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The Basics There are many UV-free booths and airbrush systems for salon pros to choose from. Although there are many options in sunless equipment, they all operate on the same general principal - a liquid solution containing dihydroxyacetone (DHA) is sprayed onto tanners' bodies, causing the skin to turn brown through a chemical reaction. There are clear solutions, and many contain a bronzing agent that will create immediate color. The bronze color will wash off and the DHA starts creating the tan a few hours after the session - sometimes taking several hours until the full effect is realized. For specifics on several companies that manufacture or distribute sunless tanning equipment, see the listing on page 61-65.Why Offer Sunless? There are several reasons why adding a UV-free system to a traditional tanning salon is a good idea. "We focused on creating something to complement indoor tanning, but some people were concerned that a sunless booth would compete with sunbeds," said Dr. Tom Laughlin, inventor of the Mist-On sunless tanning booth. "Once we started placing the booths in salons, it increased usage of tanning beds by up to 30 percent."Troy Cooper, CEO of Mystic Tan, Inc., said clients who use sunbeds can get darker, faster by also using sunless. "Sometimes the attitude sunless tanners have about tanning salons changes, and they can provide good word-of-mouth about the salon," Troy commented. Tim Niedel, president of MagicTan, LLC, said sunless tanning is a good alternative for people who can't participate in traditional UV tanning. "People of all ages use sunless tanning and they like to see the instant results," Tim said. "It also helps boost revenue - you can do 30-50 sessions a day." It's In the Air Airbrush tans offer a few unique options for tanners. Kirk Knapp, manager of Bahama Body System™, said these systems allow clients to tan specific parts of their body - such as their face. "Airbrush is an alternative for clients who might be claustrophobic, and it gives them personalized service," Kirk added. Offering sunless tanning also helps salons stay competitive.Jeff Whitaker, COO of Exotic Tanning Systems, said everyone can enjoy airbrush tanning. "These systems can create a separate profit center for salon pros because it attracts a wide variety of clients," he said. Tammy Van Dyke, president of Jamaica Me Tan, said many people think airbrush tanning is fun, and often leave the salon feeling better about themselves. Get the Word Out! Once the booth is installed, or even before it arrives, it certainly pays to promote it to bring in the most business. "The sales associate needs to use the booth so they can give clients a testimonial," Tom Laughlin suggests. "This is still new to many people and they need to feel comfortable with it." Troy Cooper suggests sending a press release to all forms of local media for exposure. "This is a product that the media likes to talk about," he said. "When promoting your sunless booth, don't knock UV tanning. We're all in the tanning business - just promote the positive aspects of both types of tanning."To promote airbrush tanning, start at the beginning - let current tanners know it is available, Tammy Van Dyke said. "Exotic Tanning Systems offers many point-of-purchase brochures and other promotional materials to help clients market these services to their clients," Jeff Whitaker explained. "We also offer advice for radio spots, print media, and other forms of advertising." Exotic Tanning Systems isn't the only company that offers such assistance, so make sure to ask if materials are available. Tammy Van Dyke said salons can also cross-promote with health clubs or other businesses in a similar market. Kirk Knapp remarked that since sunless tanning is still quite novel, his clients have been successful by contacting local radio stations. "Contact a popular radio station and offer the DJ a complimentary tan - he'll usually talk about it and give your airbrush system some good word of mouth," he said. "This can also be done by contacting a writer for the women's section of an area newspaper, and sometimes a local TV anchor." Shopping Tips When researching sunless booths, make sure to compare apples to apples instead of being influenced solely by price. Tom Laughlin said shoppers should ask how easy the system is to maintain, how many tans can be done in one day, what the service record for the equipment is, and how easy it is for the tanner to use. "Sales representatives will always tell you what you want to hear," Troy Cooper said. "Talk to salon pros who own the equipment you're interested in to get their point of view." Troy also recommends seeking systems that aren't very complicated, as they will most likely be easier to operate, maintain, and repair. "My No. 1 question concerns reliability," Tim Niedel stated. "I want to know that the equipment is not going to break down and if it does, there will be someone easily available to help with a problem."There are even more brands of airbrush tanning systems than there are booths to research! However, some of the principles of smart shopping are the same. "Make sure the system has a good warranty," Kirk Knapp said. "If it's good equipment, they should stand behind it. Look for a money-back guarantee." He also said to seek a system that operates with little over-spray so there is less clean-up between clients. And don't overlook that which powers the airbrush. "Salon pros should do their research to make sure the compressor system is a quality product that offers consistent pressure to ensure that the solution is applied evenly throughout the session," said Jeff Whitaker. Tammy Van Dyke said good customer service is key, and one indicator is the amount of time a representative will spend with you to explain the system and answer your questions. "You need to make sure the equipment meets your needs," she added. "Some of the smaller airbrush systems might not suffice if you have a high volume of clients." And, of course, one of the best shopping tips for any sunless equipment is: try it yourself. It's obvious that the spray is here to stay, along with UV tanning. For those salon pros considering investing in a UV-free system, now's the time to get serious about it. After all, whom would you rather see earning all that extra revenue, you or your competition? Plus, with so many sunless booths and airbrush systems available, there's bound to one perfect for the needs and demands of your salon clientele. On your mark … get set … spray! So, What's the Solution? A variety of DHA solutions are on the market and designated for use in sunless booths and airbrush systems. Here are a few tips for finding the right solution.When researching sunless solutions, keep these points in mind:
MagicTan, llc Mystic Tan, Inc. Tan Systems, Inc. Mist-On Systems, Inc. Heartland Tanning, inc. Tan Source Supply, Inc. Bronz Mist, inc. Safety First!Accessories Should be Used for Sunless, Tooby John P. RibnerSunless tanning systems can be a lucrative addition to any salon's offerings, but salon professionals need to be aware of a few safety issues that have surfaced recently.With the popularity of UV-free tanning systems also come some health concerns - much like anything else that has to do with tanning. Many, including members of the Food and Drug Administration, are concerned about the effects of exposing the eyes, lips and nasal passages to DHA (Dihydroxyacetone). But several companies in the indoor tanning industry are making sure that tanners will be protected during their sunless sessions. Keep in mind that while the FDA approved DHA more than 30 years ago, the approval was limited to topical use of the substance. Sunless tanning sprays hadn't been developed back then and the organization did not study its possible effects on the eyes, lips or nasal passages. Because of this, the FDA has suggested that tanners protect these areas and avoid inhalation or ingestion of the DHA spray during a UV-free session. Many makers of sunless booths have responded by offering protective accessories for tanners.MagicTan To ensure the safety of its tanners, MagicTan has made some protective items to compliment the UV-free tanning experience. In addition to recommending tanners use goggles or disposable eyewear during sunless sessions, the company also manufacturers nose filters and disposable undergarments for tanners, which are available from all MagicTan distributors.Mystic Tan As a responsible manufacturer, Mystic Tan has produced nose filters and goggles for tanners to wear during sessions in the company's UV-free booths. Mystic Tan also provides an educational brochure and demonstration video for clients to view. The company urges all salon pros to stress the importance of using the eyewear and nose filters.The Mist Free Filter "In with the good…" that's the concept behind The Mist Free Filter. Designed by salon owner Jim Botzen, this device allows tanners to breath freely during a sunless session while the small, plastic device filters DHA and other particles from the air in the booth. Botzen recommends tanners also wear goggles and an SPF lip balm during their sessions.The Snuffler The Original Snuffler, a filtering device made by Neusun Corp., allows UV-free tanners to breath easily during their session. Concerned about the issue of clients inhaling DHA, salon owner Shawn Kaye designed the filter apparatus - which resembles a sports mouthguard - to filters out all DHA particles and other elements associated with sunless spray from the air in the booth. Kaye advocates the use of goggles and an SPF lip balm during sunless sessions.It's Up to You! As salon pros, it's your job to both stock protective accessories, and educate your clients about the importance of using them. You already do this with your UV tanning, and it's no different with sunless. For those salon pros who offer airbrush tanning services, you might want to consider employing some of these protective accessories to ensure your clients' complete safety. |
