Frequently Asked Questions
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Tattoos and Tanning
Will tanning hurt my Tattoo? This is a very common question. The correct answer is no. However that is only if you take proper precaustions. You must protect your skin from damage. This rule of common sense also applies to Tattoo's. You have spent time, money and endured pain for your skin enhancement. So here are a couple basic rules to follow.
- If your tattoo is new. Cover it during tanning until it is fully healed.
- Your tattoo is now part of you. Make sure you do not burn your skin by over tanning.
- A burn is a burn. When first tanning limit your exposure.
Tanning
Myths Explained
1. The hotter the bed, the better the tan. Not true. Heat does not cause one to tan any better. In fact, the cooler the bed the better because heat causes sweat and in turn causing the applied lotion to run off the body.
2. I don’t need to use the expensive lotion at the salon. It is statistically proven that lotion is responsible for a 40% increase in a tan. Furthermore the ingredients used in tanning lotion affect the price making better lotions more expensive. Sun Salon offers a variety of products to fit into anyone’s budget.
3. High Pressure Beds are better than High Output Beds. Again, not true. High-pressure beds emit 99.5% UVA rays which darken the existing pigment in the skin. Our high output beds emit 97% UVA rays and 3% UVB rays. UVB rays are responsible for stimulating the skin to produce more melanin or pigment. Since the sun emits approximately 5% UVB rays, it is important to have the exposure before going outdoors. A tan achieved by exposure to UVA and UVB will be the best to avoid sun damage.
What To Expect On Your First Visit:
All new tanners are taken on a tour of Sun Salon’s facility and given information about each type of tanning bed. Next your specific skin type, tanning objective and cost factors are determined so that we can help you make the best decision to meet your tanning objectives. We will help you determine which bed(s) to use, tanning package, and lotion. Please feel free to ask whatever questions or concerns you may have before, during, or after your initial visit.
How long should it take before I have a tan?
You will see a difference after your first session. However, for most tanners, it takes about 3-5 sessions to establish a base tan. It is important that these tans are close to each other time wise, we recommend your first three sessions take place within 7 days. From this point, consistent tanning will enhance your color, or tanning once every 5-6 days will help maintain your color. It is important to remember that the level tanning bed you use and lotion are key factors in the tanning process.
Why should I pay for salon lotions when I can get it cheaper some place like Wal-Mart?
The old expression, "You get what you pay for," rings true. First, compare the ingredients of any mass merchant lotion to what is carried at Sun Salon. Cheap products have less moisturizers, enhancers, often lack bronzers or heat, and do not contain the scientifically-advanced tanning technologies found in such lotions as California Tan, Swedish Beauty, Australian Gold, Fiesta Sun, Pro Tan, Power Tan, and many others. Thus, these salon quality lotions offer a better tanning result, deeper moisturizers, and often a lack of the "after tan odor."
Why aren’t salon quality lotions sold at mass merchants?
First, mass merchants do not offer the expertise and counsel that we offer at Sun Salon. It is difficult for an individual tanner to understand all the variations among lotions and thus decide what is best. That is why we are here to help. Second, what is Wal-Mart's specialty, the cheapest prices, and not the best quality product.
Should I buy my lotions over the Internet?
NO! There are reasons lotions end up on the Internet. Many times these lotions are old, discontinued, salon returns (meaning it has been used several times), or 'bad batches' (meaning there was a problem with the mixture from productions). Lotions have a definite life of about one year, and climate control is key. Our lotions come from a reputable distributor and are labeled upon receipt to our salon. This ensures your products are fresh and will give the maximum results.
Why does Sun Salon stock so many different types of lotion?
Each tanner is different. Specific skin types, tanning objectives, and personal preferences vary among tanners. We realize that what we may like, you may not. Thus, we carry enough products to accommodate what each customer wants. And for those who don’t find what they want in our salon, we will special order any products available.
What are the stickers in each room?
Tanning stickers are a great way to track your progress. More than a cute accent, they offer a gage of what your color was before tanning. It is so easy to forget what color our skin was when we started, the stickers offer a friendly reminder and positive confirmation that you are getting darker.
Why are there different levels of tanning beds? Which one(s) can I use?
There are different levels of tanning beds to ensure that every persons needs and goals can be achieved. Anyone can use any of the different levels of beds, however, the certified tanning specialists at Sun Salon will use their judgment to determine the length of time for the session.
How do I protect my hair color?
Sun Salon is the only salon in the Richmond area to offer the "Tannie". This is a breathable cap worn over the hair to protect the color. They can also be washed and reused.
Why is my French manicure turning yellow?
The topcoat products used in many nail salons are not made to be exposed to UV light. Ask your nail technician to use a UV resistant topcoat to protect your manicure.
Do I wear clothes, a bathing suit, nothing?
This is up to each individual. Some tanners wear a full one-piece swimsuit, some a two-piece, some undergarments, some nothing. Wear what makes you comfortable. Keep in mind, if you are exposing sensitive skin, skin normally covered by clothing, be aware that during your first 5 sessions, to only expose those areas for 1/3 to 1/2 of your tan time. These areas need to be exposed more slowly then other body areas. For those interested, we carry "Tanning Tips," nipple covers. They are washable, reusable, and a great way to protect sensitive nipple skin.
YES! YES! YES! Goggles are provided and mandatory. A towel, sunglasses, or closing your eyes do not offer enough protection. Think of it this way, would you ever weld with only a towel or closing your eyes for protection. Failure to wear appropriate eye protection can result in lose of night vision, color, or even total blindness.
When do I shower in relation to tanning?
Showering should take place no earlier than 30-45 minutes after tanning. When you tan, there is a heat process occurring in your skin; anything that may cool or stop this will also discontinue the tanning.
Should I put my tanning lotion on my face?
We recommend using only lotions specifically designed for the face. Other products are thicker and heavier and will result in breakouts.
Outdoor Activities
While most people do not burn while tanning indoors, sunburns often occur from outdoor activities. Sunburns are a pinkening to reddening of the skin, usually accompanied by an itching or irritation. Sunburns take time to develop and often become worst several hours after leaving the UV light source.
If sunburn does develop these steps can help:
1. Dissipate the heat. Luke warm to cool water, either in a tub or shower. Soak for 15-20 minutes, up to several times, breaking for 20 minutes between. Do not use cold water as it contracts the skin and insulation the heat.
2. Once the skin is no longer warm, apply moisturizer. Do not apply lotion until the heat is dissipated as it will insulate the heat beneath the skin and worsen the burn.
3. Over the counter anti-inflammatory can ease discomfort or pain.
Always consult a doctor if you are worried about your burn or are in extreme pain. These recommendations are in no way a substitute for medical attention.
Can I use my tanning lotion outside?
It is not recommended to use the salon lotions outdoors. First and foremost they contain not SPF. Secondly, the contributing factors of sunburn such as UVB percentage, strength of the rays and time exposed cannot be controlled outdoors. The Sun Salon is able to control these factors to prevent you from burning.
What will happen to my freckles if I tan?
There are many opinions on the question. The one commen factor is that tanning normally makes freckles darker. However alot of this depends on the type of skin you have. So ask one of our trained staff to evaluate what tanning options would be best for you. There is no one answer to this question. Just as there is not one skin type.
Do I have to make an appointment?
As one of Richmond's largest Mega-Salons, appointments are not necessary. We are open 17 hours per day, you can tan when you want without the stress and long waits at other salons. We're here for you when you wnat to tan.
Absolutely!!!! We change our tanning lamps at their half life. This is so often that we never have to tell you to adjust your tanning times. Every Tan is like using a brand new bed. One more reason we continue to strive to be the best.
Who is our most important and famous customer?
Easy Question - You are our most important and famous customer.
No. Most tanning bulbs perform best at 70-74 degrees. When Salons get to hot, you actually get less tan. With over 4 times the average A/C, ( air conditioning ), capacity - you always fell comfortable and your beds perform the best at SUN SALON TANS!
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