Today's tanning salons employ many different types of tanning environments. A quickly emerging trend is to utilize stand up tanning booths as opposed to traditional beds. These booths often have a similar appearance to that of a telephone booth. Tanning rays are emitted from all angles allowing for a closer approximation to actual exposure to the sun.

There are many advantages of a booth as compared to a bed. The typical bulb used in a booth is much stronger than that which are used in beds. Beds ordinarily use bulbs in the 100 watt range, whereas booths most commonly have 160 watt bulbs. This additional strength allows for quicker tanning which allows saved time to devote to the balance of your busy schedule.

Not only are the bulbs associated with booths stronger, they are enhanced by reflectors which provide for more uniformity than one receives when prone in an old fashioned bed. The most even and attractive tans are a result of a day of vigorous activity and movement under the sun. Equal exposure to all parts of your body is critical. Traditional beds often result in more focused exposure yielding less desirable results.

Another advantage of booths relates to hygiene. Many people are uncomfortable using a bed which was occupied minutes ago by a stranger. Standing in a booth eliminates that concern. Germaphobes are happy to limit bodily contact to any surface touched by many people during the course of a given day.

Many also feel less claustrophobic standing in a booth as opposed to being locked into a traditional bed. Standing in a booth allows for free movement, and enables you to facilitate even exposure giving you that perfect uniform tan. Some even make use of tanning time by enhancing it with some exercise by running in place in a booth. This feat is obviously not possible in a tanning bed.

Conversely, this can be a disadvantage for those who seek a relaxing, effortless tanning experience. Stretching out on a bed is obviously more relaxing than standing or running in place. For those who desire to combine their tanning with an afternoon nap it is probably advisable to avoid booths and stick with old style tanning beds.

As indicated before, booths tend to have much stronger bulbs than their bed counterparts. Much has been written about the effects of tanning. It is advisable to research both the pros and cons of tanning prior to deciding whether it is right for you. Those with light skin are advised to seek advice from qualified professionals and select the method most appropriate for your circumstance.

Technology is always evolving, and in the tanning world stand up tanning booths are the new emerging trend. Booths now allow for a tan which mimics the ones seen only after hours of play under the sun. When your weather or location disallow a game of beach volleyball, the closest approximation is now available at your local salon.