The field of sunless spray tanning is a rapidly growing corner of the beauty industry. Everyone wants that healthy, radiant glow that makes their skin look flawless and sun-kissed, but without fiddling with at-home foams or risking sun damage. There’s never been a better time to become a professional spray tan artist. But where do you start? 

Obtaining your spray tan certification lends you the credibility and experience you need to get started on your journey. With the growing popularity of sunless tanning, having this specialized training can set you apart in the field and reassure potential clients that you know your way around a spray gun. 

Where you learn your spray tan technique makes all the difference. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about choosing the right spray tan certification program. Let’s dive right in and put you on the path to obtaining your professional spray tan certification today!

A great certification program is the blueprint for a flourishing career, ensuring you master the art and science of sunless tanning. The important thing to remember is that, as a professional spray tan artist, your education never really ends. Sunless tanning is a dynamic field that’s always advancing, and you can always step up your artistry by studying new techniques and learning from other experts in the field. 

Premier certification courses focus firstly on establishing a fundamental understanding of the process and products, and then layer on the advanced techniques that turn a basic tan into a customized, high-end service. We'll walk you through the essential lessons you can expect to master in a top-tier training course.

How far away from the skin should you hold your spray gun? How will this product react if your client is wearing sunscreen? Mastering the basics of professional spray tanning is the first step towards building a successful career as a spray tan artist. Before you start learning advanced techniques, you need to know how to build that perfect, natural-looking tan using your basic tools. 

A foundational course of spray tanning basics should cover:

• General overviews of sunless tanning: This foundational lesson dives into the science of DHA (dihydroxyacetone) and how sunless tanning solutions work with the skin. Students learn about the entire sunless process, including the history of the method and how Norvell’s system provides proven, consistent results.
• Colorology training: Getting the right shade requires more than a guess. Colorology training focuses on color theory and skin tone analysis to ensure a natural-looking tan every time. Students gain expertise in matching solutions to different skin tones and learn proper product selection for customized application. Custom color matching is a critical skill for preventing undesirable orange or muddy results.
• Product training: In-depth product education and learning the best practices for equipment maintenance is essential.  You’ll learn how to properly clean, handle, and maintain your spray tan equipment to ensure consistent, professional spray sessions.

The fundamentals of spray tanning are typically all you need to obtain your certification. But the more specialized and precise your technique, the better service you can provide to your clients. Three essential advanced spray tan techniques that spray tan training programs should offer include:

• Contour tanning: Contouring is the key to elevating your client's final look beyond a basic all-over tan. Contour tanning uses strategic shading and highlighting to sculpt the body and enhance a client's natural features. Students learn how to define muscle tone, slim the waistline, and create a toned appearance. 
• Color matching: Color matching involves harmonizing the tanning solution with the client’s natural undertones, preventing common issues like an orange or muddy result. Students gain expertise in color theory, skin type analysis (like the Fitzpatrick Scale), and selecting or blending solutions to achieve a highly customized, flawless tan for every client.
• Spray tan maintenance: Spray tan maintenance focuses on teaching artists how to educate clients on pre-tan preparation and crucial aftercare to ensure a long-lasting, even result. Students learn expert strategies, aftercare tips, and product recommendations to help clients maximize their tan's longevity.

Access to seasoned, knowledgeable instructors is one of the most valuable assets a training program can offer. The truth is that almost anyone can operate a spray gun. Working with professional instructors who have real-world experience and have honed their skills through advanced training is the only way to enter the world of spray tanning with confidence and the skillset to back it up. 

Some spray tan training programs are entirely self-paced online, while others are fully in-person. There are also hybrid options, in which an online training program includes in-person workshops. Regardless of the format, the certification course should blend theoretical and practical aspects of spray tanning so that you’re prepared to enter the field. 

The best spray tan certification programs go beyond the basics. The opportunity to learn advanced specialty techniques like contour tanning and color matching is worth its weight in gold. You’ll come away from your training with a complete toolkit that allows you to bring in more clients and keep them happy. This level of expertise yields several key professional benefits:

• Better Results and Efficiency: Advanced training improves the quality of the final result and helps artists shorten their appointment times.
• Higher Earning Potential: Artists who master these specialty techniques can justify higher pricing, leading to stronger rebooking rates and a higher overall salary over time.
• Competitive Edge: By offering services that go beyond a basic all-over tan, artists can offer their clients a premium package of salon spray tanning services and consistently flawless results they can’t get just anywhere. 

What happens when you complete that last course and receive your spray tan certification? Without support, it can be difficult to break into the industry and actually start booking clients. And beyond that, you’ll find yourself struggling to keep up with an always-evolving industry. 

When choosing a certification program, look for one that provides you with professional resources beyond the initial training program, like continuing education, refresher courses, online communities, and one-on-one support. 

Courses like the spray tanning program at Norvell University™ don’t just hand you the fundamentals you need to break into the spray tan industry; NU is the #1 Spray Tan Certification Program in the country, which means that training with us makes you part of a community of more than 30,000 artists who have mastered the art of tanning.

Norvell offers spray tan training online and in-person. Our workshops and immersive classes are designed for beginners and seasoned artists alike. 

There are two ways to obtain your spray tan certification through Norvell University™: 

• Norvell University: Our Core 100 Course Series covers everything you need to earn your spray tanning certification. In these sessions, you’ll learn the fundamentals of spraying: basic techniques, colorology, and product care. When you sign up, you’re granted unlimited access to the online course, available 24/7. The course is free with the purchase of select Norvell equipment. Once enrolled, contact us to reserve your spot at a Live, In-Person Core Classroom Training event, held periodically at select locations nationwide, and attend within 1 year of your online enrollment or qualifying equipment purchase.
• Norvell Academy: NU Academy sites are located in the salons of select Norvell University Specialists and Ambassadors across the country. The program is a multi-session course that includes core hands-on skills training and advanced techniques. Our online Core Course is included with an Academy session, and you will receive a Norvell achievement certificate after completing the course.

*Live, In-Person Core Classroom Training must be attended within 1 year of Core Sunless Online Course enrollment or qualifying equipment purchase.