A professional spray tan gives you the most even color in one visit, which makes it a great choice for special events and first-timers. Self-tanner costs less and works well for maintenance and touch-ups between appointments.
Key Takeaways
- Professional spray tans and self-tanners both use DHA to develop color on the outer layer of your skin.
- Both options typically last 4 to 7 days, and good preparation and even application can help the color fade more evenly.
- Spray tan and self-tanner do not protect your skin from UV rays, so you still need SPF when spending time outdoors.
- At SunsUp Tan & Wellness Spa, a single spray tan session is $45 with available membership packages for bigger savings.
- Our self-tanners go from $41 for face mist to $48 for body mist.
Spray Tan vs. Self-Tanner at a Glance
When comparing a spray tan vs self-tanner, the biggest differences are results and cost.
| Aspect | Professional Spray Tan | Self-Tanner |
| Who applies it | An automated booth / A trained spray tan technician | You apply it yourself |
| Evenness and hard-to-reach areas | More even full-body coverage, including your back and other hard-to-reach spots | Results depend on your application and can be harder to even out on areas like your back |
| Shade customization | A technician can help choose and adjust your shade | You choose from the shades and formulas available in the product line |
| Time needed | One appointment provides full-body color | Application time varies, and you may need extra time for careful blending |
| Cost per full-body tan | Costs more per session | Usually costs less per application because one product can provide multiple uses |
| How long it lasts | 4-7 days | 4-7 days |
| Mess and transfer | Less hands-on application at home, though the solution may transfer before your first rinse | More hands-on and can stain hands, clothing, towels, or bedding if applied carelessly |
| Best for | Special events, first-time tanners, and even full-body coverage | Maintenance, touch-ups, and keeping costs lower |
How a Professional Spray Tan Works
A professional spray tan applies a fine mist of tanning solution across your body. Depending on the salon, you may step into an automated spray tan booth or have a technician apply the solution with an airbrush.
After your session, the color needs time to develop before you rinse. Your technician will tell you how long to wait based on the solution used.
For more details, see our guides to spray tan booth vs airbrush tanning and how to prepare for a spray tan.
How Self-Tanner Works
Self-tanners use DHA, the same tanning ingredient found in professional spray tan solutions. DHA reacts with the outer layer of your skin, and the color gradually develops over the next several hours.
Self-tanners can come in formats like:
- Lotions
- Mousses
- Drops
- Mists
Our favourite is Island Colour, which is a mist self-tanner. There is also a special Island Colour self-tanner for the face.
When comparing a spray tan and self-tanning lotion, application makes a big difference. With self-tanner, you control how much product you use and how evenly you blend it. If you miss spots, use too much product, or not blend it enough, you can end up with lighter areas, darker patches, or streaks.
Cost per Tan: What Each Option Really Costs
A single professional spray tan at SunsUp Tan & Wellness Spa costs $45, while Island Colour for Body costs $48 per bottle. Island Colour for Face is $41.
If you get spray tans regularly, the $75 monthly membership is the most affordable option. The All Natural Spray Tan membership includes unlimited spray tanning plus unlimited UV tanning.
Here’s what the spray tan costs look like based on how often you tan:
| Frequency | Single Sessions | $75 Monthly Membership |
| Once a month | $45/month | $75/month |
| Once a week, about 4 times a month | $180/month | $75/month |
| Cost per tan at 4 visits | $45 | About $18.75 |
At one spray tan per month, paying for a single $45 session costs less than the membership. At 4 sessions per month, the membership saves about $105 per month.
For self-tanning, divide the $48 Island Colour for Body price by the number of applications you get from one bottle. For example, if one bottle provides 3 full-body applications, each tan costs about $16.
See our spray tan membership guide for a more detailed breakdown.
Which Lasts Longer and Looks More Natural?
Professional spray tans and self-tanners both last about 4 to 7 days. Your skin care routine, activity level, and how evenly you apply the product can affect how the color wears.
The natural results will depend on how even the coverage was. A professional spray tan generally provides better and more even coverage because automated booths spray the perfect amount of solution. However, self-tanner can look just as natural when it is blended carefully and applied evenly.
Learn more about how long a spray tan lasts and why you should choose an organic spray tan.
When a Spray Tan Is the Better Choice
Consider booking a spray tan if:
- You have a wedding, vacation, party, or photo session coming up.
- You are a first-time tanner and are unsure how to apply self-tanner evenly.
- You want even coverage on your back and other hard-to-reach areas.
- You want a deeper shade without applying several layers of self-tanner.
- You do not have time to practice with a self-tanner before an important event.
A spray tan also gives you access to a trained technician who can help you choose a shade that fits the look you want.
When Self-Tanner Is the Better Choice
Choose self-tanner if:
- You are on a tight budget and want several applications from one product.
- You want to maintain your color between professional spray tans.
- You only need to tan your face or touch up a small area.
- You prefer to apply your tan at home instead of using a spray tan booth.
If you are pregnant and considering sunless tanning, read our guide to spray tanning during pregnancy before deciding which option is right for you.
How to Use Both Together
You can use a professional spray tan and self-tanner as part of the same routine. Start with a spray tan for even full-body color, then use self-tanner for small touch-ups once your tan begins to fade.
You can do touch-ups on areas that may fade faster, such as:
- Hands
- Face
- Knees
- Elbows
Island Colour works well for these targeted touch-ups because the mist can refresh areas that need more color. Apply it only after you notice your original tan starting to fade.
Safety: Spray Tans and Self-Tanners
The FDA allows DHA, the tanning ingredient in most spray tans and self-tanners, for external application to the skin. However, DHA should not be inhaled, swallowed, or applied around the eyes, lips, nose, or other areas covered by mucous membranes.
Whether you use a spray booth or a mist at home, protect your face from unwanted exposure and follow the product directions carefully. If you have sensitive skin, patch test the product on a small area before applying it more widely.
Final Thoughts: Spray Tan vs. Self-Tanner
Choose a professional spray tan when you want even color for an event, photos, or your first sunless tan. Choose self-tanner when you want an affordable way to maintain your color or handle small touch-ups at home.
You can also combine the two. Use a professional spray tan for your base color, then apply self-tanner to areas that begin fading sooner. Ready for your next tan? Book a spray tan at SunsUp Tan & Wellness Spa, and ask our staff about Island Colour for easy touch-ups between visits.
FAQ
How do you get self-tanner off your hands?
Wash your hands with warm water and soap as soon as you notice unwanted self-tanner. If the color has already developed, gentle exfoliation can help it fade. Avoid harsh scrubbing, which can irritate your skin. See our spray tan removal guide for more ways to get rid of unwanted color.
Does self-tanner expire?
Yes. Self-tanner can expire, and its tanning ingredients may become less effective over time. Check the packaging for storage instructions and any expiration or period-after-opening information.
Can you tan with self-tanner on?
Yes, your skin can still tan or burn from UV exposure while wearing self-tanner. Self-tanner does not provide sun protection unless the product specifically contains SPF.
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