Sunless Tanning Tips Every Salon Owner Should Be Using

If you’ve been in the sunless game for a while, you already know—there’s a big difference between an okay spray tan and one that keeps clients coming back month after month. The truth is, even small adjustments in your process can completely change your results (and your revenue). Whether you’re just getting started or you’ve been spraying for years, these are the kinds of tips that actually move the needle.

The Basics (That You Can’t Afford to Skip)

1. Prep Will Make or Break the Tan
It doesn’t matter how great your solution is—if the skin isn’t prepped properly, your results will suffer.
Make sure your clients understand:

Exfoliating the day before is key
No lotions, deodorant, or makeup when they arrive
Shaving/waxing should be done ahead of time

You’ll save yourself a lot of headaches (and fix appointments) just by tightening this up.

2. Go Easy on Barrier Cream
This is one of those things people tend to overdo.
Focus on a light application on areas like elbows, knees, ankles, and hands. If you cake it on, you’re going to end up with uneven development—and that’s on us as the artist, not the client.

3. Your Gun Technique Matters More Than You Think
Distance and movement are everything.
Stay consistent:

About 6–8 inches from the skin
Smooth, steady passes

When your rhythm is off, it shows. Clients might not be able to explain what’s wrong—but they’ll know something isn’t right.

4. Treat Hands and Feet Differently
If you’re spraying these areas the same way as the rest of the body, you’re setting yourself up for trouble.
Use less solution and hit them last. Think of it as blending, not coating.

5. Aftercare Is Part of the Service
If your clients don’t know how to take care of their tan, it reflects on your work—even when you did everything right.
Keep it simple for them:

Wait the proper time before rinsing
Moisturize daily
Avoid anything that strips the skin early

A well-maintained tan keeps your schedule full.

The Next-Level Details Most Artists Overlook

6. Not Every Body Part Should Be Sprayed the Same
One of the quickest ways to elevate your work is by adjusting depth by area.
The face usually needs less. Legs often need more. The back can handle a heavier pass.
When everything is sprayed the same, it flattens the result. When you customize it, it looks natural and intentional.

7. Your Room Conditions Are Affecting Your Results
A lot of artists don’t realize how much the environment plays into it.
If your space is too humid, the solution doesn’t dry properly. Too cold, and development can be inconsistent.
Dialing this in can fix issues you might be blaming on the solution or technique.

8. Work in Sections—Even If You Think You Don’t Need To
Mentally mapping the body before you start keeps you consistent.
It’s especially helpful on long days or when you’re rushing. Missing small areas or overworking others usually comes down to not having a clear system.

9. Rinse Times Aren’t One-Size-Fits-All
Even with rapid solutions, timing should be based on the client—not just the bottle.
Skin tone, desired depth, and even their event schedule should factor in.
This is one of the easiest ways to separate yourself from “cookie-cutter” spray tans.

10. Overspray Is Costing You More Than Product
It affects your finish, too.
Cleaner passes and better control mean:

Smoother results
Less buildup on the skin
Less waste overall

It’s one of those behind-the-scenes improvements that clients notice without realizing why.

If You’re Ready to Level Up…
Reading tips like this is helpful—but let’s be honest, nothing replaces actually seeing techniques in action and getting real-time feedback.
That’s why this is worth paying attention to:
LIVE Norvell University Training at Heartland
📅 July 23rd

Core 101 and Master's Classes

If you’ve ever wanted to refine your technique, feel more confident behind the gun, or just stop second-guessing your results—this is exactly the kind of training that helps.
You’ll walk away with:

Practical, hands-on application skills
Corrections for the most common mistakes
A better understanding of how to customize every tan
And honestly, a lot more confidence in your work

These in-person classes always end up being a turning point for artists who attend.

Grab your spot HERE

Spray tanning isn’t just about applying solution—it’s about understanding skin, controlling your environment, and paying attention to the details most people overlook.
If you focus on that, your results improve…and so does your business.