Are Red Light Tanning Beds a Worthwhile Upgrade for Salons

Introduction

In 2026, the tanning industry is shifting toward skin health and wellness, with more clients asking about red light and hybrid sessions. As a salon owner, you must decide whether this is a trend or a smart upgrade to keep rooms profitable. Since replacing a standard UV bed is a major investment, the numbers must make sense before you commit.

Red light tanning beds fall into two main types. Some use only 633nm red light LEDs to boost collagen with no UV exposure, focusing on skin rejuvenation.

In 2026, most salons prefer hybrid beds that combine UV and red light in one unit. The red light improves circulation and hydration, helping clients achieve darker tans faster. This dual-purpose system lets you offer tanning and skincare in a single session.

Read our blog on Standup Tanning Beds Guide to get ideas about other types of tanning bed.

Read our blog on Ergoline Tanning Beds Guide to get ideas about other types of tanning bed.

The biggest reason for the shift is the change in customer demographics. Younger clients are often more focused on skin texture and anti-aging than they are on just getting dark. By offering red light, you tap into the wellness market, which typically has a higher budget and stays loyal longer than seasonal tanners.

From an operational standpoint, red light beds allow you to diversify your service menu without adding more square footage. You are selling a premium experience that justifies a higher membership tier. In a market where electricity costs are rising, having a machine that commands a higher per-session price is a better use of your floor space than a basic Level 1 bed.

When budgeting for 2026, the entry point for commercial hybrid technology has become more accessible, though top-tier luxury models still command a premium.

Source - https://sprayandsun.com/collections/commercial-tanning-beds

The Revenue Gap

The main difference is the client experience. Traditional beds can be drying, but red light is marketed as a beauty treatment.

Longevity: Modern UV LED systems are a game-changer for maintenance, with some components lasting between 15,000 and 20,000 hours, compared to traditional UV lamps that drop in efficiency after just 1,500 hours (Source).

Energy Savings: Transitioning to LED-based tanning technology can reduce your power consumption by 30% to 40%. In an era of high utility costs, this is a massive boost to your bottom line.

Red light tanning beds are generally not subject to the IRS indoor tanning excise tax, as they do not emit ultraviolet (UV) light. However, if the red light therapy service is combined with a UV tanning service, then the portion of the service that involves UV exposure becomes taxable. The IRS excise tax applies specifically to services that use UV radiation to tan the skin

This means if your hybrid bed uses UV, you are still liable for collecting and remitting that tax on that portion of the session.

This is exactly why many owners are moving away from manual spreadsheets. Simple720 was built as an IRS-authorized, cloud-based platform to handle this specific mess. 

It is designed to take the complex Form 720 excise tax process and automate it so you are not stuck manually calculating 10% on every hybrid session.

Refer the below IRS sites for more details.

https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/indoor-tanning-services-tax-center

https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/excise-tax-on-indoor-tanning-services-frequently-asked-questions

The answer depends on your market. If you run a high-volume shop where people just want the cheapest tan possible, a high-end hybrid bed might sit idle. But if you are seeing a plateau in your membership growth, red light is the best way to up-sell your existing database.

It is generally worth it if you can:

• Justify the session price: Can you charge $2.10 per minute for hybrid sessions vs. the standard rate?

• Market the Skincare: Do you have a demographic that values anti-aging and collagen production over just getting dark?

• Reduce Overhead: Will the 30 to 40 percent energy savings from LED tech help you survive rising local electricity rates?

Conclusion

Upgrading to red light technology is a smart move for salons looking to increase their average revenue per user in 2026. These beds offer a premium experience that standard UV units simply cannot match. Once tanning services are in place, remember to file your indoor tanning tax using Simple720. Making the switch ensures your salon remains a modern destination for both beauty and tanning.