Sun Tan City FAQs | Your Tanning Questions Answered

FAQs

For your convenience, we’ve collected quick answers for all your tanning-related questions, so you can get on with a primo plan to create your perfect tan.
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Tanning Bed
Spray Tanning
General
Owning a Franchise
Membership

Tanning Bed

How do I get the best tan possible?

We recommend combining tanning beds and spray tanning in one visit. We call it a “Double Dip.” This combination will give you the fastest, most natural-looking tan available.

 

Why am I always asked if I have goggles before a sun tanning session?

Wearing goggles every time you tan is a requirement. State and federal regulations require that every time you tan, you must wear eyewear that protects against tanning rays. Your eyelids, regular sunglasses, towels, or other non-regulation compliant items will not filter out tanning rays. It takes a specially formulated lens to protect your eyes from tanning exposure. We care about your safety, which is why we make absolutely certain that you have federally compliant eyewear each time you choose us for your sun tanning experience.

Can anyone tan in tanning beds at Sun Tan City?

Everyone’s skin is different, and while a great majority of people can take full advantage of our state-of-the-art tanning options, tanning beds may not be the best choice for everyone. The FDA recommends that you consider the following before enjoying  tanning. If you’re prone to reddening, indoor tanning beds and lamps mimic the sun’s rays. If your skin reacts to sun exposure by reddening instead of tanning, it will not react differently in a tanning bed. If you are currently on a medication that causes your skin to be more sensitive to sun exposure, you should be careful when choosing a tanning option. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re unsure how sun exposure will affect you. If sun tanning isn’t the right choice for you, you can still get a great tan in the same private environment with one of our spray tanning options.

Is there a minimum tanning age?

Sun Tan City welcomes anyone 18 and older to come in to experience our quality tanning bed at any time. However, we do employ strict age guidelines for those under the age of 18—the FDA-recommended minimum age for tanning beds. The minimum age for tanning is regulated by individual state laws.

Generally, unless regulated by your state laws, if you’re between the ages of 14 and 18 and would like to enjoy our tanning bed options, you’re welcome to do so, provided that your parent or legal guardian co-signs for your Sun Tan City Membership and provides his or her informed consent for you to use our tanning bed equipment and other services–by signing our parental consent form.

If you’re under 16, we ask that your parent or guardian stay at the facility for the duration of your tanning session. No one under age 14 may use a tanning bed.

However, anyone can use our spray tan booths, and we fully encourage it!

 

 

How do I know the tanning bed is clean?

Our goal is to make sure you have complete peace of mind while you’re enjoying time in a Sun Tan City tanning bed or spray tanning booth. That’s why we take sanitation of our facilities and equipment very seriously. You will never be left wondering about cleanliness when you choose Sun Tan City for your tanning experience. After each client completes his or her tanning session, our employees prepare the room and the tanning bed or booth for its next use. All tanning equipment, both tanning beds and spray booths, are sanitized using Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved products. We don’t stop there. Any and all additional furniture that could come in contact with one of our guests during a tanning session is properly cleaned prior to use. This includes pillows, cushions, tabletops, handles and acrylic surfaces. Finally, once a Sun Tan City employee has properly sanitized all applicable equipment, the cleaning is recorded in our computer system and marked as complete. We will always have a record of the room and tanning booth being sanitized prior to your visit.

When is the best time to tan?

With indoor tanning, you can tan at whatever time of day you like, any time of year, and your tanning exposure will be equal and consistent each time you tan.

Do I have to make an appointment at Sun Tan City?

Nope! In order to offer tanning sessions at Sun Tan City on your schedule, tanning visits are first-come, first-serve. However, you can check-in to tan in when you're logged in and on our App! 

What should I bring if I want to start tanning at Sun Tan City?

If you’ve never tanned with Sun Tan City, please be sure to bring a valid photo ID, and either your checking account information or a credit/debit card if you are interested in signing up for a Sun Tan City Membership. If you’re under the age of 18, and your state permits minors to tan using a tanning bed, you’ll need to bring a photo ID and your legal parent or guardian. Your parent or guardian can purchase a Membership for you, and must still present a valid form of payment. He or she will need to sign our Membership Agreement Form. 

Your state doesn’t permit minors to tan in a tanning bed? No problem. You can get a beautiful, natural-looking spray tan—no matter your age. If you’re under 16, your parent or guardian must remain present for your entire visit. Other items you may want to bring include the following:

  • Swimwear: Whether you plan to wear it or not, it’s good to have one on hand to protect sensitive areas.
  • Goggles: Required by law and available for purchase for your convenience at Sun Tan City salons.
  • Lip Balms: You should always protect this sensitive skin during your sessions. Lip balm is available for purchase at Sun Tan City.
  • Tanning Lotion: You may not bring outdoor tanning lotion or lotion that is not approved for indoor tanning use. Sun Tan City has a wide variety of tanning lotions and extenders available for purchase.
What should I wear when tanning in a tanning bed?

Your room at Sun Tan City is entirely private, and employees will not interrupt you during your tanning session. You are free to wear whatever you like to make the most of your tanning experience. Many of those who enjoy private indoor tanning do so in the nude. Nude tanning provides the most even coverage, as well as a sense of total-body relaxation you just can’t get anywhere else. However, because tender areas of your body are exposed during your sessions that are not accustomed to being exposed to sunlight, you will want to introduce your body to nude exposure at a relaxed pace. For those with concerns about sanitation or modesty, you are also welcome to tan wearing swimwear of any coverage level, or any other tan-through fabric item of clothing. The choice is yours!

How do I tan?

Sun tanning is an easy, natural process that anyone can enjoy. But the secret to great tanning lies in proper skin preparation and proper aftercare. That’s because tanning doesn’t stop after you’ve stepped out of the tanning bed. In fact, tanning is a continual process that you’ll become aware of many hours after your visit! Be sure to talk with your Tanning Consultant about these important steps before you tan:

UV protective goggles. State and federal regulations require that every time you tan, you must wear eyewear that protects against 99% of UVA rays and 99.9% of UVB rays. We offer temporary and multi-use goggles for purchase at every Sun Tan City location.

Tan times. Your Tanning Consultant will be able to gauge your skin type and recommend a length of tanning session that will be the best choice for you. Tanning for too long can lead to overexposure and reddening.

Lotions. Using a specialized lotion during your tanning session will help you tan faster and maintain your tan longer.

When you’re ready to tan, your Tanning Consultant will take you to your room and show you how to work the equipment. Once you’re ready, simply push the start button and relax, or if you prefer, the bed will automatically begin after five minutes. Lower the lid, and you’re ready to go!

What can I expect after tanning?
After sun tanning, our hope is that you feel warm and relaxed and that you continue to feel your best throughout the rest of your day. However, you may not see results immediately following your tanning session. You may feel the glow of your skin at work, but your bronze color may not be visible for several hours. In fact, it may continue for up to 24 hours! To nurture your skin and make sure your tan reaches its full golden color, consider investing in one of our specially formulated tan-extending lotions before you leave Sun Tan City. These products are designed to keep skin soft and healthy and keep your tan looking its best.
What should I do to care for my tan?

All of our products are formulated to help your skin stay well-nourished and moisturized and to keep your tan glowing and vibrant. Ask your Tanning Consultant which products are the best for your skin type before you leave Sun Tan City. When showering, consider using the gentle ingredients of a tan-extending body wash. It is a great way to cleanse your skin while also nourishing and extending your tan.

After showering, liberally apply one of our tan extenders. Our tan-extending lotions feature special enhancers that will make your tan stay vibrant longer while nourishing and softening skin. Be sure to drink plenty of water to nourish your skin from the inside, too, for maximum tan effectiveness. Finally, be sure to wait a full 24 hours for the tanning process to complete before coming back to tan again. As long as your skin stays soft and healthy and shows no signs of reddening, Sun Tan City welcomes you to come back in order to deepen your color and maintain your shine.

Can I exchange my sun tanning lotion?

Absolutely! Returns and exchanges are always simple at Sun Tan City. We think you will find our 60-Day Exchange Policy to be both friendly and convenient.

What is photosensitivity?

Photosensitivity is a condition that causes your skin to be more sensitive to sunlight, meaning it will have more intense reactions when using a tanning bed. These reactions may go beyond the usual symptoms of sunburn. It’s very important to know whether or not your skin is photosensitive before using a tanning bed or booth. How can you tell if you’re photosensitive? It’s very important to consult with your doctor before you begin tanning if you believe that any of your current medications may contain agents that would make your skin photosensitive. If you’re not sure, please ask a pharmacist or doctor. Photosensitive skin will not tan properly, and it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Can I tan over my tattoos?

Absolutely! You can build and maintain a great tan while being mindful of your body art.

Before coming in for a tanning session at Sun Tan City, make sure any recent tattoos are completely healed. If you’re not sure if a tattoo is completely healed, speak with your tattoo artist. He or she will likely be able to tell you if your tattoo is healed enough to visit Sun Tan City. If your tattoo isn’t ready and you still want to tan, please consult your tattoo artist as to the best way to protect your tattoo from UV exposure.

Healed tattoos and older tattoos can be protected as you tan by applying a high SPF lotion to the tattooed area prior to starting your tanning session. The tanning process can fade tattoo ink over time. Be sure to protect your body art with sunblock, so its colors stay as vibrant as your tan.

 

Spray Tanning

What is Anti-Aging & Skin Firming Moisturizer treatment?

An Anti-Aging & Skin Firming Moisturizer treatment is an additional experience available at the end of your spray tanning session. The Anti-Aging & Skin Firming Moisturizer treatment contains three beneficial ingredients in one easy step to help finalize your spray tanning session:

  1. A special moisturizer. This nourishes your skin from head to toe, keeping it smooth and supple, allowing the spray tanning formula to seal more evenly from head to toe. Skin that is well moisturized is more likely to bond with the bronzing solution to help your color go deeper. Moisturize often, even after your treatment, to maintain a consistent, sunny glow for seven days or more! 
  2. A small amount of additional bronzing formula. This helps your tan last even longer. This formula contains Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved natural derivatives and sugars that continue the spray tanning process for up to six hours.
  3. Natural ginger root extract. The extract helps eliminate any fragrance from the tanning solution once it is applied, and it’s also one of the best-known anti-aging ingredients in nature. Natural antioxidants found in ginger root help your skin stay smooth, firm, flexible and healthy throughout the spray tanning process. The next time you visit Sun Tan City, give one of our anti-aging, skin-firming moisturizing treatments a try, or learn more about our spray tanning products.

If I get a spray tan can I use a tanning bed, too? What's a Double Dip?

Yes! In fact, we recommend it. At Sun Tan City, we call this two-step process the “Double Dip,” and it provides our clients with one of the fastest, most natural-looking instant tans available.

Here’s how the Double-Dip works: First, you’ll spend a relaxing session in any of our tanning beds. The Instant tanning bed uses revolutionary tanning technology and is the very best Sun Tan City has to offer for those looking for a deep base tan in the fewest number of visits. From there, you’ll step into one of our spray tan booths, featuring a private, open-air design that allows your body to cool from the warmth of the tanning bed. Our specially formulated spray tan solution will be applied in a light, cooling mist to soothe, nourish and soften skin. Add an anti-aging, skin-firming moisturizing treatment to the end of your session for a naturally enriched extra step that will help your spray tan last longer and keep your skin soft.

You’ll come away shining brightly with a sunny, even, bronze tan immediately after your visit. And the results last even longer than if you’d used a tanning bed or spray tan booth individually! Choosing the Double Dip can accomplish several things: it can darken stubborn tans instantly, get you prepped for a wedding or event, or help you get the color results you want while working on a base tan. The Double Dip is one of Sun Tan City’s most fabulous ways to shine!

Will my skin look orange after a spray tan?

Spray tan technology and equipment has come a long way! We have several different formulas to suit a wide range of client skin types and tones. With breakthroughs in spray-tanning technology and guidance from our expert Tanning Consultants to help you choose the right solution for your skin type, you’re guaranteed a beautiful, natural-looking tan! Additionally, our spray tan bronzing formula is packed with natural ingredients to keep your skin nourished and help it absorb the solution for an improved look and feel of a natural tan. 

What should I do to care for my tan?

All of our products are formulated to help your skin stay well-nourished and moisturized and to keep your tan glowing and vibrant. Ask your Tanning Consultant which products are the best for your skin type before you leave Sun Tan City. When showering, consider using the gentle ingredients of a tan-extending body wash. It is a great way to cleanse your skin while also nourishing and extending your tan.

After showering, liberally apply one of our tan extenders. Our tan-extending lotions feature special enhancers that will make your tan stay vibrant longer while nourishing and softening skin. Be sure to drink plenty of water to nourish your skin from the inside, too, for maximum tan effectiveness. Finally, be sure to wait a full 24 hours for the tanning process to complete before coming back to tan again. As long as your skin stays soft and healthy and shows no signs of reddening, Sun Tan City welcomes you to come back in order to deepen your color and maintain your shine.

General

Where can I find Sun Tan City’s current specials?

On this website, visit our Deals & Promos page. On social media visit us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest, and keep an eye out for special offers. Sign up for a Sun Tan City Membership to save even more.

What are some great before, during and after tanning tips?

Stay moisturized and hydrated. Don’t wear makeup or perfumes before you tan. Protect sensitive skin, eyes and lips. Watch out for photosensitivity in some medications. After you tan, use the appropriate lotions and extenders to enhance and protect your tan. Ask one of our expertly trained Tanning Consultants to guide you through our products and explain how they can help your tanning experience. We look forward to meeting you!

Can you send me a Sun Tan City price list?

We’re in 250+ locations across 20 states, so prices vary. Check with your local salon for the latest in money-saving offers.

May I contact the Sun Tan City corporate headquarters?

Definitely. We’d love to hear from you and welcome feedback. You can chat with us via live chat or email us at customerservice@suntancity.com. Find more details on our Contact Us page.

Why is there an additional 10% added to my tanning service?

The federal government charges a 10% tax on indoor tanning. We regret that we are required to charge this tax and encourage you to contact your elected officials with any comments.

What are the hours of each Sun Tan City location?
All Sun Tan City locations have specific operating hours that are unique to each location, so your best bet is to find your local salon to view current hours.

Owning a Franchise

Can I buy a Sun Tan City franchise?

We’d love to bring our superior tanning experience to your community. Learn more about new franchise opportunities and salon conversion opportunities on the Own a Franchise page or contact us at franchising@suntancity.com for more information.

What are your minimum financial requirements?

$250,000 liquid assets and $500,000 net worth.

Who do I contact about future STC locations?
Have you spotted a piece of real estate that would be perfect for a new Sun Tan City location? We'd love to hear about it! Please provide as much information about the location as possible when contacting us. Contact us at franchising@suntancity.com.
How much does a Sun Tan City cost?

The franchise fee is $30,000. You should also plan to invest between $457,150 and $780,700 to build and equip your salon. This amount could vary depending upon the size of the salon and the geographical area.

What is the Royalty Fee?

Please review your Franchise Disclosure Document, which you receive after submitting a Franchisee Application, for a breakdown of fees.

What is the term of the Franchise Agreement?

An initial term of 10 years with renewal options.

How much can I expect to earn in a year?

Franchise law forbids all franchise concepts from answering this question. We encourage you to conduct significant due diligence, including contacting existing franchisees to learn about their sales and profit numbers. The amount of profit or loss is dependent upon a number of factors, including the ability of the franchisee to manage the business, drive sales volumes and control operating costs.

Am I required to work in my salon?

We prefer that our franchisees live in the market that they franchise. However, you may choose to hire an experienced operating partner to run your day-to-day business. The operator you select must be approved by Sun Tan City and reside in the market that you develop.

What type of ongoing support does Sun Tan City provide?

We provide ongoing support in the areas of:

  •  Training & Operations
  • Reporting & Analysis
  • Real Estate & Construction
  • Marketing
  • Information Technology
  • Procurement
  • Loss Prevention
  • Risk Management

Membership

What are the benefits of Membership?

There are so many reasons to become a Sun Tan City Member! A variety of tanning opportunities. Access to any Sun Tan City location. Savings on larger commitment plans. The ease and convenience of automatic payment plans. Price freezing. Exclusive product discounts. Members-only specials. Frequent tanning session upgrades and discounts. 

Can I use my Sun Tan City Membership at other Sun Tan City locations?

Yes! We want you to be able to tan wherever is most convenient for you—close to work, close to home, on vacation or anywhere! You’ll get the same great quality at every Sun Tan City salon. However, not all locations have the full range of products and beds, so Find A Salon for more information.

How does Sun Tan City Membership auto-pay work?

Pay your initial sign-up costs, and the rest of your payments can be handled automatically each month. We can bill automatically to a credit card, debit card or bank account. Just make sure to bring the necessary information when you get started. Then we’ll bill you at the same time each month, so you can relax when you come in for sessions, knowing you’ve already paid! 

Can I place a hold on my Sun Tan City Membership?

Yes! We offer a convenient membership freeze option, available anytime after your monthly agreement has been met. You can freeze your account at no cost and manage all your account settings online or on our app! While your account is frozen, an automatic $5 freeze payment will be applied to your account. When you’re ready to get back to tanning, just go back to your account dashboard and “unfreeze” your account. You’ll pay the prorated amount for the rest of the month, and the freeze payments you made will be credited back toward your Sun Tan City account. That’s it! No penalties, no new enrollments, no change of terms. You’ll get right back to tanning just as you had before.

How can I cancel my Sun Tan City Membership?

We hope you’ll consider putting a freeze on your account while you take a break from tanning. Doing so will lock in your current membership pricing. However, if you decide to stop tanning altogether, canceling is an easy process after you’ve met your minimum payment requirement. Just log in to manage your account and cancel. Be sure to cancel before the end of the month to avoid incurring a final monthly charge.

When is the last day to cancel my Sun Tan City Membership?

If you’ve been dissatisfied with your Membership for any reason, we’d love the chance to make it right. Please consider speaking with a Sun Tan City Tanning Consultant or Contact Us to find out if there is a membership option that can exceed your expectations. We’re willing to work with you any way we can. After all, you’re worth it. If you’re sure you must cancel, please do so by the last day of the month to avoid another charge.

Can I cancel my Sun Tan City Membership by phone?

If you decide to cancel your Sun Tan City Membership, we hope you have enjoyed tanning with us and will consider us for your tanning bed and spray tanning needs in the future. If you’re dissatisfied with your Membership, please talk to a Sun Tan City Tanning Consultant or Contact Us. We’d love the opportunity to make your tanning experience the best it can be. 

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Our Most Frequently Asked Questions, Answered

Hopefully, we’ve covered just about everything you need to know, right here on our site. If you still can’t find the answers you need, you can contact us in many ways. Chat, use our online contact form, or come into one of our salons to speak with an expert Tanning Consultant.
DEALS & PROMOS
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