10 Spray Tan Positions for Your Clients: A Complete Guide

Clients come to you for one thing – a flawless, streak-free tan that enhances their natural beauty. 

But perfecting a spray tan isn’t just about having the right equipment or solution or even the most gorgeous salon; it’s about guiding your clients into the proper positions to guarantee even coverage on every inch of their skin. That’s where you come in, as their trusted tanning expert. 

This guide is here to help you master the top positions that professionals use to give their clients the perfect spray tan. Whether you're working with first-timers or frequent tanners, these tips and top-notch spray tan positions will help you perfect your spray tan technique – and have your clients running back for more.

10 Best Tanning Positions to Achieve a Flawless Result

If spray tans are an art, then proper positioning is your brushstroke. These 10 positions are designed to cover all areas of your client’s body, resulting in a smooth and natural look. 

Here are some of the best spray tan positions to provide an even, flawless finish – each and every time. 

1. Front coverage pose 

Start with the basics. This is a foundational pose that offers consistent coverage across the chest, stomach, thighs, and shins, and it’s one of the best tanning positions to master first when you’re just starting out.

For this position, start by asking the client to stand with their feet shoulder-width apart and arms slightly away from the body, palms facing forward. Make sure they relax their shoulders to avoid any uneven tan lines on their arms.

If there are fold marks from tight clothing, gently smooth them out or guide the client to adjust their stance a bit. This way, you’ll get a more natural finish.

2. Side torso pose 

Side torso coverage can be tricky, but this position makes the job seamless. Ask your client to pivot sideways, lifting one arm overhead while leaving the opposite arm relaxed by their side. 

This will help you make sure the outer arms, sides, and upper thighs are fully tanned.  

If your client is wearing disposable undergarments, you may want to ask them to adjust the straps if necessary to avoid missing areas, ensuring a more polished result. 

3. Back coverage pose 

Covering the back well can be tricky, requiring an open posture for a smooth application. To pull this one off, position your client facing away from you, with their feet shoulder-width apart. Ask them to stand with their arms extended out to the sides, forming a “T” shape with their body. 

This pose will expose the upper back, shoulders, and tricky areas like the back of the thighs. It will give you better access for all-around consistency.

4. Upper torso pose 

An often overlooked area, the upper torso and underarms demand special attention if you want to provide a seamless, natural tan. Not sure how to tan under the arms? It’s easier than you might think.

Just have your client lift their arms overhead and subtly bend their elbows. This way, you’ll get the right amount of coverage beneath the arms, around the obliques, and along both sides of the torso. 

During the session, have the client rotate their arms slightly so you can make sure you get even coverage on both sides. 

5. Arm and thigh pose 

You’ll need to be extra precise to cover the areas like the inner thighs and upper arms. Have your client stand with one foot slightly forward, with their arms extended outward, again in a soft “T” shape.

This stance will open up the inner thighs and arms, two areas that are often neglected during a spray tan session. Focus extra closely on these spots, since uneven coloring here can detract from an otherwise flawless tan.

6. Leg lift pose 

Legs are notoriously challenging for spray tans, but this position makes things easy. Ask your client to balance on one leg while the other bends slightly and lifts behind them. This pose gives you access to the front, side, and back of the leg. 

Bonus tip – you can adjust your spray nozzle to a wider setting for smooth transitions between areas. 

7. Squat pose 

This one’s a game changer for covering inner thighs and knees. Ask your client to squat with their feet slightly apart, keeping their back straight and knees bent. 

It may feel awkward for them at first, but the results are worth it, trust us. Knees and upper thighs often absorb more solution, so you’ll want to use long, even sprays to avoid any patchiness. 

8. Hand and wrist pose 

Even the most experienced tanners forget about hands and wrists! Luckily, there’s a spray tan position to avoid this. Simply position your client with their arms stretched forward, fingers spread wide like they’re catching an invisible beach ball. 

Spraying these areas lightly will give them a natural gradient tone, avoiding the tell-tale "spray tan hands." 

9. Flexing arm pose 

Some areas require a little muscle action – literally. Ask your client to bend their arm forward one at a time, as if they’re flexing their biceps. That’s right – get them to show off their (real or imaginary) gym gains! 

This position is perfect for targeting their inner arms, elbows, and the sides of the torso. Keep things even by reducing solution pressure gently around the elbows. Dark patches are a no-go, so keep it smooth while your client works their flex!  

10. Neck and face pose 

Now, on to the final step – the neck and face! Ask your client to tilt their head slightly upward and turn to each side. This will give you perfect access to the neck, jawline, and cheeks. Remind the client to close their eyes and maintain a neutral expression, not stiff, so there won’t be any creasing while the tan sets.

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Tips on How to Spray Tan Professionally

Starting a spray tanning business is exciting, but it also comes with a steep learning curve. Your goal is to make sure your clients leave happy, evenly tanned, and eager to book their next session. 

Here are some key tips to help you learn how to spray tan professionally:

Add an extra ounce of solution for taller clients 

Not all clients are built the same – heights vary, and so do their spray tan needs. While your shorter clients might only need the standard amount of solution, taller clients often require a little extra product to maintain that flawless glow.

A good rule of thumb? Plan to add about an extra ounce of solution for those modelesque heights. Skimping on product isn’t worth the risk of leaving streaks or patchy coverage.

Bonus tip: always keep a spare bottle of solution within reach during the session so you don’t have to worry about running out halfway through a spray tan.

Always ask before touching a client 

Spray tanning requires you to get up close and personal – there’s no way around that. But you still need to be mindful of boundaries. 

The golden rule of spray tanning is to always ask before initiating any contact. Something as simple as, “Do you mind if I adjust your arm to make sure we get full coverage here?” can make a world of difference and position you as a trusted professional who values their client’s comfort and boundaries. 

Transmit confidence when directing different spray tan positions 

When you’re giving a spray tan, remember that your clients may have never stood under a spray gun before. They might not know which way to stand or which appendage to raise. It’s your job to be the director of the show, so keep your instructions clear, calm, and authoritative. 

A simple, “Great. Now just raise your left arm and keep it slightly bent for me,” will project confidence and show your client that you really know what you’re doing, especially if you pair it with a “Perfect!” or “You’re doing amazing!” after each instruction. 

Dry your client throughout the session 

Many people treat drying as the final flourish, but it should be something you’re doing consistently throughout the session. By drying sections as you work, you’ll prevent unfortunate situations like an elbow smudge or accidental underarm smear.

Use a handheld airbrush dryer or a portable fan to help you seal and set the solution as you go along. This process will help you lock in the tan more evenly while improving your client’s comfort (nobody likes to be sticky).

Increase Your Client Satisfaction with GlossGenius

Offering a stellar spray tan doesn’t just mean nailing the best spray tan technique (although that’s super important!). It also means running a seamless business.

If you’re ready to take your spray tanning services to the next level, GlossGenius is here to help. We are the all-in-one platform designed specifically with beauty and wellness professionals in mind.

So, how can GlossGenius help tanning professionals like you stand out in an increasingly competitive industry? 

For one, our integrated online booking tool can help you streamline bookings.With itc, clients can book their spray tan appointments online, reducing no-shows and last-minute cancellations.

We also offer client management made easy; you can track your client preferences, spray tan settings, and service history, all in one place. And with our time tracking tools, you’ll be able to keep your appointments running like clockwork so you can deliver consistent, quality service to every client, each and every time.

Want to impress clients with both stunning results and a smooth experience? Start your free trial with GlossGenius today and see the difference for yourself.

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FAQs

Who should not get a spray tan?

Although spray tanning is safe for most people, clients with open wounds, severe eczema, or other skin conditions should avoid getting a spray tan. It’s also best for pregnant clients to consult with their doctor prior to booking, just as a precaution. 

Why are different spray tan positions necessary?

Using different spray tan positions will help you make sure that tanning solution reaches every part of the body evenly, especially in challenging areas like the underarms, sides, and inner thighs. Using the correct positions when you’re learning how to tan under the arms or on the sides will eliminate streaking and patchiness, and help you deliver a flawless result every time.

How can clients prepare for their spray tan?

Encourage your clients to exfoliate and shave at least 24 hours before their appointment. They should also avoid lotion, deodorant, and makeup on the day of their session, as these products can create barriers that affect overall absorption.

What should the client wear during a spray tan?

Depending on their overall comfort level, your clients can wear disposable underwear, swimsuits, or even go nude. Whatever they choose, make sure they avoid tight-fitting clothes immediately after their session to help them avoid smudging the tan.

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