If you've ever had a spray tan, there's a good chance you've experienced it.
An artist grabs your arm to reposition you. They hold your hand while spraying. They take out a blending brush or sponge to "fix" your wrists, ankles, elbows, or feet.
Many clients don't think twice about it.
I do.
After more than 20 years in the spray tanning industry and well over 60,000 spray tans performed, I have become increasingly passionate about one simple belief:
There is a better, safer, and more professional way.
The Problem With an Unregulated Industry
One of the biggest challenges facing the spray tanning industry is that it remains largely unregulated.
Unlike many areas of the beauty industry, there is no universal curriculum, licensing standard, or governing body that teaches proper application techniques, sanitation procedures, or client safety protocols.
That means artists often learn from whoever trained them before—and unfortunately, poor habits get passed from one generation to the next.
Just because something has become common practice does not mean it's the best practice.
Why We Never Touch Our Clients
At GloGirl Spray Tanning Boutique located in Houton, TX, every client who walks into our spray room is in a vulnerable position.
They're often completely undressed.
They're trusting us with their confidence, their comfort, and their privacy.
The last thing they should have to wonder is whether someone is going to grab their arm, hold their waist, move their leg, or reposition them throughout the appointment.
They shouldn't have to.
Our technicians verbally coach every position from beginning to end.
We demonstrate exactly how to stand, where to place your hands, how to turn, and how to position your body—all without ever laying a hand on you.
It isn't just about professionalism.
It's about respect.
Clients deserve personal space, especially during a service where they are already feeling exposed.
The Truth About Blending Brushes and Sponges
Let's talk about another common practice that deserves more attention.
Blending brushes.
Makeup brushes.
Beauty blenders.
Sponges.
If these tools are being reused between clients, they create an unnecessary opportunity for cross-contamination.
Even with cleaning protocols, reusable porous tools are much more difficult to sanitize than many people realize.
Unless every brush or sponge is completely disposable and discarded after each client, there is always the potential for contamination.
As professionals, we have a responsibility to minimize unnecessary risks whenever possible.
The easiest way to reduce that risk?
Don't create the need for those tools in the first place.
Great Technique Eliminates the Need for "Fixing"
One of the biggest misconceptions in spray tanning is that blending brushes are simply part of the service.
I disagree.
In my experience, they're often compensating for inconsistent application.
When your spray pattern is refined...
When your body positioning is intentional...
When your solution placement is precise...
When your sequence has been perfected...
There is very little that needs correcting afterward.
The goal shouldn't be to spray first and fix mistakes later.
The goal should be to apply the tan correctly the first time.
That's exactly how we've built our system over the past two decades.
Our process has been refined through tens of thousands of appointments—not theory, but real-world experience.
Better Standards Create Better Businesses
This isn't about saying other artists are wrong.
It's about asking our industry to think differently.
Professionalism isn't just about beautiful results.
It's about creating systems that prioritize safety, consistency, efficiency, sanitation, and client comfort.
When we raise our standards, everyone benefits.
Clients feel safer.
Businesses become more efficient.
The industry earns greater credibility.
That's the future I want for spray tanning.
What We Teach Inside GloPro™
This philosophy is built into every lesson inside the GloPro™ Spray Tan Certification Program.
We don't simply teach someone how to spray tan.
We teach them why every step matters.
Students learn proper sanitation practices, client safety standards, efficient appointment flow, professional communication, and the complete GloPro™ SPRATAN Method.
Every step of our signature application process is taught through video instruction, written curriculum, and audio coaching so students can learn in the way that works best for them.
Our goal isn't to create technicians who rely on blending brushes, sponges, or constant corrections.
Our goal is to develop professionals who can confidently perform an exceptional spray tan from start to finish—with consistency, efficiency, and respect for every client who steps into their studio.
Because great spray tans aren't created by fixing mistakes.
They're created by mastering the process.
And that's exactly how we elevate the industry.
