I walked into Rayz Tanning last Friday, one of their busiest days, to check it out and get the scoop from the owner, Lisa Eckhardt. Most of the chairs in the softly lit waiting room were taken as people waited for their appointments. Eckhardt chatted with her waiting clients, and I immediately noticed that she knows them all by name and that they are totally at ease with her.
Even though the day was so busy, Eckhardt made time to talk with me and answer my questions, leading me through the spacious rooms of Rayz to a spa room that wasn’t being used. There Eckhardt told me all about Rayz: their background and history, all the services they offer and, most importantly, what sets them apart from other tanning salons in Iowa City.
Rayz Tanning Salon has been open for over five years in its current location on Gilbert Street, but before Eckhardt bought it two years ago, it was called Malibu Sun. Eckhardt had started a mobile spray tan company called Spray Rayz in 2009, and when she purchased Rayz Tanning in 2010, she merged the two businesses together.
Eckhardt said that Rayz’ custom spray tans is what sets them apart from other tanning salons in Iowa City. “The quantity and quality of our spray tans is unmatched in the Iowa City area,” Eckhardt said.
Unlike other salons, Rayz does not use an automatic spray booth for their spray tans. One of their employees, well-trained in the art of spray tan, will personally spray you with their DHA sugar solution. This sinks into the first layer of skin and creates the dye effect that leaves you with a glowing, natural-looking tan for 7-10 days.
“We prevent it from getting orange by doing it custom,” Eckhardt said.
Having someone manually do the spray tan prevents too much solution settling in an area (like elbow or knee pits) and looks more natural than spray tans done in a booth. This way, no one walks out of Rayz with the dreaded “I just got spray tanned” look.
With all the tanning and skin cancer scares, switching to spray tanning is a great way to maintain your ‘beach look’ without the damage done to your skin. Eckhardt says that more of her clients are switching to spray tans than ever. It sounds like a good idea since spray tans still look natural and take less time than regular tanning.
The unique service that Rayz offers that most other salons do not is their mobile spray tanning. If you’re busy, don’t live as close or just want to get a spray tan without having to leave the comfort of your home, Eckhardt will come to you.
Traveling as far as Cedar Rapids, Eckhardt brings her own totally enclosed pop-up tent and a suitcase with all the solutions and mobile units she needs to give custom spray tans. She even gives great group rates for your next bridal party or sorority gathering.
In addition to regular tanning and their custom and mobile spray tans, Rayz also offers spa and facial services. For more information, check out their website here or give them a call.
Though their services are exceptional, something tells me there’s a different reason their clients keep coming back.
Regular Rayz visitor Emma Ashton said, “The owner [Eckhardt] is so nice. She knows my name and talks to me, and I really like that.” Ashton had tried a few other tanning salons in Iowa City before deciding on Rayz last year. She didn’t like the other salons because she wasn’t as comfortable with the staff. “It’s not as intimidating as other places,” Aston said. “It’s a lot less awkward because of the staff here.”
After spending my afternoon at Rayz, I totally agree with her. The staff is friendly and caring, and you know you’re going to walk out with a relaxing experience as well as a killer tan.
     Owner Lisa Eckardt is the reason Rayz is so successful. Her upbeat and welcoming personality makes everyone feel welcome and the experience is more enjoyable than any other salon in Iowa City!Â
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For more information, check out the Rayz Website or look for them on Facebook and Twitter! Book an Appointment today at: (319) 337 – 2490
Rayz Tanning is located right in the heart of Iowa City:
23 S. Gilbert Street
Iowa City, IA
Hours of Operation:Â
Monday – Thursday: 10 – 9
Friday: 10 – 7
Saturday/Sunday: 12 – 7
   **Last tans are accepted 20 minutes before closing