everything you need to get tanned properly. But you also have to reduce the danger UV rays can pose to your skin. You mustn’t:

(1) Stay too long in a tanning bed. 25 minutes is usually the upper limit. Trust the tanning saloon personnel, but trust your common sense in the first place.
(2) Use a tanning bed too often – your skin will age more quickly and it will increase chances of having cancer. 20 sessions a year might be all right, but keeping this pace for 10 years might prove to be dangerous.
(3) Treat a tanning bed as a solution to all your skin and healthy look problems. A tanning bed is just a device that produces artificial sunlight – nothing more and nothing less.

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How To Choose The Best Tanning Bed Lotions

September 8th, 2010

By Ciara McNamara

Despite warnings about the risks, people continue to flock to tanning beds. Tanning bed lotions are a necessary accessory, whether you are a regular tanner or just trying to get a good base tan before the summer holiday season or for a vacation. Lotions come in a variety of formulas for every skin type. Cooling lotions help keep the skin cool in the bed. After tan lotions extend your tan and can help shorten the time you need to spend in a bed to maintain your tan.

Benefits of Using Tanning Bed Lotions

Lotions help regulate the amount of UVA and UVB rays that are absorbed into your skin. Your skin absorbs more rays in less time. This allows you to limit your exposure to the rays and still get the tan you want. Moisturizing lotions add moisture to your skin. This helps prevent some of the drying effects of beds. Since moisturized skin tans faster, you will achieve your desired color faster and your tan will last longer.

You should use the best lotion that you can afford in the bed. The type of tanning bed you are using and your skin type help determine which lotion is best. Light, medium or dark skin tones require different lotions. Using a lotion intended for experienced tanners on fair skin can be disastrous. The salon owner can help you choose the right lotion for your skin type.

Products for indoor tanning come in lotion, crème, gel or oil forms. As long as the product is right for your skin type and the bed you will be using, the rest is a matter of preference. The preparation isn’t as important as the ingredients, so learn to read the labels.

Ingredients in Tanning Bed Lotions

The best products contain natural ingredients to stimulate your tan and nourish your skin. Look for as many natural botanicals, plant extracts and vitamins as possible. Each has a different purpose.

Amino Acids

Just about all lotion or crème products contain amino acids. They stimulate the production of melanin in your skin. The action of the amino acids produces the tanning effects. The most commonly used amino acid is tyrosine.

Moisturizer

The moisturizers in lotions help reduce the drying effect the UVB rays in the bed have on your skin. Look for rich, natural moisturizers, like aloe or hempseed oil. These are in both suntan lotions and after tan formulas.

Antioxidants

Antioxidants help prevent the fine lines and wrinkles that result from UV exposure during tanning. Vitamin E and grapefruit extract are common antioxidants found in lotions.

A Safer Alternative to Tanning

People are becoming concerned with the safety of tanning, either in a bed or in the sunshine. UV exposure during tanning has been linked to skin cancer and premature aging of the skin. The only safe alternative to getting the color you want is a fake tan. There are pills that are said to give you a tan, but there is controversy over their effectiveness. The best way to get a completely safe tan is a sunless tanning spray.

You can apply a sunless tanner at home, or you could go to a spa or salon for spray on tanning. In the salon, you stand inside the booth and the tanner is applied with either spray nozzles built into the booth or with a hand held airbrush unit by a technician. Mystic Tan and Sunshower are common brands for booth tanning.

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Find the Best Home Tanning Bed Package

September 8th, 2010

By M.D. Stracener

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if you could find a cheap used tanning bed for your home. Have you ever wondered how to buy tanning beds and what would be the best home tanning bed package? Well you’ve come to the right place.

If you are looking for a tanning bed for home use there are some things you need to know.

The most important thing you have to do is make sure the bed you are looking at is safe. There are many different types of tanning bed on the market and you need to understand everything about the bed you are looking at.

There are many tanning beds available online and many can be purchased for a great price. Most of the beds available online are high quality. Just be sure to do your research.

To make sure you are getting the best home tanning bed you need to check publications and sites that rate tanning beds. Here you will learn the pros and cons of each bed, which ones are recommended, what type of tan they produce, and any known problems that have been reported.

More money doesn’t mean a better bed. So don’t part with your money easily, rather compare prices and get the most bang for your buck. Besides online you can check newspapers, and your local salons who sometimes sell off beds when they are buying newer models. A little research will pay off in big savings.

When choosing a bed for home use make sure your room and wiring can accommodate it. Some of the larger commercial beds require special wiring. They can also be large and require allot of room. Make sure you’ve measured up your room before buying a bed.

There are some other things you will need to consider such as the cost of replacement bulbs and how often they need to be replaced. You will also want to understand the strength of the bulbs in the bed and whether you can upgrade to a more powerful bulb in the future.

Make sure you are comparing same beds. Little features can make a huge difference in price, so when doing your comparison shopping be sure you are comparing like products. You should also make a list of features that are important to you and stick to finding beds that have those features.

Just think about how relaxing and enjoyable having your own bed will be. No more running to the salon and trying to fit their schedule with yours. No having to fight traffic on the way home. No fighting for parking spots.

Now you can come home, grab a shower in the comfort of your home, and relax in your tanning bed listening to your favorite cd. When your done in you can throw on some comfy clothes and relax. It will be great!

So the question is are you ready to take the plunge and own your very own home tanning bed?

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Fake a Tan with Sunless Tanning Lotion

September 8th, 2010

By Lorene Radenz

A great tan is associated with health and beauty. While a bronze look is desirable, especially in the summer or on holiday — we all know the dangers of the sun’s UV rays. Is a temporary tan worth the permanent sun damage, wrinkles, and skin cancer risk? Absolutely not!

You can save time and avoid these risks entirely with sunless tanning lotion. Today’s self-tanners give you a deep golden tan, not the orange look of years ago.

Many new self tanning lotions are tinted and these are the ones I recommend. Not only do they give you an initial tan, you’re more likely to apply the lotion evenly and avoid streaking.

First, take a shower or bath and exfoliate your skin. Pay special attention to your elbows, knees and any other rough spots. These areas will soak up the self tanning lotion and turn darker so you need to get rid of any dead skin.

Pat yourself dry and pin your hair up. Apply regular body or hand lotion to the dry spots you exfoliated. Allow yourself several minutes to completely dry.

You may choose to wear thin gloves to put on the self tanning lotion and avoid getting it on your hands, but applying it with your bare hands will probably result in a more even application. It’s your choice.

Start applying the lotion from the bottom – up, bracing your foot on a chair or stool. Rub in lightly, you can always go back later and apply a second time.

Don’t forget the areas that would tan naturally in the sun, the back of your legs, knees, arms, and neck. When applying to your face, remember to smooth it on your eyelids and into your hairline — avoiding your eyes and hair. For people with sensitive skin, there are self tanning lotions formulated specifically for your face and will result in a more natural look.

If you will be wearing your hair up, don’t forget to apply the self tanner on the back of your neck, and behind your ears to look more natural.

When you’re finished, wash your hands thoroughly if you chose not to wear gloves, so your palms don’t turn an unnatural color. Use a hand towel to dry them completely.

Before the lotion dries, it’s more likely to tan what you’re wearing too, so let yourself dry and put on some loose clothing. If you’re going to be sitting on a cloth chair or couch, sit on a towel to avoid staining.

For a deep, dark tan before a special occasion, apply self tanning lotion before bed, and again in the morning. Before you go out, check yourself in the mirror for any streaks and correct them with a damp paper towel. Apply bronzing powder to your face and shoulders for a finishing touch, and hit the town!

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Don’t Get Burned by a Used Tanning Bed

September 8th, 2010

The convenience of tanning at home is just one reason consumers might shop for a used tanning bed. Whatever the reason, if you are in the market for a used tanning bed, there are a few things you should consider as you begin you search.

Do Your Homework

Shopping for a tanning bed is similar to shopping for a car. Just like with a car, the seller of a used tanning bed may or may not be reveal all that he or she knows about the bed. Be sure to do some research on the make, model and year of manufacture of any tanning bed you are thinking about purchasing. Be sure that there are no major defects or problems with that type of bed.

Why is This Bed for Sale?

When you find a used tanning bed, be sure to ask the seller a few questions. Why is it for sale? If it is because it is hard to get parts for, then you might want to keep looking because the bed is probably older and considered unsafe. Older tanning beds might require bulbs that emit dangerous UV-A rays that are known to cause skin cancer. Newer beds use bulbs that emit safer UV-B rays.

Another question to ask the seller is about any remaining warranties. Many tanning beds come with a one year full warranty or a lifetime limited warranty. A used tanning bed may be defective and not repairable under warranty.

Also, be sure to inquire of the seller if all the parts on the tanning bed function correctly. If a timer doesn’t work or a bulb sometimes doesn’t come on, it is probably best to keep searching. There are a lot of fine used tanning beds around but, just like used cars, you may have to look at several before you find the one that works best for you.

New vs. Used

You might consider the benefits of buying a new tanning bed. Unlike with many cars, new tanning beds are often not much more expensive than their used counterparts. You can be more assured that a new tanning bed will meet or exceed the most recent safety standards and that you will have, at the minimum, a one year full warranty. That is not guaranteed with a used tanning bed.

New or used, a tanning bed can bring years of enjoyment to you and your family. Just be sure to be a smart consumer so that you don’t get burned.

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