The Do's and Don'ts of Sunbeds: Tips for Your Beauty Salon

In the ever-evolving landscape of beauty salon ideas, offering tanning services is a popular choice to meet the demands of clients seeking that sun-kissed glow. Sunbeds, when used correctly, can provide a convenient way for your customers to achieve a tan. However, ensuring their safe and effective use is also important. Let's delve into the do's and don'ts of sunbeds in your beauty salon, guiding you in making informed decisions for your business.

Do's: Ensuring a Safe and Enjoyable Tanning Experience

1. Education and Consultation

• Educate Your Staff: Comprehensive education is vital to equip your staff with a deep understanding of sunbed operation, potential risks, and safety measures. Regular training sessions should cover the nuances of safe sunbed use and how to address various client concerns effectively. The Sunbed Association has training that you and your staff can follow.
• Consultation: Initiate a thorough consultation with clients before sunbed usage. Assess their skin type, medical history, and any potential contraindications. This step is important in tailoring the tanning experience to each client's specific needs and ensuring their suitability for sunbed usage.

2. Monitor Exposure

• Limited Exposure: Regulate and limit tanning duration based on individual skin types to prevent overexposure and burns. Educate staff and clients on the recommended exposure times for different skin types.
• Regular Check-ins: Actively engage with clients during their tanning session. Regularly check their comfort levels, offer assistance, and ensure they follow safety guidelines, including eye protection.

3. Hygiene and Maintenance

• Cleanliness: Uphold exceptional hygiene standards in and around the sunbed area. Regularly clean and disinfect the sunbeds with a sunbed cleaner and the surrounding space, including the floor and any equipment, to prevent potential infections or skin irritations.
• Regular Maintenance: Schedule routine maintenance checks for sunbeds. Regularly inspect bulbs, timers, ventilation systems, and any safety features. Promptly address any malfunctions or signs of wear to maintain optimal performance and ensure client safety. If you rent a sunbed with Helionova, the maintenance is included in the monthly fee.

4. Skin Protection

• Provide Protective Eyewear: Emphasise the importance of appropriate eye protection during sunbed sessions. Ensure clients wear approved goggles or winkease to protect their eyes from UV exposure, reducing the risk of eye damage.
• Use of Lotions: Encourage the use of specially formulated tanning lotions and creams. They help moisturise the skin, helping to prevent dryness and potential irritation. They also enhance the tanning process, resulting in a more even and longer-lasting tan.

Don'ts: Avoiding Potential Risks

1. Excessive Exposure

• Avoid Overexposure: Never allow clients to exceed the recommended tanning durations for their specific skin type. Overexposure can lead to burns and premature ageing. Educate clients on the dangers of excessive tanning and emphasise the importance of adhering to the recommended exposure limits.

2. Unsupervised Usage

• No Unattended Sessions: Strictly prohibit clients from using sunbeds without supervision or proper guidance from trained staff. Unsupervised usage can result in misuse, incorrect settings, or longer-than-safe exposure times, potentially causing harm or injury.

3. Inadequate Maintenance

• Neglecting Repairs: Never delay addressing malfunctioning sunbeds. Any signs of malfunction, irregularities, or damage should be promptly reported and repaired by a qualified technician. Failing necessary repairs can compromise the safety and functionality of the sunbeds, putting clients at risk. Always prioritise the safety and well-being of your clientele by maintaining well-functioning equipment.

Final Steps: Mastering Sunbed Safety

Offering sunbeds in your beauty salon can add to the allure of your services. Still, it's essential to approach this with a focus on safety and client satisfaction. Follow the do's and don'ts highlighted in this post to ensure your clients a safe and enjoyable tanning experience. For more information on creating a safe environment, contact Helionova via email at sales@helionova.co.uk or browse our website for more tips.

FAQs: Sunbed Safety

Can anyone use sunbeds in a beauty salon?

While most individuals can use sunbeds, it's crucial to assess their skin type and consult with a professional for suitability to ensure a safe tanning experience.

How often should sunbeds be maintained in a beauty salon?

Sunbeds should undergo routine maintenance and checks at least once a month to ensure their proper functioning and safety features.

Are tanning lotions necessary when using sunbeds?

Tanning lotions are beneficial for moisturising the skin and enhancing the tanning process. They can also help prevent dryness and improve tan longevity.