The spray tanning industry has experienced tremendous growth over the past two decades. What was once considered a luxury service has become a regular part of many consumers' beauty and wellness routines. Yet as our industry continues to evolve, I believe the next five years will bring some of the most significant changes we've seen since the introduction of mobile booking and rapid rinse solutions.
As the founder of GloGirl Spray Tan Boutique in Houston, Texas, and creator of the GloPro™ Spray Tan Certification & Business Development Program, I've had the privilege of serving thousands of clients, mentoring aspiring entrepreneurs, and watching the sunless industry transform firsthand.
While no one can predict the future with complete certainty, there are several trends already emerging that I believe will shape the next generation of spray tan businesses.
1. Technical Skill Alone Will No Longer Be Enough
For years, success in the spray tanning industry was largely tied to mastering application technique. While technical excellence will always matter, it is becoming increasingly clear that the most successful professionals of the future will be those who understand business as well as they understand bronzing.
Across the beauty industry, educational funding, licensing requirements, and curriculum priorities continue to evolve. Many traditional beauty programs remain focused on helping students meet state board requirements, but often provide limited instruction on entrepreneurship, financial management, marketing, client retention, and leadership.
The result? Many talented artists enter the industry with exceptional technical skills but little understanding of how to build a sustainable business.
The next generation of industry leaders won't simply be the best technicians. They'll be the professionals who understand pricing, profitability, branding, systems, and customer experience.
The future belongs not just to spray tan artists—but to spray tan business owners.
2. Artificial Intelligence Will Become a Competitive Advantage
When most beauty professionals hear "AI," they think of social media captions and content creation.
That's only the beginning.
Within the next five years, artificial intelligence will become an everyday operational tool for beauty businesses. Salon owners will increasingly use AI to:
- Create marketing campaigns
- Improve website SEO
- Analyze customer trends
- Develop employee training materials
- Build standard operating procedures
- Respond to customer inquiries
- Streamline administrative tasks
Just as online booking transformed our industry a decade ago, AI has the potential to significantly increase efficiency and reduce the time spent on repetitive tasks.
The businesses that embrace these tools early will likely gain a meaningful advantage over competitors who continue to rely exclusively on manual processes.
Rather than replacing beauty professionals, AI will allow us to spend more time doing what we do best: serving clients and growing our businesses.
3. Client Experience Will Become the Ultimate Differentiator
Spray tanning is more accessible today than ever before.
Consumers can choose from mobile artists, home studios, boutique salons, franchise concepts, self-tanning products, and subscription services. As more options enter the marketplace, standing out will require much more than delivering a great tan.
The businesses that thrive will create exceptional experiences.
Clients increasingly value:
- Convenience
- Consistency
- Hospitality
- Professionalism
- Education
- Personalization
At GloGirl Spray Tan Boutique, we've learned that clients remember far more than their shade selection. They remember how they felt. They remember being welcomed by name. They remember the confidence they gained before a wedding, vacation, photoshoot, or special event.
As competition increases, client experience will become one of the most valuable assets a beauty business can cultivate.
4. Retail Will Become a Major Revenue Driver
One of the biggest opportunities I see in the spray tanning industry is retail.
Historically, many spray tan businesses have viewed retail products as an optional add-on. I believe that mindset will change dramatically over the next five years.
Here's why.
A spray tan's longevity isn't determined solely by application. The products clients use at home play a significant role in how a tan develops, fades, and ultimately performs.
The professionals who educate clients about proper maintenance will produce better results and stronger customer satisfaction.
As a result, I believe we'll see more spray tan businesses developing:
- Private label product lines
- White-labeled collections
- Exclusive maintenance systems
- Travel kits
- Membership-based retail programs
Forward-thinking businesses will move beyond selling appointments and begin selling complete tanning systems.
At GloGirl, this philosophy inspired the development of our retail collection, including PUR GLO pH Balancing Wash, SLO GLO Gradual Tanning Lotion, and GLO H2O Face Tanning Water. These products were designed not only to support better tanning results but to help clients extend the life of their investment between appointments.
In the future, retail won't simply be an additional revenue stream. It will become an essential component of the overall client experience.
5. Education Will Become the Industry's Most Valuable Currency
Consumers today have access to more information than ever before.
They research products, compare providers, read reviews, watch tutorials, and ask AI-powered tools for recommendations before booking services.
Because of this, authority and expertise have become powerful marketing tools.
The beauty professionals who consistently educate their audience will increasingly become the industry's most trusted voices.
This education may take many forms:
- Blogs
- Social media content
- Podcasts
- Community events
- Workshops
- Online courses
- Industry mentorship
The professionals who teach will build stronger relationships, attract more loyal clients, and position themselves as leaders within their markets.
This belief is one of the driving forces behind the creation of GloPro™. Our mission has never been simply to teach someone how to spray tan. Our goal is to help beauty professionals build sustainable businesses and create opportunities that extend far beyond the treatment room.
We are also proud to offer scholarship opportunities through the GloPro program because we believe education should remain accessible to passionate individuals who are committed to growing within our industry.
Looking Ahead
The next five years will undoubtedly bring change to the spray tanning industry.
Some businesses will struggle to adapt. Others will embrace innovation, education, technology, and customer experience to create stronger, more resilient companies.
The future of our industry isn't just about better equipment, faster rinse times, or new formulations.
It's about developing professionals who understand business, embrace innovation, prioritize education, and create exceptional experiences for their clients.
The spray tan industry has never had more opportunity than it does today.
The question isn't whether change is coming.
The question is whether we're prepared to grow alongside it.
