How to Choose the Right Spray Tan Artist in Virginia: What Every Client Should Know Before Booking
A spray tan is one of the easiest ways to boost your confidence for a wedding, vacation, photoshoot, or simply because you want to feel your best. But not all spray tans—or spray tan artists—are created equal.
If you're trusting someone with your skin, it's worth taking a few minutes to make sure you're booking with someone who has invested in education, safety, and the client experience.
Here are the questions I recommend asking before booking with any new spray tan artist.
1. Are They Professionally Certified?
One of the biggest misconceptions in the spray tanning industry is that every spray tan artist is licensed or certified.
The reality?
Virginia does not currently require a state-issued spray tan license or certification to operate a spray tanning business. That means someone can purchase a spray tan machine online, buy solution, create a booking website, and begin accepting clients without completing formal spray tan education.
That doesn't necessarily mean they're a bad artist—but it does mean the responsibility falls on you, the client, to ask about their training.
2. What is NSTPA Certification?
One credential worth looking for is NSTPA (National Spray Tan Professionals Association) Certification.
NSTPA was created to establish higher standards within the spray tanning industry through structured education, testing, and professional accountability. Rather than simply watching a few videos, certified artists study topics like:
Skin anatomy and skin health
Fitzpatrick skin typing
Undertone and color theory
DHA percentages and solution selection
Client consultations
Contraindications
Equipment maintenance
Proper application techniques
Troubleshooting common issues
Aftercare education
Business ethics and professionalism
To earn certification, artists must complete coursework and pass an examination—not simply purchase a certificate. NSTPA also offers a public verification system so clients can confirm an artist's credential.
3. How Long Have They Been Spray Tanning?
Experience matters.
Someone who has sprayed hundreds—or even thousands—of clients has likely worked with:
Fair skin
Olive skin
Mature skin
Dry skin
Acne-prone skin
Brides
Athletes
Bodybuilders
Vacation tans
Photoshoots
First-time spray tan clients
Every body develops color differently.
An experienced artist knows how to customize your tan instead of giving everyone the exact same solution.
4. Do They Continue Their Education?
The best spray tan artists never stop learning.
New solution technology, application techniques, products, and business practices are constantly evolving.
Ask questions like:
What certifications do you have?
Have you attended any advanced trainings?
Do you regularly take continuing education courses?
What brands have you trained with?
Artists who invest in continuing education are investing back into the experience they provide their clients.
5. Can They Explain Why They're Choosing Your Solution?
A customized spray tan should never be "one color fits all."
A knowledgeable artist considers factors such as:
Your natural skin tone
Your undertones
Your desired result
Your event timeline
Whether you're choosing a rapid or traditional tan
Previous spray tan history
If an artist can confidently explain why they're selecting a certain solution, that's usually a good sign they understand the science—not just the technique.
6. Do They Educate You Before and After Your Appointment?
A beautiful spray tan starts long before you step into the tent.
Your artist should provide guidance on:
Before Your Appointment
How to exfoliate
What products to avoid
When to shave
What to wear
After Your Appointment
When to rinse
What soaps are spray tan friendly
Moisturizing tips
How to make your tan last
What activities to avoid
The best results happen when clients know exactly what to expect.
7. Do They Have Real Reviews and Real Results?
Don't just look at Instagram.
Check:
Google Reviews
Before-and-after photos
Tagged client photos
Testimonials
Repeat clients
Consistent reviews mentioning professionalism, natural-looking color, punctuality, and long-lasting results speak volumes.
8. Do They Make You Feel Comfortable?
This one matters more than people realize.
Spray tanning is a vulnerable service.
A great artist creates a comfortable, judgment-free environment where every client feels confident, respected, and cared for.
Whether it's your first spray tan or your fiftieth, you should leave feeling better than when you walked in.
Choosing Quality Over Convenience
Price shouldn't be the only factor when selecting a spray tan artist.
When someone invests in professional education, quality products, continuing training, insurance, sanitation, premium equipment, and personalized service, they're investing in your results—not just your appointment.
A quality spray tan should look natural, fade evenly, and leave you feeling confident.
That's the difference education makes.
Looking for a Certified Spray Tan Artist in the Richmond Area?
Why Clients Choose Glow Girl Tanning
At Glow Girl Tanning, I believe every client deserves more than just a great-looking tan—they deserve an educated, customized, and professional experience from start to finish.
That's why I have invested in professional spray tan education, including certification through the National Spray Tan Professionals Association (NSTPA), and continue to pursue advanced training to stay current with the latest techniques, products, and industry standards. Every appointment begins with a personalized consultation so I can select the right solution based on your skin tone, undertones, desired color, event timeline, and lifestyle.
With years of experience spray tanning clients for weddings, vacations, photoshoots, competitions, and everyday confidence, my goal is to create a natural-looking tan that fades beautifully and leaves you feeling your absolute best.
Whether you visit me at my in-home studio, one of my partner locations, or book a mobile appointment, you can expect premium products, meticulous sanitation practices, ongoing education, and a judgment-free environment where every body is welcome.
When you choose Glow Girl Tanning, you're choosing an artist who is committed to quality, professionalism, and continuing education—because your skin deserves nothing less.
Ready to experience the Glow Girl difference? Book your customized spray tan today and see why clients throughout Goochland, Richmond, Short Pump, Henrico, Glen Allen, Midlothian, Powhatan, Ashland, Hanover, and Mechanicsville trust Glow Girl Tanning for a flawless, confidence-boosting glow.
Mobile Spray Tan Richmond VA • Certified Spray Tan Artist Virginia • NSTPA Certified Spray Tan Artist • Goochland Spray Tans • Short Pump Spray Tan • Henrico Spray Tan • Richmond Bridal Spray Tan • Mobile Spray Tanning Richmond • Spray Tan Near Me • Natural Spray Tan Virginia • Luxury Spray Tan Richmond • Glow Girl Tanning
