How to Start a Spray Tan Business in 2025 - The No-Nonsense Guide
, by Lynsey Bennett, 3 min reading time
A proven, realistic guide to launching a profitable spray tan business - from setup to pricing and marketing - built for the beauty pro ready to scale.
Starting a spray tan business in 2025 isn’t about chasing trends - it’s about creating a premium service in a market that’s saturated with mediocrity. The beauty industry rewards professionals who combine skill with strategy. If you’re ready to build a profitable, repeatable tanning business, not just a side hustle, this guide gives you the blueprint.
1. Know Your Market and Position Differently
The spray tan market has evolved. Consumers no longer want 'just a tan.' They want results that feel like skincare. Before you spend a penny on equipment, define who you serve:
- Luxury clients looking for clean, skin-loving tans.
- Bridal or event clients demanding flawless, camera-proof results.
- Everyday glow clients who crave convenience and comfort.
Pick a niche. Build around it. If you try to serve everyone, you’ll blend into the noise.
2. Get Trained Properly - Don’t DIY Your Skill
Yes, you can buy a kit online and start tomorrow. You’ll also join the bottom 90% who never scale. Professional results require:
- Certified training (in technique, undertones, and client care).
- Product knowledge - DHA percentages, formulas, and skin prep.
- Consistency - your reputation lives or dies by how even your work is.
If you want to command premium pricing, invest in a course that teaches client experience, not just spraying.
3. Buy Equipment Once, Buy It Right
Your machine and solution define your quality. Avoid the Amazon starter kits. Bare minimum setup:
- Professional-grade machine with fine mist control.
- Extraction unit (protects your lungs, keeps the space clean).
- Professional tent (neutral colour, easy to clean).
- Lighting that mimics daylight.
Pro Tip: If your setup looks high-end, clients instantly trust your pricing. Visual authority matters.
4. Build a Repeatable Client Journey
Spray tanning is a ritual. The more consistent your experience, the faster you grow:
- Pre-appointment email: prep guide + what to wear.
- Studio environment: fragrance-free, calm, immaculate.
- Aftercare: handwritten or QR-code instructions.
Your goal isn’t one-off tans - it’s lifetime clients who book every two weeks.
5. Price for Profit, Not Popularity
Underpricing is the fastest way to burnout. Calculate:
- Cost per tan (solution, disposables, rent, time).
- Add your margin (30–50%).
- Include your expertise (you’re not just spraying — you’re sculpting confidence).
If you’re not earning at least £40–£60/hour, you’re undercutting your potential.
6. Use Content to Build Credibility, Not Vanity
Your Instagram isn’t a photo gallery - it’s your portfolio. Post:
- Before-and-after transformations.
- Behind-the-scenes professionalism.
- Tips on prep, aftercare, and client stories.
Educational content positions you as the expert, not just another artist.
7. Build Relationships, Not Discounts
Retention > reach. Start a referral program, collaborate with local salons, and treat every client like an influencer - not by giving free tans, but by delivering flawless service worth talking about.
Starting a spray tan business in 2025 isn’t about luck or timing. It’s about professional standards, repeatable systems, and a clear niche. Do it right, and you’ll own your local market before others realize what’s possible.
Ready to go pro? Take the Lusso Spray Tan Training Course - the education built by salon owners, not marketers.