Pro Spray Tanning
Spray Tan like a Pro
If you've trained with me, you know I'm a stickler about the order in which you 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 and immediately determine how easy or difficult this tan will be.
Tan the same way EVERY time so that you are less likely to miss an area or loose track of what you have tanned. We recommend spray tanning in this order for a consistently fabulous and efficient tan:
Back and back of legs (neck to ankles)
Left side (armpit to ankles)
Left arm (top side, underneath, and back)
Right side
Right arm
Front of left leg
Front of right leg
Inside of left leg
Inside of right leg
Stomach
Face
Chest
Note that tanning the chest is last: 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.
Setting 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.
Mobile Tanning
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!
Selling 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.
How Much Should I Charge?
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.
Why Choose Tan Icon?
Tan Icon is the best tanning solution on the market.
Smells great.
Tan Icon has a light coconut scent, without the chemical odors of other tanning solutions out there.
Long-lasting.
Tan Icon lasts longer than any other sunless tanner because of its high-end ingredients. It attaches to your outer layer of skin and only comes off when your outer layer of skin exfoliates.
Instant natural color.
The perfect combination of browns and reds make this sunless tanning solution very natural-looking. We use the highest % of DHA possible to look natural and have a strong tan that lasts. You're left with an instant bronze color which looks even better as it develops.
Dries Quickly.
Within 5 minutes, you are completely dry and able to put clothes on. Our solution is a water base so once it dries, you can go about your day like usual without worrying about stickiness or color transfer.
Totally safe!
Tan Icon and all other Million Dollar Tan products are totally safe. No harmful UV rays, no bulbs, and no burns.
Pro Hotline
At Million Dollar Tan, we are all about education. And even though we’ve become a really big business, we still work one-on-one with our accounts to assist them in building their spray tanning businesses. With over 14 years in the industry and 4,000 professional accounts, we know this business! We are passionate about helping our accounts exceed their goals. For questions or advice on anything related to pro spray tanning - get in touch with us by phone, email, or by using the contact form.