Best Tanning Salons in the UK: How to Compare & Choose

Finding a quality tanning salon in the UK means knowing exactly what to look for beyond just proximity and price. The best tanning salons invest in modern equipment, maintain strict hygiene standards, employ trained staff, and hold proper insurance and accreditations. This guide walks you through how to compare salons, understand the real costs involved, and select one that delivers safe, consistent results without false marketing or health risks.

What Makes a Tanning Salon Trustworthy

A legitimate tanning salon should display clear evidence of safety compliance and professional standards. In the UK, there is no single mandatory licensing body for spray tanning or sunbed facilities, but reputable operators voluntarily follow guidelines from organisations such as the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the British Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology (BABTC).

Look for these specific markers:

• Public liability insurance — this should be current and typically cover £1–6 million in claims. Ask to see proof.
• Staff qualifications — technicians should hold Level 2 or Level 3 certificates in spray tanning or beauty therapy, recognised by City & Guilds, VTCT, or similar awarding bodies.
• Equipment maintenance logs — reputable salons service sunbeds every 12 months and replace lamps on schedule, not just when they fail.
• Patch test records — legitimate spray tan salons conduct and document patch tests before first treatments.
• Health and safety policy visible — posted in reception, not hidden away.

Salons without these basics may not be breaking the law, but they're cutting corners that could affect your safety and results.

Sunbeds vs Spray Tans: Cost and Safety Comparison

The two dominant tanning methods in UK salons have very different cost structures, safety profiles, and longevity. Your choice depends on budget, skin type, and health considerations.

Sunbed Costs and Value

A single sunbed session costs £4–£15 in most UK salons, with monthly passes ranging from £30–£80 depending on bed quality and your location. London and larger cities charge a premium; rural salons tend to be 15–25% cheaper. A standard course for pale skin requires 10–12 sessions over 2–3 weeks, costing around £50–£100 upfront.

Sunbeds deliver results quickly and are reliable once you've found your session length, but they come with UV exposure risks. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies sunbeds as Group 1 carcinogens, the same category as tobacco smoking. The NHS advises against their use for cosmetic purposes, particularly for under-35s. If you have fair skin (Type I–II on the Fitzpatrick scale), a family history of melanoma, or more than 100 moles, sunbed use significantly raises your skin cancer risk.

Spray Tan Costs and Value

A single spray tan session costs £20–£35, with packages of three offering 10–15% discounts (typically £55–£85). Premium salons using high-end solutions like Fake Bake or St Tropez charge £30–£45 per session; budget chains or pop-up tans may be £15–£20 but often use inferior formulas that fade faster or look streaky.

A spray tan lasts 7–10 days with proper aftercare, meaning you'll need 4–5 applications per month to maintain colour continuously. That's roughly £80–£175 monthly for consistent results. Spray tans are UV-free and safe for all skin types, including those with contraindications to sunbeds. The main drawback is maintenance cost, and results depend heavily on the technician's skill and technique.

How to Spot a Poor-Quality Salon

Before booking, watch for these red flags:

• No consultation or patch test offered — especially for spray tans. This is legally and professionally negligent.
• Staff unable to name their sunbed brand or solution type — they're not trained on what they're selling.
• Sunbeds looking visibly aged, with UV lamps that have never been cleaned — dirty reflectors reduce efficacy by 20–30% and waste your money.
• Heavy discounting for loyalty cards — if a salon charges £4 per session in one offer and £12 in another, they're gaming pricing rather than competing on quality.
• No website, no reviews, or only reviews from accounts created in the last 3 months — suggests they may not be operating transparently.
• Staff discouraging aftercare questions or not providing written instructions — professional salons always guide clients on moisturising, exfoliating, and product use.
• No visible public liability insurance or health and safety notices — walk away.

Regional Price Differences Across the UK

Tanning salon prices vary significantly by region and town size. Understanding these patterns helps you spot genuine competitive pricing versus overcharging.

• London and South East: Spray tans £28–£40 per session; sunbeds £8–£15 per session. Premium salons in Mayfair and Knightsbridge reach £50 for spray tan.
• Midlands and Northern England: Spray tans £18–£28; sunbeds £5–£10. Manchester and Birmingham salons sit at the higher end of this range.
• Scotland and Wales: Spray tans £16–£26; sunbeds £4–£8. Glasgow and Cardiff are slightly dearer than rural areas.
• Rural areas and small towns: Spray tans £15–£22; sunbeds £3–£6. Salons often have fewer bookings, so availability may be less convenient.

As of 2025, the average UK spray tan costs £24, and the average sunbed session is £7. If a salon quotes significantly above or below these figures, ask why. Overpriced locations may be trading on brand name rather than quality, and suspiciously cheap sessions may mean older equipment or rushed treatments.

Key Questions to Ask Before Booking

A professional salon will answer these questions clearly and in writing. If they seem evasive or dismissive, look elsewhere.

• "What UV protection do your beds provide?" — Modern beds should have UVA/UVB filters and certified timers. Older beds may not.
• "What brand is your spray tan solution and what is its DHA concentration?" — Quality solutions contain 7–14% DHA (dihydroxyacetone). Anything under 5% will fade within 3 days.
• "Are your technicians insured and qualified?" — Request evidence of Level 2+ certification.
• "What is your patch test process and timeline?" — They should require 24 hours observation before the full treatment and ask about allergies to PABA or cosmetic ingredients.
• "What aftercare do you recommend, and do you sell the products?" — Honest salons recommend specific moisturisers and tan extenders but don't force them on you.
• "Can I see your maintenance and cleaning logs?" — Reputable salons keep these accessible.
• "Do you offer a refund if I'm unhappy with the result?" — Most do not (tanning is non-refundable), but the willingness to discuss this shows confidence.

Reading Online Reviews: What Matters

Google, Trustpilot, and Facebook reviews are useful but imperfect guides. Salons with 4.5+ stars across 50+ independent reviews are generally reliable; anything under 4.0 or with fewer than 10 reviews should warrant caution.

When reading reviews, prioritise comments about:

• Consistency of results — "Always looks even and lasts 8 days" is more valuable than "amazing vibe".
• Staff knowledge — "Technician asked about my skin type and recommended a session length" suggests professionalism.
• Cleanliness and hygiene — Repeated mentions of dirt, strong chemicals, or unused towels are serious concerns.
• Pricing honesty — "Exactly as advertised, no hidden fees" versus "charged £5 more than the website said".
• Specific complaints about burns or reactions — If three or more reviews mention sunburn or allergic reactions with no acknowledgment from the salon, avoid.

Ignore vague praise like "best salon ever!" and promotional reviews from accounts with only one review posted within days of the salon opening. Focus on detailed, recent reviews from people who describe their experience in practical terms.

What to Expect During Your First Visit

Understanding the process reduces anxiety and helps you spot professionalism in action.

Sunbed Session

A trained technician should ask about your skin type, sun exposure history, and any medication that increases photosensitivity. They'll recommend a starting session length, typically 5–10 minutes for pale skin, and run you through bed controls. You'll strip to pants or shorts and lie flat. After 5 minutes, the UVA lamps activate; you'll feel warmth but no pain. Most people relax or close their eyes. Sessions end with a cool-down period. The whole visit lasts 20–30 minutes including changing rooms.

Spray Tan Session

Check your aftercare requirements beforehand: most salons ask you to avoid lotions, deodorant, and jewellery on the day. You'll disrobe, typically nude though some salons allow pants, and step into a spray booth or stand while the technician applies solution using a handheld or spray gun, working from feet upward. The process takes 5–10 minutes. You'll be directed to stand with arms at specific angles and given instructions like "turn, raise your arm, hold your breath." Immediately after, the solution feels wet and looks orange, but this rinses off within 2–4 hours, revealing the true tan. Don't shower for at least 8 hours; ideally 24 hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a spray tan last?

A spray tan lasts 7–10 days with proper aftercare, depending on your skin cell turnover rate and how well you moisturise. Exfoliating daily will fade it faster; moisturising morning and night extends it. The first 24 hours are critical—avoid water and tight clothing during this period.

Are sunbeds safe for young people?

The WHO classifies sunbeds as carcinogenic for any age group, but the risk is highest for under-30s, whose skin is still developing. Skin cancer rates have risen sharply among people who used sunbeds in their 20s. Medical advice is to avoid sunbeds entirely and use spray tans instead if you want colour.

Can I use a sunbed if I'm on medication?

Several common medications increase photosensitivity, including some antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, and acne treatments. Check with your GP or pharmacist before using a sunbed. If in doubt, choose spray tanning, which carries no medication interactions.

What's the difference between budget and premium spray tan solutions?

Premium solutions like St Tropez, Fake Bake, and Sienna X use high-grade DHA and bronzers that build gradually, smell better, and last 9–10 days. Budget solutions often contain lower DHA, citric acid, and cheap bronzers that look orange and fade by day 5. You pay £5–£10 more per session for premium brands, but you get better value across a month.

Do I need a patch test before my first spray tan?

Yes. A professional salon will always conduct a 24-hour patch test, typically on your inner wrist or behind your ear, to check for allergic reactions to DHA or other ingredients. If a salon skips this, they're cutting corners and you risk an itchy, inflamed reaction covering your entire body.