Kayla Young
Do you want to have sunkissed glowing skin without risking overexposure to UV lights? That is possible through a spray tan.
A spray tan uses a solution that reacts with your skin to make you tan. It’s a great way to get a smooth, all-over fake tan in short over.
Awesome! So how much does a spray tan cost?
Spray tan cost varies widely depending on whether you get it in a salon, through a mobile service, or purchase your own equipment for a home set-up. And of course, the cost changes depending on your location as well.
In this article, we’ll compare the cost and also discuss the various factors that could affect the cost of a spray tan procedure.Â
Contents
How Much Does a Spray Tan Cost?
There are tons of different options for spray tans, but salon tans usually run around $40. Home spray tan kits cost a few hundred dollars, and usually include enough tanning solution to get started.
We’ll go into detail as to what can impact these costs below.
The cost of a spray tan, whether done in a salon, through a mobile service, or at home will vary depending on different factors. Before we discuss how much a spray tan session is likely to cost, let us first take a look at the common factors that could affect the cost of the spray tan regardless of where it is done.
Type Of Spray Tan Solutions
Spray tanning is very popular and so there are many brands out there that have their own version of a spray tan solution. The price of the solutions will vary from one brand to another. Additionally, there are also brands that offer various types of spray tan solutions.
Those that are from the organic line of the brand Norvelle are much more expensive than these from their regular line. They also have a relatively little spray tan smell.Â
Generally, quick-drying formulas also cost more because they are more convenient to use. When spray tan solutions offer much more value than others, they are more expensive and that could add to the cost of the spray tan session.
The shade of the spray tan solution could also affect the price. Lighter shades may be more affordable than deeper shades of tan.
The Equipment
Another factor that could affect the cost of the spray tan session is the type of equipment used. Some may use spray guns while others opt for airbrushes. Spray guns will are better at covering larger areas at a time. This means spray tanning is much faster and can be completed with fewer passes.
However, the spray pattern should still be considered as something that has a big spray pattern is likely to waste more spray tan solution.
Additionally, there are also some who use ordinary airbrushes while others opt for those specifically made for use in makeup or tanning. Airbrushes are more detailed but they can also take much longer to use.
Between spray guns and airbrushes, spray guns are much more affordable. Those that use them would offer spray tanning services at a much affordable price than airbrushing.
There may even be some that would offer both and it would be up to the clients to choose which equipment to use.
Spray Tan Cost at a Salon
The cost of a spray tan at a salon is widely varied. This is for many reasons and many factors. However, the average cost would be around $40. Apart from the two common factors mentioned above, the name of the salon is also a defining factor in the cost of the procedure.
The reputation of the salon is at stake with every client they work on. If you choose a high-end, well-known salon, then be prepared to pay more than a salon that’s just starting in this business.
Along with the name of the salon, the location of the salon or the area where you are would also affect how much a spray tan would cost. You can expect tanning salons in Hollywood to charge more than tanning salons that are in Alaska!
Full Body vs Half Body Spray Tan
In salons, there are also different types of spray tanning procedures you can get. Some may offer full body spray tanning, which cost more than a half-body one. Some could also offer specialty tanning such as competition spray tanning.
With competition tan, the price paid for isn’t just due to the kind of solution or equipment used but also the expertise of the professional who will tan the client. The tanning procedure should be carefully scrutinized or the client could be disqualified out of the competition if accidental contouring is created.
Packages and Promos
Loyalty programs, membership programs, discounts, and other promos could also affect the cost of a spray tan session. If you plan to have a regular spray tan with a salon, memberships are great to get.
Also, watch out for discounted prices that could be offered depending on what month or date it is. Some may offer discounts on slower months or during the holiday season. Additionally, some may even offer savings on monthly plans for regular spray tan customers.
Spray tan sessions performed by professionals who manually use spray guns or airbrushes are much more expensive as compared to automatic spray tan booths. With automatic spray tan booths, the booth is fitted with spray guns and would automatically spray the client in intervals.
It is up to the client to properly position themselves to achieve an even tan and get all areas covered. With this type of tanning, the average cost could be around $25, which is much cheaper than those done by professionals.
Professional spray tanners are more expensive because they can provide better quality tans. They can focus on various difficult areas to make sure they are evenly tanned. You’ll also have less of an issue with spray tan mishaps, will get a more balanced spray tan on your hands and feet. Also, professionals can provide better specialty tanning services to emphasize different areas of the body like the abs, breasts, or muscles.
If the salon you plan to go to only accepts spray tanning sessions that are booked in advance, they may add a charge for last-minute tans or emergency tans.
Additionally, they could also add a fee if you go to the salon or request service after hours.
Cost Of Spray Tan Through Mobile Tanning Services
Mobile services are a great, relatively-recent innovation. These services save you the need to go to the salon — they just come to you. Whether you want to have your spray tanning session brought to you at home or at a hotel, mobile spray tanning services are what you need.
Due to the added convenience of this kind of spray tan service, you can expect it to be much more expensive than just going to the salon. Most of those who offer this service also has a salon. Getting them to go to where you are is an added service that could be charged from $50 to hundreds of dollars.
Depending on where you want them to go or how far you are at their salon, the additional charges would vary. Sometimes, they might offer you discounts if the mobile service is booked by multiple clients at the same location.
Mobile spray tans can be a great choice for groups, especially if you’re going to be doing a spray tan before a wedding or something like that.
Cost Of Spray Tan At Home
If are planning to have regular spray tanning sessions, you might as well just learn to do it at home, and get a kit. If you get the same equipment and solutions that the salons have, you’d be really saving more if you do it on your own at home.
That’s because you don’t have to pay for their professional service and other expenses that the salon has. And if you’ve missed a spot, it’s an easy fix!
With a home set-up, you can lower down the cost of a spray tan session to almost no cost, over time. However, there is also a drawback with this set-up. Although you save money on your spray tan sessions, you have to do the spray tanning procedure on your own.
Realistically, you can’t. You’ll need always need a friend or partner to do it for you. Fortunately, you can learn to do each other!
One of the best spray tan kits costs a few hundred dollars. Most already include a spray tan tent, but if it doesn’t, you’ll need a tent. You’d get multiple sessions out of them in the comfort and privacy of your own home.
Of course, the initial cost is high, but when you divide it by hundreds of spray tans, it becomes by far the most cost-effective solution.
Are Spray Tans Worth The Money?
It’s true that you’d have to pay for a spray tan while you can tan naturally by soaking up the sun outdoors for free. However, you should also consider the risk you take when you choose to tan under the sun. There is potential sun damage that could lead to various skin problems like dark spots, premature aging, sunburns, and even skin cancer.
So yes, a spray tan is worth the money because, with it, you lessen the risk of damaging your skin due to too much sun exposure.
Alternatives To Spray Tans
Self-Tanners
If you want to achieve that bronze skin color, there are still other affordable ways on how to do that aside from having spray tan sessions. You can choose to make use of self-tanners in the form of lotions, gels, or mousse. The good thing about these products is that you won’t also need to expose yourself to the UV rays to achieve tan skin.
These self-tanners vary in price. There are some that are very affordable while there are also other more luxurious brands that are more expensive. Apart from being affordable, these can be easier to apply than spray tans.
They can be less messy too as you don’t spray them all over the place.
Tanning Beds
The most common affordable alternative to spray tans is tanning beds. Usually, tanning sessions using them cost around $15. Although they are affordable, many people are incredibly concerned about the potential long-term damage that using tanning beds could lead to.
Final Thoughts
The actual cost of having a spray tan will vary greatly depending on where and how you get it. Salons typically are in the $40 range, and mobile tanning will be more like $60+. Home spray tan kits cost a few hundred dollars but will give very inexpensive spray tans over time.
And keep in mind you may be able to find groupons, purchase memberships, multi-packs, etc.
Before you go for the most affordable way to have a spray tan, first consider the quality of results you’d get out of the session. With spray tanning in salons or through their mobile services, your also hiring a professional to spray you with the tanning solution.
Their experience and expertise help you achieve an even tan.
On the other hand, if you do it on your own, you risk having an uneven tan especially if you have never spray-tanned yourself before. Eventually, with practice, you’d be able to achieve an even tan but that is a risk that you must be willing to take.Â
