Preparation

Clients should exfoliate before spray tanning. Recommend shaving their legs before they arrive as this can help to exfoliate the skin. Exfoliating allows the solution to dye the layer of skin that is likely to last the longest.

Do not underestimate the importance of exfoliating your skin before a spray tan. By doing this you remove the dead skin cells as well as any excess body oils that could inhibit the absorption of the applied solution.

Clients should also remove makeup / deodorant prior to a treatment as this can lead to discolouration. A further tanning tip is to use only a mild soap as the pH of your skin can have an affect on the active ingredient (DHA) in most solutions.

If they usually moisturise after exfoliation you must inform clients to do it well before the treatment or their pores will be clogged and it will minimise the penetration of the tanning solution. The exception to this rule is hands, feet, knees, and elbows. You may wish to apply a little moisturiser to these areas prior to your spray tan as they have a tendency to absorb more of the tanning solution.

Pin up hair, this will allow for a more even application. Those with blonde/gray/bleached hair might do well to use a little Vaseline just above and around their hairline to prevent staining. A bit of chapstick smeared over lighter coloured eyebrows will protect them from staining.

Apply Vaseline to finger nails, palms and toe nails to prevent discolouration

Adjust your HVLP or airbrush so that it produces a fine mist, you may wish to spray a test area on a towel to ensure the setting is correct. A spray booth is recommended to contain overspray.

Step 1: Front

Client should be upright, legs apart. Balanced equally on both feet with arms relaxed. They should be faced towards you for the first part of the application.

Ask the client to turn their head slowly from side to side with eyes closed and breath held. Holding airbrush about 12 inches away, start spraying a light mist. Talk to the client as you go, telling them what you are doing. Spray with brush slightly downward (so you don’t spray into nose). Be sure to tell them when they can breathe again once your done!!

When doing the face, have a prearranged signal with the client, telling you if they need you to stop for any reason. A raised hand works well.

Working the way down the body, spray the chest and stomach making sure you spray the underside of the breasts.

Work down the legs one at a time. When you reach knees, have client bend them slightly, this pulls skin taught, allowing solution to get into creases. Only spray knees lightly. Have client relax and stand comfortably, and spray the rest of leg. Hold brush farther away from feet then spray feet lightly but evenly. If you make a mistake and get a run or blotch, pat area gently with a paper towel or sponge. Do not try to rub the area. You can come back later and re-spray to blend the spot if needed.

Step 2 : Left Side

Ask client to turn 45º clockwise so that they are side on to you. They should have one leg in front of the other and the arm nearest to you should be raised. You can then spray using the same technique as before, starting at the underarm and moving steadily down the body and spraying the side of the leg nearest to you until you reach the ankle (only spray lightly at the ankle).

Make sure you spray the inside of leg furthest away from you too.

Step 3 : Back

Spray back of neck and shoulders. Be sure to spray tops of shoulders from a slight downward angle from above.

Spray backs of arms and mist lightly along edge of underarm area

Spray down the back in a vertical motion, overlapping slightly on each stroke

When you reach the buttocks area, have the client bend forward at the waist, this will tighten the skin under the buttocks, so you can spray evenly. If you do not do this, you could leave the client with a ‘smiley’ under each cheek!!

Move down each leg one at a time in a in a vertical motion

Step 4 : Right Side

Ask client to turn 45º clockwise so that they are side on to you. They should have one leg in front of the other and the arm nearest to you should be raised. You can then spray using the same technique as before, starting at the underarm and moving steadily down the body and spraying the side of the leg nearest to you until you reach the ankle. Make sure you spray the inside of leg furthest away from you

Step 5 : Arms

With arms out in front, ask client to turn the wrist and elbow as necessary to improve accessibility.

Step 6 : Hands

 Have client hold hands out in front of body, palms down with fingers spread in a claw position. (Like a bird claw) This allows solution to get lightly between fingers, and into finger folds. An alternate method, is to have client hold a pair of tennis balls, with finger spread. Spray lightly onto hands, from the top.

Step 7 : Second Coat

Its often a good idea to do a quick once over to ensure there are no missed areas. Repeat the above steps spraying quickly. This allows you to evenly blend the tan

Double check closely to make sure there are no missed areas. Have client remove hair band or cap, and check if you have left a white ring around face at hairline. You can fix with some solution on a sponge.

Wipe excess solution off of body hair areas and blow dry the client with the air from your HVLP.

Remove Vaseline from palms and nails with a baby wipe or towel.

Aftercare

Ask client to avoid showering for a minimum of four hours; this allows the DHA to take full effect. Over the following days the top layer of your skin naturally makes way to newer skin. Because that top layer of skin is the part that’s dyed by the DHA, the tan wears off gradually. So, to extend the effects of the spray tan, you must use moisturiser regularly

Spray Tanning Guide for Professionals:

Equipment, Application & Aftercare

Professional spray tanning offers clients a UV-free alternative to sun tanning for achieving a bronzed appearance. Delivering consistent, streak-free results requires proper equipment, correct application techniques, and thorough client preparation and aftercare guidance.

This guide outlines the professional standards and best practices for achieving high-quality spray tanning results using professional spray tan machines and tanning solutions.

Understanding Professional Spray Tanning

Spray tanning involves applying a fine mist of tanning solution containing DHA (Dihydroxyacetone) to the skin. DHA reacts with amino acids in the outer layer of the skin to develop a temporary bronzed appearance without exposure to UV radiation.

Professional spray tanning systems atomize the tanning solution into a fine, even mist for smooth application and natural-looking results. Solution strength, undertone, and development time should always be selected based on the client’s skin tone, undertone, and desired finish.

With proper preparation and aftercare, professional spray tans typically last between 5–10 days and fade gradually and evenly.

Essential Professional Equipment

Spray Tan Machine

A professional spray tan machine should provide:

  • Consistent airflow and spray pattern

  • Adjustable pressure settings

  • Reliable turbine performance

  • Easy cleaning and maintenance

  • Suitable portability for salon or mobile use

Regular maintenance and cleaning are essential to maintain consistent spray performance and extend equipment lifespan.

Spray Booth or Tent

Use a professional spray tent or extraction booth to:

  • Minimise overspray

  • Maintain cleanliness

  • Improve ventilation

  • Create a comfortable client environment

Additional Professional Supplies

Technicians should also maintain:

  • Barrier cream

  • Disposable gloves

  • Hair caps

  • Nose filters

  • Sticky feet or disposable footwear

  • Cleaning solution

  • Spare spray gun parts and filters

  • Protective floor coverings

Proper lighting is recommended to ensure even application and full coverage.

Client Preparation

Correct preparation is essential for an even, long-lasting result.

Patch testing may is recommended prior to first application, or for clients with sensitive skin, allergies, or previous reactions to cosmetic products.
Clients should complete a consultation form prior to treatment to identify allergies, sensitivities, contraindications, recent cosmetic procedures, or medical conditions that may affect suitability.

Advise clients to:

  • Exfoliate the skin 12–24 hours before treatment

  • Avoid oil-based products before the appointment

  • Complete waxing or shaving at least 24 hours before tanning

  • Avoid deodorant, makeup, lotions, perfumes, or sunscreen on the day of treatment

  • Wear loose, dark clothing after the appointment

Dry areas such as elbows, knees, hands, ankles, and feet should be lightly protected with barrier cream prior to application.

Professional Spray Tan Application Technique

Equipment Setup

Before each session:

  • Sanitise all equipment

  • Fill the spray gun with fresh tanning solution

  • Test spray pattern and airflow

  • Ensure proper ventilation is operating

Application Guidelines

For best results:

  • Hold the spray gun approximately 15–20 cm (6–8 inches) from the skin

  • Keep the gun perpendicular to the body

  • Apply using smooth, controlled sweeping motions

  • Use light overlapping passes

  • Avoid oversaturating the skin

Apply lighter coverage to:

  • Hands

  • Feet

  • Elbows

  • Knees

  • Ankles

Recommended Application Order

  1. Face

  2. Neck and chest

  3. Arms

  4. Torso

  5. Legs

  6. Back and shoulders

For facial application:

  • Reduce spray volume

  • Apply light passes only

  • Instruct the client to close eyes and briefly hold breath during spraying

Drying & Development

Allow the client to dry fully before dressing. Drying systems or extraction fans may be used to accelerate drying and minimise transfer.

Development times vary depending on the tanning solution used.

General guidance:

  • 7/8 hours (does not apply to Rapid formulas)

During development, clients should avoid:

  • Water exposure

  • Sweating

  • Tight clothing

  • Exercise

  • Swimming

Client Aftercare

Proper aftercare significantly improves tan longevity and fading quality.

Advise clients to:

  • Rinse using lukewarm water only for the first shower

  • Avoid soaps or scrubs during the initial rinse

  • Moisturise daily using oil-free products

  • Avoid excessive exfoliation

  • Avoid long hot baths, saunas, and chlorinated pools

  • Pat skin dry instead of rubbing

With proper aftercare, results typically remain even and natural-looking throughout the wear cycle.

Cleaning & Maintenance

Professional equipment should be cleaned after every use.

After each session:

  • Empty remaining tanning solution

  • Flush the spray gun with warm water or approved cleaner

  • Clean nozzle and cup thoroughly

  • Allow all parts to dry before storage

Regular maintenance helps:

  • Prevent clogging

  • Maintain spray consistency

  • Extend equipment lifespan

  • Ensure hygienic operation

Safety, Ventilation & Professional Use

Professional spray tanning equipment and solutions should only be used by trained individuals familiar with safe application procedures and relevant workplace health and safety requirements.

  • This product is intended for use by trained spray tan technicians and beauty professionals familiar with the safe handling and application of professional spray tanning products and equipment.
  • Use only in a well-ventilated area and in accordance with applicable local workplace health and safety regulations.
  • Appropriate extraction systems or ventilation equipment should be used to minimise airborne overspray and inhalation exposure during application.
  • Avoid inhalation of spray mist.
  • Avoid direct spray contact with the eyes, lips, inside of the nose, mouth, and other mucous membranes.
  • During facial application, clients should keep eyes closed and avoid inhalation of spray mist.
  • Facial application should be performed using light controlled passes to minimise overspray and airborne exposure.
  • Technicians should use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including respiratory protection where required, based on the working environment, ventilation conditions, and applicable local regulations.
  •  Employers, salon owners, and operators are responsible for assessing workplace risks and providing appropriate PPE, ventilation, and safety procedures for employees and contractors.
  •  Protective nose filters, eye protection, disposable garments, or other protective accessories may be provided for clients during treatment where appropriate.
  •  Individuals with asthma, respiratory conditions, allergies, or sensitivities should consult a healthcare professional before use.
  • Do not apply to broken, irritated, or infected skin.
  •  External use only.
  •  In the event of irritation or adverse reaction, discontinue use immediately and seek medical advice if symptoms persist.
  •  Keep out of reach of children.
  • Always follow the instructions provided with the specific tanning solution and spray tanning equipment being used.

Professional Responsibility

Professional spray tanning should only be performed using properly maintained equipment and appropriate application techniques. Operators are responsible for ensuring equipment is cleaned, maintained, and used safely in accordance with manufacturer guidance and workplace safety requirements.

Storage Recommendations

  • Store tanning solutions in a cool, dry place

  • Keep containers tightly sealed

  • Avoid direct sunlight and heat exposure

  • Use products within recommended shelf-life guidelines

Proper storage helps maintain DHA stability and overall product performance.

Conclusion

Professional spray tanning combines technical skill, quality equipment, and proper client care to achieve flawless, natural-looking results. Consistent preparation, correct application techniques, and thorough aftercare guidance help ensure an even fade and high client satisfaction.

By maintaining professional standards, following safe operating procedures, and properly maintaining equipment, technicians can deliver reliable, salon-quality spray tanning results with every treatment.