Spray Tan Colour Theory: Why One Shade Doesn’t Suit Every Client
, by Lynsey Bennett, 4 min reading time
When it comes to professional spray tanning, choosing the right shade isn't simply about deciding how light or dark a client wants to go.
Two clients can ask for the exact same depth of tan and end up needing completely different solutions to achieve the most flattering result.
Why?
Because every client's natural skin tone and undertone is different.
Understanding the basics of spray tan colour theory can help you make more confident shade recommendations, create more natural-looking results and give clients a truly personalised tanning experience.
Here’s what every professional spray tan artist should know.
What Is a Skin Undertone?
A client's skin tone refers to the visible depth of their complexion, while their undertone is the subtle colour underneath the surface of the skin.
Undertones are commonly described as:
- Warm – often associated with golden, peach or yellow tones
- Cool – often associated with pink, red or blue tones
- Neutral – generally a balance between warm and cool characteristics
Unlike the visible depth of someone's skin, their underlying tone isn't necessarily determined by how fair or deep their complexion is.
That means two clients with similar-looking skin can still respond differently to the same tanning solution.
Why Undertones Matter in Spray Tanning
A professional spray tan should enhance the client's natural colouring rather than fight against it.
The right solution can create a balanced, believable bronze that complements their complexion.
The wrong choice may result in colour that appears overly warm, too intense or simply less natural against their skin.
This is why having a variety of professional tanning options available - and understanding when to use them - is so important.
Your client doesn't necessarily need to understand colour theory.
You do.
That's part of the expertise they're booking.
Look Beyond "Light, Medium or Dark"
One of the biggest limitations when choosing a spray tan is focusing exclusively on depth.
Of course, asking how deep a client wants their tan to develop is important.
But it shouldn't be the only consideration.
Think about the complete result.
What is the client's natural colouring?
What type of finish are they hoping for?
Do they normally prefer a subtle golden glow or a deeper bronze?
Are they tanning for everyday confidence, a holiday, photographs or a special event?
All of these details can influence your professional recommendation.
Ask Clients About Their Previous Tans
Your consultation can also give you valuable clues about how a client's skin responds to tanning products.
Ask whether they've had a professional spray tan before and how they felt about the colour.
Did they love it?
Did they feel it was too warm?
Was it darker than they expected?
Did they wish it had been more subtle?
Understanding what they didn't like can sometimes be just as useful as understanding what they want.
It allows you to adjust your approach and create something more suited to them.
Consider the Occasion
The perfect tan isn't always the deepest tan.
A bride may want a beautifully subtle glow that photographs naturally against a wedding dress.
A client preparing for a holiday may prefer a more noticeable bronze.
Someone attending an event may want their colour to complement a particular outfit.
And a regular client might simply want to look like the best version of themselves.
Rather than applying the same formula to everyone, think about the result in context.
This is where personalisation becomes one of your biggest advantages as a professional artist.
Don't Be Afraid to Recommend Something Different
Sometimes a client will arrive with a very specific idea of what they want.
As the professional, you can still guide them.
If you believe another depth or tone would create a more flattering result, explain your recommendation and why.
You don't need to overcomplicate it with technical terminology.
Something as simple as:
"Based on your natural colouring and the finish you're looking for, I'd recommend this option for a really natural bronze."
can immediately reassure your client that they're in experienced hands.
Professional confidence builds client confidence.
Keep Records of What Works
Once you've found a combination your client loves, record it.
Keeping client notes can help you remember the solution used, their preferred depth and any adjustments you made during their appointment.
When they return, you already have a starting point.
You can recreate the result they loved or make small adjustments depending on the season, occasion or their preferences.
Over time, you're building a personalised tanning profile for that client.
And that's difficult to replicate with an off-the-shelf tanning experience.
Customisation Is What Sets Professional Tanning Apart
Anyone can choose a bottle based on whether it says light, medium or dark.
A professional spray tan artist offers something different.
Expertise.
By understanding skin tone, considering undertones, listening to your client's preferences and selecting the most appropriate professional solution, you can create colour that feels completely individual.
Because the best spray tan isn't necessarily the darkest one.
It's the one that looks like it was made for that client.
With Lusso Tan Professional, artists can create personalised, confidence-boosting tanning results designed around every client's individual glow.
Discover Lusso Tan Professional and elevate your spray tanning service.