Do I need a sunbed salon or can I do it myself?
TL;DR: Home sunbeds are cheaper upfront but require space and maintenance. Salons offer professional guidance, variety, and hygiene standards. Your choice depends on budget, frequency of use, and how comfortable you are managing equipment safely at home.
Introduction
Getting a suntan doesn’t have to mean waiting for summer holidays in the UK. Sunbed salons have become popular for achieving that golden glow year-round. But with home sunbeds becoming more affordable, you might wonder which option suits you best. The choice between a sunbed salon and a home sunbed depends on several factors. Your budget, how often you’ll use one, and your living space all matter. This guide’ll help you decide what works for you. We’ll look at the pros and cons of each option so you can make an informed choice.
Should I Buy a Home Sunbed or Use a Salon?
A home sunbed costs £300-£2,000 upfront but saves money long-term. Salons cost £5-£15 per session with no equipment costs. Home sunbeds suit regular users who want convenience. Salons work better if you use them occasionally or want professional advice. Think about your tanning habits first. If you visit a salon weekly, home ownership becomes cheaper after about a year. Casual users benefit from salon flexibility without maintenance responsibilities.
Home sunbeds need space. You’ll need a dedicated room with proper ventilation. Salons eliminate storage concerns entirely. They’re ideal if you live in a flat or small house. You also won’t worry about equipment breakdown or repairs at home.
What Are the Safety Differences Between Home and Salon Sunbeds?
Professional salons follow strict health regulations and maintain equipment to safety standards. Home sunbeds rely on your own maintenance and knowledge. Salon staff receive training about skin types and recommended session lengths. They’ll advise you on safe usage and monitor your tanning progress. Home sunbeds come with instructions, but you’re responsible for following them correctly.
Safety matters enormously with sunbeds. Overuse causes skin damage and increases skin cancer risks. Salons limit your session time based on your skin tone. They track your visits to prevent excessive exposure. At home, you might miscalculate or lose track of sessions. Professional staff also notice skin changes and can recommend dermatologist visits if needed.
Equipment quality varies significantly. Salon sunbeds get regular servicing and bulb replacement. Home units rely on you maintaining them properly. Poor maintenance means decreased effectiveness and potential safety hazards.
How Much Will I Actually Save With a Home Sunbed?
Initial costs range from £300-£2,000 for home sunbeds. Salon visits cost £5-£15 each, with packages around £50-£100 monthly. Calculate your actual usage before buying. If you tan twice weekly at £10 per session, that’s £40 monthly or £480 yearly. A basic home sunbed (£600) pays for itself in 15 months. However, add electricity costs (roughly £20-£40 monthly) and occasional bulb replacements (£100-£300 yearly). Your real savings shrink considerably.
Salon packages often reduce per-session costs. Monthly memberships at £60-£80 are common. This beats home ownership if you use salons three times weekly or less. Salons also don’t require maintenance expenses or electricity bills.
Can I Maintain a Home Sunbed Easily?
Home sunbeds need regular cleaning, bulb replacements every 6-12 months, and electrical checks. You’ll spend time maintaining equipment to keep it safe and effective. Most people underestimate these responsibilities. Dirty sunbeds reduce tanning efficiency and harbour bacteria. Salons handle all maintenance professionally.
Bulb replacement becomes expensive over time. Quality replacement bulbs cost £80-£150 each. You might need to replace multiple bulbs annually depending on usage. Salons include this in their service fees. Electrical safety checks should happen regularly. You’ll need technical knowledge or must hire professionals.
Conclusion
Choosing between home and salon sunbeds requires honest self-assessment. Home ownership makes sense if you’re a frequent user with dedicated space and maintenance commitment. Salons suit occasional users, those in small spaces, or people wanting professional guidance. Most UK users find salons more convenient and safer overall. They provide expert advice without equipment responsibilities. Ready to find a professional sunbed salon? Find a sunbed salon near you by searching our free UK directory. Browse salons in your area, check reviews, and book your first session today.
FAQ
Can I get sunburned on a sunbed?
Yes, absolutely. Sunbeds emit strong UV rays that can cause burns just like sun exposure. Always follow recommended session times and gradually build up your tanning routine.
How often should I use a sunbed?
Most experts recommend no more than twice weekly for experienced tanners. Beginners should start with once weekly sessions of 5-10 minutes.
Are sunbeds safe?
Sunbeds carry skin cancer risks when overused. They’re safer when used occasionally with proper precautions and professional guidance.
What’s the difference between UVA and UVB sunbeds?
UVA sunbeds create darker tans. UVB promotes vitamin D production. Most salons use combination beds. Ask staff which type suits your skin.
Do I need special lotion for sunbeds?
Using specialist sunbed lotion enhances results and protects skin. Regular sunscreen isn’t suitable as it prevents tanning.