How to Become a Spray Tan Artist: A Step-by-Step Guide

Spray tanning is one of the most rewarding services in beauty. Clients leave your chair feeling confident, the startup costs are approachable, and you can build a business that fits your life. But the artists who last are the ones who learn it the right way. Here is how to become a spray tan artist, step by step.

Step 1: Check Your State's Rules First

Spray tanning is unregulated in most places, with no license required, though a few states attach rules. Before you take paying clients, research and follow the licensing, business, and tax requirements in your own state and city. Read our guide on whether you need a license to spray tan.

Step 2: Get Real Education

This is where most new artists cut corners, and it shows. A great spray tan is not just technique. You need to understand:

• Skin fundamentals and how to prep skin
• Color theory and undertones
• Solution selection and DHA percentages
• Application technique, contouring, hands, and feet
• Troubleshooting streaky, patchy, or orange results
• Consultation, aftercare, and the client experience

Step 3: Choose a Spray Tan Certification That Means Something

Many spray tan certifications online can be completed by watching videos and clicking "complete." Clients and salons are starting to notice the difference. Look for a spray tan certification with an exam, ideally one that tests both your knowledge and your actual application. Here is how to choose the best spray tan certification.

That is exactly why we built The Sunless Bar Exam™, an online, self-paced spray tan certification you earn by passing a written Board Exam and a filmed practical. Our philosophy is confidence through competency: you learn why each step works, not just what to do.

Step 4: Pick a Professional Solution Line

Your solution is your product. Choose a professional line with consistent color, even fading, and options for different undertones. At The Sunless Bar studio we spray our clients exclusively with XTAN Sunless, though you can use any professional solution you trust.

Step 5: Practice on Models

Before you charge full price, practice on friends and family across different skin tones. Photograph your results, ask for feedback on the fade, and refine your hands, feet, and contouring.

Step 6: Build Your Brand and Booking System

Your brand is more than a logo. Clients choose artists based on trust, which comes from a professional website, clear pricing, consistent results, and an elevated experience from booking to aftercare.

Step 7: Keep Raising Your Standard

The best artists never stop learning. Every client teaches you something about skin, color, and communication.

Ready to start the right way? See how The Sunless Bar Exam™ works.