Deciding between an airbrush tan or a spray tan can be difficult. Both provide a bronzed glow without exposing your skin to UV rays, but they work differently. Understanding the pros and cons of each method can help you choose the best sunless tanning option for your needs. In this article we talk about Airbrush Tan VS Spray Tan.
What Is an Airbrush Tan?
An airbrush tan, also called airbrushed tanning or airbrush tanning, uses an airbrush spray gun to apply tanning solution directly onto your skin. The technician tailors the tan to your skin tone and guides the smooth, fine mist across your body to control color consistency.
Airbrush tanning solution contains dihydroxyacetone (DHA), the active ingredient that interacts with dead skin cells to temporarily darken the skin’s appearance. No needles or chemicals penetrate the skin during an airbrush session. The process usually takes 15 to 25 minutes and results last 5 to 10 days.
Benefits of Airbrush Tanning
Precision Application
With an airbrush tan, a technician customizes application based on your skin type and desired color. They can spray lighter layers on dry areas and build up more color on oilier spots. This precision leads to even, natural-looking coverage.
Lightweight Mist
The ultra-fine spray emitted from the airbrush machine ensures smooth application. The gentle mist feels weightless on your skin and dries fast without sticky residue.
Long-Lasting Results
Airbrush solution contains more DHA than most spray tans. The higher concentration combined with precise application leads to deeper, longer-lasting color that fades more gradually. One session can last up to 10 days or more.
Virtually Odor-Free
Quality airbrush solutions use more advanced formulas that produce little to no odor during or after application. No strong chemical scent lingers on your skin post-session.
Customizable Shades
Your technician can tweak the airbrush tan solution’s color and viscosity to achieve different shades and undertones. Most salons offer levels from light bronze to ultra-dark. Custom blending creates a tone matched to your skin.
What Is a Spray Tan?
Spray tanning applies tanning solution evenly across the entire body through an automatic spraying machine. These self-tanning booths or beds have vertical or horizontal designs. Nozzles rotate around your nude body, misting you with DHA bronzer.
A single session takes 10 minutes or less. The fast, all-over application means less customization in the moment yet still achieves an allover glow. Maximum color develops in 8 to 24 hours and results typically last 4 to 7 days.
Benefits of Spray Tanning
Speedy Sessions
The automated spray tanning process requires you to simply stand in the booth or bed while it rotates and mists your entire body in seconds. There’s no need to manually spray specific body parts.
Full-Body Bronzing
Spray tans provide flawless, even coverage from head to toe. No streaks or missed spots. The bronzing mist penetrates and absorbs uniformly for consistent coloring all over.
Self-Service Option
Many spray tan salons have self-tanning booths so you can get sprayed sans assistant. After choosing your desired shade, the machine does the work while you stand in position.
Minimal Skin Contact
Because spray tans involve minimal human touch, some people feel more comfortable with this method if they dislike someone applying solution manually to their nude body. It’s less invasive for those wanting more privacy.
Very Little Odor
Newer spray tan solutions use less DHA and more natural ingredients. These formulas don’t have strong smells during or after tanning sessions. Any scent that exists dissipates quickly.
Airbrush Tans vs. Spray Tans Comparison
Now that you know the basics of airbrush tanning and spray tanning, how do you choose between the two sunless methods? Here’s a full breakdown of how airbrush tans and spray tans compare:
Customization
Airbrush tans allow technicians to adjust application and solution properties to complement your skin tone, oiliness, and color preferences. It’s a tailored approach. Spray tans automatically disperse the same formula evenly across all clients for a uniform glow not necessarily matched to your skin.
Precision
The airbrush spray gun allows meticulous application control unmatched by spray tanning machines. Technicians can target specific areas to prevent uneven tones or missed spots. Spray tanning provides flawless coverage but less precision.
Drying Time
Airbrush tans have quick-drying solutions that prevent sticky messes or ruined clothing. You can get dressed immediately after your session. Spray tans require 8 to 24 hours before clothes can brush up against treated skin without consequence.
Odor
Both airbrush and spray tanning solutions use advanced formulas that emit little to no odor during or after application. Neither method has a strong chemical scent, but airbrush tans tend to have a lower odor profile overall.
Duration
Thanks to higher DHA percentages, airbrush tans last considerably longer than spray tans before requiring a refresh—up to 10 days compared to just 4 to 7 days. Airbrush tans also fade more evenly over time rather than shedding abruptly.
Cost
Per session, airbrush tans cost more than spray tans due to their labor-intensive, customized process guided by technicians. Spray tans have an automated application that’s more affordable per treatment. But airbrush tans may even out overall since they don’t require as many repeat appointments.
Which Is Better: Airbrush or Spray Tan?
Airbrush tans and spray tans both offer gorgeous, natural-looking color without UV exposure. So which sunless method reigns supreme? When choosing between an airbrush vs spray tan, consider:
- Airbrush tans better suit those wanting maximum customization and precision. The tailored approach creates an exceptionally even, flawless glow.
- Spray tans work best for people wanting a fast full-body bronzing with minimal human touch. The automated process is fuss-free.
- Both airbrush tans and spray tans allow you to achieve a sun-kissed glow year-round, rain or shine.
Ultimately, airbrush tanning takes more time and money per session but offers longevity and customization that spray tanning can’t match. Yet for those wanting a quick, affordable all-over bronze, spray tanning can’t be beaten. Evaluate your budget, needs for precision application, and preferences for customization or speed when deciding between methods. Either way, you’ll get gorgeous golden color minus sunlight damage. I sincerely hope you find this “Airbrush Tan VS Spray Tan” article helpful.