How to Make More Money with Spray Tan in Your Salon in 2026
A spray tan is one of the quickest treatments to learn, one of the fastest to deliver, and one of the easiest to slot into a quiet appointment book. That’s exactly why so many beauty therapists are asking the same question going into summer 2026: is it actually worth the investment, or just another course gathering dust?
The honest answer is that it depends on your client base, your space, and how committed you are to promoting it once you’re trained. Before making your decision, here’s what to weigh up before you book a course or buy a kit.
Why UK Beauty Therapists Are Adding Spray Tan in 2026
Client demand for a quick, low-commitment glow hasn’t slowed down, especially around proms, weddings, holidays and events. For therapists offering nails, lashes or facials, spray tanning maximises space and encourages clients to book more treatments.
It also pairs well with retail. Barrier creams, exfoliators and aftercare lotions sold alongside the treatment add a further margin on top of the service itself.
What You Actually Need to Start Offering a Spray Tan
Training and qualifications
A recognised qualification is required for insurance and gives clients confidence in your services. Our Spray Tanning course and the Sienna X Level 1 course both cover application technique, colour matching, health and safety, and consultation practice, usually over a single day.
Spray Tan Equipment
At minimum you need a reliable spray tan machine and a way to contain overspray. A complete spray tan kit gets you started with everything in one box, or you can build your own with an Elite or Petite airbrush system. If you’re short on space, a compact tanning gun is a good lower-cost entry point. For containing overspray without a permanent room, a pop-up spray tan cubicle folds away between clients, and an extraction fan keeps the air clear if you’re working in a smaller room.
Solutions and consumables
To cater for every client, stock a couple of solution ranges for different skin tones and undertones. Sienna X and Crazy Angel are two of the most established professional ranges in the UK, and it’s worth carrying a couple of strengths from each. You’ll also need disposables and application accessories, all covered in our spray tan accessories range.
Spray Tan Pre and aftercare products
Results and repeat bookings depend heavily on prep and aftercare. A good barrier cream protects nails, palms and dry areas from over-absorbing colour, and exfoliators prep the skin beforehand for a smoother, longer-lasting finish. Both are easy retail add-ons at checkout too.
The Real Cost of Adding Spray Tanning to Your Treatment Menu
Your main outlay is upfront: training, a machine, a tent or extraction setup, and enough solution and consumables to run for the first few weeks. From then on, running costs are mainly solution, disposables and laundry. Compared with many other treatments, the equipment cost is modest and the training time is short, which is part of the appeal.
How Much Can You Realistically Earn?
Spray tanning has a strong margin per treatment because the solution cost per client is low relative to what most salons charge. The bigger factor is booking volume: a therapist who actively promotes spray tan around events, proms and holiday season will fill far more slots than one who lists it quietly on a menu and waits. Pairing spray tanning with other treatments is an easy way to increase bookings and revenue.
Is It Worth It? Who This Add-On Suits Best
Spray tanning tends to work best for therapists who already have steady footfall, some flexibility in their room or booth space, and a client base that skews towards events and special occasions. If your diary is already full with core services and you have no spare capacity, the return will be slower. Additionally, it’s ideal for filling available appointments, particularly during evenings and weekends.
FAQs
How long does it take to learn spray tanning? Most Level 1 courses are completed in a single day, with confidence building over your first few weeks of practice.
How much does a spray tan machine cost? Prices vary from compact handheld guns at the lower end to full kits with a machine, tent and consumables included. A complete kit is usually the better value starting point.
Can I offer spray tanning without a course? You can buy the equipment, but insurance usually requires a recognised spray tanning qualification.
How much should I charge per spray tan? Pricing should reflect your local market, your solution costs and the time slot the treatment occupies. Before setting your prices, check what comparable local salons charge.
What insurance do I need for spray tanning? You’ll need treatment-specific public and professional indemnity cover. Check with your insurer after training, as proof of qualification may be required for cover.
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