RESEARCH CORNER
Articles
by Kristin Lee Smithers, CLT
Wellness Transformation & Education, Sun Is Life, 4.2026
What It Does, What It Does Not, and Where Red Light Fits
Hybrid tanning technology has become one of the most talked-about innovations in modern UV equipment. By combining traditional ultraviolet lamps with integrated red light therapy, hybrid units promise enhanced skin benefits, improved comfort, and a more advanced tanning experience. These systems represent real progress in UV technology. However, it is equally…
‘Premiere-Worthy’ Red Light Equipment
Future of Tanning, Smart Tan 05.2026
Premiere Tan Rolls Out the Red Carpet for New KBL R11s
A 26-YEAR tanning industry veteran, Quentin Masterson understands as well as anyone where the industry has been, where it is, and where it’s headed. He and his company have long recognized that success today is driven by offering
elevated equipment and experiences that customers are willing to pay more for… The KBL R11 was exactly what they were waiting for…
Beyond the Headlines – How Trial Design and Policy Errors Shaped the Vitamin D Debate
Ask the Expert, Smart Tan 03.206
IN A December 2025 essay for the Brownstone Journal, public health researcher James Lyons-Weiler revisited one of the most influential nutrition studies of the past decade: the 2019 Vitamin D and Omega-3 Trial (VITAL), published in the New England Journal of Medicine. His analysis argues that the study’s widely publicized “null” findings were less a verdict on vitamin D itself and more a reflection of how…
Expand Your Business with Infrared Wellness – AVANT™ by FIT Bodywrap®
Hot Spot, Smart Tan 03.2026
THE WELLNESS category continues to grow, and today’s clients are looking for more than traditional spa or tanning services alone. They are asking for treatments that support detoxification, pain relief, fat reduction, recovery, and overall well-being. From infrared body wraps to red light and cryotherapy, adding wellness services allows tanning salons and studios to expand their offerings, reach new…
Wellness World, Smart Tan 04.2026
IN A WELLNESS-FOCUSED salon, credibility isn’t created by equipment alone. State-of-the-art technology, clean design, and professional branding all matter, but none of it carries much weight if the conversation at the counter undermines it. Customers decide whether a business truly embodies “wellness” based largely on how staff…
The ~75:1 Sunlight Trade-Off A New UK Biobank Preprint Reframes the Sunlight
Ask the Expert, Smart Tan 04.2026
For decades, public health messaging around sunlight has been simple and absolute: avoid the sun. But a longawaited new analysis suggests that message may be dangerously incomplete.
IN JANUARY 2026, a major medRxiv preprint led by Richard Weller was published using data from more than 419,000 adults in the UK Biobank. Instead of focusing narrowly on skin cancer, the researchers asked…
Marketing Red Light the Right Way
Future of Tanning, Smart Tan 04.2026
Why Professionalism, Precision, and Proof Matter More than Hype
AS RED LIGHT therapy moves from niche technology into mainstream wellness, tanning professionals face a familiar challenge: how to introduce a powerful new service without damaging long-term credibility. The opportunity is real. High-output LED red and nearinfrared
systems are no longer emerging technology—they’re established…
The Numbers Behind Retention & Wellness
Survey Says, Smart Tan 04.2026
Retention isn’t just a management challenge—it’s a numbers game. Across wellness, fitness, and service-based membership businesses, the data tells a clear story: customers who stay longer spend more, use more services, and deliver greater lifetime value. As salons continue
to expand beyond UV and into wellness-driven models, understanding how membership structure, pricing, and flexibility influence retention has never been more important.
KBL R11 Air from Tanning Supplies Unlimited
INDUSTRY LEADER KBL introduces the next level of technology and innovation in the evolution of wellness with the R11 Air Full Body Therapy Spa Machine. Results may vary by individual, but the benefits are numerous.
THE R11 AIR gives the body a huge wellness boost from its:
• 2,848 “635 nanometer” Redlight LEDs
• 1,188 “880 nanometer” Infrared LEDs
Member of the Month, Smart Tan 02.2026
EVERY great business starts somewhere—often before the owner even understands where the path they’re on will lead them. For Kristy
Mazeika, that start wasn’t a business plan or entrepreneurial ambition, but a part-time job at 19 that grew into a career and ultimately into ownership of two standout tanning and wellness salons in Georgia.
“This was never my dream. It just fell in my lap,” Kristy says, laughing. “But I love tanning, I love the atmosphere, I love the people. I wouldn’t change it for the world.”
Built for 2030 – Planning Your Salon’s Next Era
Future of Tanning, Smart Tan, 06.2025
PREPARING your business for the future isn’t just a matter of updating your equipment mix. While advancements in tanning technology and diversification into spa and wellness services will undoubtedly be the cornerstones of future success, the most astute operators will also prioritize repositioning, rebranding, and remodeling to align with their evolving offerings as the industry continues to evolve.
National Tanning Expo Shines Bright in Nashville
Smart Tan, 01.2026
Record Attendance, Engaging Education, and Momentum Define This Year’s Event
THE 2025 NATIONAL TANNING EXPO, hosted by Four Seasons Sales and Service, returned to Nashville with its best event yet, drawing salon owners, manufacturers, and industry leaders from across the country for two days of education, networking, and innovation. Held at the Omni Nashville Hotel for the first time, this year’s expo delivered a vibrant experience that attendees praised for its spacious layout, seamless flow, and inspiring atmosphere.
Don’t Overthink It – Targeting is the Key to Simple, Effective Digital Marketing Campaigns
Smart Tan, 01.2026
MARKETING today can feel overwhelming—especially when you’re trying to keep up with every new social media trend, algorithm shift,
and “expert” claiming to have the next viral content formula. Between trying to produce polished videos, chasing engagement metrics, and managing ad budgets, it’s easy to fall into the trap of analysis paralysis.
You know the feeling: you’re planning a post, designing a flyer, or writing an email…
Reintroducing Your Business – How to Bring New Beauty & Wellness Customers Through Your Doors
Future of Tanning, Smart Tan, 01.2026
WHEN a salon adds equipment like the new KBL R11 Air Full Body Therapy Spa Machine or other modern beauty and wellness technologies, the business quietly shifts into a completely new category. You’re no longer just a stop for a single service. You’re a place where people can recover after workouts, improve their skin, recharge mentally, and feel better from head to toe. But most people in your community still see you the way you were…
Smart Tan, 01.2026
CHECK OUT THE RESULTS!
Visit smarttan.com for their most recent polls.
In an industry where marketing often feels like guesswork, the data tells a clearer story: the real challenge isn’t making more content—it’s making sure the right people actually see it. As digital platforms evolve and audience behavior shifts, small-business marketers are discovering that relevance, targeting, and timing matter as much as trends or flashy creative.
The Wellness Customer Who They Are, What They Want, and How to Reach Them
Wellness World, Smart Tan 01.2026
THE WELLNESS market isn’t just growing—it’s diversifying. Today’s clients aren’t defined by age or income as much as by mindset. They’re united by one thing: a desire to feel better, live better, and age better. But how they pursue that goal varies widely. For salon owners, understanding the different types of wellness consumers is key to building stronger relationships, shaping your marketing message, and aligning your brand with what really matters to them.
by Paul Manke, Tanning Supplies Unlimited
Inspired Ideas, Smart Tan 01.2026
When salon owners imagine upgrading their space, the focus almost always starts with new equipment-and understandable so. But the real transformation happens when you rethink the entire experience.
That’s the focus for Tanning Supplies Unlimited’s Paul Manke, who now leads the company’s Salon Design Service alongside colleagues Eric Matras and Eric Haynes. This complimentary client support program helps salon owners optimize layouts, plan remodels, and turn loose ideas into practical, profitable floor plans.
Why clients aren’t getting tan, tanner or tannest
by Staff Writer
Certification, Training & Professional Development, Sun Is Life, 01.2026
The Coaching Lens
When units perform, lamps are fresh, acrylics are sound, and maintenance is on time, stalled color usually lives on the client side. Biology, medications and supplements, topicals, and routine choices can dull outcomes. The fix is coaching, not blame. Coach what you can control, teach cadence and recover, and celebrate small wins.
Reset with Heat, Light, and Rest – The Winter Blueprint for Spa Success
by Kristin Lee Smither, CLT
Wellness Transformation & Education, Sun Is Life, 01.2026
Short days, coder temperatures and shifting weather fronts can nudge our biology toward low mood and increased pain. Your spa can help with service you already offer when they are framed correctly and delivered with safe, repeatable protocols. Think comfort, recovery, and wellness support.
Success Stories & Industry Recognition
Sun Is Life, 01.2026
Dennis Ligon has lived every chapter of salon ownership, from the early days of discovering indoor tanning on the West Coast to building one of the largest multi-state wellness and tanning brands in the country. His journey is a study in disciplined growth, intentional culture, and the courage to innovate long before the industry caught up.
All About Red Light Therapy – Claims, Compliance, and Clear Language
by Kristin Lee Smither, CLT
Industry Essentials & Resource Hub, Sun Is Life 01.2026
Salon owners win with simple, accurate language. Red light therapy is popular, yet terms like approve, cleared, registered, listed, ILY and 510(k) often get mixed up. Use this guide to keep your ads clean, y0ur staff aligned, and your clients well informed.
Development and Intensity of Chronic Pain is Influenced by Vitamin D
Ask the Expert, Smart Tan 10.2025
A New Systemic Review Finds that Vitamin D Levels Influences the Intensity of Pain, with Higher Levels Related to Better Outcomes Among Individuals at Risk of Developing Chronic Pain
CHRONIC PAIN affects approximately 30% of adults worldwide, negatively influencing quality of life, increasing the risk of disabilities, and poorly affecting…
Choosing the Right Wellness & Spa Equipment
Wellness World, Smart Tan 10.2025
ADDING WELLNESS equipment isn’t just a matter of buying what’s trendy—it’s about making a smart, strategic investment that will pay off for years to come. Before you commit to a purchase, take the time to evaluate your options with the same care you’d use for any major business decision.
1. TAKE STOCK OF WHAT YOU ALREADY HAVE
Before you start shopping for new equipment, take an honest look at your current lineup. Ask yourself…
Smart Tan, 10.2025
As the tanning and wellness industry evolves, understanding who your clients are—and how they engage with your services—is more important than ever.
CHECK OUT THE RESULTS
Visit smarttan.com for their most recent polls.
Rockin’ & Rollin’ Luxury KBL Equipment Lineup has Business Booming at Hot Rocks Tanning & Boutique
Future of Tanning, Smart Tan 10.2025
BY 2023, Cindy Abbott was at a crossroads. A decade into owning Hot Rocks Tanning & Boutique in Oak Ridge, North Carolina, business was good but stagnant, and she was no longer feeling inspired by her professional life. The equipment was aging, and Cindy even considered selling and stepping away.
At the time, Cindy thought tanning was…
ASA Winning with Federal, State Regulations
American Suntanning Association, Smart Tan, 08.2025
THE AMERICAN SUNTANNING ASSOCIATION is staying ahead of attempts to over-regulate professional indoor tanning facilities at the state and federal level in 2025. And we’re working with partners worldwide to do so. ASA has won 60 consecutive legislative efforts in state capitals, and now has been victorious more than 160 times since beginning this work in 2013. ASA Executive Director Joseph Levy has traveled to 43 different state capitals.
Smart Investment, Stunning Results
Hot Spot, Smart Tan, 08.2025
The Ultrasun Q16 Hybrid from TSU
IN today’s tanning market your equipment needs to do more than tan—it needs to impress. That’s exactly what the new Ultrasun Q16 Hybrid delivers: high-end features and sleek European design that redefine what’s possible in the midlevel price range. Whether you’re upgrading a core piece of equipment or adding hybrid tanning options to your service menu, the Q16 is a future-ready investment…
Future of Tanning, Smart Tan, 08.2025
After more than two decades running a successful, 28-room salon in small-town Iowa, Pro Tan Tanning Center owner Dana Blunt still wasn’t convinced that ultrapremium tanning equipment would be a fit for her market—or that her clients would be willing to pay for it. Turns out, they absolutely are.
IN FACT, the response to the addition of a KBL P9S extraSun and KBL 8000 hybridSun was so enthusiastic that Dana recently decided to further expand their top-tier lineup with the all-LED KBL K11 Air.
Sales Slump? Boost Employee Morale and Performance
Smart Management, Smart Tan 07.2025
EMPLOYEE motivation is the backbone of any successful salon. But if business slows down and foot traffic decreases, keeping your team engaged can become a challenge. Quieter times doesn’t have to mean low energy. In fact, it can be the perfect opportunity to focus on building team morale, enhancing skills, and keeping employees motivated. Use any downtime strategically to foster a positive work environment and ensure your team stays prepared for busier times ahead.
Remodel, Refresh, Build-out – Bringing Salon Visions to Life
Inspired Ideas, Smart Tan, 06.2025
WITH nearly 500 years of combined industry experience across its team, Tanning Supplies Unlimited (TSU) delivers far more than equipment expertise. A prime example of their commitment to supporting salon owners is hands-on salon layout and design guidance provided by three seasoned professionals—Paul Manke, Eric Haynes, and Eric Matras —who together bring 113 years of industry experience and decades of floor plan design knowledge to the table. Now, TSU is formalizing this valuable aspect of customer support with the official launch of Remodel, Refresh, Build-Out—a program that blends deep industry insight with advanced design…
‘Barbie & Ken’ – The Tanning Hut’s Dynamic KBL Duo
Future of Tanning, Smart Tan, 05.2025
When The Tanning Hut introduced the KBL P9S sunbed to their lineup, they unknowingly launched a local sensation. The sunbed’s pink exterior lighting immediately earned it the nickname “Barbie,” and the name stuck. More than a year later, “Barbie” is still a household name in their small town, with clients referring to it as if it were a celebrity.
SEEING the impact Barbie had, the Buckhannon, WV, salon doubled down on the excitement by later introducing the KBL K11 Air Loft, customizing the exterior lighting in blue and naturally dubbing it “Ken.” The response was just as electric.
Consumers are Prioritizing Health and Wellbeing
Wellness World, Smart Tan, 05.2025
A new report from creative agency VML highlights a major shift in consumer spending, with a growing emphasis on health, wellbeing, and essential needs over discretionary purchases. The findings suggest that consumers are not just tightening their budgets but actively redefining their priorities, seeking simpler lives and more authentic experiences.
Health and Wellbeing Spending on the Rise
The report, which tracks net consumer spending, reveals that spending on…
Retention Season – Turn Your Summer Slowdown Into Year-round Momentum
by Curt Holloway, Smart Tan, 05.2025
SUMMER doesn’t have to mean slowing down—not for today’s savvy salon. With the right mix of services, smart strategies, and well- structured, highvalue memberships, you can turn the so-called off-season into a period of steady traffic and strong revenue.
If you’ve embraced wellness offerings that appeal to customers looking for more than a tan and memberships that provide…
Inspired Ideas, Smart Tan, 05.205
Matt Russell, CEO of Smart Tan & SmartSun Therapy
MEMBERSHIP-BASED models have long been the cornerstone of successful tanning businesses. And while that may seem like old news, the sheer importance of this approach makes it worth repeating. Today, memberships aren’t just part of your business— they are your business. Yes, you can and should have other revenue drivers, but a strong, high-value membership structure is what ties everything together. It’s the engine that powers your entire operation.
Vitamin D and Athletic Performance – Key Findings From a Study of Elite German Athletes
Ask The Expert, Smart Tan, 05.2025
A RECENT STUDY published in the European Journal of Applied Physiology highlights a significant prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency among German elite athletes. The research, conducted by Sebastian Hacker and colleagues, analyzed the vitamin D status of 474 athletes across ten Olympic sports and explored various factors influencing their serum 25(OH)D levels. The findings emphasize the need…
From Doubt to Demand – The Rise of Red Light Therapy
SmartSun Therapy, Smart Tan, 05.2025
There was a time when Renée Edgren thought about giving up on red light therapy. Now, her SmartSun Therapy SST28 rivals their KBL K7S as one of the most used pieces of equipment at Utopia Tanning & Spa in San Ramon, CA.
WHEN Renée and her husband, Tyler, purchased the business in 2005, it had already had a stand-up low-pressure red light unit, but at that time, red light therapy wasn’t the mainstream
service it’s become today…
Maximizing In-Salon Advertising Strategic Placement and Media for Cross-Promotion
Smart Marketing, SmartTan, 04.2025
EFFECTIVE in-salon advertising should now involve much more than printing posters with your latest special. Strategically positioning messages in high-traffic areas enhances engagement and effectively promotes services and products. By combining eye-catching visuals, targeted messaging, and modern media formats, salon owners can enhance customer experience, increase awareness, and ultimately boost sales…
Innovative TECHNOLOGY, Unprecedented VALUE
Future of Tanning, SmartTan, 04.2025
South Beach Tanning Company has taken a bold step into the future of tanning by introducing KBL K11 Air sunbeds at five of their locations, with plans to add units as they become available.
With 20 years of experience at the Florida-based salon chain, Director of Operations Amanda Jurgens has seen firsthand the evolution of tanning equipment including the addition of the KBL P9S in recent years…
K11 Air Loft Takes Luxury Tanning to a New Level
Future of Tanning, SmartTan, 02.2025
THE KBL K11 AIR is anything but an ordinary tanning bed, and since unveiling the first unit at one of his 20 Glo Sun Spa locations, Todd Earnhart has ensured it receives the premium treatment it deserves.
The K11 Air Loft version, with its striking exterior frame and mesmerizing Loft Infinity Mirror, is the latest sunbed to earn a place in one of Glo’s exclusive “Luxury Suites.” Here, clients are treated to an unparalleled experience….
78% Reduced Risk of Respiratory Infections with Higher Vitamin D Levels
Ask the Expert, Smart Tan, 03.2025
MANY studies have demonstrated an association between vitamin D levels and the incidence of respiratory infections, including colds and flu, making knowing and optimizing your vitamin D level a powerful tool in helping to prevent infection. Vitamin D levels are lowest during the winter months (January through March), the same time of the year when we see peak flu activity.