By Callum 
So here’s the thing: just when we all thought tanning beds were on their way out—poof!—Gen Z shows up with a twist. Yep, the same generation that swears by SPF, swipes on mineral sunscreen like it’s a religion, and obsesses over clean beauty… is also getting back into tanning beds and tanning salon near me. But before you gasp and clutch your bottle of aloe vera, hear me out—it’s different this time.
This isn’t a full-blown rewind to the 2000s, where people baked in beds every week and proudly peeled like lizards. Gen Z is way more conscious—about their health, their skin, and their image. What they’re doing now is kind of a glow-up… literally, but safer, smarter, and way more informed.
Tanning, But Make It Thoughtful
Let’s be honest: looking sun-kissed feels good. It makes you feel fresh, a little more confident, like you just got back from vacation even if you’ve been chained to your desk all week. Gen Z gets that. They’re just not trying to trade that glow for premature wrinkles or scary moles.
So instead of the overexposure culture millennials (and definitely Gen X) were handed, Gen Z is dipping into tanning beds with a new set of rules. No more binging on UV rays just to be the darkest person in the room. It’s all about moderation, education, and skincare support.
Think 5-minute sessions instead of 20. Think talking to the technician instead of hopping in blindly. Think post-tan serums and regular skin checks.
This generation is asking the right questions—and honestly, it’s changing the way salons are operating.
Salons Are Catching On (And Leveling Up)
Smart salons know they can’t sell to Gen Z the same way they did to their older siblings. The “get your tan on, no questions asked” vibe isn’t cutting it. Now, it’s all about transparency and customized experiences.
A lot of salons are now offering:
- Skin typing consultations before your first session
- Low-pressure UV beds with timers that don’t let you overdo it
- Hybrid beds that combine red light with UV for gentler results
- Post-tan recovery options, like LED facials and cooling lotions
It’s not about tricking people into tanning anymore—it’s about helping them do it safely, consciously, and confidently.
Social Media Definitely Plays a Role
We can’t talk about Gen Z without mentioning TikTok, right?
It’s wild how many “Get Ready With Me” videos now include a pre-event tanning session. It’s subtle—like, just a quick clip of someone walking into a salon or showing off the glow under LED lights—but it’s definitely there. And because Gen Z doesn’t do anything without filming it, that glow gets noticed.
But here’s the twist: there’s often a disclaimer in the caption.
“Only 5 mins!”
“SPF queen but had to cheat a little”
“Don’t forget your skin checks, babes.”
There’s a real awareness around it. It’s almost like they’re saying: Yeah, I’m doing this—but I’m doing it the smart way. Which, to be honest, is kind of refreshing.
The Allure of the Glow-Up Culture
There’s also this bigger cultural shift happening—call it “soft beauty,” “clean girl aesthetic,” or whatever trend is dominating your For You Page—but it’s all about looking like your best, most rested self.
A light tan can help with that. It smooths things out, even the skin tone, makes people look just a little more alive. And for Gen Z, who’s juggling school, work, side hustles, and saving the planet, anything that helps them look less tired than they feel is welcome.
Getting an infrared light sauna near me, in this context, isn’t about vanity—it’s about vibe. And a golden glow? Well, it still hits.
The Future Looks… Bronze, But Balanced
It’s honestly kind of cool to see how Gen Z is rewriting the tanning narrative. Instead of demonizing it completely or diving in recklessly, they’re choosing the middle path—informed, intentional, and unapologetic.
They’re choosing to glow, but on their own terms. And salons that understand this shift, and support it with safer tech, smarter consultations, and skincare education? They’re thriving.
So no, tanning beds aren’t canceled. Not quite. They’re just getting a Gen Z reboot—with way better lighting and way more self-awareness.
Prime Star