[gap height=”15″]We all appreciate and understand the fact that in a tanning salon, a trained staff is a key factor in determining its success. In the UK and, as far as I am aware, throughout the rest of Europe, there is no legal requirement for staff to be trained, which I have to say has always been an anomaly to me. I am fairly confident this situation will change, and I will certainly welcome the day when it does!
[gap height=”15″]In the meantime, professional operators who understand the necessity and appreciate the advantages of having a trained staff, ensure this takes place. Our UK trade association and over-arching European association (European Sunlight Association) both have excellent training programmes and it is a requirement for members of the UK’s Sunbed Association to have properly trained staff. There is also, of course, a range of quality training from a number of equipment suppliers.
[gap height=”15″]One area that training needs to keep on top of is identifying shifts in industry trends, and also where consumer trends outside of the industry may necessitate adjustment or introduction of indoor tanning protocols. For example, perhaps ten years ago, there may have been salon owners who weren’t too sure about what advice to give to anyone who had recently gotten a tattoo. However, the boom in popularity of tattoos in recent years amongst both males and females has no doubt resulted in every tanning bed operator knowing why and how they need to advise their salon guests who have freshly-inked body art.
[gap height=”15″]During this same timeframe, when we have seen a significant shift in the number of females with tattoos, we have also experienced a similar shift in the number of men using tanning beds. In some locations, the numbers are really quite staggering; with at least one salon owner I know confirming that young male tanning bed users outnumber females by two to one.
[gap height=”15″]Whilst I don’t have any actual research to quote from, I suspect the increase in male indoor tanners is in part due to the seismic shift in recent years in the way the media portrays how men should look, and the pressures of social media – something I know many female readers will acknowledge with, “welcome to our world!” And so, it’s a natural fit that men who are now keen to take more care about how they look are, therefore, spending more and more time and money on skincare products and treatments, manicures, pedicures, their hair and, of course, their tan.
[gap height=”15″]Other salon operators have also mentioned that they have male customers who don’t like the feel of a sunless tan on their body, as it feels too much like women’s makeup to them, so UV tanning is the only way to go. I’m not sure about that one – maybe it’s the brand they use! But, whatever the reason for the increase in numbers, I think it’s fair to say that when we take an overall look at how UV tanning is marketed, there isn’t yet sufficient recognition for the rapidly increasing percentage of men using the products, lotions and accessories. But this is changing.
[gap height=”15″]I don’t believe increased male usage of tanning beds is a trend – it’s here to stay and I suggest there’s every likelihood of this sector continuing to grow. But, although we may look very different, our largest organ – our skin – is essentially the same when it comes to tanning, whether male or female. So, on the salon operator training front, it’s the responsible tanning approach, as usual!
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One area that training needs to keep on top of is identifying trend shifts, both inside and outside the tanning industry.
