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Download our FREE guide on how to start a spray tanning business. This guide will explain exactly how you can get started.

This is a personal decision based on your preferences, available capital, and long-term goals. Download our Free guide, How to Start a Spray Tanning Business, to explore the different business models available. This comprehensive guide provides detailed explanations of each model to help you make an informed choice.

Explore our blog posts under HVLP Systems on the main navigation menu for deep dives on different high-quality HVLP spray tanning equipment. Our guides break down the features of each unit, including their capacity for handling varying numbers of spray tans. Whether you’re just starting or looking to upgrade, these resources will help you make an informed decision about the equipment that best suits your business needs.

Explore our blog posts under Spray Tan Solutions on the navigation menu. These articles offer detailed insights into a variety of spray tan solution brands, providing in-depth information to help you confidently choose the perfect solution for your business needs.

Our Canva-editable templates — including websites, business cards, and operating documents — are fully customizable and beginner-friendly. No design or coding skills needed!

After purchase, you'll receive a PDF with a link to your template. Click the link to open it in your Canva account (you can create a free account if you don’t have one).

From there, you can easily edit the text, images, and colors to suit your branding. You can download your designs for print, or share them online. For website templates, Canva’s free version allows you to publish a basic single-page site using a Canva URL. Want to use your own domain? You can easily upgrade to Canva Pro for that feature.

It’s quick, intuitive, and designed to help your business stand out!

Formal training is highly recommended — it not only enhances your expertise but also elevates how clients perceive your services.

Our Training Manual and Online Course, The Art of Spray Tanning©, serve as the ultimate guide to the artistry of sunless spray tanning. You'll learn everything from technique and equipment setup to client care, business strategies, and insider tips that only seasoned professionals know. Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your skills, these resources will give you the confidence and knowledge to stand out in the industry and build a thriving spray tan business.

Yes. DHA (dihydroxyacetone), the active ingredient in sunless tanning products, is approved for cosmetic use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It is considered non-toxic, non-carcinogenic, and safe when used as directed. When applied to the skin, DHA reacts with the amino acids in the outermost layer of the skin to produce a temporary tan. It does not absorb into the bloodstream or penetrate beyond the top layer of skin. DHA-based sunless tanning is widely recommended by dermatologists and supported by organizations like the Skin Cancer Foundation as a safer alternative to UV tanning.

No, a sunless tan does not protect your skin from UV exposure.

Spray Tan Solutions do not contain sunscreen and offer no protection against sunburn or the harmful effects of the sun. It’s important to always apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays when spending time outdoors—even if you have a sunless tan.

Repeated exposure to UV radiation without proper protection can increase the risk of premature skin aging, skin cancer, and other serious skin damage, even if your skin doesn’t burn.

Spray tanning works by applying a fine mist of sunless tanning solution containing DHA (Dihydroxyacetone) to your skin using a HVLP spray gun. DHA is a colorless sugar that reacts with the amino acids in the outermost layer of your skin. Over several hours, this reaction causes the skin to gradually darken—much like how an apple turns brown when exposed to air.

Unlike traditional tanning lotions, spray tanning ensures an even, streak-free application across the entire body in just one session. It’s a quick and effective way to achieve a natural-looking tan without sun exposure.

Spray tanning is generally considered safe during pregnancy because it does not involve UV exposure or harmful chemicals that absorb into the bloodstream. The active ingredient, DHA, only reacts with the outermost layer of the skin and is not absorbed into the body.

However, as a spray tan artist, it’s important to advise your pregnant clients to consult with their healthcare provider before getting a spray tan to ensure it’s safe for them.

A spray tan typically lasts between 5 to 10 days, depending on factors like the client’s skin type, how well they prepare before tanning, how they care for their tan afterward, and the brand of spray tan solution used. Different formulations have varying staying power, so some brands may provide a longer-lasting tan than others. Proper exfoliation before the appointment and daily moisturizing afterward can help extend the life of the tan. As the skin naturally exfoliates, the tan will gradually fade.

When done correctly, a spray tan should never turn orange or streaky. The key factors are using high-quality formulations, proper application techniques, and ensuring the client’s skin is well-prepared beforehand.

Low-quality products, uneven application, or poor skin prep (like not exfoliating or moisturizing) can cause uneven color or an orange tint. Educating your clients on pre- and post-tan care and using trusted premium products will help you deliver flawless, natural-looking results every time.

Typically, clients should wait at least 6 to 8 hours before showering to allow the DHA to fully develop. Some spray tan formulations offer a rapid tan option, which can develop in as little as 1 to 3 hours—ideal for clients needing a quick tan before an event. Always follow the specific product instructions. Remind clients to avoid washing or sweating during the development period to ensure an even, long-lasting tan.

Yes, spray tanning is safe and effective for all skin types. However, results may vary depending on skin texture, dryness, and natural skin tone. Proper skin preparation and using the right formulation can help achieve a flawless tan on everyone.

DHA percentages determine how dark or intense the tan will develop. Lower percentages (around 4-7%) offer a lighter, more natural tan, while higher percentages (up to 12%) produce deeper, darker results. It’s important to match the DHA level to the client’s skin tone and desired outcome to avoid unnatural or orange tones.

Bronzers in spray tan solutions provide immediate color but can sometimes transfer if not fully dried. Ensure clients wear loose, dark clothing and avoid tight fabrics immediately after tanning. Encourage clients to allow the tan to dry completely before dressing and to avoid sweating or getting wet for several hours.

Clients can safely get spray tans as often as every 7 to 10 days, depending on how quickly their skin exfoliates and the brand used. It’s important to advise clients to maintain healthy skin care practices between tans to keep their skin in good condition.

At a minimum, you’ll need a quality HVLP spray tanning unit, a spray booth, protective gear like masks, barrier cream, hairnets, gloves, and premium spray tan solutions.

Check out our free guide, How to Start a Spray Tanning Business, for a detailed breakdown of the essentials — we’ve even included a startup checklist to help you get started!

If your client has very sensitive skin or is concerned about a possible reaction, you can perform a patch test at least 24 hours before the full spray tan to check for allergies. Use hypoallergenic, fragrance-free formulations for sensitive clients, and keep a record of any known allergies. If a client experiences irritation, advise them to discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional.

Common mistakes include inadequate skin prep, applying too much or too little solution, poor spray technique leading to streaks, not allowing proper drying time, and failing to educate clients on aftercare. Continuous training, practice, and using premium products help avoid these pitfalls.

Avoid spray tanning clients who have open wounds, skin infections, or certain skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis unless cleared by a doctor. Pregnant clients should consult their healthcare provider before tanning. Always maintain high hygiene standards to prevent infections.

Set up your spray tan area with an exhaust fan or open windows to circulate fresh air and reduce inhalation of spray particles. Use air purifiers and wear protective masks yourself, and encourage clients to breathe normally but avoid inhaling the spray directly.

The FDA classifies DHA (Dihydroxyacetone) as safe for external use only and recommends that users avoid ingesting or inhaling the mist from sunless tanning products containing DHA. While the FDA does not explicitly mandate safety gear, we strongly advise wearing protective equipment—such as breathable foam nose filters or disposable paper masks—during application to minimize inhalation and eye exposure. Additionally, clients should wear protective undergarments to keep the tanning solution off sensitive areas.

DHA (Dihydroxyacetone) — the active tanning ingredient in sunless spray tanning — is sensitive and should be treated like a fridge item.

Extreme heat or sudden temperature changes can destabilize DHA’s chemistry, which may cause your spray tan solution to turn green.

Keep in mind, tanning solutions naturally have a limited shelf life and start to degrade once the bottle is opened.

If your spray gun is splattering, it’s most likely clogged.

Quick Clean to Unclog Your Gun:

1. Fill your gun’s solution cup with clean, lukewarm water.
2. Spray onto a towel or into a sink for 30–60 seconds.
3. Pour out any remaining water.

Pro Tip for Daily Maintenance:

At the end of each day, always flush your gun with clean water for 30–60 seconds.
Then, empty the cup and place your gun and cup separately on a towel to air dry overnight. This simple habit prevents clogging and keeps your gun spraying flawlessly.

If your spray tan solution is streaking or running down your client’s skin, your gun is spraying too heavily. The solution should mist onto the skin — not soak it. The goal is a light, even layer that leaves the skin moist, not wet.

Here’s how to fix it:

🔧 Adjust Your Gun’s Spray Setting to create a fine, even mist. A great way to test it? Spray clean water onto a mirror — you should see a soft, even pattern (no heavy droplets or splatter). This quick check helps you dial in the perfect mist before applying solution to skin.

Patchiness is usually the result of poor skin prep or post-tan friction, but it can also be linked to internal factors like hormone changes.

Pre & Post Tan Care Matters Like anything, proper care and maintenance is key to a flawless, long-lasting tan.

Client prep is essential — make sure they’re informed before their appointment. Whether it's over the phone or via a printed prep guide in the salon, clear instructions set the tone for great results. With the right prep and aftercare, your clients will enjoy a tan that fades beautifully and lasts longer.

Before the Tan:

Exfoliate thoroughly to create a smooth, even base.

No deodorants on the skin before the appointment — they can interfere with how the tan develops.

After the Tan:

Use pH-balanced, soap-free body washes to cleanse without stripping the colour.

Moisturize 1–2 times daily to keep your skin hydrated and your tan glowing longer.

Avoid chlorine, hot baths, or long soaks — they can fade your tan faster.

Natural Skin Cycles:

Oily skin types may hold onto colour longer than dry skin.

Hands and face tend to fade quickest due to frequent washing — that's totally normal.