The sunless tanning industry has seen significant growth, making it an appealing field for new entrepreneurs. Starting a spray tan business is an accessible and potentially rewarding venture, largely due to its flexibility and relatively low startup costs. This combination draws many to this segment of the beauty market.
Complete Your Foundational Business Setup
The first step is establishing your business’s legal structure. The two most common paths are a Sole Proprietorship or a Limited Liability Company (LLC). A Sole Proprietorship is the simplest form, making you personally responsible for all business debts. In contrast, an LLC creates a separate legal entity that protects your personal assets from business-related lawsuits or debts.
Once you decide on a structure, you must select and register a business name. Your name should be memorable and reflect your brand; check that it is not already in use in your state to avoid legal issues. After registering your name, obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS, even if you do not plan to hire employees. An EIN is required to open a business bank account, which simplifies tax reporting.
Secure Licensing Certification and Insurance
Licensing requirements differ substantially based on your location. Some states mandate that a spray tan technician hold a valid esthetician or cosmetology license. In other states, no such license is necessary to operate legally. You must check with your state, city, and county licensing boards to understand the specific rules that apply to your area.
Beyond required licenses, pursuing a spray tan artist certification from a reputable training program is highly recommended. These programs provide in-depth training on application techniques, skin science, solution selection, and client safety. Certification builds your technical skills and signals professionalism to potential clients, setting you apart from untrained competitors.
Securing the right insurance is a necessary step. General liability insurance protects your business from financial loss if a client has an accident, like tripping in your salon. Professional liability insurance, or errors and omissions insurance, covers claims related to the service itself, such as an allergic reaction to a tanning solution.
Choose Your Business Model
The three primary business models in the spray tanning industry are mobile, home-based, or a commercial studio. Each path offers distinct advantages and challenges, so weighing these options is key to building a sustainable business.
A mobile spray tan business involves traveling directly to clients. This model has the lowest startup costs, with the primary investments being a reliable vehicle and a portable setup. While this offers maximum convenience for clients, it gives you less control over the service environment, such as lighting and space.
Operating from a dedicated room in your home is a cost-effective choice that provides a controlled, professional environment. This model requires adherence to local zoning laws and may limit your visibility and ability to attract walk-in traffic. You must also create a clear separation between your personal and professional life.
Renting a commercial studio or a booth in a salon represents the highest initial investment. This model offers the greatest potential for growth, visibility, and serving a high volume of clients. However, it comes with significant fixed costs like rent and utilities. This option is often a long-term goal for those looking to scale their operations.
Purchase Essential Equipment and Supplies
Core Tanning Equipment
The central piece of hardware is a professional High Volume, Low Pressure (HVLP) spray tan machine, which applies solution in a fine, even mist for a streak-free finish. You will also need a portable, pop-up tanning tent to contain overspray. For any indoor setup, an air extractor or ventilation fan is needed to maintain air quality by filtering airborne solution particles.
Tanning Solutions and Skin Prep
Solutions are categorized by their percentage of Dihydroxyacetone (DHA), the active ingredient. Offering a range from 8% to 14% allows you to customize the tan’s depth for different skin tones. Stock both standard solutions, which develop over 8-12 hours, and rapid solutions that allow clients to rinse off in 1-4 hours. You will also need pH-balancing prep sprays and a barrier cream to protect areas like palms and ankles from absorbing too much color.
Client Comfort and Safety Items
To ensure client comfort and safety, you will need several disposable supplies. These include:
- Sticky feet to protect the soles of the feet
- Disposable hair nets or caps
- Nose filters
- Disposable undergarments
You will also need dark-colored towels for client use and cleanup, along with cleaning supplies to disinfect your equipment and tent between appointments.
Develop Your Service Menu and Pricing
Structure your service offerings with a clear menu. Start with core services like a “Standard Tan” using a traditional 8-hour solution, and a “Rapid Tan” with a quicker rinse time at a premium price. You can also offer additives like skin-firming drops, anti-aging boosters, or scents for a small upcharge.
Your pricing should be competitive while covering your costs and profit goals. Research what other local artists charge to establish a baseline. From there, create pricing tiers, including single sessions and discounted packages of three or five tans to encourage repeat business. Also consider offering group pricing for events like bridal parties.
Market Your New Spray Tan Business
To attract clients, combine a digital presence with local outreach. Create professional social media profiles on platforms like Instagram and Facebook. Use these channels to showcase high-quality before-and-after photos, client testimonials, and content that illustrates your work. Using relevant local hashtags will help potential clients in your area discover your services.
A professional website acts as a central hub for your business and legitimizes your brand. It should include a gallery of your work, a clear list of services and prices, and an easy-to-use booking form. Ensure your site is mobile-friendly, as many clients will search and book from their phones.
Building relationships within your local community is a great source of referrals. Connect with businesses that serve a similar clientele but are not competitors, such as hair salons, nail artists, and bridal boutiques. Partnering with them can create a mutually beneficial referral network. Consider offering a small commission or a complimentary service to incentivize them to send clients your way.
Manage Daily Operations and Client Experience
Implement a user-friendly online booking system like Acuity, Square, or GlossGenius to streamline appointment management. These tools allow clients to see your availability and book their own appointments, which reduces your administrative work. They also send automated reminders, which helps to reduce no-shows.
Maintaining high sanitation standards is necessary for client safety and your reputation. After every appointment, your spray gun must be thoroughly cleaned, and your tanning tent must be wiped down and disinfected. Adhering to strict hygiene protocols protects your clients and builds their trust in your professionalism.
A quality client experience builds a loyal customer base and generates word-of-mouth referrals. This begins with the initial consultation, where you discuss the client’s desired outcome and explain pre-tan preparation. The experience continues through the appointment and extends to providing post-tan care instructions and a follow-up message.