Spray tanning has transformed the way we achieve golden, glowing skin without the risks of UV exposure or long-term skin damage. Gone are the days when a sun-kissed look meant hours under the harsh rays of the sun or in tanning beds; now, consumers can choose between at-home DIY spray tanning products and professional spray tanning services.
But with so many options available, how do you know which is best for your skin tone, goals, and lifestyle?
This comprehensive guide compares DIY vs professional spray tanning, highlighting the pros and cons of each method. We’ll also break down the science behind different tanning solutions, outline expert tips for skin prep and aftercare, and explain how combining both approaches can help you achieve and maintain a flawless tan.
Whether you’re a newbie to the sunless tanning experience or a seasoned self tanner, you’ll find insights here that help you choose the best solution for your skin.
A Wide View of the Sunless Tanning Landscape
Sunless tanning has rapidly become the preferred alternative to traditional tanning beds. With growing awareness about the link between UV exposure and skin cancer, more consumers are turning to natural, organic ingredient-based tanning products, tanning solutions, and salon services.
The choice now lies between convenience at home and precision at a professional spray tan studio.
Understanding the difference helps tailor your tanning routine to your lifestyle, skin tone, and goals.
DIY Spray Tanning – Pros and Cons
DIY spray tanning gives you the freedom to tan on your schedule. For many, it’s a go-to for maintaining a sun kissed glow between professional spray tans or for quick touch-ups before a night out.
Pros
- Convenience & Accessibility: You can apply self tanning products, self tanners, self-tanning face & body sprays, or tanning lotions from the comfort of home. DIY tanning lets you create an at home tan without appointments.
- Affordability: Compared to salon prices, DIY tanning offers a lower upfront cost. A single bottle can deliver multiple applications, making it cost effective for maintaining color.
- Control & Flexibility: DIY tanning lets you adjust the depth and frequency of your tan and customize your tanning routine. It’s perfect for on-the-go touch-ups or travel and allows you to create natural looking results based on your personal preferences.
Cons
- Application Risks: Without the training of a spray tan artist, DIY tanning can result in uneven color, orange undertones, missed spots, or patchy areas—especially around tricky, hard to reach areas like ankles, wrists, neck, and the face.
- Color Matching Limitations: DIY products typically offer limited shades that may not complement every skin tone or skin type. Without guidance, choosing the right tanning product can be guesswork.
- Inconsistent Results: Without proper skin prep to remove dead skin cells, DIY spray tanning may fade unevenly or produce a streak free tan only sometimes, especially if harsh soaps are used afterward.
- Potential for Mess: Applying mousse or spray tan in your bathroom or bedroom can lead to stained towels, floors, or clothing. At home products can also rub off on tight clothing.
- Requires Frequent Expenses: Depending only on traditional self tanners may require multiple purchases in short periods if you prefer a deeper bronze or glow year round.
Professional Spray Tanning – Pros and Cons
Professional spray tanning offers a premium experience designed to deliver long-lasting, natural looking tan results tailored to your skin type, tone, and lifestyle.
Pros
- Expert Application: Spray tan specialists and trained technicians know how to avoid streaks and apply even coverage. They understand body contours and can customize your tan to suit your figure and preferences.
- Customized Tanning Formula: Tanning consultants match the tanning solution to your specific skin tone and skin types, supporting a natural look without orange palms or dull tones.
- Advanced Skin Prep: Professional spray tanning services include pH-balancing sprays and conditioners that prime the skin’s surface, helping the sunless tan develop smoothly and fade evenly.
- Hydrating, Long-Lasting Finish: Professional spray tans often use high quality products and moisture-locking finishes to support a long lasting glow.
- Stress-Free Experience: With professional services, you can fully relax knowing your tan will be done correctly, with no learning curve and no cleanup afterward.
Cons
- Higher Initial Cost: Professional spray tanning may cost more upfront than DIY tanning, although the longer-lasting results often offset the investment.
- Limited Spontaneity: You need to plan your visit, book an appointment, and travel to the salon—unlike DIY tanning where you can tan on your own schedule.
Despite these cons, many rely on professional spray tanning for special occasions, natural looking tan results, and streak free coverage before events.
The Science Behind a Flawless Tan: DIY vs. Professional Formulas
Not all tanning solutions are created equal. The concentration and quality of DHA, the active tanning ingredient, can drastically affect your final glow.
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Pro: Professional spray tanning solutions are formulated for precise application and longevity. They often include premium skincare ingredients that hydrate, soothe, and enhance your skin while tanning.
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DIY: Most at-home products, while effective, may contain more generic formulations or additives that can dry the skin or lead to streaks. With goGLOW’s salon-grade products now available for home use (like the TOUCH UP and EXTEND self-tanning lotion moisturizer), you can blend the best of both.
Skin Prep & Aftercare Tips That Work for Both
The secret to a long-lasting, even tan is not just in the application. The road to glow starts before you even pick up the bottle or walk into the tanning booth. Proper preparation and diligent aftercare are essential to maximize your results.
Pre-Tan Skin Prep
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Exfoliate Thoroughly: Use an exfoliating mitt like goGLOW’s EXFOLIATE to remove dead skin cells or the CLEANSE for daily cleaning. Focus on areas like knees, elbows, and ankles where buildup is common.
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Hydrate in Advance: Start moisturizing your skin regularly several days before your tan. Well-hydrated skin holds color better.
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Avoid Harsh Soaps and Oils: These can interfere with the tanning solution’s absorption. Use a gentle, pH-balanced body wash the day before.
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Shaving & Waxing: If needed, shave or wax at least 24 hours before your session to avoid irritation or open pores.
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Skip Makeup & Deodorant: Arrive at your appointment (or start DIY application) with clean, product-free skin.
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Wear Loose Clothing to Appointment: Avoid wearing tight-fitting clothing to your session and wear loose garments, preferably dark-colored, that won’t rub onto your skin too much. Also, avoid clothing that will allow for skin-to-skin contact.
Post-Tan Maintenance
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First Rinse: Follow timing guidelines carefully. For professional tans, your tanning specialists will advise on when and how you can have your first rinse.
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Hydration is Key: Apply HYDRATE, a rich body butter with Omega-6 and Argan Oil, to keep skin nourished.
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Extend Your Glow: Use EXTEND, a self-tanning lotion that gradually builds color while moisturizing.
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Refresh Key Areas: The TOUCH UP face tanning mist is perfect for areas like the face, hands, and chest that tend to fade first.
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Avoid Chlorine & Exfoliation: Skip hot tubs, pools, and exfoliants for a few days post-tan to prevent premature fading.
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Avoid Tight Clothes: Continue to avoid tight clothing or clothing that allows for skin-to-skin contact until after your first rinse.
Why Professional Spray Tans Are Worth It: With a Little Help From At-Home Products
Think of a professional spray tan as your base canvas and DIY products as your toolkit for maintenance and enhancement. With a professional spray tan, your color starts rich and even. From there, use goGLOW’s at-home tanning products to keep that glow alive.
Products like the goGLOW application tanning mitt, EXTEND, and TOUCH UP make it easier than ever to maintain salon-level results between visits. You get precision and professionalism with flexibility and autonomy.
Choosing What’s Right for Your Skin (And Schedule)
No two skin types are the same. If your skin is sensitive, prone to dryness, or reacts to traditional self-tanners, a professional spray tan might be the safer choice. For those experienced with tanning and looking to extend their tan, DIY products offer great value.
Consider your lifestyle, event schedule, and how much time you can commit to skin prep and application. Many find the hybrid method, professional spray tanning supplemented with self-tanning essentials, delivers the most consistent, natural-looking glow.
At goGLOW, we believe in giving you the tools and expertise to keep glowing all year. Book your professional spray tan salon session and shop our full line of self-tanning products to build the perfect tanning routine.
Ready to glow? Book Now or Shop Self-Tanning Essentials
