Spray Tan Like a Pro
Set Up Your Room
Setting up your tanning area will help you operate more efficiently. First, make sure the room has proper ventilation. Your air purifier should be light, easy to set-up and break down, and easy to clean. We recommend trying one with a removable and washable filter.
A spray tanning tent is perfect for mobile tanning, but can be used at home or your salon too. It's easy to pop-up, and is roomy enough for both you and the client. Our Mobile Spray Tanning Tent is a great tent that lets in natural light, and comes with it's own carrying bag.
A black backdrop to catch overspray makes a great addition to your spray tanning space. Make sure you have plenty of black towels for the floor — not only does it save you time on cleanup, it also prevents the space from looking overly messy.
Lastly, make sure you have a full-length mirror on hand. This is essential because you want your client to look in the mirror during the spray tanning session so they can adjust the darkness to their liking. You also want your client to view their new spray tan right after the session to ensure they leave confident and happy.
Prepare Your Client
It is important to be completely transparent about what the client can expect during a spray tanning session, both for their comfort and for a fast and easy session. Here are some examples of what to say:
❤ Properly prep the skin. Exfoliate 3 days prior, shave or wax at least 8 hours prior, shower up at least 4 hours prior, and moisturize the skin every day except on the day of your session.
❤ Avoid wearing deodorant, makeup, or perfume, as it acts as a barrier to the spray tan solution. If necessary, spray fragrance to the exterior of your clothes.
❤ Wear dark underwear, and bring sandals and loose, dark clothing for after the appointment. Tanning solution will wash out of most fabrics, but some unique fabrics may be stained. A dark towel is also recommended for your car seat.
❤ Notify your spray tan technician of any skin sensitivities. It may be necessary to test a patch of skin first. Healing skin wounds and any allergies should be discussed prior to the spray tan. Also, spray tan solution can have a drying effect on the skin.
❤ Undress to your comfort level, whether it's in a bikini, partial underwear, or fully nude.
❤ Follow directions on how to stand. Some positions may feel silly, but are necessary for a flawless tan.
❤ Wait 5 minutes to completely dry before putting on your clothes. Do not reapply jewelry or other items that might scratch at your tan. Be mindful of your seat belt, and sit on a towel to avoid sweating. Avoid crossing your legs.
❤ Leave the tanning solution on for at least 6 hours, ideally 8-10 hours. Do not swim, shower, or work out during this time.
❤ Do not shave or exfoliate for the first shower. Do not worry about color coming off in the shower, as it's just the bronzer guide washing off. After showering, moisturize well.
❤ Protect the skin to make your tan last 5-10 days. Avoid waxing or shaving. If necessary, use a new razor with sharp blades so that only the hair is removed. Avoid hot showers, harsh cleansers, and intense scrubbing. Gently pat dry after each shower. If possible, avoid band-aids, pore strips, and face masks.
❤ Use SPF daily. Sun safety should be your number one priority. There is no sun protection in our spray tan solution, so apply it separately each day.
*Note: Book your next session at least 1 week after your first tan has completely faded. If tanning for a special event, book for 2-3 days prior.
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Beauty CapsWhile tanning solutions do not typically discolor or harm hair, a beauty cap is an extra layer of protection and allows for easy clean-up. Ensure that your hairline is completely exposed to avoid any harsh lines.
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Disposable PantiesDisposable panties are a great way to protect sensitive areas while also preventing harsh, noticeable tan lines.
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Feet ProtectorsProtect the soles of your feet from excess tanning solution with easy-to-use, disposable feet protectors. Not only do they protect against overspray, they are a sanitary essential for both your salon and your client.
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Barrier CreamApply a barrier cream of your choice to the entire hands, feet, and any drier areas. We recommend our very own MDT Barrier Cream. This PH neutralizer allows only half of the tanning solution to absorb, providing a more natural look.
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Foam BrushThese brushes are an essential part of your toolkit. Use to clean up drips, even out tan lines, blend creases, and more.
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Wet WipesUse at the end of your spray tanning session to remove barrier cream from the hands and feet.
Spray Tan In The Right Sequence
The order in which you work is essential to a flawless spray tan. Start with the largest area so you can see how the color is going on, and how dark you will tan the guest. See how their skin absorbs the solution to determine how easy or difficult this tan will be. Tanning the same way every time also makes you less likely to miss an area or lose track of where you are working.
Work in this order:
1. Back and back of legs (neck to ankles)
2. Left side (armpit to ankles)
3. Left arm (top, under, then back)
4. Right side
5. Right arm
6. Front of left leg
7. Front of right leg
8. Inner left leg
9. Inner right leg
10. Abdomen
11. Face
12. Chest*
*Note: If you tan the chest before the face, you risk having too much overspray fall onto the chest and tan your client darker than you anticipated.
Check out our Spray Tan Training Video for a more detailed view of this process.
Sell The Tan
Here are a few of the best sales points:
• Gorgeous natural looking color, that’s instant!
• It’s quick and easy. Session takes just 20 minutes!
• Lasts 5-12 days, as long as your skin takes to naturally exfoliate.
• You can see the color going on and tell your technician exactly how tan you would like to be.
• Completely custom and exactly how you like it. We can even out tan lines and do body contouring.
What to tell your clients prior to their spray tanning session:
You will need to leave the tanning solution on your body for at least 6 hours after your tanning session. You can shower after 6 hours but 8-10 hours is ideal.
It is best to wear dark, loose clothing after your tanning session. You can wear whatever you want during your tanning session. (Depending on your preferences, some tanners allow guests to go topless or completely nude--it’s up to you. I recommend allowing them to at least go topless, as most women do not want top tan lines.) It is best to wear dark underwear or a black bikini during a tanning session.
While the tanning solution washes out of clothing, unique fabrics could possibly be stained. To be on the safe side, dark clothing is best during and after the tanning session.
It is best to come freshly showered, shaved and exfoliated, though not essential.
In the hours immediately after your tanning session, it is best not to sweat or do dishes. Avoid anything that can cause your tan to streak.
Charging Clients
There are lots of factors to consider when setting up your pricing menu. Rule of Thumb: Keep your prices reasonable enough that guests can afford to tan once per week and make spray tanning part of their normal maintenance.
We recommend making your single tan price reasonable but not super cheap. This will allow you to create discounted packages, saving your customer money and building your base of clients quickly. Here is our favorite sample pricing menu:
1 tan- $40
3 tans- $108 ($36/tan) save $12
6 tans- $192 ($32/tan) save $48
12 tans- $336 ($28/tan) save $144
For a mobile tanner or high end spa, your single tan price could be anywhere from $40-$80. We have clients that charge up to $110 for the same service. This really only works in high end resorts or spas. At this price, most people won't do the service often. But for tourists or special events, this works great.
The business of mobile tanning can be an incredibly profitable one. When setting up your business, it's best to make it as efficient as possible. Spray tanning, by nature, can be a bit messy. If you can design a set-up to where you aren't doing a thorough shower cleaning every time you do a tan, you'll eliminate the headache.
Some mobile tanners simply toss a few black towels down in each clients shower and tan them right there. Others use a tanning tent and tan in a shower or even in a backyard or patio. If an outside option is available (weather and privacy permitting), this often works best. The guest dries quickly, you don't have to worry about overspray and clean-up is easy breezy!