Lextan

Lextan is a British chain of tanning salons that describes itself as "Wales and the West's largest chain of tanning salons." The business was founded in 2006 and has grown to operate 39 salons across South Wales and the South West of England. It specialises in UV tanning, offering customers access to modern lay-down and stand-up sunbeds, custom-made UV tubes, and a range of tanning creams and accessories. The company positions itself around four "tan values" — quality, class, community, and consistency — and markets the salon visit as a short escape or "15-minute holiday" rather than a purely functional service. Lextan's salons are walk-in friendly and staffed by trained personnel, with a focus on cleanliness, regularly maintained equipment, and rigorously tested tubes. Beyond the core sunbed service, Lextan sells its own membership programme, Lexclusive, which provides member-only offers, free minutes, and discounted products. The brand also offers block deals — prepaid minutes credited to a customer's account — and has developed a mobile app that lets customers manage their account, buy extra minutes, and access app-exclusive promotions. Product-wise, Lextan partners with Australian Gold to supply a selected range of tanning creams, including accelerator, bronzer, and tingle variants in sachets and bottles. The company has also expressed interest in franchising, inviting prospective partners to register their interest by email. While the brand is well known regionally, it remains a privately held business with no public listing. Its identity is closely tied to its South Wales roots and its community-oriented approach to tanning culture.

Lextan was established in 2006, according to the company's own About Us page, which states it has been "bringing the sunshine to South Wales since 2006." From its origins in South Wales, the chain expanded across the region and into the South West of England. By the time of its current official website, Lextan operated 39 salons, making it — by its own description — "Wales and the West's largest chain of tanning salons." The brand's growth has been driven by a standardised salon format, a focus on UV tanning technology, and a membership model that encourages repeat visits. Over the years, Lextan has invested in advanced sunbed technology and custom-made UV tubes, positioning itself as a specialist rather than a generic beauty service. It has also developed its own product ecosystem, including the Lexclusive membership programme and prepaid block deals, and launched a mobile app to manage customer accounts and offer exclusive promotions. The company partners with Australian Gold to supply tanning creams, integrating third-party products into its retail mix. Lextan has expressed ambitions to franchise, inviting interested parties to contact the company by email. While the brand does not disclose detailed financial or ownership information publicly, it remains a private, regionally focused business. Its history reflects the broader UK tanning salon industry, which grew through the 2000s and 2010s before facing increased regulatory scrutiny and changing consumer attitudes toward UV exposure.

• 2006

  Lextan founded, beginning operations in South Wales.

• Expanded to 39 salons across South Wales and the South West of England.

• Launched Lexclusive membership programme with free minutes and member offers.

• Released the Lextan mobile app for account management and exclusive offers.

• Announced interest in franchising and invited enquiries.

Regional leader in UV tanning salons, emphasising expertise, cleanliness, technology, and a community-focused "escape" experience.

• UV tanning sessions

  Walk-in tanning using lay-down and stand-up sunbeds.

• Lexclusive membership

  Annual membership (£5 for 12 months) offering free minutes, member-only offers, and discounts.

• Lexclusive Blocks

  Prepaid minute bundles credited to the customer's account, available to members.

• Australian Gold tanning creams

  Accelerator, bronzer, and tingle creams in sachets or bottles.

• Lextan mobile app

  App for account access, buying extra minutes, and app-only offers.

1. 1Home Page - Lextan - Wales and the West's largest chain of tanning salons.lextan.co.uk
2. 2About Us - Lextan - Wales and the West's largest chain of tanning salons.lextan.co.uk
3. 3Products & Blocks - Lextan - Wales and the West's largest chain of tanning salons.lextan.co.uk
4. 4Lextan - Wikidatawikidata.org