The Perils of Spray Tan

When spray tan first came on the scene, many UV salon owners construed it as the enemy. In fact, some purists still feel that way. However, advances in the technology and the increased consumer demand have contributed to the widespread popularity of UV professionals incorporating spray tan into their offerings. Earlier this year, UV giant Sun Tan City even opened its first all-sunless salon (Sunless City).

I think salon owners are wise to diversify and offer sunless options; however, here are a couple cautions to be aware of:

•Anti-UV Messaging  

In a recent article titled, “Tanning remains popular with teens despite efforts to limit it,” a tanning salon’s assistant manager said this about spray tanning: “It's a fast, easy tan. They come in, and they get out. It's all natural and nothing to worry about. It's the safest bet.” Messaging like this – from inside the UV salon – is as disconcerting to me as the sunless-only proponents who say they offer a “safer” tan than that of traditional UV exposure.

As salon professionals, let’s make sure our entire staff is well-versed in discussing UV and spray tan, so the potential benefits and general preferences surrounding the responsible use of each method are made known. And don’t forget to mention the popularity of combining the services in a cocktail or double-dip; you may just make a fan out of a customer who previously chose one service or the other.

•Mobile Mayhem

The number of people offering mobile spray tan services is increasing at an alarming rate. Granted, there are legitimate professionals who offer these services – including some who own UV salons – however, I can’t tell you the number of UV salon owners I talk to who get much of their spray tan business because they’re “fixing” the work of someone who tans out of their trunk. The takeaway for salon owners is to be on the lookout to educate people about the value of procuring spray tan services from a trusted professional. Unfortunately, many would-be customers will have one awful mobile spray tan experience and vow never to set foot in a tanning salon, where the outcome – spray or UV – would likely be much different.

There are many excellent options for salon owners when it comes to spray tanning. As with any aspect of your business, do your homework, educate your staff and customers, and make sure that you’re always looking for opportunities to advance the professional image of all the services you offer.

Do you have other spray tan precautions or input? Leave a comment to share your thoughts.

–Karen

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