Tanning Bed 101: What First-Timers Should Know

Walking into a tanning salon for the first time, the wall of bed numbers and level names can feel like picking a coffee order in a language you don't speak. Here's what the levels actually mean, what a first session looks like, and how to avoid overdoing it on day one.

How tanning bed levels actually work

Levels are a bulb strength system, not a difficulty setting. A Bronze bed uses a lower-intensity bulb mix built for guests with little to no base tan. Move up to Silver, Gold or Titanium and the bulbs get stronger and often shift the UVA-to-UVB ratio, which is why experienced guests can tan faster on higher levels without necessarily increasing their time. Our top-tier bed, The King, is our strongest option and is built for guests who already have an established base and want the fastest color — it's not where a first-timer should start. If you've never tanned before, starting high doesn't get you a tan faster — it just increases your burn risk.

Level	Best for	Typical first-timer session
Bronze	No base tan, fair to medium skin	6 to 8 minutes
Silver	Light base tan, building color steadily	6 to 9 minutes
Gold	Established base tan, faster color	Not recommended for first-timers
Titanium	Experienced tanners maintaining deep color	Not recommended for first-timers

What actually happens during your first session

You'll be given FDA-compliant goggles — wear them the entire time, no exceptions. A tanning lotion made for indoor beds helps skin respond evenly and protects against drying out; regular body lotion can actually interfere with how the bed's UV interacts with skin, so it's worth asking your salon what they recommend. Sessions are timed automatically, and the bed shuts off on its own, so there's no guessing involved once you're in.

Staying safe as you build a tan

• Space out sessions. Give your skin at least 24 to 48 hours between visits to recover.
• Watch for redness. Any pinkness after a session is a sign to shorten your next one, not extend it.
• Moisturize daily. Well-hydrated skin tans more evenly and holds color longer between visits.
• Tell your salon about medications. Some prescriptions increase UV sensitivity — your salon can help you plan around it.

The bottom line

A tanning bed isn't one-size-fits-all, and the level that works for a friend who's tanned all summer isn't necessarily the one you should start on. Come in, tell the front desk it's your first time, and let them match you to the right bed and time — that's the fastest way to a tan that actually lasts.

Frequently asked questions

What tanning bed level should a beginner use?

Most first-timers start on a Bronze (Level 2) or Silver (Level 3) bed. These use a lower-intensity bulb mix so fair or untanned skin builds color gradually instead of burning on the first visit.

How long should my first tanning bed session be?

Most salons cap a first-timer's session well below the bed's maximum, often 6 to 9 minutes depending on skin type, then increase time gradually on later visits based on how your skin responds.

What's the difference between the tanning bed levels?

Levels typically run Bronze (2) through Titanium (6), with higher levels using stronger, faster bulbs and more UVA-to-UVB ratio suited to guests who already have some base color. There's no standard Level 1 or Level 5 across most salons.

Do I need to wear eye protection in a tanning bed?

Yes. FDA-compliant tanning goggles are required in every session, every level. Eyelids don't block UV light the way they block visible light, so goggles aren't optional even for a quick session.

How often can I use a tanning bed?

Most guidelines recommend no more than one session per 24-to-48-hour period, with rest days between visits so skin can recover. Your salon can help set a schedule based on your skin type and goals.

Is indoor tanning safe?

Indoor tanning exposes skin to UV radiation, and the CDC and FDA both note it carries an increased risk of skin cancer, including melanoma. Tanning beds are FDA-regulated Class II devices and are not permitted for anyone under 18. If you have a history of skin cancer or a family history of it, talk to a dermatologist before tanning indoors.