Many people love the look of sun-kissed skin, but they don’t love the damage that comes with UV exposure. That’s why spray tanning has become a go-to option for a natural, radiant glow. But a flawless spray tan doesn’t happen by chance. It takes the right prep, technique and a solid understanding of how different skin types react to sunless tanning formulas. Beyond just being a useful skill for beauty students, mastering spray tanning is a way to build trust with clients, expand services and stay ahead in the industry. From preventing streaks to educating clients on aftercare, here’s what it takes to deliver results that keep people coming back.
What Is Spray Tanning and How Does It Work?
The Science Behind Spray Tanning
Let’s break down the science behind sunless tanning.. The key ingredient in most sunless tanning solutions is dihydroxyacetone, or DHA. DHA is a sugar compound that reacts to the proteins in the outer layer of the skin, creating a temporary bronze or tan color. Because this reaction happens only on the surface, the color gradually fades as the skin naturally sheds and exfoliates. Most spray tans last between seven and ten days, depending on skin type, aftercare and the strength of the solution used.
Not all tanning solutions are the same. DHA levels typically range from 5% to 18%. Lowers concentrations create a lighter tan and higher percentages work better for deeper skin tones. Another ingredient sometimes found in sunless tanning solutions is erythrulose, a naturally-occurring sugar in raspberries that works a lot like DHA but develops more gradually. Products that combine DHA and erythrulose are usually labelled ‘DHA/E.’ Since erythrulose is less drying and gentler on the skin, it can be a great option for anyone prone to irritation. It can also be used alone for a lighter, more subtle tan.
Finding the Right Tanning Solution
Spray tan solutions also vary in how they’re formulated and how they’re applied. Some are water-based and some are alcohol-based. Water-based formulas are often preferred because they’re more hydrating and allow for smoother, more even application. Alcohol-based solutions dry faster, but they can be harsh and drying on the skin.
Another key difference is clear vs. bronzer-infused solutions. Clear formulas develop over time without transferring onto fabrics, making them ideal for clients who want a mess-free experience. Bronzer-infused solutions, on the other hand, offer immediate color and act as a visual guide during application, reducing the chances of streaks or missed spots. Both types have their fans and haters, and the best choice depends on the client’s preference and lifestyle.
Now that you know how it works, let’s talk about why sunless tanning has become such a popular choice.
Benefits of Spray Tanning Over Traditional Tanning
Everybody loves a day in the sun but the sun doesn’t exactly return the favor when it comes to skin health. Dermatologists constantly warn against UV exposure – and for good reason. Sun damage doesn’t just lead to wrinkles and premature aging; it’s also a major risk factor for skin cancer. Even tanning beds, once marketed as a safer way to tan, have been shown to increase the risk of skin cancer risks. Spray tanning offers a safer, UV-free alternative that gives the glow without the not-so-glowing consequences.
A Tailored Tan
One of the biggest advantages of spray tanning is that it can be customized for different skin tones and preferences. Whether someone wants a subtle glow or a deep bronze, spray tans can be adjusted to create the perfect shade. Plus, many modern tanning formulas include hydrating ingredients that nourish the skin instead of drying it out. Unlike sun tanning, which can strip the skin of moisture and lead to damage over time, spray tans can actually help maintain a healthy, even complexion.
A well-maintained spray tan can last anywhere from seven to ten days. A “natural” tan from the sun may stick around for about the same amount of time, but there’s one big difference: sunburn and peeling. Too much UV exposure can leave skin damaged, dry, and flaky – not the golden glow most people want. With spray tanning, clients get consistent, even color without the risk of red, peeling patches..
Quick Results Without Hours in the Sun
One of the best things about spray tanning is that it’s fast. Color from the sun can take days to develop – not to mention the risks it comes with. But a spray tan delivers practically immediate color. Clients can walk in pale in the morning and leave with a sun-kissed glow. For vacations, weddings or even just added confidence for a big event, a spray tan offers an instant or almost-instant transformation, without the wait.
It’s easy to see why more people are choosing spray tanning over traditional sunbathing. It’s safer, more customizable and gives the perfect glow – minus the skin damage.
Prepping for a Flawless Spray Tan
A flawless spray tan starts with proper skin prep. And while you can control your application skills, you can’t control how well a client preps beforehand. That’s why educating clients on pre-tan care is so important. A spray tan is an investment and a little effort upfront goes a long way. .
Exfoliation and Hydration: The Secret to an Even Glow
Smooth, hydrated skin helps spray tan solutions absorb evenly and last longer. Clients should start exfoliating a few days before their appointment using dry brushing, gentle scrubs, or mild chemical exfoliators. The goal is to remove dead skin cells without irritating the skin. Last-minute, aggressive scrubbing can cause patchiness, so remind clients that slow and steady gentle exfoliation works best.
Hydration is just as crucial. Applying moisturizer regularly for a few days leading up to a spray tan keeps skin soft and balanced. However, clients should avoid slathering on lotion the day of their appointment. Residue from creams and oils – and even deodorant – can create a barrier that leads to uneven absorption.
Shaving, Waxing, and Showering Pre-Tan
If a client waxes, they should do it at least 24 hours before their appointment to allow skin time to calm down. Shaving should be done at least 12 hours before the session to avoid irritation and open pores, which can cause an uneven tan.
On the day of the spray tan, clients should take a fresh shower but skip the body oil, lotion, deodorant, and makeup. Clean, bare skin leads to the best results.
What to Wear to a Spray Tan Appointment
Loose, dark clothing is the way to go. Tight straps, waistbands or anything that rubs against the skin can disrupt the tan while it’s developing. If a client is worried about dry skin, they can apply a light, fragrance-free lotion the night before, but nothing heavy or oil-based.
A little education goes a long way. When clients prep correctly, they get better, longer-lasting results – and that means a more seamless experience for you as the tanning pro.
The Spray Tanning Process Stay-by-Step
A professional spray tan isn’t just a quick mist of color. (Leave that for DIY types!) A professional spray tan is a carefully executed process designed to deliver even, natural-looking results.
It all starts with a consultation, where the tanning specialist helps the client choose the right shade based on their skin tone and preferences. Some clients want a subtle glow and others prefer a deep bronze, so understanding the different DHA levels and undertones is key. This is also the time to address any skin concerns, like dryness or uneven texture, that could affect the final result.
Once the consultation is complete, the tanning process begins.
Skin prep: A barrier cream is applied to dry areas like elbows, knees, and ankles to prevent overdevelopment. These areas tend to absorb more product, so a light layer of protection helps set up a seamless blend.
Positioning: Clients stand in specific poses to make sure they get full coverage and to prevent creasing or patchy application.
Application: Using either an airbrush system or an automated booth, the tanning solution is sprayed in thin, even layers. Most technicians start from the feet and work upward, which helps prevent streaks and smudging.
Drying time: Once the application is finished, clients stand for a few minutes to let the tan set before getting dressed. Tight clothing or sweating too soon after the session can interrupt color development, so clients should wear loose, dark clothing and maybe skip the workout for the first few hours.
Mastering Positioning and Technique for an Even Application
A flawless tan is as much about the solution as the technique. Keeping the spray gun moving in smooth, continuous motions helps prevent patchiness. Staying the right distance away (usually around 6–12 inches from the skin) helps color distribute evenly, and overlapping each spray pass slightly helps avoid harsh lines.
Certain areas, like hands and feet, require a little extra attention. A light mist and gentle blending prevent them from developing too dark. For clients, positioning is just as important. Often, they’ll be instructed to:
- Hold arms slightly away from the body.
- Spread fingers apart to ensure product reaches every area.
- Shift weight from one foot to the other and lift heels to allow for full leg coverage.
When the technician and the client work together, the results are smoother, more even and longer-lasting.
Airbrush vs. Booth Spray Tans: Which One Is Better?
Not all spray tans are created equal. There are two main ways to give a sun-kissed glow – airbrush tanning and booth spray tans – and each has its pros and cons.
Airbrush tanning is the more personalized option. A trained technician applies the solution using a handheld airbrush gun, which helps create more precise color matching as well as more even coverage. This method is great for clients who want a custom shade, have specific skin concerns or are looking for a little extra contouring. The tradeoff with this method is that it takes longer and tends to cost more, since the tan is applied by hand.
Booth spray tans, on the other hand, are all about speed and convenience. Clients step into a booth, where a fine mist of tanning solution is sprayed evenly across their body. This is a great option for people who want a quick, no-fuss tan. But because it’s a machine doing the work, there’s less room for customization. If a client doesn’t follow the positioning instructions exactly, they could end up with uneven color on their hands, feet, or underarms.
For beauty students, knowing how to work with both methods is a major advantage. Airbrush tanning is a high-end, boutique service that clients are willing to pay more for, and booth tanning is a fast, efficient option often used in high-traffic salons and spas. Being able to offer both means more flexibility, more opportunities and, most importantly, more happy, glowing clients.
Aftercare: Making the Glow Last
Making a spray tan last comes down to smart aftercare. The first few hours are crucial and clients should do their best to stay dry, holding off on showering for at least eight hours if possible. And if they’re headed out for vacation, they should try to stay away from chlorine and salt water – both major culprits in fading.
Some clients may feel a little sticky or notice a slight scent as the tan sets in – that’s normal. But resist the urge to take a long, soapy shower right away. When it’s finally time to rinse, a quick, cool shower is best. No scrubbing, no shaving, and definitely no hot water. Harsh soaps, exfoliants, and anything with alcohol or artificial dyes can dry out the skin and cause the tan to fade faster. After showering, patting dry with a towel instead of rubbing helps preserve the evenness of the color.
To keep the glow going strong, a good self-tanning lotion or gradual tanner can help extend the color, keeping skin hydrated and bronzed for as long as possible.
Spray Tanning: A Smart Skill for Beauty Professionals
Spray tanning is a high-demand service that clients seek out all year long. Weddings, vacations, photoshoots, special events – there’s always a reason someone wants to look sun-kissed without the sun damage. And because a flawless spray tan requires skill, clients are more likely to stick with a professional they trust rather than risk a streaky, uneven tan somewhere else.
For beauty professionals, adding spray tanning as a service is an easy way to increase income and build client loyalty. It fits naturally with facials, waxing and makeup applications, and can be part of a full-service experience that keeps people coming back. A client who books a spray tan before a big event might also want a brow wax, a facial or a makeup look. More services = more opportunities to book repeat clients and grow your business. .
Learn Spray Tanning the Right Way at Tricoci University
At Tricoci University, students can get real, hands-on experience in spray tanning. From choosing the right shade to perfecting an even, streak-free application, students have the opportunity to build the skills they need to deliver flawless results. They also learn how to educate clients on prep and aftercare, troubleshoot common tanning mishaps and create a comfortable, professional experience that keeps clients coming back.
Spray tanning is a high-demand skill that can set beauty professionals apart. Mastering this service creates new opportunities and adds value to any beauty career, whether you want to work in a luxury spa, a fast-paced salon, or build a solo business
If you’re ready to expand your skills and offer a service your clients will love, Tricoci University can help you get there. Book a tour, visit our website, or check out our courses to start your journey!