A tanning consultant is a professional in a tanning salon who provides services and guidance to clients. The role combines customer service, sales, and a focus on safety and education. A consultant helps clients achieve their desired results while understanding the procedures and products involved.
What a Tanning Consultant Does
The daily duties of a tanning consultant are varied, focusing heavily on direct client interaction and salon operations. A primary responsibility is to evaluate a client’s skin type and tanning history to prevent overexposure and skin damage. This assessment allows the consultant to create a personalized tanning plan that aligns with the client’s goals, whether they are building a base tan or maintaining an existing one.
Based on this evaluation, the consultant recommends specific tanning equipment, such as a particular level of tanning bed or a spray tanning booth. They determine the appropriate exposure times to ensure a safe and effective session. This part of the job requires a solid understanding of how different types of UV lamps and tanning solutions work on various skin types to avoid burns and achieve an even tan.
A significant portion of the role involves educating clients on safe tanning practices. This includes explaining the importance of protective eyewear, the benefits of using professional tanning lotions to enhance results and moisturize the skin, and the potential risks associated with UV exposure. Consultants provide instructions for after-tan care to help clients prolong the life of their tan and maintain skin health.
Sales are another large part of the job. Consultants are responsible for selling tanning packages, monthly memberships, and a range of skincare products like lotions, moisturizers, and tan extenders. They listen to customer needs and recommend products that will help them achieve and maintain their desired results.
Beyond direct client services, a tanning consultant is tasked with maintaining the cleanliness and sanitation of the salon. This includes thoroughly cleaning and sanitizing tanning beds and booths between each use, keeping the lobby and restrooms tidy, and ensuring all areas meet health and safety standards. They also manage administrative tasks, such as scheduling appointments, checking clients in, and processing payments.
Essential Skills for a Tanning Consultant
Success as a tanning consultant depends on a blend of interpersonal and technical skills. Strong communication is fundamental, as the role requires clearly explaining complex information about skin types, UV exposure, and product ingredients to clients. Consultants must be approachable and able to make customers feel comfortable and confident in their guidance.
Effective sales and persuasion skills are also necessary. The ability to recommend and sell memberships and products directly impacts the salon’s revenue and the consultant’s potential earnings through commission.
Attention to detail is another important attribute. This applies to accurately assessing a client’s skin, setting correct exposure times to prevent burns, and maintaining meticulous cleanliness and sanitation standards throughout the salon.
A foundational understanding of skin science is beneficial. While in-depth dermatological knowledge isn’t required, knowing the basics of how skin reacts to UV light and the functions of different skincare ingredients enhances a consultant’s credibility.
Training and Certification Requirements
The path to becoming a tanning consultant often begins with on-the-job training, but formal certification is increasingly common and, in some locations, required by law. State and local regulations for tanning salon operators vary widely, so the first step for an aspiring consultant is to research the specific requirements in their area. Some states mandate that all operators pass a certification exam.
Several nationally recognized organizations offer training and certification programs. These courses are typically completed online and cover topics such as UV light science, photosensitivity, and the Fitzpatrick scale, which is a system for classifying human skin color and its response to UV radiation.
Training programs also provide detailed instruction on salon sanitation protocols to prevent the spread of germs and infections. They cover federal and state regulations, emergency procedures, and the proper use and maintenance of tanning equipment.
Salary and Job Outlook
Compensation for a tanning consultant is typically an hourly wage, supplemented by commissions on sales of tanning packages, memberships, and retail products. This means a consultant’s earning potential is partly tied to their sales abilities.
The overall job outlook for tanning consultants is connected to the broader personal care and beauty industries. As long as there is consumer demand for tanning services, there will be a need for knowledgeable and customer-focused consultants. The role often serves as an entry point into the beauty industry, with opportunities for advancement into salon management or ownership.
How to Become a Tanning Consultant
The first step to becoming a tanning consultant is to meet basic employment requirements, which include a high school diploma or equivalent and being the minimum age required by state law. From there, it is important to research and complete any state-mandated certification. Aspiring consultants should also focus on developing the soft skills necessary for the role, such as customer service and sales, which can be gained through retail experience.