Whether you’re a first time spray-tanner or new to town, it’s a challenge for anyone trying to find a spray tanning salon that offers a comfortable experience with expert technicians. Online reviews and referrals from friends are great, but sometimes picking up the phone and talking with a salon representative produces more information for a decision-making process than any other resource. Ask a salon representative the questions below and you will learn more about the quality and type of spray tan they offer.
1. “How Long Does the Session Take?”
In general, the longer the session the better the spray tan. If a salon is averaging 15-20 minutes per spray tan, you know they are taking their time and going through every aspect of the process in detail. Although, be aware that sometimes a spray tanning session could take longer, up to 45 minutes, due to inferior, outdated equipment.
2. “What Will My First Appointment be Like?”
Ask the salon what the first appointment at the salon entails. Do they consult with you beforehand? Do they expect you to be on time to your appointment? Do they give you guidance on how to prepare for your tanning session? Will they educate you on products to help your tan last longer? Answers to these questions are indicators of whether you should or shouldn’t spend your time and money with a certain salon. If they sound uncertain or unknowledgeable about their procedure, it may be best to find another salon option.
3. “How Can You Guarantee the Spray Tan Will Look Good on Me?”
An easy way to find out if the salon is supplied with quality products is to ask about their selection of tanning solution colors. A salon offering a high-quality product line should be able to customize a solution formula for you based on your skin tone and the tan results you desire. If the salon offers 4 to 5 different tanning solutions colors, they should be able to deliver the precise color you want without difficulty. When salons have limited color options, technicians are forced to adjust the color by applying more or less solution, creating a “trial and error” process that results in error more often than not.
4. “What are the Salon’s Spray Tan Technicians Like?”
There are three different types of spray tanning technicians. The first type of technician is one that has no passion for spray tanning and has most likely been forced into the role by their boss or the owner of the salon. You can even ask how they were trained to become a spray tan technician. Were they trained from an employee on their way out their door, or did they receive a quality hands-on training session from a certified trainer? Try to avoid these situations, as technicians with no interest in providing a great experience, will most likely not give you one.
The second type enjoys what they do, but they may not necessarily have the right equipment or surroundings to be successful at their job. If you are speaking directly to a technician at the salon, ask them whether or not they stand behind the products they use and whether or not they feel they have quality equipment. Ask how often they get a spray tan. If you hear any uncertainty, the salon may not be the best environment for you and your future spray tan.
The third type of technician is one that has a genuine passion for what they do, loves the tanning products used, and stands behind their salon and all services provided. This technician will ask questions about your skin tone and desired result and provide you with education on preparing for and maintaining your spray tan because they want to ensure you get the best spray tan possible.
5. “How Much is a Spray Tan?”
This question should be one of the last things to ask in the process of figuring out if the salon is appropriate. Yes, cost does matter; but when you are looking for a certain outcome, a quality outcome, it’s more important to understand the salon’s process rather than how much they charge. Do your research and compare salon prices in the area. If you think the salon is underpriced, there is probably a reason for that. If you feel that you would be spending over your budget, try to find a salon that fits a majority of the qualifications (see Tanning Salon Checklist) without sacrificing complete quality.
Spray Tanning Salon Checklist
Use this checklist as you research tanning salons in your area.
- Qualified, trained technicians
- Substantial time allotted for spray tan session (15-20 min)
- Required consultation before your first session
- Variety (4-5) of tanning solution colors
- Average pricing system
With the information collected from each tanning salon, and a checklist for your convenience, finding the right tanning salon will be no problem at all. Take the time to research your options and your spray tanning experience will be successful and enjoyable!