Many people aspire to achieve a sun-kissed glow without risking exposure to harmful UV rays. Two popular methods to accomplish this are spray tanning and self-tanning. Although both approaches offer a bronzed complexion, there are important distinctions between them. It’s not uncommon for spray tan artists to feel that they should steer away from offering self-tanning products in their sunless business because of the fear of losing spray tan clients. However, it’s important to recognize that the type of clients that prefer to self-tan at home are generally an entirely different type of client than the ones that love booking a professional spray tan appointment. This is good news! When both options are included within your  business, you have the opportunity to diversify your customer base and create an additional stream of income for yourself. In this blog post, we will explore the pros and cons of each method, helping you understand how they may align with your current and future client’s preferences and lifestyle.

Spray Tanning:

Professional Application:

Spray tanning involves visiting a certified technician in a professional salon or through a mobile appointment. This type of service is completed with the use of an airbrush or HVLP spray gun by evenly applying spray tan solution to the body. The reason that many clients love this service is because of the fact that the application is done by a skilled technician. This method ensures an expert touch, resulting in an even and natural-looking tan.

Customizable:

Spray tanning is tailored to each client's unique skin type and tone. Technological advancements in the sunless industry enable technicians to offer a customized experience. Clients can discuss their desired tan shade, allowing the technician to adjust the color accordingly, giving a personalized experience to each and every client. With various options available, concerns about turning out too dark or appearing "orange" are no longer an issue. Additionally, clients love that the process is quick, taking around 10-15 minutes, and provides an immediate, natural-looking bronze appearance.

Expertise and Equipment:

Since this is a professional service, spray tanning requires specialized equipment and knowledge to achieve flawless results. While not all states regulate spray tanning, professional technicians possess expertise in application techniques, ensuring an even tan without streaks, patches, or over-saturation of color. They are adept at working with different body types and understanding how various solutions interact with different skin types, catering to clients of all races and ethnicities to achieve natural looking results with every application.

Higher Cost and Maintenance:

Compared to self-tanning, spray tanning involves more time and financial investment. Clients must consider salon fees and recurring appointments to maintain their tan. Mobile tanning services, although convenient, usually come at a higher price. However, the convenience and expertise provided with receiving a  professional service that results in a more natural looking appearance with less effort can justify the higher cost for some individuals.

Self-Tanning:

Convenience and Cost-Effectiveness:

Self-tanning products are widely available in various forms, offering convenience and affordability. Lotions, mousses, sprays, and wipes can be purchased at drugstores, beauty retailers, online and can be a great addition to include as retail items in your own sunless business! These products allow customers to achieve a tan in the comfort of their own homes at a lower cost compared to salon visits or mobile appointments, making them an attractive option for those who prefer a sun-kissed glow year-round without the skin damage.

Control and Flexibility:

Self-tanning provides customers with control over the application process. They can apply the product to specific areas, adjust the intensity of the tan, and experiment with different brands and formulas. This flexibility enables customers to customize their tan application according to their preferences. Although spray tan artists also provide customization and flexibility with their services, when tanning at home, clients have the freedom to research and explore different products that appeal to their own personal tan goals. 

Learning Curve and Potential Challenges:

Self-tanning requires practice to achieve a flawless application that appears natural and even throughout the body. Without professional assistance, there is a learning curve to avoid streaks, uneven patches, or orange tones. Without the right knowledge on sunless tanning, it can be easy to create a result that stands out as a faux glow. In order to avoid a sunless tan that develops looking unnatural, diligently following instructions and focusing on skin prep is essential. Proper skin preparation, including exfoliation and moisturization, is crucial to achieving the seamless bronze skin we all love. 

Maintenance and Longevity:

Self-tanning products typically last around 4-7 days, depending on factors such as product quality, skin type, and aftercare. Proper care, including regular exfoliation before application and keeping the skin hydrated and moisturized afterward, helps maintain an even and long-lasting tan. Researching high-quality products formulated with hydrating ingredients can be a game changer when it comes to achieving the most natural looking results that last as long as possible. Make sure to do your due diligence when finding quality products that go beyond providing a beautiful bronze glow and are made with skin health and nourishment in mind. 

Both spray tanning and self-tanning offer safe alternatives to sun exposure for achieving a beautiful bronze tan minus the damaging effects of sun exposure. Spray tanning provides professional application and a greater likelihood for more flawless results, but it comes with higher costs and more maintenance. Self-tanning offers convenience, control, and cost-effectiveness, but it requires practice to achieve the desired results. As a spray tan business owner, you can cater to both types of clients by offering self-tanning products for purchase alongside your spray tanning services. This allows you to attract DIY tanning enthusiasts who prefer tanning at home while also offering an option for spray tan clients to prolong and touch up their tan. Prioritizing education on proper skin preparation and creating clear communication of pre and post tan care instructions ensures that clients can embrace a radiant, sun-kissed glow, regardless of their chosen method.

Xoxo,

Kelly