So, let’s be real: spray tanning isn’t just about the tanning solution. It’s about the way you stand, how you move, and how well you work with your professional spray tan technician to make sure you don’t walk out with patchy ankles or weird white line creases under your butt. Spray tanning positions are EVERYTHING when it comes to getting the best results.
I know it can feel awkward-standing half-naked in a tan booth while someone sprays you with an essential spray that smells a little like summer in a bottle. But trust me, once you have a better understanding of why each position exists and how it’s designed to deal with different shapes, extra skin, or larger thighs, you’ll feel way more confident.
This isn’t just about following directions. It’s about knowing how your client’s body needs to be angled for full coverage, how to handle tricky spots like the inner thighs or under-breast area, and how to make sure the effects of skin folds, sweat pockets, or excess skin don’t ruin your glow.
The Most Important Thing: Why Positions Matter
The most important thing in a spray tan session isn’t just the active ingredient in the spray solution (though DHA is the star player. It’s the one that reacts with your skin to give you color). It’s how the technician applies it, how many 4-5 air passes or dry passes they give you, and the positions you hold while they’re working. Think about it: if you cross your arms against your stomach area, you’ll create skin contact that blocks the tanning solution. Boom! Instant white line creases. If you forget to lift your breasts or tilt slightly so your upper back gets sprayed, you’ll notice it later when you wear a bikini. Spray tanning is like painting a wall. You need a better angle to hit all the corners.
Prepping For Your Tan Appointment
Before we even talk about positions, let’s talk prep.
- Barrier cream: Your bestie before the spray. Applied to elbows, knees, feet, and hands, it stops the instant cosmetic bronzer and DHA from clinging too much to those dry, porous spots.
- Disposable undergarments or comfortable clothing: Tight bras or leggings are a no-go. Anything that digs into your skin will create lines.
- Nose plugs: Optional, but some clients prefer them if they’re sensitive to inhaling mist.
- PH balancer: A spritz some techs use before tanning to neutralize the skin, ensuring the active ingredient develops evenly.
- Oil-free moisturizers: Post-tan lifesavers. Oils can strip color, so keep it oil-free for a better tan that lasts.
And yes, for your first time, you’ll probably feel nervous. That’s normal. A good tech is trained (sometimes with a full tan certification) to read the client body type and guide them through every step.
The Very First Section Of The Body
Most techs kick things off at the back of the tent, aka your back. Makes sense, right? If they started at the front, you’d just end up smudging it all when you turn around. The whole idea is: start where there’s the least chance of skin contact, then work through the rest section by section. Here’s what they’ll usually have you do:
- Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart (no awkward wobbling).
- Keep a slight bend in your knees so you don’t look stiff.
- Lift your arms just a little so the spray hits your sides and your upper back instead of leaving pale stripes.
Standard Tan Positions
Let’s break down the main tan positions you’ll hit in any spray tan session. Think of them as the choreography for your glow-up.
- Normal position: Standing tall, feet shoulder-width, arms slightly away from your sides. This avoids skin folds sticking together.
- Side pass: You’ll turn slightly so the tech can spray the entire side of the body, from top of their head down to the ankles. Sometimes they’ll ask you to lift an arm to hit the stomach area or under-breast area.
- Lift knee: Crucial for the backs of legs and glutes. Lifting one leg at a time avoids those pale patches near the thighs and bum.
- Lift breasts: Yep, even if you’re shy. If you want better tan coverage and no weird white lines, you’ve got to lift so the spray reaches underneath. Especially important for larger clients or anyone with bigger breasts.
- Drying passes: At the end, the tech will give you dry passes or drying passes to set everything.
Bonus tip: If you’re someone with larger thighs or lots of extra skin, don’t be afraid to slightly shift or adjust. Techs are used to all different shapes and will help find the better angle for full coverage.
Let’s be real-the client’s body needs aren’t the same for everyone. Some spots are just plain harder to tan.
- Inner thighs: These can rub together, creating excess skin folds. A tech may use an extra product or give you an additional spray here.
- Under-breast area: Classic spot for sweat pockets and skin folds. Always lift breasts to avoid missed patches.
- Stomach area: If you sit a lot, you may have natural creases here. Standing tall with that slight bend in knees helps stretch skin.
- Smile lines: Yes, even your face can crease. A quick stretch or blowing air can help during the face spray.
- Upper back: Leaning forward just slightly gives the tech a better angle.
- Feet & hands: Less is more. Too much solution here = orange.
What Spray Tan Techs Actually Do
Behind the scenes, tanning experts know there’s a balance between applying the best spray and making sure it matches the client’s feelings. Too much = streaks. Too little = pale patches. Sometimes they’ll add an additional solution pass on tricky spots, or use a step stool to hit the top of their head or taller clients. A great time for both tech and client is when the tan feels seamless, comfortable, and you don’t leave second-guessing. That’s why many studios stick to standard pricing for a full body spray-but may charge more if you ask for further assistance like contouring, extra shading, or a double coat.
After Your Spray Tan Session
So you’ve survived the booth, rocked the poses, and got sprayed with that magical mix of DHA and instant cosmetic bronzer. Now what?
- Wear comfortable clothing, not tight clothing, to avoid messing up the tan.
- Don’t shower right away! The active ingredient needs time to develop.
- Skip deodorant and perfume in those sweat pockets (armpits, under breasts) until after your rinse.
- Keep up with oil-free moisturizers for a better experience that extends your tan.
- Book your future appointments in advance if you want to keep the glow rolling.
The Client Experience
Honestly, spray tanning is just as much about the client’s feelings as it is about the glow. Whether it’s your first time or your tenth, a good technician will:
- Explain the tan positions clearly.
- Use dry passes and ph balancer to perfect the finish.
- Adjust for larger clients, sized clients, or different shapes without making you feel awkward.
- Give you tan tips for maintenance.
- Remind you that much solutions (aka too many sprays) are unnecessary. Less is often more for a natural, even look.
Final Thoughts
Here’s the truth: spray tanning isn’t about memorizing choreography. It’s about feeling comfortable, trusting your professional spray tan technician, and knowing that the positions are there to give you full coverage, prevent streaks, and make the effects of skin work for, not against you. With the right positions, the right tanning solution, and the right aftercare, you’ll not only look like a bronzed goddess-you’ll actually feel like one. And that, my friend, is the real glow-up.
About Gio
Hi, I’m Gio. I’m a no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is skin coach and writer on a mission to help you achieve your best skin day ever – every day. I bust skincare myths and debunk marketing jargon to help you figure out what’s worth the splurge and what’s best left on the shelf – using science, not hype. I also offer skincare consultations to help you create the best skincare routine for your unique needs.
