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Why a professional spray tan is now the ultimate glow-up

by Haley Crim
| May 7, 2026 4:15 AM

If you've ever considered getting a professional spray tan, it is important to understand some of the benefits of professional application for a custom spray tan, rather than doing it yourself. Some of the main advantages of sunless tanning at a spray tan salon include increased safety and professional guidance during the process. 

Picture this: You are about to go on the vacation of your dreams, and all you see when you look in the mirror is pale, sallow skin. It is too late to get some sun and tan naturally, so what is a quick and safe solution? 

A professional spray tan provides convenience and safety for consumers who need a quick glow without too much work. 

What Is a Professional Spray Tan?

professional spray tan involves visiting a tanning salon and using an automated sprayer or a special technician for application. The idea is to get a spa-like experience in a safe environment and come out with beautiful, glowing skin. 

Spray tans have been around for decades, and the technology continues to evolve to provide a more convenient and innovative experience for users. 

Is a Professional Spray Tan Worth It?

It depends on factors such as your budget and your beauty goals. If you seek consistent results and guidance from experts, then a professional spray tan may be your ideal solution.

However, if you only use self-tanner occasionally and feel comfortable applying it at home, you may not benefit as much from a professional spray tan. Ask your local tanning salon if they have any benefits for frequent users.

You may be able to pre-purchase a tanning package with a set number of sessions that lowers the cost per session. Some salons also offer memberships, where you pay a base fee every month and enjoy as many sessions as you wish. 

The Benefits of Sunless Tanning at a Spray Tan Salon 

What are some of the advantages of using a professional tanning salon compared to other tanning methods? Here are some of the key benefits of spray tanning. 

Convenience

Going out into the sun for hours on end is time-consuming and may not provide you with the tan you want. Rather than a golden glow, you could end up with a sunburn or uneven results. 

Self-tanners may seem like a good solution, but they can take a long time to apply to your whole body. Accessing hard-to-reach spots can be frustrating as well.

A spray tan salon is a one-stop shop to give you the best results. 

Safety

Tanning on the beach may not seem harmful, but excessive UV exposure can increase your risk of skin cancer. Even one bad sunburn may contribute to a future case of skin cancer. 

Tanning beds are arguably worse than direct sunlight. Spray tanning is completely safe and will not harm your skin. 

Just remember to take precautionary measures while in the spray tan booth, such as covering your eyes with goggles and keeping your mouth closed to avoid inhaling the formula. 

Professional Guidance

It can be overwhelming to go to a big box or beauty supply store and look at the many different self-tanners available. You may pick up a product that appears promising but provides subpar results.

A few dollars down the drain may not seem like a huge waste, but repeatedly finding products that do not work for you can be a costly mistake. 

Working with a spray tanning salon allows you to explore custom spray tan solution options. The individuals working at the salon often have extensive knowledge of the available products and can analyze your skin tone and tanning goals to tailor a formula that meets your needs. 

How Long Will a Professional Spray Tan Last? 

Results can vary based on your skin exfoliation rate and how well you take care of your skin following your visit to the spray tan salon. In general, you should expect your spray tan to last approximately seven to 10 days. 

Keep your skin moisturized and avoid hot showers that dry out the skin. Drier skin means that the spray tan will fade faster, so use products such as shea butter and lotion to maximize your results. 

Try to avoid activities that cause excessive sweating. Additionally, exposure to chlorine can make your spray tan fade more quickly. 

When in the shower, opt for products that are gentler on the skin, rather than body washes and exfoliants that contain harsh chemicals. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How Often Should I Get a Spray Tan? 

It depends on your goals. If you want a consistent tan with no fading, weekly visits are ideal. At the most, you should wait 10 days between spray tans to have continual results.

Getting a spray tan too often could compromise your skin tone and make it darker than you originally desired or even orange. If you are unsure how often you should spray tan, ask a tanning professional for their opinion. 

Are Spray Tans Reef-Safe? 

Yes. Many people have concerns about reef safety when going on vacations to tropical locales, especially when the local wildlife is in danger. Places like the Hawaiian Islands actually prohibit visitors from using sunblock that isn't reef-safe. 

The primary ingredient in spray tans is DHA (dihydroxyacetone), which does not negatively affect marine ecosystems in endangered areas. However, always ensure that your sunscreen is reef-safe before you take a dip in the ocean while on vacation. 

Which Demographic Is Most Likely to Get Spray Tans? 

The Skin Cancer Foundation reports that young women are the most likely demographic to get spray tans. Spray tans have moved from a rare luxury to an essential element of beauty maintenance. 

Consider a Professional Spray Tan Today

professional spray tan is a safe and effective way to ensure you have a beautiful glow year-round. With so many benefits, it is easier than ever to upgrade your look at a spray tan salon in your area. 

Would you like more beauty tips and tricks? Browse our website today for ideas and inspiration that can influence your next look. 

This article was prepared by an independent contributor which helps us continue delivering quality content to our audiences.