Tanning Bed Levels Explained: What Level 1 Through 5 Actually Means

Walk into most tanning salons and you'll be asked which "level" bed you want. For anyone new to indoor tanning, the numbers can feel like a foreign language. Understanding tanning bed levels — what they mean, how they differ, and which one fits your skin — makes that first conversation with salon staff a lot easier. If you're still deciding between UV tanning and a spray tan altogether, our comparison guide covers that first. Here's what tanning bed levels actually mean, how they affect your results, and how to pick the right one.

What "Level" Actually Refers To

Tanning bed levels are a way salons group their equipment by intensity — specifically, the ratio of UVA to UVB light and the strength of the bulbs.

UVB is the shorter-wavelength ray that triggers your skin to produce new melanin. It's also the ray responsible for sunburn if you get too much of it. UVA penetrates deeper into the skin and darkens the melanin you already have, which is what produces that bronzed look.

Lower-level beds (Level 1-2) use more UVB and less UVA. Higher-level beds (Level 3 and up) shift toward more UVA and less UVB, using high-pressure lamps instead of standard fluorescent tubes.

Tanning Bed Levels, Broken Down

Level 1 — Entry Level Low-pressure bulbs, higher UVB ratio. Sessions typically run 12-20 minutes. Best for building an initial base tan or for anyone new to indoor tanning. Slower results, but a gentler introduction for skin that hasn't been exposed to UV tanning before.

Level 2 — Standard Similar technology to Level 1 but often with slightly more UVA. Still a good option for beginners or those who tan infrequently. Session times are comparable to Level 1.

Level 3 — Mid-Tier This is typically where salons introduce medium-pressure lamps and a noticeably higher UVA ratio. Tans develop faster and last longer than Level 1-2. A good fit once you already have some base color and want more efficient results — often twice a week instead of daily.

Level 4 — High-Pressure High-pressure lamps that emit mostly UVA, sometimes filtering out up to 99% of UVB. Sessions are shorter (often 10-12 minutes) but produce a deeper tan in fewer visits. Many Level 4 beds include facial tanners with dedicated high-pressure bulbs for the face.

Level 5 and Level 6 — Premium Offered by some salons for tanners who already have color and want the deepest results with minimal time investment. These use the most powerful high-pressure lamps available, delivering a base tan in as few as 3-5 sessions. Not every salon carries this level — ask before assuming it's available.

Why This Isn't Standardized

Here's the part most guides skip: tanning bed levels are not a regulated industry standard. There's no governing body that defines what makes a bed "Level 3" versus "Level 4." Each salon assigns its own numbering based on the equipment it owns.

That means a Level 3 bed at one salon might use different bulbs, wattage, and UVA/UVB ratios than a Level 3 at the salon down the street. Some salons use tiered names instead of numbers — Silver, Gold, Platinum, Diamond — which map roughly to the same concept but aren't interchangeable between businesses either.

The practical takeaway: don't assume your experience with a "Level 4" bed at one salon will match a "Level 4" at a different one. Ask staff about the specific bed's bulb type and session length rather than relying on the level number alone.

How to Choose the Right Level

Start low if you're new. Skin that hasn't built any base tan is more prone to burning, and higher-UVA beds won't do much without existing melanin to work with. A Level 1 or 2 bed lets your skin adjust safely.

Consider your goals. If you're maintaining a tan you already have, a mid-level bed is often enough. If you're building color from scratch for an event, expect to need more sessions regardless of level.

If you plateau, switching levels can help. Frequent tanners sometimes hit a point where their results stop improving. Moving to a different level — up or down — can restart visible progress.

Pricing by Level

Pricing varies significantly by salon and region, but general ranges look like this:

Most salons also offer monthly memberships that bring the per-session cost down significantly — sometimes as low as $3-5 per visit with unlimited access to a specific level or below.

A Note on Safety

Regardless of level, all UV tanning carries risk. Both UVA and UVB contribute to skin damage over time, and IARC — the World Health Organization's cancer research agency — classifies UV-emitting tanning devices as Group 1 carcinogens, the highest risk category, alongside tobacco and asbestos. Higher-level beds don't eliminate this risk; they simply shift the type of UV exposure toward UVA.

Many states also restrict UV tanning for minors — some ban it outright for anyone under 18, others require parental consent. Rules vary by state, so check local regulations or ask the salon directly before booking a session for a teen.

If you have very fair skin that burns easily, or a family history of skin cancer, talk to salon staff about whether UV tanning is appropriate for you at all, regardless of level.

The Bottom Line

Tanning bed levels are a useful shorthand for intensity, but they're not standardized, and higher isn't automatically better. The right level depends on your skin type, your tanning history, and how much time you want to spend per session. Start conservative, build gradually, and don't hesitate to ask staff for specifics on the equipment rather than relying on the number alone.

Looking for a tanning salon with the right equipment for your skin type? Browse tanning salons on TanningSalonFinder.com — search by city and see what services and bed types are available near you.

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