Becoming a spray tan technician in the UK requires completing an accredited training course, obtaining appropriate insurance, and building your client base through quality service and effective marketing. With the British tanning industry worth over £200 million annually and growing demand for safe, sunless tanning options, this career offers excellent earning potential with relatively low startup costs.
The spray tanning industry has transformed dramatically over the past decade. Gone are the days of orange, streaky results—today’s professional spray tans deliver natural-looking, customised colour that clients love. As awareness of UV damage grows, more Brits than ever are choosing professional spray tans over sunbeds or natural tanning, creating abundant opportunities for skilled technicians.
At UK Beauty School, we’ve trained thousands of successful spray tan technicians who now run thriving businesses across the country. Whether you’re looking for a complete career change, adding services to an existing beauty business, or seeking flexible work around family commitments, spray tanning offers a rewarding path forward.
Why Choose a Career in Spray Tanning?
The spray tanning industry offers several compelling advantages for those considering a beauty career:
Growing Market Demand
The UK’s relationship with tanning has evolved significantly. According to Cancer Research UK, awareness of skin cancer risks has driven many consumers away from UV exposure toward safer alternatives. This shift has created sustained demand for professional spray tanning services that shows no signs of slowing.
Seasonal peaks around holidays, weddings, proms, and summer months create predictable busy periods, while year-round maintenance clients provide steady baseline income. The combination offers both excitement and stability.
Low Startup Costs
Compared to many beauty services, spray tanning requires relatively modest initial investment. A professional spray tan machine, tent, extraction fan, and starter solution kit can be purchased for £300-£800 depending on quality. This accessibility makes spray tanning an attractive entry point into the beauty industry.
Mobile technicians can start with minimal overhead—no salon rent, no expensive equipment leases. Many successful technicians launch their businesses from home, travelling to clients and building their reputation before considering fixed premises.
Flexible Working Options
Spray tanning accommodates various lifestyle needs. You can work mobile, visiting clients at their homes—ideal for those with childcare responsibilities or other commitments. Alternatively, you can rent space in an existing salon, set up a home studio, or eventually open your own premises.
Evening and weekend appointments are common, allowing you to build a business alongside other employment if desired. Many technicians start part-time and transition to full-time as their client base grows.
Quick Service, Good Returns
A professional spray tan takes approximately 15-30 minutes to apply, allowing technicians to see multiple clients per hour. With prices typically ranging from £20-£45 per tan depending on location and experience, the hourly earning potential is attractive. High-volume periods like prom season or Christmas party weeks can be particularly lucrative.
Training Requirements and Certification
Accredited Training Courses
While spray tanning isn’t legally regulated in the UK (meaning technically anyone can offer the service), professional training is essential for delivering safe, quality results that build a sustainable business. Clients increasingly seek trained technicians, and many insurance providers require proof of training before offering cover.
Quality spray tan courses cover essential topics including skin anatomy and how DHA (dihydroxyacetone) interacts with skin cells, colour theory and solution selection for different skin tones, application techniques for even, streak-free coverage, client consultation and patch testing, contraindications and safety considerations, business setup and marketing basics, and hygiene and sanitation protocols.
Our Certificate in Spray Tanning provides comprehensive training that prepares you for professional practice, including practical application experience and business guidance.
What to Look for in Training
Not all spray tan courses are equal. When selecting training, consider course accreditation and industry recognition, practical hands-on experience included, kit and products provided, ongoing support after completion, and insurance acceptance of the qualification.
Beware of extremely short courses or those without practical components—spray tanning requires hands-on skill development that can’t be learned from videos alone.
Additional Certifications to Consider
While not required, additional training can enhance your service offering and earning potential. Advanced Spray Tanning courses cover contouring techniques for creating the illusion of muscle definition, competition and bodybuilding tanning, bridal and special occasion preparation, and troubleshooting difficult skin types.
Setting Up Your Spray Tan Business
Essential Equipment
Starting a professional spray tanning business requires several key items:
Spray Tan Machine: HVLP (High Volume Low Pressure) systems are industry standard, offering fine mist application and adjustable settings. Entry-level machines start around £150, while professional-grade equipment costs £300-£600. Investing in quality equipment pays dividends in application ease and client results.
Spray Tan Tent: Portable tents contain overspray and create a professional environment for mobile work. Pop-up tents designed for spray tanning include features like zippered access and extraction ports.
Extraction Fan: Proper ventilation protects both technician and client from inhaling solution mist. This is a non-negotiable safety requirement, not an optional extra.
Solutions: Professional-grade solutions in various percentages allow you to customise results for different skin types. Starting with light (8-10% DHA), medium (10-12%), and dark (12-14%) options covers most clients.
Consumables: Barrier cream, hair caps, disposable underwear, sticky feet, and aftercare products round out your kit.
Insurance Requirements
Professional insurance is essential before seeing any clients. Public liability insurance protects you if a client is injured on your premises or by your equipment. Treatment liability insurance covers claims arising from adverse reactions or unsatisfactory results. Product liability insurance protects against claims related to solutions or products used.
The British Association of Beauty Therapy & Cosmetology and similar professional bodies offer insurance packages designed for spray tan technicians. Expect to pay £100-£200 annually for comprehensive cover.
Legal Considerations
If working from home, check whether you need to notify your local council or obtain change-of-use permission. Home-based beauty businesses typically fall under permitted development, but regulations vary by area.
Register as self-employed with HMRC if operating as a sole trader, or consider limited company formation for liability protection as your business grows. Maintain proper records of income and expenses for tax purposes.
Pricing Your Services
Research local competitors to understand market rates in your area. Pricing varies significantly by location—London technicians typically charge more than those in smaller towns. Consider your costs including solution, consumables, travel time, and overheads when setting prices.
Many technicians offer package deals or loyalty discounts to encourage repeat bookings. Maintenance clients who tan every two to three weeks represent your most valuable customer segment.
Building Your Client Base
Marketing Strategies
Building a successful spray tan business requires consistent marketing effort:
Social Media Presence: Instagram and TikTok are particularly effective for visual services like spray tanning. Share before-and-after photos (with client permission), behind-the-scenes content, and client testimonials. Use local hashtags to reach potential clients in your area.
Google Business Profile: Claim and optimise your Google Business listing so local searchers can find you easily. Encourage satisfied clients to leave reviews—positive Google reviews significantly impact local search visibility.
Word of Mouth: Exceptional service generates referrals naturally. Consider implementing a referral programme offering discounts for clients who recommend friends.
Local Partnerships: Connect with wedding planners, photographers, gyms, and other businesses whose clients might need spray tanning services. Cross-promotion benefits everyone involved.
Client Retention
Acquiring new clients costs significantly more than retaining existing ones. Focus on creating experiences that encourage repeat bookings through consistent, high-quality results every visit, personalised service that remembers client preferences, convenient booking systems, reminder messages before appointments, and loyalty rewards for regular clients.
Earning Potential and Career Growth
Income Expectations
Spray tan technician earnings vary based on location, experience, and business model. Part-time technicians working evenings and weekends typically earn £200-£500 monthly. Full-time mobile technicians can earn £25,000-£40,000 annually, while salon-based or high-volume technicians in busy areas may exceed £50,000.
According to industry data, experienced technicians in London and the South East command premium prices, while those in other regions may see lower per-service rates but often enjoy lower operating costs.
Expanding Your Services
Many spray tan technicians expand their service menu over time, increasing earning potential and client retention. Popular additions include lash and brow services through our Certificate in Eyelash Extensions, waxing services, and makeup artistry for events.
Offering complementary services means clients can book multiple treatments in one visit, increasing your revenue per appointment and strengthening client relationships.
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Seasonal Fluctuations
Spray tanning experiences predictable seasonal peaks and troughs. Build financial reserves during busy periods to cover quieter months. Use slower times for marketing, training, and business development rather than viewing them as purely negative.
Dealing with Difficult Results
Occasionally, despite best efforts, results don’t meet expectations. Handle complaints professionally and offer solutions—a free corrective tan or partial refund protects your reputation far more than arguing with unhappy clients. Learn from each situation to prevent recurrence.
Physical Demands
Mobile spray tanning involves transporting equipment and working in varied conditions. Invest in quality equipment bags with wheels, maintain physical fitness, and consider the sustainability of mobile-only work as your business grows.
Ready to launch your spray tanning career? Our Certificate in Spray Tanning provides everything you need to start your business with confidence—comprehensive training, practical experience, and ongoing support from industry experts. With flexible online learning and a professional kit included, you’ll be ready to see your first clients in weeks. Enrol today and join thousands of successful graduates building thriving tanning businesses across the UK.
