In recent years, the health and wellness sphere has been illuminated by the growing buzz around red light therapy. Once confined to the realm of alternative medicine, red light therapy has now captured the attention of a diverse audience, ranging from fitness enthusiasts to skincare aficionados. Its rising popularity can be attributed to a confluence of factors, including advancements in equipment technology, an expanding body of scientific research, increasing accessibility, and an array of potential health benefits. As this therapeutic technique continues to bask in the limelight, its applications and implications are garnering attention from both professionals and the general public.

Within the tanning industry, red light therapy has emerged in recent years as the next big thing and become a fundamental service for many salons alongside UV tanning and spray tanning. At the same time, red light therapy has also become a full-fledged business of its own outside of the tanning industry. New franchises that specialize in red light therapy exclusively are becoming more predominant, and with devices that are inferior to the best red light equipment found in tanning businesses, they’re charging $200 for monthly memberships.

The global light therapy market is projected to grow to $1.5 billion in the next decade. While red light therapy is still a largely untapped market, that tells us that the success businesses are having now is just the tip of the iceberg. Meanwhile, interest is mounting. As of July 2023, online searches for red light therapy were up 48% compared to 2022. It’s also become a trend of sorts on TikTok, with videos featuring the hashtag #redlighttherapy garnering over 96 million views. While much of the overall popularity and reputation of red light is being developed outside of the tanning industry, tanning businesses are perfectly positioned to take advantage of the hype.

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