Treatment guide
Spray tanning: what it is and what to ask
Spray tanning applies a solution containing DHA, which reacts with the surface of the skin to darken it, usually in a 15–30 minute appointment. It sits outside England's proposed cosmetic-procedure licensing scheme. The practical issues are ventilation, protection during application, and preparation beforehand.
Last reviewed · How we research and check this
Is it regulated?
No licence is required to perform this anywhere in the UK. Sits outside the licensing scheme as drafted — it does not penetrate the skin or apply light, electricity, cold or heat in the way the scheme defines. Qualification and insurance still matter, and no law requires either.
Note the distinction from sunbeds, which are separately regulated: the Sunbeds (Regulation) Act 2010 prohibits letting under-18s use a sunbed on commercial premises. Spray tanning is a different treatment and is not covered by that Act.
Basis: Section 180, Health and Care Act 2022 and the Government's consultation response of 7 August 2025, tracked in House of Commons Library briefing CBP-10331.
What the practitioner should hold
Level 2 with product training. Technique matters more than certification here.
Insurance
Standard treatment cover; mobile work may need adding.
What it costs
Guide price: we do not yet have enough member listings to publish a reliable range for spray tanning. We publish this figure only when there is real data behind it.
Questions to ask before you book
- What should I do to prepare — when should I exfoliate and shave?
- Which solution and what strength do you recommend for my skin?
- Is the room ventilated, and will I be given a mask?
- How long before I shower, and how do I make it last?
Red flags
- No preparation advice given before the appointment
- No barrier cream on hands and feet
- Poor ventilation in a small room
- No patch test offered for sensitive skin
Common questions
How long does a spray tan last?
Typically five to ten days, depending on your skin and how you look after it. Exfoliating beforehand and moisturising afterwards makes the biggest difference.
Is spray tan safe to inhale?
The advice is to avoid inhaling the mist — a professional will offer a mask or nose filters and work in a ventilated space. If neither is offered, ask.
Can I have a spray tan while pregnant?
Many salons will, and many prefer to wait past the first trimester. Tell your therapist and let them advise; hormonal changes can also affect how the tan develops.
Members offering spray tanning
No members offer this yet. List your business if you do.