Education & Training: Certified Salons Promote Professionalism

There are approximately 20,000 freestanding tanning salons in the United States that cater to an estimated 30 million tanners. Successful salons try to stay ahead of their competition by having outstanding customer service, as well as great tanning equipment and services that deliver results. Another way to stand heads and shoulders above competition is to obtain professional salon certification, even if your state, city or municipality does not require it.

It’s a new year and a new tanning season. During the next few months, tanning salons will be bustling with clients seeking a golden tan. Statistics from this year’s Top 250 Survey reveal that 31 percent of salons consider the economy to be the No. 1 factor that affected their 2007 season. Anti-tanning campaigns and anti-tanning legislation followed closely at 25 percent. Therefore, having knowledgeable and professional employees who can explain the benefits of tanning and advise consumers on the best way to achieve a gorgeous tan is paramount to your success.

Many educational opportunities can be found this time of year. The National Tanning Training Institute (NTTI) has been on the road training salons at regional distributor symposiums. However, NTTI also offers a complete online education program that removes the physical boundaries and time constraints of classroom training, allowing employees to receive the necessary instruction on their own schedules. Now is an ideal time for salon owners to take advantage of this convenience and encourage employees to train online during lulls in the day.

Since 1992, NTTI has trained more than 25,000 salon professionals. NTTI’s objective is to provide the indoor tanning industry with valuable, affordable and convenient training for salon owners and operators. All courses are available online 24/7 and provide a complete range of information.

Basic Tanning Certification

This course provides salon owners and operators with an effective and inexpensive way to earn the crucial certification needed to successfully operate a tanning facility while staying competitive in an evolving industry. The course covers the most current information regarding UV light, skin anatomy and physiology, exposure schedules, photosensitivity and state and federal regulations, along with numerous other topics related to the technical aspects of indoor tanning. The material is presented in a manner that is practical and comprehensible to salon owners and operators.

Managing and operating an indoor tanning salon is not a simple task. Although the daily procedures may seem like second nature to the experienced professional, the novice salon operator may find them overwhelming. This program addresses the daily operational processes salon owners must follow and understand. Although some details may vary slightly depending upon location and business goals, the program offers solid, effective guidelines.

This course is designed specifically for the airbrush or HVLP technician. Based on research and tests conducted by leading manufacturers of sunlessspray systems, this course takes the technician from setup to application while discussing technique, safety, pricing and more.

This introductory course covers the basics of sunless tanning. It is designed to help salon employees address customer needs and promote this increasingly popular service.

This course highlights the importance of quality skincare and clears up misconceptions about the most common ingredients found in indoor tanning lotions. The course includes merchandising and display tips, as well as a section on necessities needed to keep a tanning salon one step ahead of the competition.

Be proactive and get your salon staff certified today. For more information, visit www.tanningtraining.com or call (800) 529-1101.