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Why do tanning salons give you a towel?

Jun 16th 2025

At most tanning salons, clients are given a towel before starting their session. While it might seem like a small detail, this simple item serves multiple essential purposes. Towels help maintain hygiene, add comfort, support safety, and even enhance tanning results. Far from being just an accessory, the towel is an important part of the overall experience.

Many people overlook how much impact a towel can have on their tanning session. It protects the skin, keeps equipment clean, and contributes to a more enjoyable and sanitary environment. We explains why tanning salons offer towels and how they benefit both the client and the salon.

Hygiene and Cleanliness: A Top Priority

Protecting Your Skin and the Equipment

Tanning salon towels act as a barrier between your skin and the tanning bed. Even though salons sanitize equipment between uses, towels offer an extra layer of cleanliness. They prevent the spread of sweat, oil, and bacteria. This protects both you and the next person using the same bed. It’s an easy, effective way to maintain hygiene.

By reducing direct contact with the tanning surface, towels minimize the risk of skin irritation. Some clients may have sensitive skin, so the extra protection helps avoid potential reactions. A towel adds reassurance that cleanliness isn’t just assumed—it’s built into your experience. That’s why high-quality towels are essential in professional salons.

Absorbing Sweat and Moisture

Tanning—especially under strong lights or in a spray booth—can cause you to sweat. A towel helps absorb this moisture during and after your session. This keeps you dry, which not only feels better but also helps maintain a cleaner environment. It also keeps tanning beds from becoming slippery or uncomfortable.

Too much moisture can lead to uneven tanning or affect the tanning solution in spray booths. Drying off with a towel ensures that sweat doesn’t interfere with the process. That’s why many salons keep towels readily available for every session, offering both comfort and practicality to clients.

Enhancing Comfort and Modesty

A Layer of Comfort

Lying on the hard, plastic surface of a tanning bed can feel cold or uncomfortable. A towel adds a layer of softness and warmth, making the session more pleasant. This extra comfort encourages clients to relax during their tan. It turns a quick session into a more spa-like experience.

Even placing a towel under your head or lower back can help with posture and reduce strain. These small touches improve the overall feel of the session. Salons that think about client comfort often see better reviews and more repeat visits, and providing towels is one simple step that makes a big difference.

Supporting Modesty and Personal Preference

Not every client feels comfortable undressing completely during tanning. A towel gives you the option to cover certain parts of your body. It provides modesty for those who prefer more privacy. This creates a more inclusive and welcoming environment at the salon.

Towels allow you to tan on your own terms, whether fully clothed, partially covered, or fully nude. They help meet the preferences of all clients, especially first-timers. A thoughtful approach like this shows that the salon respects your comfort and individuality.

Promoting Better Tanning Results

Avoiding Uneven Tans

A clean, dry body allows for more even tanning, whether you're using UV beds or spray tans. Towels help remove excess lotion, sweat, or oil from your skin beforehand. This creates a better surface for the tan to develop. You’ll avoid patchy results and streaks with just a few dabs of the towel.

Many clients don’t realize that tanning on sweaty skin can create uneven tones. Gently drying areas like behind the knees, underarms, and the neck can improve results. That’s why professional salons encourage you to use the towel before your session. It’s one of the easiest ways to boost your tan’s appearance.

Preventing Product Transfer

Some clients use tanning accelerators or bronzers before their session. If these are not fully absorbed, they can stain the bed or affect results. Towels help by blotting off any excess product. This keeps the bed clean and ensures the product stays where it’s needed—on your skin.

Salons appreciate clients who use towels properly, as it maintains the cleanliness of their equipment. And clients get the bonus of longer-lasting and more even tans. It’s a win-win that shows how essential towels are to both the process and the results.

A Key Part of Salon Professionalism

Reflecting Clean Standards

Clean, fresh towels give clients confidence in the salon’s standards. When a salon offers a towel for every visit, it shows that hygiene is a top priority. Clients notice these details, and it affects how they feel about the experience overall. A towel may seem small, but it reflects professionalism.

Neatly folded, soft towels send a message that the salon is organized and client-focused. It also assures new visitors that the environment is safe and sanitary. This is especially important in shared spaces like tanning salons where health and comfort matter.

Cost-Effective and Practical for Salons

Reusable towels are far more cost-effective than single-use alternatives. Many salons order towels in bulk to maintain a steady supply without overspending. Suppliers like Towel Hub make it easier to stock up on soft, absorbent, and durable towels.

These towels are designed for repeated use and regular washing without losing quality. Buying in bulk reduces cost per unit, making it a smart move for salons of any size. Towels from trusted wholesalers also enhance the client experience without inflating your budget.

How to Use Your Tanning Salon Towel Effectively

Before, During, and After Your Session

Before your tanning session, use the towel to dry off and remove any excess product. This helps create a clean base for better tanning. During the session, you can lay on it for added comfort or use it to cover specific areas. Afterward, wipe away any moisture or residue.

Always return the used towel to the designated bin. This allows the salon to launder it properly for the next guest. Proper towel use helps keep the environment clean and the equipment in good condition. It's a small responsibility that benefits everyone.

Choosing the Right Tanning Towels: What Salons Look For

Soft, Absorbent, and Durable

Tanning towels need to be soft on the skin yet strong enough to handle constant use. Cotton towels are a popular choice for their comfort and absorbency. They’re ideal for drying moisture without irritating sensitive skin. Salons also look for towels that can withstand frequent washes.

Towels from Towel Hub meet these needs by offering quality and durability at affordable prices. They’re lightweight, easy to fold, and quick to dry—making them perfect for busy tanning salons. A reliable towel adds value to the customer experience without any hassle.

Conclusion

Towels in tanning salons may seem like a minor detail, but they serve important roles. From hygiene and comfort to better tanning outcomes, they are a vital part of your session. They help keep equipment clean, improve your experience, and support professional standards.

For salons, investing in high-quality towels is both smart and cost-effective. Sourcing them from reputable providers like Towel Hub ensures long-term value and consistent customer satisfaction. Whether you’re a client or a salon owner, never underestimate the power of a good towel.