This blog almost got hurled in the bin yesterday when Mr. Golden Sun reared his ugly head. Fortunately, Zeus is back at it today: rains have reemerged and the universe is (once again) in order, thus rendering this article relevant. Phew. The benefits of tanning in a bed are manifold: healthy-looking skin, influx of Vitamins D and E and a mild, yet distinct euphoria. Salon tanning is also faster and a lot less messy than a day at the beach. No more picking sand from unseemly places, boys and girls. In an effort to bring a fair and balanced report SmSh shall reference the World Health Organization: WHO states: "there is no evidence to suggest that UV exposure from any type of sunbed is less harmful than UV exposure from the sun." Apparently, there is also no evidence to suggest that UV exposure from a bed is more harmful than UV exposure from the sun. If you're freaked out about getting naked and acquiring diseases, don't worry. You can leave your undies on. A thin layer of cotton will surely protect against the flesh-eating bacteria. Now that I've dispelled your fears: tanning in Shanghai is a relatively new phenomenon. As such, salons are few and far between, equipped with a mere handful of beds, and less effective than those in the West. But these are desperate times. SmSh found four salons ranging in quality from just passable to pretty good.
Eurosun Tanning Salon
One word: Pasties. Located in the basement of Ferguson Lane's complex. First impressions of Eurosun are formidable: floors gleam of Spic 'n Span and walls burst with beach paraphernalia (of what use is a big floppy hat indoors?) in this opulent, spacious foyer. Italian run, Eurosun has a new-age machine with sensors that gage how many minutes of UV radiation your skin can take before it implodes. Reliable? Who knows, but it's a soothing notion. Prices are out of sight. 120rmb for a single session; package deals exist and they get you 50% off waxing.
Bronze Bodies Tanning
This basement branch in Hong Kong Plaza boasts the strongest beds. This is also the only salon to pipe in music whilst you bathe, thus ensuring you shall not be left alone with your thoughts. Aforementioned attributes combined with a central location means that BB is the only tanning spot where a wait is even fathomable. A new bed should arrive any day now, according to the staff. For the record, I visited BB's Tongren Lu branch last year. Frightful.
Sunpoint Tanning Studio
By my calculations Sunpoint Tanning is the oldest venue in town but it offered the best "overall experience." Draped in Bermuda shorts and a surfing tank, the Australian reception dude won't try to sell you packages or lotions you don't want. Three beds are enclosed in fake walls, covered in posters of 1980s beach bimbos and sunset scenes. You can tan for up to 20 minutes (!) here, although beds are on the weak side. Should you arrive during off-peak hours, you will only pay 60rmb.
The Tanning Island
Unless you find yourself suddenly trapped in a torrential downpour on the intersection of Xietu Lu and Tianyaoqiao Lu, you really have no reason to tan here. The Island is less expensive than Bronze Bodies and Eurosun, but the hygiene is questionable and a weak bed fails to override the dank atmosphere. On the sunny side, the employees have absolutely no clue about their line of work - should you request to bake for three hours they might let you. 80rmb for 11 minutes.
M.H. Tanning Salon
SmSh did not actually visit this venue, but we did visit their website. (For a giggle, click here.) Now you actually have a reason to check out the art on Moganshan Lu: you can hit up this little number on your way there. And on the way back ... it's open 'til midnight. Full listings of Tanning salons in Shanghai here
