If you’d walked into a tanning salon in Hampton Roads ten years ago, you probably knew exactly what to expect: rows of tanning beds, maybe a spray tan booth, and that unmistakable “vacation-in-a-bottle” scent. Fast forward to 2026, and things feel very different. Quietly, but noticeably, tanning salons across the region are evolving into full-on wellness spaces—and red light skin therapy is a big reason why.
This shift didn’t happen overnight. It grew out of real conversations with real clients. People started asking for more than just color. They wanted skin support. Stress relief. Something that felt good and fit into everyday life. Red light therapy checked all those boxes, and Hampton Roads salons paid attention.
Why Red Light Therapy Is Showing Up in Tanning Salons Now?
Let’s be honest—most people don’t wake up thinking, I need red light therapy today. What they feel instead is tight shoulders, dull skin, low energy, or that low-grade stress that never really leaves.
Red light therapy spa near me quietly addresses those things. It doesn’t scream “treatment.” It feels more like a reset. That’s exactly why tanning salons began adding it to their menus. Clients were already coming in for self-care. Adding a wellness option made sense.
In Hampton Roads in particular, this clicked. Between military families, healthcare workers, hospitality professionals, and people juggling long commutes, there’s a perpetual need for recovery that does not require the entire afternoon.
A More Balanced Approach to Beauty in 2026
Beauty trends in 2026 feel…calmer. Not as intense. People want to look good still — but they’re also thinking about how they feel getting there.
That’s where the pairing of tanning and red light therapy works so well. One focuses on appearance, the other supports skin health and overall wellness. Together, they create balance.
Clients aren’t chasing a drastic glow-up anymore. They want:
- Skin that looks healthy, not overdone
- Services that don’t feel harsh or aggressive
- Results that build over time
Red light therapy fits perfectly into that mindset.
Local Salons Are Listening
One thing Hampton Roads salons do well is listen. They know their clients. They know the pace of life here. And they know that offering more services isn’t about being trendy—it’s about being useful.
Many salons now design packages that combine spray tanning or UV services with red light sessions. Not because it looks good on a menu, but because clients asked for it. They noticed better results. Less dryness. Faster recovery between sessions. And honestly? A more relaxing experience overall.
That kind of feedback loop is what drives real change.
Why Red Light Therapy Feels Less Intimidating Than Other Treatments?
Part of its popularity comes down to comfort. Red light therapy doesn’t feel clinical. There’s no pressure to “fix” yourself. You lie down, breathe, and let the light do its thing.
For people new to wellness services, that matters. Especially in a red light spa near me environment, where clients already feel familiar and comfortable. It’s an easy yes.
And once people try it? They tend to stick with it.
What This Trend Says About the Future of Beauty?
The expansion of red light therapy into tanning salon tells us something bigger about where beauty is heading in 2026.
It’s no longer about choosing between aesthetics and wellness. People expect both. They want services that:
- Support skin health
- Fit into busy schedules
- Feel restorative, not draining
Tanning services salons that understand this aren’t just surviving—they’re redefining what beauty spaces look like.
FAQs
Is red light therapy safe to use regularly?
Yes. Red light therapy is considered safe and non-invasive when used as instructed. It is a regular part of the routines of many people.
Can I do red light therapy and tanning on the same day?
Quite often, yes. Many salons will provide advice on how to space out or combine sessions so your skin can take advantage of both without being overworked.
Does red light therapy replace tanning?
No, not really . The answer is: It has a different function. Red light therapy is for skin health and healing, whereas tanning is for color and look.
How long does a red light therapy session take?
Most sessions aren’t very long—generally 10 to 20 minutes—so they can be conveniently squeezed into a hectic schedule.
Will red light therapy help my skin look better?
After a while, the tone and texture of the skin improves and the skin feels more comfortable in general. The result appears to accumulate gradually.
Do I need to prepare before a red light therapy session?
Not really. Clean skin, few lotions, and drinking water is usually sufficient. Your salon can make specific recommendations.
The Bottom Line
As we move through 2026, beauty in Hampton Roads feels more thoughtful, more balanced, and more human. Tanning salons expanding into red light therapy isn’t about chasing the next big thing—it’s about meeting people where they are.
People want to look good, yes. But they also want to feel supported, rested, and taken care of. And right now, the combination of tanning and red light therapy is doing exactly that—quietly, consistently, and in a way that actually fits real life.
