Airbrush Tanning Vs Spray Tanning: What’s The Difference?
Airbrush tanning vs spray tanning, both are popular, but what’s the difference?
These two are both methods of getting that sun-kissed and radiant tan without the need for sun exposure. They allow you to get the same bronzed look without the harmful UV rays that can damage the skin.
Both custom tan techniques involve applying a fine mist of tanning solution to the skin, giving you a natural-looking tan that can last up to a few weeks. But while the two techniques are very similar, some key differences should be noted when deciding which option is best for you.
Airbrush and spray tanning are great options if you have a special event or a trip coming up that you’d like to be the perfect tan for. The sunless tanning process can be completed in a matter of minutes to give you the perfect sun-kissed look for your upcoming event.
Airbrush Tanning
Airbrush tanning is a manual process with a tanning specialist who applies a fine mist of tanning solution over your entire body with a hand sprayer. This technique is usually done in tanning salons, but some airbrush techs will visit your home.
Airbrush tanning provides a natural-looking tan with a streak-free finish. After the solution is applied by the airbrush technician, the tan develops over 4-6 hours.
The tanning solution works by the active ingredient reacting with the proteins in the outer layer of the skin to produce a golden-brown color that will usually last 7-10 days.
Pros of Airbrush Tanning:
- It produces a natural looking tan.
- Airbrush tanning is more hygienic than spray tanning since it does not require the use of a booth.
- An airbrush tan takes much less time than spray tanning.
- Airbrush tanning is more accurate and offers better control with even coverage.
Cons of Airbrush Tanning:
- It is more expensive than spray tanning.
- Some people find the process of airbrush tanning uncomfortable since it involves the application of a cold liquid to the skin.
- It may cause skin irritation if the technician does not use the correct technique.
- If you prefer to tan nude, you may find it uncomfortable to have an airbrush spray tanning session with a technician.
Spray Tanning
Spray tanning is an automated process where the spray solution is applied by a tan machine inside a spray tan booth.
The spray tan requires you to stand in a spray tan tent or automated booth for a tan session, where a fine mist made of up tanning solution will be gently sprayed onto your body as the machine directs you to turn and move your arms at specific times.
Pros of Spray Tanning:
- It is much more affordable than airbrush tanning.
- Spray tanning is much faster than airbrush tanning.
- It is easier to achieve an even tan with a spray tan since the spray is applied evenly across the body.
- Spray tanning is generally less uncomfortable than airbrush tanning since the spray is warm.
- Spray tanning is done in a private room where you are alone and may be more comfortable tanning in the nude, which some people prefer to avoid tan lines.
Cons of Spray Tanning:
- The results of spray tanning are not as natural looking as airbrush tanning.
- Spray tanning requires using a booth, which can be unhygienic.
- It is more difficult to control the amount of tan applied with a spray tan, leading to blotchy or uneven results.
Airbrush Tanning vs Spray Tanning
When it comes to airbrush tanning vs spray tanning, both methods are said to be a healthy alternative to sun exposure and get you that perfect glow in minutes, but which should you choose? Let’s compare the two side-by-side:
Method of Application:
Spray tans are administered using an automated spray gun that sprays a mist of tanning solution onto the skin inside of a booth.
Airbrush tans are applied by a professional technician with a handheld airbrush gun that uses a pressurized stream of tanning solution to coat the skin.
Pigmentation:
With a spray tan, you won’t get to choose a variety of pigment hues. That means you may end up with a darker or more orange effect than you’re hoping for if you stay in the booth too long at one time.
With an airbrush tan, you can customize the pigmentation to match your natural skin type better, and you have a technician there to help you get the perfect natural-looking glow.
Best Results:
Spray tans cover more area in a shorter amount of time, but airbrush tans provide greater precision, allowing for a more even and more natural-looking tan.
Both sunless tanning options use the same main ingredient that will develop in the same amount of time, but a spray tan may result in an uneven tan.
Cost:
Spray tans are typically cheaper than airbrush tans. The cost of a spray tan can range from $20 to $40 per session, depending on the salon and the type of tan used.
The cost of an airbrush tan can range from $50 to $100 per session, again depending on the salon and the type of tan used.
Maintenance:
Spray tans generally last longer than airbrush tans. However, airbrush tans require less maintenance, as they don’t require as much scrubbing or exfoliating to maintain evenness.
FAQs
Does airbrush tanning look natural?
A custom airbrush tan can look very natural and give you a gorgeous glow.
Since airbrushing is done by hand by a professional technician, an airbrush tan can be very controlled and give you the look of a perfectly natural glow. Of course, this will vary depending on the skill of the technician.
How long does airbrush tan last?
An airbrush or spray tan lasts around 7-10 days. Since our bodies are constantly creating new skin cells on the epidermis or top level, any custom treatment will fade over time.
If you opted for a lighter color, your tan could fade more quickly.
Which is better, tanning beds or spray tans?
Spray tans are said to have fewer health risks than a tanning bed and will produce a much faster tan. Tanning beds will produce a tan faster than the sun, but spray or airbrush tans produce a tan within minutes.
Does airbrush tan get darker?
Yes, as the tan develops and the active ingredient reacts with your skin’s amino acids, the tan will begin to get darker.
Does spray tanning make you age faster?
No, spray tanning is a safe alternative to tanning beds or sun exposure to avoid accelerated aging from sun damage.
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