which is better: Booth spray tan vs. airbrush spray tan
A spray tan from a booth and airbrush tans are similar in that they both use a spray tan solution - however the application and experience is totally different. Below are the top 4 differences between a booth spray tan and an airbrush spray tan:
1) Application Method: Both methods involve a fine mist that’s sprayed all over your body - a spray tan solution containing dihydroxyacetone (DHA), a natural ingredient that interacts with the skin's surface to create a tan that develops within a few hours.
An airbrush tan is applied to the skin by a trained technician using a handheld device; whereas in a booth there is a one size fits all method of applying the spray tan. An airbrush tan is able to give a more customized tan vs. the machine which sprays your entire body evenly, with the same coloring throughout.
Some advantages of an airbrush application is that we an have the client bend in certain ways to ensure a perfect tan, for instance:
having clients bend at the hips to avoid a white line under the bum
for clients with larger breasts having them lift their breasts to ensure the area under is tanned evenly
for more mature clients with more skin around their knees having them bend when we spray the knee so there are no white lines in the knee area
spraying clients hands while they’re in a claw shape to ensure they don’t get any whites in the creases of their knuckles
for clients with love handle creases on their back we can get them to raise their arms and lean forward to stretch the skin while spray tanning to avoid the white lines in those creases
2) Cost: The average cost of a machine booth spray tan ranges between $35-50 whereas an airbrush spray tan ranges between $50-75. The cost of an airbrush spray tan will vary depending on facts such as location and the technician's experience. A personalized tan may be preferred, but since it's the more expensive option, you'll want to weigh the pro’s and con’s to decide which is best for you.
You don't need a license or formal training to start giving spray tans, so if you are choosing a spray tan technican/business, you'll want to do your research and find someone who has been professionally trained and has a lot of experience - this can be the difference in experiencing streaks, uneven areas or feeling wet. At Schulz Beauty we have over 8 years of experience as the top spray tan studio in Toronto.
3) Customization - With an airbrush tan we always do a consult beforehand to see the level of darkness you’re aiming to achieve as well as to see your undertone so we can give a fully customized, even application tailored to your skin tone and preferences. We also use blending tools to make sure the tan goes on flawlessly, giving you that perfect, natural-looking glow.
Common spray tan bases include violet, brown, green and olive, with DHA percentages ranging from 8% to 14%. These different types of solutions help ensure your tan develops as a natural brown instead of the dreaded orange tone. Depending on your undertone and level of darkness we can mix the right undertone and DHA % for a perfect solution tailored to your desires.
A booth typically only has a light, medium or dark option so there is no customization available. Someone who is fair and a Skin Type 1 on the Fitzpatrick scale, when choosing dark, will look a lot different than someone who has a deep, golden undertone (Skin Type 5-6) who also chooses the “dark” option.
Another customization is that many people like to go lighter on their face and darker on the rest of their body which can be achieved via a technician vs. the booth.
4) Add-on’s: There are things you can add to your spray tan to enhance your spray tan and that give additional benefits.
At Schulz Beauty these include scents (coconut or pineapple), a DHA booster for a darker tan, shimmer drops, and anti-aging or skin firming serums.
We always apply a drying powder (a formulated powder for post-spray tan) to help set the tan, reduce stickiness and prevent creasing.
Our favourite add-on is our contouring option where we use a smaller gun to contour your natural muscle definition. We sculpt and shade your way to enhanced muscle tone and depth around your arms, legs, abs, chest and even cheekbones - a popular add-on before going to a beach/hot destination.
In conclusion, choosing the right spray tan will ultimately depend on the look you're going for and how much you want to spend.
For important occasions (photoshoots, wedding, events), which includes lots of photos and so much more, an airbrush tan may be the way to go.
If budget is a big concern, a spray tan without any add-ons is going to be your best bet.
If airbrush is your decision then our spray tan technicians at Schulz Beauty & Body are happy to provide you with the best, customized spray tan - book your airbrush spray tan here.