Spray tanning: a guide for pros
What customers ask, how to win the job, and what to put on your profile.
Offering spray tanning
Clients book spray tans for an even, natural-looking color without UV exposure. Your skin prep, your solution information and your drying and aftercare plan are what bring clients back.
What customers ask
- What shade will I get, and how dark will it be?
- Will the tan be streaky, and how do you keep it even?
- How long will the tan last?
- What should I wear afterward?
- Is the solution safe for my skin?
How to win the job
- On the first call, ask for the event date, the shade the client wants and any allergies or sensitivities.
- Show photos of tans in several shades on skin tones similar to the client's, with their permission.
- Explain the timing for drying, dressing and showering in plain words, and give it to the client in writing.
- Offer a patch test for new clients or clients with sensitive skin.
- Put the solution type, the area and any travel in the quote so the client knows the full service.
- Give a short aftercare sheet covering exfoliation, moisturizing and how to avoid fading.
What to put on your profile
- Photos of spray tan results in several shades, shown with consent
- A list of your services, such as full body, booth, hand application and mobile visits
- The solution type you use and the ingredients clients should know about
- Your hygiene steps for applicators, mitts and the booth or room
- Your esthetics or cosmetology license details as they apply where you work
Follow-up that helps the customer
- Offer a maintenance tan visit timed to how the color fades for the client
- Suggest an exfoliating and moisturizing routine to keep the tan even
- Offer a short guide on preparing the skin for the next event
Licenses and permits
Check your state's esthetics, cosmetology or tanning licensing boards for the rules that apply to spray tanning where you work, since some states regulate it under those rules. Keep your license details current and list them on your profile.
Questions
Do I need a license to spray tan for pay?
It depends on the state. Some states regulate spray tanning under esthetics or cosmetology rules. Check your state board before you take paid bookings.
How do I handle a client with a reaction to the solution?
Stop the application, rinse the skin as your training taught you, and advise the client to see a doctor if the reaction continues. Record the solution used so you can check it for the next visit.
Should I do a patch test?
Yes, for clients with sensitive skin or any history of reactions. Note the result in the client's file and explain what it means before the full tan.
About this guide
This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.
Edit history
- Oct 29, 2026: Drafted by infinibell to our content guidelines.
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