How to Choose a Professional Spray Tan Solution for Artists and Salons
The Norvell Difference: What Makes a Premium Professional Spray Tan Solution
Choosing a premium professional spray tan solution is one of the most important decisions you'll make as a spray tan artist. Norvell has helped shape the sunless tanning industry from the ground up, and we've spent over four decades perfecting what professionals need to succeed.
Below, we've crafted a guide to help you understand what it takes to get consistent results, happy clients, and the perfect products in your tanning salon. Let's get started.
Norvell Core Values: A Commitment to Color, Artistry, and Excellence
At Norvell, professionalism is about upholding a higher standard in every part of your business. We've built that standard on three foundational commitments: color, artistry, and excellence.
Color is where the client experience begins. We develop our solutions to deliver rich, customizable results that adapt to every skin type, tone, and desired outcome. Using the Norvell method, you'll have full control over how color develops, ensuring a flawless, airbrushed tan that looks as natural as it feels.
Artistry is what sets professionals apart. Every spray tan artist brings their own creative eye and technical skill to the booth. At Norvell, we help sharpen that talent through advanced training, award-winning product innovation, and the experience of millions of successful applications each year.
Finally, excellence is what drives long-term growth. From pricing models to marketing support, we offer more than just products: we provide the business tools that help artists turn their services into sustainable success.
These pillars aren't just values. They're the standard we've built since the beginning, and the reason professionals around the world choose Norvell every day.
The Norvell Standard vs. Common Formulations
A quality professional spray tan solution goes far beyond surface claims. Real results come from proven innovation, superior ingredients, and trusted support.
The table below breaks down how Norvell stacks up against common industry formulations in the areas that matter most to professional artists:
| Feature | The Norvell Standard | Common Industry Formulations |
|---|---|---|
| Undertone Technology | Pioneered Violet Undertone Technology (VIO-7™) in 2012. Our proprietary, multi-tonal blends are designed to mimic a natural, "just off the beach" tan, eliminating the orange hue. | Often rely on a single, heavy cosmetic bronzer that can appear unnatural or orange. |
| Ingredient Quality & Formulation | A True Manufacturer. All products are developed in our Ohio facility, from R&D to final shipping. Formulated with the belief that "healthy skin tans best," using cosmetic-grade, vegan, and paraben-free ingredients for a natural-looking fade. | May rely on third-party labs or white-label formulas. |
| Professional Support | Passionate About the Handheld Artist. Support is backed by Norvell University, the industry's first and #1 training program, trusted by over 15,000 certified artists worldwide. | Support is often limited to a standard customer service line, lacking a deep understanding of the artist's business needs. |
| Innovation & History | Founded in 1983, Pioneering Sunless in 2000. A legacy of industry firsts, including the M1000 spray gun and the first Rapid Spray Tan Solution. Part of INNOVÉ BEAUTY & WELLNESS, fusing beauty, science, and technology. | Many brands are newer to the market, following trends rather than setting them with decades of R&D. |
All of this is what sets Norvell apart. We don't follow trends; rather, we create them. And every detail of our professional spray tan solutions reflects the experience and insight of the team that built the category from the ground up.
A Legacy of Innovation: The Norvell Timeline
Decades of research, first-to-market innovation, and a deep understanding of the artist's craft have positioned Norvell as a trusted professional spray tan solution in the industry. This timeline highlights the key milestones that built the foundation for our continued leadership in sunless tanning.
The Norvell Innovation Timeline:
- 1983: Norvell is founded by Rick Norvell in Nashville, TN, with Norvell Skincare Solutions and its first product, Body Drench Lotion
- 2000: Norvell expands into Sunless Spray Tanning, scaling the category and setting the tone for a new industry
- 2007: Launch of the Norvell M1000 Spray Gun, raising the bar for handheld equipment performance
- 2009: Norvell University is founded as the industry's first certified spray tan training program
- 2009: The Norvell Arena professional backdrop is also introduced
- 2012: Launch of the iconic Venetian Solution with VIO-7™ technology, designed to neutralize orange undertones and deliver flawless, beach-ready color
- 2014: Introduction of Norvell's Competition Solution, developed for precision and performance under pressure
- 2016: Norvell becomes part of INNOVÉ (formerly Sunless Inc), joining a portfolio dedicated to beauty, science, and technology; Launch of the first Rapid Spray Tan Solution in an industry-first Everfresh box
- 2018: Norvell is named the #1 professional spray tan brand, based on use by certified spray technicians and industry recognition
- 2020: Norvell launches the Oasis Spray Gun, redefining mobile tanning convenience and control
- 2024: Debut of Tuscan Plus Solution, a one-of-a-kind color innovation engineered for depth, richness, and lasting impact
Why Industry Leaders Choose Norvell Time and Time Again
Since 1983, our team has led the innovation, education, and quality standards that define what makes a premium professional spray tan solution.
Norvell University is the industry's first and most trusted spray tan certification program, training more professionals than any other brand in the world. With more than 15,00 certified technicians across 30 countries, we've created a global network of experts who spray with confidence, consistency, and a commitment to excellence.
Our refusal to cut corners on ingredients is what truly separates Norvell from common spray tan brands. We develop every formula in-house at our Ohio facility, using vegan, paraben-free, and cosmetic-grade components that support healthy skin and a flawless fade.
After all, we believe that healthy skin tans best, and we engineer our products with that principle at their core.
From the original launch of sunless tanning as a category to the development of the first violet undertone technology, Norvell has shaped the expectations of both artists and clients around the world. This is why the industry's top artists continue to choose Norvell.
Take the Next Step for Your Business With Our Trusted Professional Spray Tan Solutions
You've seen what sets Norvell apart, and why a premium professional spray tan solution starts with choosing a brand that backs your craft, your clients, and your long-term success.
Whether you're just getting started or ready to upgrade your offerings, we make it easy to take the next step. Ready to see the Norvell difference yourself?
Professional Tanning Solution FAQs
What is the shelf life of a premium professional spray tan solution?
While most unopened solutions have a shelf life of at least 10 months, we recommend using them within 6 months once opened for optimal results. For the most accurate guidance, always refer to the "Best By Date" printed on the bottom of your bottle. To maintain maximum color performance and DHA stability, store your solution in a cool, dark place and avoid extreme temperatures.
Can I use Norvell spray tan solution with any spray tan machine?
Yes, Norvell solutions are compatible with most HVLP and airbrush spray tan machines. However, for optimal results, we recommend using Norvell equipment, such as the M1000 or Oasis Spray Gun, which are specifically designed to pair perfectly with our formulas.
How do I know which Norvell spray tan solution is right for my clients?
We've designed each Norvell solution for specific skin tones, undertones, and development preferences. For example, Norvell Venetian and Tuscan Plus create different results based on their unique undertone. Venetian is formulated with violet undertones to neutralize orange and create a rich, Mediterranean-brown tan. Tuscan Plus is uniquely designed with caramel brown and subtle rose undertones, which produce a beautiful, naturally sun-kissed tan with a hint of rosy warmth.
Explore our Colorology Chart or consult Norvell University training for expert guidance.
What ingredients should I look for in a professional solution?
Beyond standard clean beauty claims like being vegan and paraben-free, a truly premium professional solution is defined by its core active ingredients. Erythrulose is a premium ingredient that works in synergy with DHA to perfect the tan. Because Erythrulose is a more expensive ingredient, some brands omit it to cut costs. However, this often comes at the expense of the tan's longevity and natural appearance. At Norvell, we formulate with Erythrulose because we believe a superior, longer-lasting, and more hydrating tan is the professional standard.
Do Norvell products meet clean beauty or ingredient-safety standards?
Absolutely! Norvell solutions are formulated with cosmetic-grade, vegan, paraben-free ingredients. They are also non-comedogenic and nut allergy-safe.
