“I Don't Want to Look Orange”: How a Professional Spray Tan Artist Should Respond
, by Alan Sweeney, 2 min reading time
"I want a spray tan… but I really don't want to look orange."
If you're a spray tan artist, you've probably heard some version of this before.
For many clients - particularly those who haven't had a professional spray tan before — the fear of looking unnatural can be one of the biggest things stopping them from booking.
Rather than dismissing that concern, use it as an opportunity to educate and reassure.
Find Out What “Orange” Means to Them
Your client may have had a bad tanning experience previously.
Or they may simply associate fake tan with an unnatural finish.
Ask what result they're actually hoping to achieve.
Do they want a subtle glow?
Something noticeable but natural?
Or a deeper bronzed finish?
Understanding their expectations gives you somewhere to start.
Don't Automatically Choose the Darkest Option
Some clients believe a darker shade will give them a "better" tan.
Your role as the professional is to help them choose a result that works with their natural colouring and desired finish.
Sometimes a softer result can create exactly the healthy, bronzed appearance they're actually looking for.
Solution Selection Matters
Professional tanning isn't one-size-fits-all.
Your knowledge of the solutions you work with should allow you to select an appropriate option for the individual client.
This is why product education matters.
You shouldn't simply know the name on the bottle.
You should understand what result you're trying to create with it.
Application Still Matters
Even the right solution needs to be applied correctly.
Controlled application, careful blending and appropriate attention around areas such as the hands, feet, knees and elbows all contribute to a more polished result.
A beautiful spray tan should look intentional rather than obvious.
Manage Expectations
Professional tanning can enhance the appearance of the skin and create a bronzed result, but every client's skin is different.
Avoid promising an exact outcome based solely on a photograph they've shown you.
Use inspiration images as part of your consultation, but explain what you believe is realistic for their skin.
Show Your Work
Before-and-after photographs can be incredibly useful when reassuring nervous clients.
Showing examples of different depths of tan on different skin tones can help clients understand what professional spray tanning can actually look like.
It can also make your consultation easier because you're both looking at a visual reference rather than relying on words like "medium" or "dark".
Education Builds Trust
When a nervous client tells you they don't want to look orange, they're giving you an opportunity to demonstrate your expertise.
Listen to what they want.
Explain your recommendation.
Choose your solution carefully.
Apply it professionally.
And make sure they understand their development and aftercare.
A great spray tan shouldn't make someone wonder what tan you've used. It should make them wonder why their skin looks so good.
Discover Lusso Tan Professional spray tan solutions, professional tanning essentials and education at lussotanprofessional.com.