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As a tanning salon owner, sunlamps are arguably one of the most important tools of your trade … But how much do you really know about them?

Sunlamps emit UVB, which stimulates melanin production in the skin, and UVA, which oxidizes that melanin and turns it brown. That’s Sunlamps 101 – something that every tanning professional knows. But there are many other aspects about these devices that not every salon operator is aware of. Fortunately, this industry is filled with sunlamp experts – whether they’re from the few key companies that manufacture lamps, or the many more that market their own lamp brands – who can provide valuable information for those looking to learn all they can about the subject.

For this story, we’ve picked the brains of many of the industry’s sunlamp gurus to find out everything you – the tanning salon owners – might need to know. And we’ve left no stone unturned –everything from what makes a good lamp product to how to take care of them, has been covered. There’s also some information about each of these company’s top-selling products, as well as a preview of what salon pros can expect from these companies next season. It all adds up to one awesomely complete story about sunlamps.

Australian Gold
Price vs. Cost
When it comes to sunlamps, Australian Gold believes in the adage, “You get what you pay for.” “There are many lamps on the market that cost less because they are made of economical phosphors that result in shorter lamp life,” said Jennifer Kamman, AG Marketing Research and Project Coordinator. “Over the life of a higher quality lamp, however, you will get more tanning sessions and better, darker results, which equals higher salon profits. The key is in the phosphors – higher quality phosphors produce a lamp with a longer service life and better color production.”

Australian Gold is best known for its Velocity 100W, Velocity Plus 100W, and Bronzing Sun 160W VSR, which the company describes as offering, “proven results, time after time. We will continuously work together with Wolff System Technology Corp. to develop lamps that represent the pinnacle of quality, with consistent performance and extended service life,” Jennifer Kamman added.

AUVL
Winning The “Tanning Race”
The race is on between tanning pros vying to be the No. 1 salon in their market. To win, it’s important to match the quality of the lamp with the quality of the tanning unit, within the limits of its compatibility. “Tanning lamps are like fuel to a car –a high-performance car needs to run on high octane, satisfying the demands of its driver,” said Twan Bentlage. “It’s the same for sunlamps – high-performance tanning units need lamps that can keep up with both the demands of the tanning unit and the expectations of your clients.”

AUVL’s 160-watt vertical reflector, 160-watt reflector and 100-watt reflector lamps are well known because of their vast compatibility with many other brand lamps. “Currently we are developing a complete new AUVL-Elite line utilizing superior quality phosphors, higher-grade cathodes and glass,” Twan said. “Our new lamp-end shielding technology will ensure less blackening than ever before, and the line will have a longer life with more consistent output over the entire life of the lamp.”

Cosmedico Light, Inc.
Quality Is No. 1
The folks at Cosmedico Light, Inc. say there’s a very simple reason why it’s never good to sacrifice quality for price – the money saved won’t compare to that which is eventually lost over the long haul. “The wrong lamps could sink you and your salon, costing you customers, which means a lot of lost money,” commented Penelope Harrison, Cosmedico Marketing Manager. “You need to use lamps from a company that stands behind their products; a company that will work to resolve issues and ensure product quality is 100 percent at all times.”

Cosmedico needs no introduction, as its products are ranked highly amongst the best of the best. The CosmoLux 9K90® lamps are the talk of the industry because of the exceptionally high amount of UVA light they emit and their long lamp life. If you think that’s impressive, wait until you hear about what they’re working on now. “In the general sense, we are developing new products that are more environmentally friendly and more energy efficient,” Penelope Harrison explained. “We believe both goals can be achieved without compromising the performance that Cosmedico’s customers have come to expect from our products. We expect to produce a ‘green’ UV lamp before the end of the year!”

CMC, Inc.
Do It Right The First Time
When it comes to purchasing sunlamps, salon pros need to do it right the first time and purchase high-quality products. That’s the advice from Creative Marketing Concepts, Inc., makers of Sun Capsule equipment. “All sunlamps are not the same,” said Wayne Chevie, Sun Capsule Senior Vice President. “Salon owners make the mistake of buying ‘inexpensive’ lamps, thinking they got a great deal, only to find out that the performance of those lamps drops off within the first 100 to 150 hours and they need to be replaced more often. In effect, the salon owner pays more in the long run by not investing in a high-quality brand.”

Although Sun Capsule is an equipment maker, the company knows quality lamps, and utilizes Cosmedico Light Inc. to manufacture sunlamps for its high-end stand-up systems. The three most popular lamps for Sun Capsule equipment are the 160-watt VHR/SC, the 160-watt Cosmolux VHR/HP and the 200-watt Cosmolux VHR/HP. As for the future, Sun Capsule tells the industry to stay tuned. “We have always been on the cutting edge of technology, and this year will be the most exciting product rollout in our 28-year history!” Wayne Chevie exclaimed.

Four Seasons Sales & Service
Condition: Critical
Salon owners need to be aware that the ambient conditions in their salons often affect the performance of their sunlamps. “Excess heat and poor ventilation will prevent a lamp from delivering the best tan possible, and will shorten its useable life,” said Teri Stephens, Four Seasons Sales & Service Manager, Parts & Lamps. “Tanning rooms should be of adequate size to accommodate equipment and ensure proper air flow around and through the unit. Also, adequate air conditioning, exhaust, and return air systems must be in place for a tanning unit and its tanning lamps to operate properly.” Voltage supply is another issue that Four Seasons identifies as being important to sunlamp performance. “If it’s too low, lamps will not meet their potential, and if it’s too high, the problems can be endless,” Teri commented. “Salon pros should have their incoming voltage checked regularly to ensure that the tanning units are operating according to the equipment manufacturer’s specifications,” she added.

Whether it’s the Radiance™ 7000 with its immediate results, the Radiance™ PWR Plus that delivers high-pressure results in a low-pressure format, or the Radiance™ HP quartz facial lamp, Four Seasons signature line is popular with tanning salons nationwide. “We have exciting new products on the horizon, including lamp models that will offer salon owners more choices, more value, and more ways to set themselves apart from their competition,” Teri commented.

Global Sun Light
It’s Who You Know
In business, there’s a saying that states a big part of your success is all in, “Who you know.” Global Sun Light believes that saying is true when it comes to salon owners purchasing sunlamps. “You should know who to call for the best advice on performance, technology and price,” said Dr. Frank Richarz, Global Sun Light Executive Director. “They should also keep in mind that it is not just the price of the lamp that determines the cost of re-lamping a tanning unit – the right advice and product choice will ensure better tanning performance and a longer usable life of the lamp.”

Global Sun Light continues to supply all Ergoline, Soltron and Sundash units on the market with high performance lamps. The company is excited about its new Genesis 9K90 120-watt model. “This lamp provides outstanding performance and a usable life of more than 1,500 hours,” Dr. Richarz said. “And when it comes to high-pressure UV, we are the specialists in this area – our high-pressure lamps are engineered to produce the same UV output with lower power consumption. This means salon owners earn higher profits through reduced operating costs, while their tanning clients achieve the same excellent results.”

Heartland Tan, Inc.
Dirt Is The Enemy
When it comes to sunlamps, Heartland Tan Inc. wants to remind salon pros about the importance of equipment maintenance. “If a unit is well maintained, you will get the most of your lamps,” said Melissa Ball, Heartland Lamp Manager. “Remember to make sure all fans are properly working, and all components of the tanning units are kept clean. Dust and dirt inside the unit affects the output of your lamps.” Ball said it’s also important for salon pros to replace lamps when needed. “Don’t wait until your customers go to the competition without telling you why,” she added. “Keeping up on regular lamp changes will give you the greatest return on your money.”

Heartland is best known for its private label Rave 160R and Rave 180R sunlamps, manufactured by Light Sources, Inc., with the company’s Sol Glass technology. “Sol Glass is a more pure lamp tube that allows more effective UVB to pass through the lamp wall, which allows us to use more UVA, and it’s our goal to continue promoting this new technology,” Ball said.

Heraeus Noblelight
Quality Advice
High-pressure sunlamps help tanners develop great color, but they also can create a lot of heat. Heraeus Noblelight wants to remind salon pros to “cool down” when operating their high-pressure equipment this season. “Inadequate airflow is the No. 1 reason for lamp degradation and premature failure,” explained Lyle Rhodes. “The body temperature must not exceed 1,742 degrees Fahrenheit, and pinch temperature – the temperature at the ‘pinch seal,’ where the lamp tube is melted together with the molybdenium foil and electrodes – must not exceed 662 degrees Fahrenheit.” As for reflector-style tube lamps, Heraeus offers good advice for salon owners shopping for sunlamps. “The angle of the reflector is important,” he added. “Tubes with a more open reflector angle create a homogenous irradiation field for even and beautiful tanning results. Those with a more closed reflector angle create a very focused irradiation field, which might cause stripes on the skin rather than the expected tanning results.”

Heraeus developed one of the first quartz lamps in 1904, and since then has released several top-quality quartz and tube lamps. “We have continued research and development to improve the UV output at lower wattage, saving energy costs and improving cooling,” Rhodes said. “We also continue to maintain the highest quality standards in the world. This affords salon owners a better buy for the dollar.”

Interlectric
“Consumer Reports”
Interlectric Corporation cautions salon pros against just purchasing the first sunlamps they find, as not all are created equal. “Salon owners should never underestimate the importance of market research,” said Jared Villella, Marketing Coordinator, Interlectric Corporation. “There’s no better way to ensure having the correct lamp type to provide the results preferred by the local target market.” He also stressed the importance of equipment maintenance. “Sunlamps will only perform as well as the equipment allows,” he explained. “Regularly cleaning and maintaining beds, checking ballasts, starters, acrylics, and monitoring equipment operating temperatures is crucial to ensuring maximum lamp performance.

With its manufacturing facility based in the U.S., Interlectric produces all of its popular sunlamps, including the X6500 series, Absolute Sun VHO and HO reflector lamps, and its flagship line, the Panther series. According to Jared Villella, the company has big plans for the future. “As a true

manufacturer, we feel it’s important to do our part in finding ways to help make indoor tanning a more eco-friendly industry, and we already have projects in the works for creating more environmentally-friendly tanning lamps,” he said.

Klafsun
Voltage Key
Klafsun North America wants to remind salon pros about the importance of proper incoming voltage to the overall sunlamp performance. “Voltage has the biggest impact on a sunlamp’s performance and life,” said Ian Broder, Klafsun Sales Manager. “In order to ensure optimum performance and lamp life, voltage should be monitored regularly. If it’s too low, it will cause the lamps to under-perform, while voltage that is too high will shorten the life of the lamp. Either will cause the ends of the lamps to blacken.”

Klafsun is known for its three popular low-pressure lamp products – Meridian Bronzer 100, Meridian 6+ 100, and Meridian VHO Plus 160. “We give the salon owners ultimate value because our lamps do what we say they will – produce great tanning results while performing in line with their hour ratings, at nominal voltage,” Broder said. “We’re all about helping salon owners earn money, and we will continue to offer lamps that provide both value and performance.”

Light Sources, Inc.
Know Your Needs
“Quality is of course, very important, but making the correct lamp selection based on understanding the salon’s individual customer base and unique preferences are also absolutes,” said Christian J. Sauska, Light Sources North American Sales Director. “It’s important to find a lamp brand that specializes in making a myriad of different lamp types for your clients’ tastes.”

Light Sources, Inc. is one of the most respected names in sunlamp manufacturing, and its Aurora and Signature Series are very popular with salon pros. Even more popular is the company’s latest innovation, Sol Glass. “Sol Glass technology is our most recent introduction to the tanning industry,” Christian J. Sauska said. “A product so different that although it’s been recently available, we’re just beginning to grasp its potential. We will focus on developing new lamp product lines based on this technology.”

Sunfit Lighting Inc.
A Matter of Time
To Sunfit Lighting, Inc., time is the secret to optimum lamp performance. “Sunlamp tanning power decreases over time, and to avoid disappointed tanners, lamps have to be replaced in a timely manner,” said Ad Brand, Sunfit Vice President. “The reason for depreciation is that tanning lamps, like all tubular lamps, need a (very) little mercury to be able to operate. The UV output decreases because some of this mercury in time slips in between the phosphor coating and the glass wall, thus increasingly filtering the UV output. The rated useful hours for tanning lamps is often overstated. Be sure to do your homework and choose lamps that offer many hours of useful life.”

Sunfit is famous for its Sunfit Plus Technology – found in the Sunfit RX lamp family – which features a match between an improved phosphor blend and a special open glass type for a minimal erythemal effect that delivers a maximum of melanin production.

“To improve that part of the performance of the SUNFIT tanning lamp family, our engineers developed a phosphor protected by a special, patented coating,” Ad Brand said. “This coating protects the phosphor from the mercury, keeping it from penetrating the layer and settling in the glass at a much lower pace. The result, a true 800 hours of useful life.”

Superior UV Technologies
Shop Around
When it comes to purchasing sunlamps, the folks at Superior UV Technologies say salon pros shouldn’t just buy the first product they find. It makes sense, they say, to shop around. “All lamps are not created equal,” commented Robert Klem, Superior President. “Insist on top quality lamps that offer greater output and longer life. Look for companies that not only specialize in UV lamps but also import or manufacture their own products.”

Superior UV Technologies’ high-pressure sunlamp products feature single-ended vertical plug-ins designed as replacements for today’s new parabolic facial tanners. “We will continue to develop new high-pressure lamps to meet the demands of the marketplace,” Robert Klem commented. “We pride ourselves on offering the finest quality, highest metering and longest lasting high-pressure lamps for virtually every tanning system, worldwide.”

Supra Technologies
What’s Important
When it comes to low-pressure sunlamps, there is a lot of talk about UVB percentages. Supra Technologies LLC wants to remind salon pros to think about what’s truly important. “It’s not the overall output of the lamp, as in mw/cm2, that is the deciding factor for customer satisfaction – it is the ratio of UVA to UVB they should be concerned with,” said Leif Vasström, Supra Principal. “Salon pros should pay particularly close attention to where these ratios peak on the nanometer scale and how high those peaks are. It’s also important to understand that the wattage supplied to ¬ the lamp alters its performance, and that the voltage supplied has an even greater impact on the UVB.” High-pressure sunlamps remain an enigma in the industry, Supra believes, but the company has some advice for salons looking for the right high-pressure product. “To better understand the product, it would serve all well to measure the drop in UVB,” Vasström added.

Supra’s latest offering is the Sunshine Vitamine® VITD3 Fluorescent Lamp Collection for distinguished salons. The company is also known for its Supra® Collection, a premium high-pressure quartz lamp manufactured in Germany that’s been in use as a name brand and private label for the past 30 years. “We will continue to improve and expand on our product lines and assist salon owners in better understanding our products,” Leif Vasström commented. “We intend to expand on training courses both through our website and the training of our OEMs, distributors and their sales people. We also plan to actively support the ITA both directly and financially, as well as through public awareness via the Sunshine Vitamine® marketing programs.

Voltarc
Choose Wisely
Voltarc Technologies, Inc. knows that the relationship you have with your customers is only as good as their last tan; meaning, your choice of tanning lamps will directly affect your success. “We’ve conducted comprehensive interviews and written surveys with tanning salon professionals as well as salon tanners in order to understand what people really want in a tanning lamp,” said Andrew Anello, Voltarc National Sales & Market Manager-Tanning Products. “Overwhelmingly, the single most important issue to a tanner is the quality of their tan. In other words, your business is about providing consistent high quality tanning results so your customers are likely to return indefinitely.”

Voltarc’s flagship product is its PWR Series™, and the company is also known for its popular SST and GTX Series™ sunlamps. “Voltarc is committed to producing lamps that provide a high value in terms of useful life and tanning results,” Anello said. “Over the next twelve months, we’ll introduce several new tools that will make lamp selection easy for salon professionals without technical complication. You have so many choices between length, wattage, bi-pin or RDC configuration, colors, reflectors, etc. We do not want these technical features to be an obstacle when selecting tanning lamps for your salon. We expect our new tools will positively benefit salon professionals and their customers.”

Wolff System Technology Corp.
Treat ’Em Right
Not all lamps are created equally, but Wolff System Technology Corp. believes that taking care of your lamps is the secret to getting the most out of them. “Due to variables such as maintenance procedures, equipment ventilation and voltage irregularities, actual service life can and often does differ,” said Michael Stepp, Wolff CEO. “The best way to manage this aspect is good equipment maintenance and regular monitoring of UV output with an economical hand-held radiometer. This will help you replace depreciated sunlamps before you get customer complaints.”

Wolff System’s sunlamp products need no introduction – they’ve been faithfully serving the indoor tanning industry for the past 29 years. The company’s three lamp families – Bronzing Sun, Eternal Sun and Velocity – do double duty; they’re very popular as the original lamp as well as replacements. “In the future, more of our sunlamps will utilize newer phosphor technology, which has a lot of UVA1 for durable, delayed pigment darkening, as well as very little UVA2, which is most closely associated with wrinkle formation, and the most effective UVB for stimulation of pigment formation. These lamps, such as Bronzing Sun HPK90, will not only delight the tanners, but also salon pros because the lamp life is 20 percent or more longer than our conventional sunlamps, which are already known for their extended service life.”

Knowledge is Power
It’s no secret…sunlamps are the most delicate yet most powerful tools of the indoor tanning trade. That’s why the more you know about them, the better – your customers will be happier because of the awesome tanning results they’re getting at your salons. And after all, that’s what it’s all about!

IST wishes to thank all of the sunlamp and acrylic company representatives who participated in this article.

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