For a long time, spray tanning lived in a very specific moment on the calendar. Prom season. Wedding season. Vacation season. You booked ‘spray tans near me’ when you had something coming up, then forgot about it until the next big event rolled around.
That’s not how it works anymore.
Talk to salon owners today, and they’ll tell you the same thing: spray tanning has quietly shifted from a once-in-a-while service to a year-round routine. Not just for brides or beach trips, but for everyday people who want to look healthy, polished, and put-together—no matter the month.
And no, this isn’t just a trend fueled by social media. It’s a change rooted in health awareness, better technology, and a pretty big shift in how people think about tanning altogether.
From “Special Occasion Only” to Everyday Glow
Industry professionals say the biggest change happened gradually. A few extra winter bookings here. More repeat clients there. Then suddenly, January looked almost like July.
What’s driving it? Part of it is lifestyle. People are working remotely, attending more events year-round, and showing up on camera more often. A natural-looking glow reads as healthy and energized, even when you’re running on coffee and five hours of sleep.
Another big factor is how much better spray tanning has gotten.
Gone are the days of orange tones, harsh smells, and awkward fading. Modern solutions are customized, undertone-specific, and designed to look believable in real life—not just under bathroom lighting. When the results look natural, people stop treating it like a risk and start treating it like maintenance.
Health Awareness Changed the Conversation
There’s also the elephant in the room: UV exposure.
As awareness around skin cancer and premature aging has grown, especially in sunny states, people are actively looking for alternatives. Spray tanning fills that gap. It offers the look people want without the damage they’re trying to avoid.
Dermatologists have been consistent about one thing—UV tanning isn’t harmless. That message has landed, particularly with millennials and Gen Z, who tend to research services before committing to them.
Spray tanning, once seen as a backup plan, is now often the first choice.
Why Professionals Are Seeing Strong Winter Demand
Winter used to be the slow season. Not anymore.
Salon owners report steady bookings even in colder months, driven by a few key factors:
There’s also something psychological at play. A subtle tan in winter can make people feel better. Less washed out. A little more like themselves.
It’s not about pretending it’s summer—it’s about not feeling dull when it isn’t.
Customization Changed Everything
One of the biggest reasons spray tanning went mainstream year-round is customization.
Professional spray tanning today is not one-size-fits-all. Clients choose:
This level of control makes people comfortable coming back regularly. When you know exactly how your tan will look, it stops feeling like a gamble.
That predictability matters. Especially for people fitting it into their routine the same way they do hair color or skincare.
Membership Models Are Fueling Consistency
Another quiet driver behind year-round spray tanning is how salons structure their pricing.
Monthly memberships, bundled sessions, and loyalty programs encourage consistency. Instead of paying for one-off appointments, clients spread the cost out and come in more often.
From a business perspective, it stabilizes revenue. From a client perspective, it normalizes the service. Spray tanning becomes part of self-care, not a splurge.
That shift—both mental and financial—has played a big role in its growth.
Men Are Booking More Than Ever
This part surprises some people, but professionals say male clients are one of the fastest-growing segments.
Not for dramatic color. Usually for subtle, even tone. Fitness enthusiasts, professionals on camera, and grooms all want the same thing: to look healthy without looking “tanned.”
Spray tanning offers that control. And as stigma fades, demand rises.
What This Means for the Industry
For tanning salon near me, the rise of year-round spray tanning means rethinking staffing, inventory, and marketing. It’s no longer a seasonal add-on. It’s a core service.
For consumers, it means better options. More experienced technicians. Better education around prep and maintenance. And results that feel effortless instead of obvious.
Spray tanning didn’t just extend its season—it matured.
FAQs
Is spray tanning really safe for regular use?
For most people, professional spray tanning is considered a safer alternative to UV tanning. Many solutions are formulated with skin-friendly ingredients, though anyone with sensitivities should consult a professional.
How often do people typically get spray tans year-round?
Most regular clients come in every 7–14 days, depending on skin type and lifestyle.
Does winter skin affect spray tan results?
Dry skin can impact results, which is why proper moisturizing and prep are especially important in colder months.
Do professional spray tans look different than DIY products?
Yes. Professional application allows for customization, even coverage, and more natural fading.
Why has spray tanning grown so much recently?
Better technology, increased health awareness, and changing beauty standards have all contributed to its rise as a year-round service.
