Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

How much money can i make?

 Many of you have probably had numerous spray tans before and love the way they make you feel so much more healthier and confident.  Seriously, many of us women have become obsessed with the bronzed look, from just a very natural healthy glow to a deep dark tan depending on your mood, skin type or occasion.  Having a weekly spray tan for a lot of us has become a way of life.  I'm sure many of you have observed your personal spray tanner, whether she (or he) works from home or a  salon and marveled at how busy she (or he) is.

Your income potential -
6 clients @ $25 each = $150/hour
6 clients @ $30 each = $180/hour
6 clients @ $35 each = $210/hour

Remember to take out your cost for solution  

Charging $30 per spray tan  -
Approx product cost = $5
Tans per litre = approx 18
30 tans per week = $900 per week (gross) or $750 (nett)
Return per litre = $540 (gross) or $450 (nett)
Income per Year = $46 800 (gross) or $39 000 (nett)

Which Machine should I purchase when starting up a spray tan business?

In the 7 years that I have been in the tanning industry, I have mostly been in contact with HVLP (high volume, low pressure) machines and HVLP spray tanning guns.   They are the most popular spray tanning systems found in the industry today and are widely used in salons and mobile businesses in Australia and overseas.   

HVLP equipment is lightweight (great for mobile) and enables you to tan a client in under 5 minutes as opposed to 20 minutes with other spray tanning equipment eg. Compressor (or Airbrushing machines).  This is an advantage as you minimize operator fatigue and can continue spraying many clients, as many as 6 clients in 1 hour, thus increasing profits per hour. 

There are lots of variations of HVLP spray tanning machines around but generally they all work in a similar way as do the equipment components when you look at them individually.

When you adjust the setting on the spray gun to your experience level, it allows you to spray with accuracy and with very little overspray so there is less wastage of product. 

In terms of noise level HVLP machines run at a level acceptable in most salons.

 Do I Need an ABN number?

As we supply and service trade only, it is necessary to register a business name and organize a business ABN number. 

 Do I need Insurance?

Insurance is very important once you have your own business.  You can never be too certain that operations will always run smoothly.  The possibility of having an issue arise between a client and your business is very low.  Regardless, you should look into public and professional liability insurance incase of any possible client litigation. 

Which solution is the best?

These days spray tanning solutions are so much more advanced than the days of old when self tanning solutions were turning skin orange.  There is now a lot more information and education about spray tanning and self tanning products and how to apply them. Many times, you will find its all about the spray tan application and knowing which level of tanning solution to use on your client. 

There are many great tanning solutions on the market these days so it really is about doing your research and finding a spray tan solution that you love yourself.  Try some different spray tans on yourself – look for good colour, how does the tan fade on your skin, how long does the tan last and does it have a tanning after smell? 

Also ask around - which brand do your friends love, do some research on the internet.  You will find that some tanning solutions may be better than others – but only slightly and for minimal reasons…. You many find a tan that has all the criteria you are looking for but it may have a faint tanning smell or the bronzer (initial colour guide)may be a little too dark.  That may not be so bad because everything else is so fabulous.    

 Workplace, Health and Safety

At present there is not specific regulation in the Spray Tanning Industry.  Although spray tanning is FDA approved, it is approved for external application only and must not be ingested. 

It is wise to consider and implement these things –

·         - First and foremost have a client consultation so you are aware of any contraindications and fill out a client record card.

·       -   Although the likelihood of a reaction is rare, if your client has had a reaction to spray tans or self tanning in the past, perform a patch test and wait 24 hours before tanning the whole body.

·       -  Ensure you have good ventilation – if possible, install some extractor fans.

·        -  As the tanning operator, wear a mask.  Also offer your client a mask.  You may also offer nose filters (these are available in pharmacies).

·       -  Do not tan pregnant women in their first trimester. It is fine to tan pregnant women in their 2^nd and 3^rd trimester but ensure you give them a mask and/or nose filters, Vaseline on the lips that can be wiped off after the tanning session and ensure they wear a g-string or full briefs.  

·         - Do not apply spray tan around a woman’s nipples if they are breast feeding.  Get them to wear a bandeau or cover the nipples.

·        - People who have asthma can be sprayed but also offer them a mask.

·        - Do not tan people under the influence of alcohol or drugs (yes it can happen and best to avoid)

·        - Ensure your tanning area is cleaned regularly.  Spray tanning solutions can build up on the floor making it very slippery. 

 How do I get trained?  Do I need certified training?

These days there are many training manuals and DVD’s available that give you lots of information on spray tanning application techniques and tips to help you get started.  These are a very good way of learning how to spray tan.  You can get started spray tanning friends and family for a week or two and ask them to give you constructive feedback on your tans so that you are aware of things that may need improvement.  You will gain confidence in your equipment and your abilities the more you practice and you will master the technique of spray tan application.

Just for fun, you will also find a lot of information on Utube as lots of companies and small businesses upload spray tanning demonstrations and information about their products. 

If you prefer being trained one on one, often the company that you purchase your spray tanning equipment from will include training with your purchase.  If this isn’t available to you, there are beauty schools, beauty wholesalers and Spray Tan Emporium in Brisbane that can assist in training you in spray tanning techniques.

In Australia, there is yet no government regulation or standards set as guidelines for the spray tanning industry.  Following the tips in this article is a start and will hopefully give you an insight into some habits to adopt that will ensure responsible spray tanning at a professional level.