Superior Salon Training … One Way, or The Other

When it comes to bringing your salon team up-to-speed with the latest and most comprehensive factual information on UV light, the tanning process and how to create a professional salon environment, Sun is Life® Training & Certification has become the industry’s “go-to” resource.

There is really no reason NOT to equip your staff with factual information on indoor tanning and the tools for offering superior guest experiences in your facility.

Several years ago, I had a conversation with IST Magazine Publisher, Vince Lorraine, regarding salon operator training. He felt strongly about the fact that our industry needed a training arm that could disseminate factual information in a format that was effective, affordable and very accessible. Sun is Life was developed to achieve just that.

Offered 24/7 in an online format, salon owners and staff can take the training when their schedules allow the time and opportunity. Our certification program begins with the core topics of UV and its effect on the skin, understanding the tanning process, and addressing sun sensitivity. These are covered as building blocks that segue into the next levels of the training; state and federal regulations, exposure schedules and skin types, and low- and high-pressure sunlamp types. With that knowledge, the class then moves into UV and sunless equipment maintenance. The course wraps up with in-depth information on how to offer a superior guest experience in your facility and make your salon stand out with superlative sanitation standards and effective handling of guest complaints. Salon team members who successfully complete the Sun is Life test earn a ready-to-frame certificate to display in the facility, increasing the level of professionalism and customer confidence.

Over the years, I have also taught this premiere certification course in person in a classroom format at the major industry trade events around the U.S. The energy that comes from these classes was sorely missed this past year, as COVID placed a damper on such large, in-person gatherings. However, I feel confident that these expos will return to their rightful place of prominence with salon owners in the near future. Clearly, there’s nothing like the enthusiasm and excitement a salon team brings home after they experience an industry expo – just perfect to kick-start the tanning season!

Of course, this year was a “little bit different” than most. Heartland Tanning hosted America’s Tanning Virtual Expo (their 30th annual event) and Four Seasons Tanning offered the National Tanning Expo Virtual Show, both with a plethora of speakers and presentations. Heartland offered attendees the Sun is Life Certification online and I presented the course to Four Seasons Expo registrants via Zoom. We are honored to have this continuity with both programs. Admittedly, teaching in a virtual format is quite different from a classroom. As a speaker, I always have enjoyed seeing the facial expressions and enthusiasm of in-person trainees. But, truth be told, this virtual program was actually quite enjoyable and we are researching the opportunity to continue offering Sun is Life in this format.

With Sun is Life now offered 24/7 online, expos hopefully returning to the in-person format and now, the potential for virtual training sessions, there is really no reason NOT to equip your staff with factual information on indoor tanning and the tools for offering a superior guest experience in your facility. I hope to see YOU (one way or the other) soon!