You’re planning to try tanning beds for the first time, but you’re not exactly sure what happens once you walk through the door. That’s normal. Most first-time tanners have no idea what to expect. That’s why our tanning salon in Tigard put together a simple guide with pro tips, so you can feel prepared and get glowing results from your very first visit.
Key Takeaways: What You’ll Learn in This Guide
- How to prepare your skin before your first tanning session (and why it matters)
- How to choose the right session time based on your skin type
- What realistic tanning results look like for beginners
- How to get your tan to last longer
- How to pick the best tanning salon in Tigard for your first visit
Must-Know Tips for First-Time Tanners
These simple tips will help you get better color, avoid irritation, and stay comfortable throughout the process.
Prepare Your Skin and Have a Tanning Plan
Your skin needs to be in the right condition if you want a glow that looks smooth, develops evenly, and actually lasts. Before your first session, make sure you:
- Exfoliate gently (especially elbows, knees, and ankles)
- Avoid heavy lotions, oils, or makeup
- Wear comfortable clothing you won’t mind changing in and out of
- Bring your tanning lotion if you have one. If not, salon-grade tanning lotion will be available for purchase.
Just as important as skin prep is having a realistic tanning plan. Your skin type determines how long you should tan and how quickly you can build color. For example:
- Type III skin often starts around 6–7 minutes, with a maximum of about 10–12 minutes.
- Type VI skin can usually begin around 10 minutes, with sessions gradually increasing to 15–20 minutes.
These are general estimates, not strict rules. If you want more details, you can check out our skin-type guideline chart.
But keep in mind that the most accurate way to determine your timing is to talk to someone who actually knows tanning. Any experienced staff at a professional tanning salon should guide you, ask questions about your skin, and recommend a session time that’s right for you.
If they can’t answer your questions, or you just don’t feel confident in their knowledge, that’s a red flag. First-time tanners need a little extra care, and the right salon won’t leave you guessing.
Adjust Your Expectations and Timeline
Building real color takes time, and the number of sessions you’ll need depends on two things: your skin type and how dark you want to get. Some people see a hint of color after a session or two, while others need a steady routine over a couple of weeks.
There are ways to speed things up a bit, like using the right tanning lotion, prepping your skin properly, and being consistent with your schedule. If you want quick wins, check out our take on how to get tan faster.
But here’s something important:
If you’re in a rush for an upcoming event, trying to force fast results in a tanning bed is a bad idea. You’ll either end up with irritation, uneven color, or a burn. None of which look good in photos.
Instead, go with a natural spray tan. Modern formulas don’t have that orange tint or chemical smell most people associate with spray tans. When done with high-quality and organic solutions, the results look smooth, sun-kissed, and authentic.
If you want to understand why sunless tanning is a great option now, you can check out our deeper breakdown on organic spray tan.
Tanning Doesn’t Mean Burning
If you want color that looks smooth, even, and actually flattering, you need a smarter approach. Burning isn’t part of the process, and it’s not a sign that your tan is “working.” It’s simply your skin telling you it’s overwhelmed.
Burning happens when your skin takes on more UV exposure than it can handle. The type of tanning bed you use also plays a role:
- Low-pressure tanning beds use a broader UV spectrum and can produce melanin faster, but they’re more likely to cause burning if you overdo it.
- High-pressure tanning beds emit mostly UVA, giving you a gradual, deeper color with a much lower risk of burning, but you still need proper timing.
Both beds can give great results when used correctly. The key is respecting your skin type, starting slow, and following the guidelines from someone who actually understands tanning.
If you want more detailed advice on avoiding burns, check out our full article on how to tan without burning. It covers the most common mistakes beginners make.
Learn How to Extend Your Tan
A base tan from a single tanning session usually lasts up to 2 days, depending on how quickly your skin naturally sheds.
If you build a gradual tan by tanning 2-3 times a week over several weeks, you’ll get a deeper color that typically lasts 2 to 4 weeks. The more consistent your sessions are, the longer your skin holds onto that color.
Your aftercare routine has a huge impact on how long your tan sticks around. Dry skin fades faster. Over-exfoliating will strip your color. And skipping moisturizer? That’s the quickest way to lose your glow.
If you want practical ways to keep your tan looking fresh longer, check out our full list of tips on extending your tan.
Choose Between Stand-Up or Lay-Down Tanning Beds
The two main options you’ll see are lay-down tanning beds and stand-up tanning booths.
As the names suggest, one has you lying comfortably on a bed, while the other has you standing inside a booth.
If this is your first time, a knowledgeable staff member should help you make the right call. And yes, we’ll say it again: choosing a salon with experienced staff matters. First-timers need guidance, not guesswork.
In general, you might choose a stand-up booth if you want:
- More even color with fewer pressure lines
- Shorter, more intense sessions
- Less contact with surfaces
If you want to dive deeper, we have a full guide on stand-up tanning booths, including what makes them different, who they’re best for, and what guidelines to follow for the best results.
What Tanning Salon in Tigard Should You Choose?
If you’re looking for a tanning salon in Tigard that’s beginner-friendly, consistent, and has knowledgeable staff, SunsUp Tan & Wellness Spa is a solid choice. With 30+ years of experience and premium tanning equipment, our Tigard location has become a go-to spot for both first-timers and regular tanners who want reliable, high-quality results.
Most importantly, our spa consultants don’t just point you toward a bed, they walk you through a tanning plan based on your skin type, your goals, and how fast you want to build color. That personal guidance makes a huge difference, especially if this is your first time and you’re not sure where to start.
If you want a place where you’ll be taken care of, not rushed, SunsUp is the perfect starting point for your tanning journey.
How Much Does Tanning Cost in Tigard?
At SunsUp, new clients can try one service completely free. With our Free Tour Pass, you can choose one of the following at no charge:
- VIP Tanning
- Red Light Therapy
- Sea Salt Detox Foot Spa
So yes, your very first tanning experience can actually be free.
If you want to continue tanning after that, the most affordable option is our Tanning Memberships. These give you consistent access without paying per session, which is ideal if you’re building a tan or maintaining color.
For example, our All-Natural Spray Tan Membership is $75 per month, and it includes unlimited spray tanning and UV tanning bed access. It’s easily the best value if you want flexibility and steady results.
FAQ
Can I tan if I have pale skin?
Pale skin usually falls under Fitzpatrick Skin Type I, which means your skin is very fair, you burn extremely easily, and you rarely (if ever) tan naturally.
Because of that, a better option for pale skin is a natural spray tan. It lets you get the glow you want instantly without risking burns, irritation, or peeling.
Can I tan if I have tattoos?
Yes, you can tan with tattoos, but you should protect them. UV light can cause tattoos to fade faster over time. Apply a high-SPF tattoo stick or a good-quality sunscreen directly over your ink before your session. You can also use tanning lotions that contain tattoo-protectant ingredients, like the ones available at SunsUp Tan & Wellness Spa.
What’s the difference between spray tanning and tanning beds?
Spray tanning gives you instant color using a skin-safe solution. There is no UV exposure. It’s perfect if you want a fast, sun-kissed look for an event or if you’re in a rush.
Tanning beds use UV light to give you a deeper and more natural-looking tan that develops over time. It lasts longer than spray tanning but requires multiple sessions.
Can I tan if I have makeup or deodorant?
It’s best to remove both before tanning. Makeup can block UV rays and cause uneven color on your face, while deodorant can react under UV light and leave unwanted marks or irritation. Wipe them off before your session to keep your results smooth and consistent.
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