Quick answer
It depends on your skin and the sunbed, but colour usually builds gradually over several sessions rather than one or two. Trying to speed it up with longer or closer-together sessions raises your risk of burning, and UK guidance specifically advises against repeated sessions to build a quick tan. If your skin burns rather than tans, sunbeds aren't suitable for you.
Why it varies
- Your skin type. Skin that tans easily usually picks up colour sooner than fair skin. Very fair skin that always burns may never tan, and UK guidance says it shouldn't be exposed to sunbeds at all. See what's my skin type?
- The sunbed. Lamp strength varies a lot between beds and salons. See sunbed minutes and lamp strength explained.
- Your routine. Gaps between sessions, aftercare and lotion all affect how even and lasting your colour is.
Don't rush it
The UK Health Security Agency advises against repeated sessions to build up a quick tan, for example before a holiday. Packing sessions close together doesn't give you a better tan; it gives your skin more UV in less time and makes burning more likely.
If you're not seeing colour
After a few sessions with no change, don't simply stay on longer. Read why am I not tanning on the sunbed? Some people's skin doesn't tan well at all, and for them UV mainly causes damage.
Keeping colour once you have it
You need far fewer sessions to keep a tan than to build one. Moisturising and the right aftercare help it last: see how to make your tan last longer.
