Sunless tanning has become a popular go-to for those seeking a gorgeous tan without having to invest the time at the beach or a park, while avoiding the damaging effects of UV rays or tanning beds.
But not all spray tans will give you the same result. The application method—whether via a spray tan booth or a professional airbrush spray tan—can dramatically impact your final glow, longevity, and confidence.
In this blog, we break down the differences between booth spray tan systems and airbrush tanning services. Spoiler: the handheld spray gun wins for a reason.
What Are the Main Types of Spray Tan Applications?
When it comes to sunless tanning, the two most popular UV-free options are airbrush tanning and a quick jump into a spray tan booth.
Spray Tan Booths (Automated Machines)
Spray booths or sunless spray booths are fully automated machines often found in gyms or tanning salons. These units use a series of fixed spray nozzles to deliver mist across the body. While fast, these spray tanning booths use standardized settings and provide little room for customization and accommodations for each person’s unique features.
- Pros: Quick, often lower cost per session, and convenient.
- Cons: Misses contours, no ability to customize your tan, uneven mist distribution, no guidance from spray tan specialists, and the added stress of messing up a position the machine orders you to be in.
Airbrush Spray Tan (Handheld by Specialists)
An airbrush spray tan involves a trained specialist using a handheld spray gun to manually apply the tanning solution. This process allows full customization for every body type, skin tone, and occasion.
- Pros: Customized application, tailored skin tone matching, contour tanning for definition, expert guidance.
- Cons: Slightly longer appointment time, premium pricing for professional service.
At goGLOW, every session is powered by expert hands, premium tanning solutions, and a consultation-led approach to help you glow with confidence.
Comparing The Spray Booth vs. Airbrush Tanning Methods
Choose wisely to achieve your flawless sunless glow by understanding the unique advantages of each sunless tanning option.
Dive into our detailed comparison to discover why an airbrush spray tan might just be your perfect match for a radiant, natural-looking finish that complements your lifestyle, even if the common spray tan booth might seem like a tempting quick fix.
1. Precision & Customization
- Spray tan booths rely on automated nozzles that spray in pre-set patterns, unable to adapt to body contours or specific requests. This can lead to uneven tones or blotchy spots, especially on curvier sides, underarms, or around the feet.
- Airbrush tanning allows specialists to control pressure, direction, and layering for the most even application. Whether you’re using standard bronzers or custom bronzing solutions, the handheld approach ensures better control over how mist interacts with your skin.
2. The Human Factor: Specialist vs. Automation
- Tanning Booths offer no real-time adjustments. They can’t tell if you missed applying barrier cream to dry areas like elbows or knees, or if you are in the right position.
- With professional airbrush tanning, your specialist can adjust the airbrush tanning gun and their technique on the fly, protect sensitive areas, and guide your body positioning for flawless results. They can also tailor the self-tanning products used, based on your skin tone and event goals.
3. Application Quality & Evenness
- Automated spray booths struggle with the application process on varied body types and frequently leave tan lines or splotchy patches.
- Airbrush artists can provide contour tanning by highlighting muscle tone or softening features for the most flattering finish. They manually blend transitions between body zones for a seamless, long-lasting spray tan that can also combat skin aging.
4. Health Considerations & Environment Control
- Spray booths can result in over-spraying due to poorly maintained spray nozzles or outdated ventilation systems. That increases mist inhalation and exposes skin to excess solution buildup.
- goGLOW airbrush specialists manage overspray, shield sensitive areas, and use CLEANSE pre-tan to prep the skin for optimal absorption of the tanning solution. Additionally, they’ll spot signs of skin disease or sensitivities and can advise accordingly, something a machine will never do.
5. Overall Experience
- Spray tan booths can feel cold, rushed, and impersonal. You’re often handed generic directions and left to figure out how to pose.
- A professional airbrush tanning appointment, by contrast, offers direct interaction with a technician. You get real-time instructions, help applying barrier cream, and post-tanning care tips (including EXTEND and TOUCH UP tan extenders to keep your bronze glow longer).
Clients often report feeling more confident, informed, and cared for after their airbrush session at goGLOW, something they will never experience after a spray tan booth.
When a Booth Might Work (But There’s a Better Option)
If you’re on a tight schedule or looking for a budget-friendly tan, a spray booth might suffice. They’re often part of tanning memberships and may offer convenience for experienced tanners.
However, goGLOW also offers a Rapid 1–3 hour express airbrush spray tan, with the benefits of a personalized, specialist-guided session. With Rapid, you don’t have to sacrifice precision for efficiency.
Why Airbrush Spray Tan Wins—Every Time
From a customized bronze glow to improved safety, airbrush spray tan is the ultimate choice for flawless sunless tanning. Unlike booth spray tan methods, the airbrush tanning process ensures precise sunless tan application, giving you even coverage and a natural looking tan. With the right spray tan solution and tailored tanning solutions, it’s not just about the tan but also the experience, the confidence, and the long-term results.
At goGLOW, our certified tan artists customize every session to your skin type, tone, and event. Whether you want a subtle glow, a sculpted look, or a radiant bridal finish, we select the best solution with the right cosmetic bronzer to create a beautiful tanned appearance. Our professionals also help you prepare by recommending an exfoliating shower to remove dead skin cells, avoid oils, perfumes, deodorant, or heavy lotion that can block absorption, and guide you on how to care for your tan after your first shower.
Airbrush Spray Tan Gives Better Results
No more streaks, no more missed spots—just a longer lasting tan that won’t fade faster. To maintain your glow, moisturize daily, apply moisturizer after each shower, and avoid excessive shaving or rubbing with a rough towel that can cause uneven fading. Choosing gentle body wash and keeping your skin hydrated with moisturizing lotion are key to maintaining your glow.
Every session is designed with your health in mind. Our DHA-based spray tan solution and equipment are safe, even during pregnancy, and can provide UV protection benefits by helping you skip harmful sun exposure. While a spray tan does not fully protect like sunscreen, it helps reduce the risk of UV-related damage by offering a safe alternative. With proper care, your tan will develop naturally, look darker and radiant without being overwhelming, and fit seamlessly into your beauty routine alongside makeup.
An airbrush spray tan with goGLOW is also cost effective compared to multiple applications of self-tanners or the risks of sun exposure. It’s an investment in confidence and a process you can frequently access to refresh your look.
Ready to upgrade your glow?
Book your airbrush tanning appointment today with a goGLOW specialist and see the difference. For best results, follow the process, trust our trained team to assist, and enjoy the life-enhancing boost of a sunless glow that lasts.
Your flawless, UV-free glow is one professional airbrush session away—no need to worry, just expect the perfect tan to reveal itself once the process is complete.
