A Longer Sunless Tan

Our customers ask us on a daily basis how they can go about prolonging their spray tan. Basically, they just want their golden airbrushed tan to last a little longer. There are a few things people can do to lengthen the life of their spray tan.

One of the first things we ask our customers to do is to exfoliate their skin prior to getting airbrushed. The outer layer of skin, the area that gets tanned, is subject to the regular, natural exfoliation that the body goes through. The body naturally leaves some areas drier than others and using a dermal exfoliator helps remove the dry skin leaving it fresh to serve as the base for the sunless tan. Exfoliating helps prolong the tan because your body won’t shed the fresher skin as quickly as it would have the drier skin.

The second step to getting a longer lasting sunless tan is by preparing the skin with a PH balance spray just prior to the spray tan. The PH balance treatment will help remove excess oils and perfumes and helps the tanning solution penetrate the outer skin layer.

Showering immediately after airbrush tanning is a huge mistake. Showering, and doing any activity that may cause sweating, right after tanning could cause streaks to form and does not give the skin enough time to absorb the tanning agent (DHA). It is best to ask your supply representative how long customers should wait before showering given that various airbrush tanning solutions have different development periods. There are accelerated solutions that require about 4-5 hours, and the more common solution requires about 10-12 hours to set.

Since the active ingredient (DHA)in the tanning solution has a drying effect, it is imperative that moisturizer is used, afterward, to help make the tan last longer. Keeping moisturized helps the body refrain from naturally exfoliating the skin as quickly, leading to a longer tan. In addition to regular moisturizing, there are moisturizers with DHA that help keep the tan maintained a little better by lightly tanning the skin.

Wearing loose clothing also helps prolong the tan. Any clothes that may cause friction against the skin acts as an exfoliator. Basically, you don’t want your skin to exfoliate, because that would mean you losing your tan at a quicker rate.

Opening During Recession

Starting a tanning salon business during an economic recession sounds like a daunting task, but major businesses have flourished during rough times. Hyatt, Burger King, IHOP, FedEx, Microsoft, and Trader Joe’s all started during an economic downturn. Businesses that are geared to fill a hole in the market, or streamline business operations tend to come out ahead. Of course during a recession, entrepreneurs should take some extra precautions like creating feasible business plans and making careful projections.

One of the biggest advantages of starting a business during a recession is the fact that you can get good deals on leasing business spaces. “According to Grubb & Ellis, the average retail rental rate was up 1.7% in 2007, but is showing a big decline in rental rates- some instances as low as 10%, with a forecast for even lower rates (Articlesbase).”

Sometimes just opening a business makes more sense than standing in an unemployment line. If you could find the capital to open, you could be well on your way to a successful business.

Sources:
http://www.insidecrm.com/features/businesses-started-slump-111108/
Articlesbase – http://www.articlesbase.com/business-articles/great-deals-in-the-market-on-office-leasing-in-todays-economy-787810.html

Tanning Salons Needs to Diversify

If you own a tanning salon, then you know that this business is seasonal. Having a tanning salon that only attracts customers looking to get a tan works well during the tanning season, which varies across the nation. But, what about the off-season? If your customers are not looking to come in to get a tan during certain months of the year, what can you do? Well, you have to offer other services that will appeal to your current customer base. Salons have been adding Infrared Body Wrap Systems, Infrared Massage Beds, skincare products, Dermabrasion Systems, and spa capsule systems. These types of services are usually found in day spas but, by adding them to you salon, you will certainly complement your tanning service with these additional services providing more revenue during the off-season.

Some of these services actually work best in your off-season such as the infrared body wrap systems. These systems claim to have weight loss benefits, can contour your body, and can improve the appearance of cellulite. Most tanning salon’s slow times usually occur during November, December and January and these are the perfect times to sell this particular service. Not only will it supplement your tanning income and get you through the slow season, it will help boost your revenue and growth during the rest of the year.

Dermabrasion Systems and Skin Care Products are also very popular and you may benefit by just having them available in your salon. Keep in mind, though, that some of these day spa products or equipment may require some licensing. Check with your state or Board of Cosmetology to find out if licensing is required in your state.

By offering additional services in your tanning salon, you are more likely to see more revenue from your current customers and you are likely to see your customer pool rise. If people who don’t normally tan come in to your salon to have a session on the body wrap or have an appointment for dermabrasion, you would be making money that you otherwise would have not. And, since they are already in your tanning salon, you will have the opportunity to introduce and sell them on your tanning services.

So, if you own a tanning salon, or are looking to start one, know that the business is a seasonal one. Expand your service offerings, with services such as the infrared body wrap or dermabrasion systems, in order to increase revenue during the slow part of the year. The more people you have visiting your salon throughout the year, because of additional services, the better the opportunity to sell them any of your services.