Spray tans have become increasingly popular over the past decade as more people look for safer alternatives to tanning beds and laying out in the sun. A spray tan can provide the look of a natural tan without exposing your skin to harmful UV rays. But are spray tans really worth the money? There are pros and cons to consider when deciding if spray tanning is right for you.
How do spray tans work?
Spray tans provide a temporary bronzing effect on the skin that mimics the look of a natural tan. The active ingredient in most sunless tanning solutions is dihydroxyacetone (DHA). When DHA is applied to the skin, it interacts with amino acids on the surface of the skin to produce a color change that resembles a tan. The coloring typically lasts around 5-10 days depending on the formula and how well you maintain the tan.
Spray tans are applied either in a tanning salon by a technician using an airbrush or automated spray tan booth, or at home with a self-tanning product that sprays from an aerosol can or bottle. Professional spray tans tend to yield more even, natural looking results since the equipment and training allows technicians to control the application. However, at-home self-tanning sprays have improved significantly in recent years and can provide a decent tan for much less money.
Pros of professional spray tanning
Getting your spray tan done by a professional at a tanning salon offers some advantages:
– Even, professional application: Spray tan technicians are trained on how to properly apply the tanning solution so there are no missed spots or streaks. The spray tanning equipment used by professionals also allows for an even misting over the entire body. This can be harder to achieve at home.
– Customizable color and coverage: Tell the technician your ideal shade and how much coverage you want where. They can tailor the application to give you exactly the look you’re going for.
– Additional services: Many tanning salons offer skin exfoliating treatments and spray tan removal prior to the application so you start with a clean slate.
– Faster, longer lasting results: Professional formulas tend to have more DHA for a darker color that also lasts longer compared to drugstore self-tanners. Some salon solutions continue to develop over 24-48 hours after the session.
Cons of professional spray tanning
There are some downsides to keep in mind with professional spray tans:
– Cost: A single session at a tanning salon typically costs $25-$60 or more depending on your location and the level of service. It’s an ongoing expense if you want to maintain the tan. At-home self-tanners cost less per use.
– Inconvenience: You have to go to the appointment, often disrobe in front of the technician, stand in position for 10-15 minutes, then wait 4-6 hours before showering or exercising to allow it to set.
– Skin prep required: To avoid unevenness, you need to exfoliate thoroughly and remove any makeup, oils and deodorant residue ahead of the session. This prep work is not required with self-tanners.
– Potential for errors: If the technician improperly applies the spray or uses a formula that doesn’t work well with your skin type, you could end up with an unnatural looking bronze shade or streakiness.
– Strong chemical smell: Some people dislike the distinctive chemical smell from spray tanning solution. It lingers on the skin for several hours after application.
Pros of at-home self-tanners
Applying self-tanner at home has some perks as well:
– More affordable: Home self-tanning kits can cost as little as $5-$20 for a product that will last multiple months and applications. The value is much greater than professional spray tans over time.
– Quick and convenient: You can tan anytime at home in just a few minutes without waiting for an appointment or driving to a salon.
– No stranger involvement: If you feel shy about disrobing around the technician, that is avoided with DIY application in the privacy of your home. You also don’t have to worry about unwanted physical touch.
– Even out hard to reach spots: It’s easier to manually apply self-tanner evenly yourself, especially on tricky areas like your back that the spray may miss.
– Immediate results: Most drugstore self-tanning lotions provide an instant color guide so you can see if you missed any spots and go back over them immediately.
Cons of at-home self-tanners
Using self-tanning products at home does have some drawbacks as well:
– Potential for streaks: It takes practice and skill to properly apply self-tanner at home evenly without streaks, especially over large areas of the body.
– Can’t customize: It’s harder to customize the depth of color in certain areas with a single self-tanning product. Professional spray tans are tailored specifically for you.
– No additional services: You have to prep your own skin, exfoliate and remove dead skin cells ahead of time to ensure an even application.
– Shorter lasting color: Drugstore self-tanning lotions contain less DHA, so the color wears off faster. You may have to reapply every 3-4 days rather than 7-10 days.
– Potential stains: Self-tanning mousses and lotions can stain fabrics, tiles, countertops and sheets if you aren’t careful during application. The bronzers can be messy.
– Strong self-tanner scent: Like professional spray tans, the signature self-tanner odor lingers for hours on your skin after applying at home.
Cost comparison
To get a better sense of the cost difference between professional and DIY tanning methods, let’s break it down:
| Method | Single Application Cost | Monthly Cost (2x per month) | Yearly Cost (20 applications) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Professional spray tan | $50 | $200 | $1,000 |
| At-home self-tanner | $7 | $28 | $140 |
As you can see, professional spray tans cost significantly more than using drugstore self-tanners when you account for regular, ongoing use. You would save around $860 per year by switching to at-home products.
However, keep in mind that this table assumes medium priced services. Salon spray tans can sometimes be $100 or more for specialty treatments. And very cheap self-tanning options are closer to $5. So the cost difference could be even more substantial.
How to get a great at-home spray tan
If you opt to go the self-tanning route, here are some tips for achieving flawless, professional-looking results:
– Exfoliate thoroughly before application to remove dead cells and ensure even absorption. Use a body scrub, loofah mitt or epilator.
– Shave your legs and any other area 12-24 hours prior to self-tanning for the smoothest look.
– Apply a hydrating body lotion before your self-tan, focusing on dry areas like elbows, knees and hands. The tan adheres better to moisturized skin.
– Protect your palms, cuticles, nails and bottoms of feet by wearing latex gloves and/or rub a little petroleum jelly over those areas.
– Use a tanning mitt rather than your bare hands to more evenly distribute the self-tanner over your body and get your back well.
– Start with a lighter application on day one. It’s easier to apply more layers and go darker the next day than to try and correct an over-application.
– Blot excess solution with a towel rather than rubbing vigorously to avoid streaking. Gently pat dry.
– Allow the recommended time before showering, swimming or sweating to give the DHA time to fully develop.
– Moisturize daily and gently exfoliate every few days to help maximize the length of your tan.
How to maximize results from a professional spray tan
Follow these pro tips to make sure you walk out of the tanning salon with flawless, natural looking color:
– Exfoliate the day before and avoid applying lotion after you exfoliate and cleanse your skin. The tan solution adheres best to clean skin.
– Wear dark, loose clothing you don’t mind getting stained as well as the disposable hairnet and gloves provided.
– Opt for an averagely priced tan with medium coverage for more natural looking color rather than the cheapest or ultra-dark options.
– Point out any dry spots you want the technician to pay extra attention to and avoid over-spraying.
– Stand in the requested poses calmly. Sudden movements can lead to unevenness.
– Ask the technician to spray your hands and feet lightly since they absorb more.
– Let the solution dry fully before putting clothes on. Wear dark loose clothing home.
– Wait the full recommended time before showering or swimming to allow the DHA to fully set.
– Moisturize daily and exfoliate gently every few days to prolong your professional spray tan.
Conclusion
While professional spray tans deliver flawless, customized results, the cost difference compared to drugstore self-tanning products is substantial. However, at-home self-tanning does require more effort and practice to perfect. Overall, self-tanners provide solid bronzing at a fraction of the price if you take the time to learn proper application techniques. But special occasions may still warrant a salon spray tan for that special glow. Consider your budget, convenience, and confidence level with self-application when deciding if spray tans are worth the investment for you. With some effort, you can achieve beautiful, bronzed results at home and save significantly.
