At the Tannery & Hairbenders, we want to help you tan smart and sensibly.

Are tanning beds the same as tanning outside in the sun?
Your skin will react the same way indoors as it does outdoors. The difference, however, is that indoor tanning is a controlled environment where you and our staff increase your tanning exposure time at a pace that is in-line with your skin type as well as other factors. Keep in mind that if you have skin type 1, you should never tan indoors.

How old do you need to be to tan?
The law requires tanners to be a minimum of 16 years old. Tanners under 18 years old require parental consent.

How often should I tan? And for how long?
To obtain the best tan possible, you will need to tan frequently at first to begin activating the melanocytes in your skin. You can tan once every 24 hours; however, we recommend every other day when building your tan. The initial exposure time, with which you should begin, depends on your skin type, the tanning device and the type of lamps used. Our staff can help you determine the right exposure time for you. Once you have achieved the tanning results you desire, you will be able to maintain your tan by going once or twice per week, depending on the type of tanning equipment you are using and how well you keep your skin moisturized both while you're tanning and afterwards.

How long does it take to get a tan?
Generally, our clients notice color within their first couple of sessions. Remember, that proper indoor tanning is a process and should not be rushed. Avoiding burning is essential. Burning damages your skin and will set your tanning process back until your skin has healed. Most clients find they get their desired results in approximately three to six weeks depending on their skin type, tanning frequency as well as proper tanning lotion application.

Do I need to protect my eyes while tanning?
Keep your eyes closed while tanning and always wear protective eyewear that blocks out UV light. Closing your eyes alone, is not enough to block out the UV rays. Contact lenses should be removed prior to tanning.

Can I still tan if I am taking medications?
If you are taking medication or suffer from a skin disorder, please be aware your skin may be photosensitive. The medicine may cause an adverse reaction when the body is exposed to UV light. Drugs used to treat acne and some birth control pills are a few of the medications known to be photosensitive. A list is available at our reception desk.

How soon after the tanning session can the user shower?
We recommend waiting at least three hours after tanning before taking a shower. If you shower earlier, you may diminish the intensity of the tan.

How do I protect a fresh tattoo?
It is important not to expose a fresh tattoo to sunlight or indoor tanning equipment while it is still healing since chemicals sensitive to UV exposure have been injected into the skin. Cover the tattooed area completely or wait until the skin has healed to tan. After the skin has healed, tattoos will still continue to lose their brilliancy with exposure to UV light, whether it comes from indoors or from outdoors. Use a good lip balm with an SPF 18 to protect and preserve the brilliancy of your tattoo. Lip balm is also good protection for sensitive areas of the body, like nipples, that generally don't see a lot of sun, and nails, to prevent yellowing.

FDA WARNING Notice: Read the FDA warning label on every tanning machine for important information on potential eye injury, skin cancer, skin aging, and photosensitive reaction and proper use.