How many sunbed sessions you need to get a tan is probably the most-asked question, and there is no single answer, as your skin type and the type of bed determine it. Most people tend to build a visible tan after 4-8 sunbed sessions spaced over 3-4 weeks, allowing at least 24-48 hours between sessions, but it really is about your skin type and how it reacts to UV light.
High-performance LED beds like the K11 Air Plus deliver more consistent results from session to session, meaning certain skin types may need slightly fewer sessions than on older lamp beds. While one person may develop a tan quickly, others might need a couple more sessions to build up the colour. Fairer skin will require more time in between sessions and shorter sessions, while darker skin tones often see results faster. The most important factor is not to rush and to let your skin develop gradually, resulting in an even, lasting result.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know, including how many sessions most people need for each skin type, what to expect in the first couple of weeks, and what your advanced session plan might look like if you have an upcoming event or holiday to plan for.
The short answer – and why it varies
While most people can begin to see visible colour after as few as 3-6 sessions, your skin type will ultimately determine how quickly this happens.
Medium to olive skin tends to darken faster, while fairer skin can take longer and requires a more gradual approach to building a tan. Even when using the same sunbed.
The actual bed itself makes a difference. High-performance beds like the K11 Air Plus, a full-LED sunbed, offer a more even, efficient output, resulting in a more consistent response from your skin, session to session. At The Tan Station, we’ll review your tanning requirements, assess your skin type using the Fitzpatrick scale, which grades skin type from 1-6 based on how it reacts to UV rays, and, if suitable, tailor your sessions accordingly.
If you’ve never been on a sunbed before, or have but are still unsure how often you should use one, it’s worth understanding your skin type before booking any sessions. Our team can help with any questions during your registration process and create a personalised tan plan based on your tanning goals.
How many sessions does it take to see results?
Most people won’t see results straight away
In the first session, it is more than likely that you’ll see little to no visible change, which is entirely normal.
When you begin to notice a difference
After a few sessions, you may start to see your colour change. Remember, this is a gradual build, not instant, so depending on your skin type, logged at registration before you started your first session, you will have a tan plan unique to you and your skin. It is vital to take things at a consistent pace, avoiding unnecessary exposure and burning.
Why can results vary from one person to another?
Everyone is different, and so is our skin. While someone with an olive skin tone might use a sunbed a few times a week and tan a deep colour, another person would require shorter sessions, spaced further apart, over a longer period to achieve a similar result. This is why skin assessment using the Fitzpatrick Scale is so important before hopping onto a sunbed.
Consistency is key to building a gradual tan, as is the type of sunbed you use. Some beds take longer to warm up and are often called lamp beds. If your session time is shorter, you may come away with little difference. If it gets too hot, you risk burning. The newer LED beds operate instantly, often allowing shorter session times and even results.
How many sessions do I need for my skin type?
Here’s a quick overview of the different types of skin we see in the salon daily and session specifics.
Sunbed session guide by skin type
Your skin type affects how quickly colour develops and how your sessions should be paced. This is a general guide — your session will always be set safely in-store.
| Skin type | Sessions to base tan | Starting time | Pace | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type 1 | Not recommended | — | — | Sunbed use not advised |
| Type 2 | 4–8 | 3–4 min | Gradual | Build slowly, monitor closely |
| Type 3 | 3–5 | 4–5 min | Moderate | Colour builds more easily |
| Type 4 | 2–4 | 5–6 min | Faster | Natural pigment helps |
| Type 5–6 | 2–3 | 5–8 min | Quick | Focus on maintaining and deepening colour |
Not sure what skin type you are? Read our first-time guide.
Skin type 1 – very fair skin
If you burn easily and don’t tend to tan, according to the Sunbed Association guidelines, sunbed use is not recommended. If you are unsure whether this is your skin type or need guidance, come and see one of our friendly team members who can answer any questions.
Skin type 2 – fair skin
Most people with this skin type may need around 4-8 sessions to build a base colour. Sessions should start short, around 3-4 minutes, and increase slowly to develop a light tan with care. While you may not notice much after the initial session, the key is to build your tan steadily and consistently over time for a more even, lasting result.
Skin type 3 – light to medium skin
This skin type tends to build colour more easily, and you can expect to see results in 3-5 sessions. It’s still about gradual sessions, so begin at 4-5 minutes and build from there, letting your tan develop naturally.
Skin type 4 – medium to olive skin
You could expect a deeper tan to develop in as few as 2-4 sessions with olive and medium skin tones. Featuring more natural pigment, enabling tanning results to show quicker. Concentrate on evening out tone and building up gradually.
Skin type 5 & 6 – darker skin
With higher melanin levels, this skin type can quickly achieve desired tanning results within 2-3 sessions. Without the need to build a tan from scratch, sessions tailored to this skin type tend to focus on deepening and maintaining colour.
Once you’ve built your tan, it’s all about maintenance! How long it lasts and when to top it up are covered in our guide on how often to use a sunbed.
What to expect from your first few tanning sessions
So, you’ve had the skin assessment, had your first sunbed session, and are wondering why you’re not seeing a difference in colour? The first thing to remember is that your skin gradually produces melanin. You won’t see dramatic results after just one session, but you are likely to notice subtle changes 1-2 days after.
Your first session is typically an introduction to tanning, and depending on your skin type and session length, results may be more noticeable after sessions 2-3. For most first-time tanners, sessions can start at 3-6 minutes, always depending on your skin type. A trained team member can assist you with any questions you may have.
Does your tan develop after you leave?
Yes, for 24-48 hours after your session, melanin continues to oxidise, so your skin can often look darker the next day than it did when leaving the salon.
Remember, it is about building a tan gradually. For most people, a tan builds gradually over several sessions and not all at once. After reaching a base tan, sessions shift to focus more on tan maintenance.
How do I plan sunbed sessions before a holiday?
If you have 2 weeks to go
Depending on your skin type, most people would aim for around 3 sessions, spaced every 48 hours in week 1, and build up to 2-3 sessions in week 2.
If you have 4 weeks to go
In a month, you can expect to see more gradual, better results. Here, you could opt for 2 sessions in weeks 1 and 2, then gradually build to 2-3 sessions in week 3 and 1-2 top-up sessions in week 4. This way, you can expect a deeper, more even result to start your holiday.
It is very important to space out your tanning sessions to avoid excessive exposure, so if your holiday date is not far away, a session plan can make all the difference. If your holiday date is fast approaching, you can check our session pricing and get started on your personalised tan plan. Come and see one of our team at The Tan Station, and get your skin type and assessment completed. Remember, consistency over cramming sessions is the key to a more natural, longer-lasting tan.
How do I build a tanning routine?
It’s not about hurrying your way or hoping your way to a good tan. It’s about building it up slowly, in a way that works with your skin, not against it.
For most people, this means building up slowly, seeing how your skin reacts and going from there. Some will see change more quickly than others; some will take longer. Both are totally normal.
Building a tan the right way
What matters more than anything is consistency – not doing more, just doing it properly. Allow your skin time between sessions and let colour develop naturally. Using the right tanning lotions and accelerators before your session may support colour development – ask our team which options suit your skin type.
If you are new to it, this is where a little guidance makes all the difference. Knowing your skin type, what to expect, and having a clear plan from the beginning make your tanning experience an informed one where you are in control.
Sunbed session frequently asked questions
2-3 for most skin types, based on your determined skin type upon registration upon arrival.
Can I tan every day to speed things up?
No, absolutely not. Cramming your sessions increases the risk of burning and can prevent colour development altogether. We recommend leaving 48 hours between sessions. The Tan Station is a member of The Sunbed Association and follows their guidelines as part of our approach to responsible tanning.
If I have 2 weeks before my holiday, how should I plan my sessions?
Aim for 3 sessions maximum in week 1 (every 48 hours), then 2-3 sessions in week 2. Space them to avoid overexposure.
Does my tan develop after I leave the salon?
Yes, Melanin continues to oxidise for up to 48 hours after your session, which is why we recommend a 48-hour interval between sessions.
Why do some people tan faster than others on the same bed?
Skin type is the main factor. As natural melanin levels vary, olive and darker skin tones often see results faster than fairer skin. It’s about how your skin responds to UV, rather than the bed.
What’s the difference between building and maintaining a tan?
Building can take 4-8 sessions over 3-4 weeks, depending on your skin type (see the session guide table above). Once you have a base tan, maintenance is typically 1-2 sessions per week.
Please note: The information on this page is intended as general guidance only. Skin type classifications are based on the Fitzpatrick scale and determined by the client’s admissions upon registration. Session times and suitability for sunbed use will always be confirmed by our trained team in the studio based on your selected skin type category. As a member of The Sunbed Association, The Tan Station adheres to the association’s full code of practice, which includes a skin-type registration process for all new clients. If you are unsure about your suitability for sunbed use, please speak to a member of our team before booking.
