Spray tanning: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What spray tanning is

A spray tan technician applies a bronzing mist by hand or booth to give the skin a tanned color. The color lasts about a week and fades as the skin exfoliates, so most people book again when they want to keep the tone.

Signs you need it

  • You want a sun-kissed look without sitting in the sun
  • You have a wedding, photo shoot or event and want an even tan on the day
  • You want a tan that lasts a short time, with no UV exposure
  • You want a tan with an even finish and no streaks
  • You want a technician to match the shade you want on your skin tone

What the pro does

  • Asks about your skin, allergies, medications and any recent skin treatments
  • Asks about your event date and the shade you want
  • Exfoliates or preps the skin so the tan goes on evenly
  • Applies the spray solution by hand or in a booth, with protection for the eyes and face
  • Gives you a timing plan for drying, dressing and avoiding water
  • Shows you how to make the color last and how to remove it safely

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • The size of the area and whether the full body is treated
  • The type of solution used, such as a dark or light shade or a custom mix
  • Whether the tan is a booth, a hand application or a mobile visit
  • Whether a prep, exfoliation or extra product is included
  • The shade you want and how many coats are applied
  • Whether travel to your home or event is needed

What a written quote should spell out

  • The area covered and the shade or color level
  • Whether a prep or exfoliation is included
  • Whether travel is included, and where travel begins
  • The aftercare products and whether they are part of the service
  • The cancellation and late arrival terms

Questions to ask before you hire

  • What solution do you use, and does it contain any ingredients I should avoid?
  • Can I do a patch test before the full tan?
  • How do you make sure the color is even and streak-free?
  • How long will the tan last, and how do I keep it from fading unevenly?
  • What should I wear afterward so I do not get marks on my clothes?
  • Do you protect my eyes, face and hands during the application?
  • What do you do if I am not happy with the color?

Red flags

  • Will not say what the solution contains or whether it is tested
  • Applies the tan to broken skin, rashes or sunburn with no check
  • Does not give you drying, dressing and aftercare instructions
  • Uses one applicator or mitt for several clients with no cleaning step
  • Pushes you to a very dark shade you did not ask for

What you can do yourself

You can use a self-tanner at home after a patch test, exfoliating the skin the day before and moisturizing dry areas like elbows and knees. Wash your hands well after applying and wear gloves to avoid staining. Hire a technician if you want an even color for an event, a booth tan, or a body spray that is hard to do on your own.

Licenses and permits

Spray tanning is commonly covered by state esthetics, cosmetology or tanning rules, and some states regulate it as part of those licenses. Check with your state licensing board before you book, and ask the technician how they are licensed.

Spray tanning questions

How long before an event should I book?

Book a few days before the event, so the color settles and you can check it. Ask the technician how long the tan takes to fully develop.

Can I shower after a spray tan?

Ask the technician first. Most people wait several hours before getting the skin wet, and then use gentle products that do not scrub the tan.

Is spray tanning safe for me?

Spray tanning uses no UV light, so it does not add sun exposure. The mist should not be breathed in or get into the eyes or mouth, so ask what protection you will be given, such as eyewear and nose filters. Tell the technician about any allergy, and do a patch test if you have sensitive skin.

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

How it works

  1. 1. Describe the job

    Pick the service, add your ZIP and a sentence about what is going on.

  2. 2. Pick the pros you want

    See screened pros who serve your ZIP and choose who you want to hear from.

  3. 3. They reach out

    They contact you the way you chose: phone, email or in-app messages.

More beauty and styling guides

Find a pro near you

Find a pro

About this guide

Request spray tanning