Home » New to UV Tanning

New to UV Tanning? Start your journey today

Learn how UV tanning works, what to expect at your first visit, and how our trained consultants provide clear, responsible sunbed advice for beginners across 100+ UK locations.

Book an Appointment Find Your Nearest Store

• New customer? Save 25% on Welcome Bundles: 30 minutes of UV tanning, a full-size accelerator & personalised consultation. • New customer? Save 25% on Welcome Bundles: 30 minutes of UV tanning, a full-size accelerator & personalised consultation. • New customer? Save 25% on Welcome Bundles: 30 minutes of UV tanning, a full-size accelerator & personalised consultation. • New customer? Save 25% on Welcome Bundles: 30 minutes of UV tanning, a full-size accelerator & personalised consultation. • New customer? Save 25% on Welcome Bundles: 30 minutes of UV tanning, a full-size accelerator & personalised consultation.

Why Tan with The Tanning Shop?

As the UK’s largest tanning provider, we’re proud to offer a premium, welcoming experience for every customer, especially those new to UV tanning. Whether you’re booking your very first sunbed session or returning regularly, our team is here to support you at every stage of your journey with personalised, expert guidance. Here’s what you can expect when tanning with The Tanning Shop:

State-of-the-art sunbeds across 100+ salons nationwide
Stand-up and lay-down options to suit your comfort and preferences
Transparent, flexible pricing with no hidden surprises
Immaculately clean, professionally maintained rooms
Friendly, knowledgeable teams who guide you step-by-step
Wide range of luxury tanning products available in-store
Regularly maintained equipment with lamps changed on a consistent schedule
Effortless booking via our website or app
Simple online account access to top up minutes and manage sessions

Book a Sunbed New Here?

Your Step-by-Step Guide to using our Sunbeds

Choose your preferences

When you check in at one of our stores your consultant will advise the ideal session length based on your experience and skin type and will pre-set your minutes.

Get Ready

Head to your private room, undress to a comfortable level, ensuring the areas you’d like tanned are exposed. Remove jewellery and ensure skin is free from deodorant, makeup, oil, and perfume.

Prepare and Protect

Apply your preferred tanning lotion - choose from accelerators, intensifiers, and bronzers - and put on your free protective eyewear.

Begin Your Session

Ready before the timer? Simply press the start button to activate the sunbed, and settle into your chosen tanning bed or stand-up booth.

Finish Up

When the session ends, the lamps will switch off automatically. Step out carefully, use the free freshening wipes to freshen up and get dressed . Then simply allow your tan to continue developing over the next 24 hours.

Book a Sunbed

What to Expect From Your First Sunbed Session

First time on a sunbed? We understand that trying something new can feel a little daunting. That’s why we provide every new customer with a personalised induction, giving you everything you need to feel confident and comfortable during your first visit.

From account set-up to responsible tanning guidance and equipment demonstrations, we’re on hand with essential information and insider sunbed tips for beginners to make you feel right at home.

1 – Arrival & Account Security
Please arrive 5 minutes before your appointment. A consultant will welcome you and set up your biometric account security to complete your registration, ensuring only you can access your minutes and sessions.

2 – Skin Type Analysis & Bed Induction
Using the Fitzpatrick scale, we’ll assess your skin type and recommend suitable session lengths and frequency based on your goals and experience. We’ll also talk you through the available sunbeds and tanning lotions.

3 – Pricing & Packages
We offer affordable luxury with complete pricing transparency. Your consultant will help you choose a package and equipment option that suits both your goals and your budget.

4 – Tanning Bed Set-Up
If you’d like assistance, we’ll take you to your private room and show you how to use your chosen sunbed, including comfort settings, Bluetooth features, and emergency stop controls.

5 – Enjoy Your Sunbed Session
Once you’re happy, we’ll leave you to enjoy your session in privacy. Undress to your comfort level, apply your UV-specific lotion, put on your complimentary eye protection, and relax into your tanning session.

Book an Appointment New Here?

Join The Tanning Shop Community

Joining The Tanning Shop couldn’t be easier. We’ve designed our process to be simple, secure, and stress-free for all new customers.

Woman in white dress enjoying sun and wellness

Manage tanning account and sessions online icon at The Tanning Shop UK

Quick Registration

Create your online account in just a few minutes.

Simple Online Booking

Choose your preferred store, equipment, and session time.

Easy Account Access

Manage your appointments, minutes, and packages all in one place.

Free Consultation

Discuss your goals and receive personalised guidance from a trained consultant.

Our Responsible Approach to UV Tanning

Responsible tanning is at the heart of everything we do.

At The Tanning Shop, every UV tanning session is guided by industry standards and professional in-salon expertise to help ensure a controlled, responsible experience. Each session is:

Guided by your skin type analysis
Carefully measured using controlled, salon-grade UV equipment
Carried out on regularly cleaned and maintained sunbeds
Supported by trained consultants who help tailor your sessions
Available to customers aged 18 and over only

If you’re unsure whether UV tanning is right for you, our consultants are happy to talk through your options in-store and answer any questions before you begin.

How to Prepare for a UV Tanning Session

Preparing your skin properly can help you get the most from your UV tanning session. Follow our simple sunbed tips for beginners for the best results:

Exfoliate at least 24 hours before your appointment to remove dead skin cells
Arrive with clean skin, free from lotions, oils, makeup, perfume, or deodorant, as these can act as a barrier during tanning
Apply a UV-specific tanning lotion immediately before your session to improve results and hydrate the skin.

How to Choose a Sunbed

Choosing the right sunbed for you is all down to personal preference.

Stand-up sunbeds are ideal for those looking for an all-over tan with minimal skin contact. The spacious design allows you to move comfortably during your session, helping to minimise tan lines.

Lay-down sunbeds are perfect if you prefer a more relaxed experience. These beds offer a comfortable, spa-like setting while delivering an even, full-body tan.

During your initial consultation, a tanning consultant will guide you through all available sunbeds for beginners to help you find the best fit. You’re welcome to try different sunbeds across visits and switch between stand-up and lay-down options whenever you like.

View all Sunbeds

Woman Sun Bathroom

The Importance of Tanning Lotions

At The Tanning Shop, we recommend using a UV-specific tanning lotion before every sunbed session. Dry skin reflects UV light, which can make it harder to develop an even tan. Using one of our industry-approved sunbed creams can significantly improve tanning results while keeping skin soft and hydrated.

Our salons stock an impressive range of professional tanning lotions, including:

Accelerators – ideal for those starting out, supporting gradual colour development
Bronzers – best suited to more experienced tanners seeking added depth of colour
Intensifiers – designed to enhance melanin production to deepen an existing base
Tanning shots – zesty, orange-flavoured drinks designed to boost your tan and improve skin condition
Tan Extenders – ultra-nourishing lotions to help your glow last longer between appointments

Not sure where to start? Your consultant will be happy to help you choose the most suitable option.

View All Lotions

Where to Find UV Tanning Near You

UV tanning is available in over 100 locations nationwide. View the full list of Tanning Shop stores below to find your closest salon. Availability may vary by location, so we recommend booking ahead.

Franchise

UV Tanning FAQs for First-Time Customers

What is Responsible Tanning?

Responsible tanning involves carefully controlled, monitored UV exposure. Our industry-regulated sunbeds feature 0.3-compliant lamps that allow you to gradually build a base tan while minimising burn risk. To ensure responsible tanning, The Tanning Shop also offers:

Free eye protection
Personalised guidance based on your skin type
Advice on how to avoid overexposure
Session restrictions based on skin and bed type, and no multiple bookings within 24 hours.

Why Do I Need to Register My Fingerprint?

We use biometric fingerprint access at all of our salons. Checking in to your appointment in this way keeps your minutes and packages completely secure. We don’t keep a copy of your fingerprint – the scanning technology simply generates a unique PIN based on four points of your fingerprint.

How Long Will My First Sunbed Session Be?

If you’re using a sunbed for the first time, we’ll always start you with the shortest recommended time for your skin type, gradually increasing over time. We tailor session length to your skin type, tanning goals, and experience level. Typically, appointments last between 6 and 20 minutes, depending on your consultation.

How Quickly Will I See Results from UV Tanning?

UV tanning is designed to build a gradual, natural-looking tan. Most customers begin to notice colour development after around 3 to 5 sessions. For an immediate glow, use one of our bronzing lotions before tanning.

How Old Do I Need to Be to Use a Sunbed in the UK?

By law, you must be 18 or older to use sunbeds in the UK. We may ask you for a photo ID to verify your age before allowing you to access our UV equipment.

What Should I Wear at My Sunbed Appointment?

You can wear underwear, swimwear, or go nude for your tanning session. All of our treatment rooms are completely private, giving you peace of mind to tan however you are most comfortable.

Do I Need to Bring Anything With Me to My UV Session?

No, you don’t need to bring anything with you other than your ID so we can verify your age. Protective eyewear and wipes are provided free of charge, and tanning lotions can be purchased in-store before you head to your sunbed. Remember to arrive with clean skin, free from makeup, perfume, and deodorant.

From The Tanning Shop Blog

Close-up of pink and blue UV tanning lamp tubes glowing

January Blues? Here’s How Responsible UV Exposure Can Support Your Mood

Pumpkin spice lattes, crisp leaves on the ground, beautiful golden early evening sunsets? That can only mean one thing, Autumn has arrived!

Illustrated woman in sunglasses smiling in sunshine representing the power of UV tanning at The Tanning Shop

The Importance of UV Light – It’s More Than Just A Tan

From boosting energy and focus, to improving sleep, light plays a huge role in helping you feel your best every day.

LightVision tunnel sunbed with LED coloured lights at The Tanning Shop UK

Scientific Study Finds Sunbed Use CAN Be Part Of A Healthy Lifestyle

New ground breaking study conducted in the UK has found that moderate UV exposure, including from sunbeds, may be associated with lower mortality rates.

Woman relaxing in UV sunbed tanning session with blue light at The Tanning Shop UK

They told us sunbeds were bad – were they wrong all along?

Adam Mooney, founder and owner of the The Feel Good Group, which owns The Tanning Shop, would beg to differ. “The new report aligns with our long-standing belief that light exposure is crucial for optimal health. We are concerned about the ongoing negative portrayal of light – for too long, public health authorities have overlooked the positive effects of heliotherapy.”