Booth vs. Airbrush Tan Cost to Know for Your Sunless Wedding Tan

If your dream wedding look includes the healthy-looking glow of a fresh tan, then you may want to consider a spray tan for your wedding. Before you make an appointment, consider how much an airbrush tan costs, especially if you're working on a budget. While some spray tans can be inexpensive, airbrush tans tend to be more pricey, and that may affect which one you decide to get.

Spray tans and airbrush tans are similar—an airbrush tan is actually a type of spray tan—but there are some differences between the two. Spray tans are typically done by a machine in a booth, while an airbrush tan is applied to the skin by a trained technician for a more customized, natural look. A personalized tan may be preferred, but since it's the more expensive option, you'll want to read on to decide which is best for you.

In this article:

• Average Spray Tan Cost
• Booth vs. Airbrush Tan Cost Factors to Consider
• How to Choose the Right Spray Tan for Your Budget

Average Spray Tan Cost

The average cost of a spray tan is generally between $25 and $60. This sunless tanning method involves a fine mist that's sprayed all over your body. The mist is applied by a machine while you stand in a booth. "This solution contains dihydroxyacetone (DHA), a natural ingredient that interacts with the skin's surface to create a tan that develops within a few hours," explains Brittney Bennett, founder and owner of Be Bronze Studio in Los Angeles with over 14 years of experience spray tanning brides and more.

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The cost of a spray tan near you will vary depending on facts such as location and the technician's experience, but it will always be the cheaper option of the two, while airbrush tans will always cost more.

The average cost of an airbrush tan is generally between $60 and $95. The higher price tag comes from the fact that this is a more personalized type of spray tan. "An airbrush tan is another sunless tanning method where a trained professional uses a handheld device to spray a controlled mist, creating a more customized and natural look," explains Lorena De Oliveira, owner and lead esthetician at The Wax & Skin Lounge in Chicago.

Booth vs. Airbrush Tan Cost Factors to Consider

The cost of sunless tanning can change depending on several different factors. This can include where you're getting a tan, the experience of the technician and the ultimate look you're going for.

Technique

A spray tan in a booth is done by an automated machine. This machine sprays your entire body evenly, offering a more uniform, general look, with the same coloring throughout. Meanwhile, an airbrush tan is more personalized and requires more work from a technician. " "With an airbrush tan, the technician ensures a fully customized, even application tailored to your skin tone and preferences," Bennett explains. "We use precise equipment and blending tools to make sure the tan goes on flawlessly, giving you that perfect, natural-looking glow."

Color

While spray tans in a sunless tanning booth offer one color all over, an airbrush tan lets you go for something more natural—for example, De Oliveira notes that many people like to go lighter on their face and darker on the rest of their body. The customized color options that go along with airbrush tanning will typically cost more. "Professional spray tan solutions come in different undertones and percentages to give you the best results based on your skin tone," Bennett explains. "Common bases include violet, brown, green and olive, with DHA percentages ranging from 8% to 14%. These different types of solutions help ensure your tan develops as a natural brown instead of the dreaded orange tone." She explains that an experienced artist will help you choose the right base and percentage for your skin tone and the type of look you're going for.

Experience of Technician

As Bennett says, not all spray tanners are created equal. You don't need a license or formal training to start giving spray tans, so you'll want to do your research and find someone who has been professionally trained. They may cost more, but at the end of the day, the end result is worth it. "I've been spray tanning for over 14 years, and trust me, experience makes all the difference when it comes to a flawless tan," Bennett says. "I've perfected the technique, so you never have to worry about streaks, uneven areas or feeling wet."

Location

A spray tan and airbrush tan cost will vary depending on where you're getting one done. Like most beauty services, these tend to be more expensive in big cities and metropolitan areas compared to suburban areas. For example, Bennett says that at her salon (which has locations in Scottsdale, Arizona and Los Angeles, California), spray tans start at $55 in Arizona and $110 in Los Angeles.

As both Bennett and De Oliveira point out, spray tans and airbrush tans can also be mobile, meaning the technician comes to you, and this can be a more expensive option because of the convenience. A mobile tan can double or even triple the price depending on where you're located.

Amenities Offered

The salon you go to and everything they offer can also affect the overall price. "Some locations will offer hair ties, hair nets, disposable underwear, disposable flip flops and drying rooms to allow guests to sit comfortably afterward until they feel 'dry' prior to changing," De Oliveira says. These amenities might be an extra cost on your bill or that extra cost could be built into the price.

Add-Ons

There are things you can add to your spray tan to make it more comfortable and convenient. These include scents, CBD, a DHA booster for a darker tan, shimmer drops and anti-aging concentrates. Drying powder, a formulated powder for post-spray tan use that can help set the tan, reduce stickiness and prevent creasing, is a popular add-on, Bennett notes. None of these are necessary after a spray tan, which is why they will add to the price.

How to Choose the Right Spray Tan for Your Budget

Choosing the right spray tan will ultimately depend on the look you're going for and how much you want to spend. If you're feeling unsure of what you want or you've never tried a spray tan at all, both Bennett and De Oliveira recommend trying it out before adding this service to your wedding beauty timeline. "The advice that we give to all of our brides is to try this service a month prior to her wedding day," De Oliveira says. "This ensures she is happy with the color, technician and ultimately location of the service."

For a big celebration like a wedding, which includes lots of photos and so much more, an airbrush tan may be the way to go. This is the tan De Oliveira recommends for brides-to-be. "This is the best option for such a big event, because it can be customized with her makeup and dress shape in mind, and ensures color is even throughout the body."

If budget is a big concern, a spray tan without any add-ons is going to be your best bet. If you're not sure if a spray tan fits with what you want to spend, use The Knot Budget Advisor, a free tool that helps you find out which services fit into your wedding budget.