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Reference

The Bronzly Spray Tan Glossary

Plain-English definitions of 40+ spray tan industry terms — for clients, new artists, and anyone trying to understand the trade.

  • Spray Tan

    A topical sunless tan applied via airbrush or HVLP gun using a DHA-based solution.

  • DHA (Dihydroxyacetone)

    The active ingredient in spray tan solution; reacts with skin amino acids to create the bronze color.

  • Sunless Tanning

    Any method of darkening skin tone without UV exposure — includes spray tan, self-tan products, and tan towelettes.

  • Competition Tan

    Extra-dark spray tan (typically 14%+ DHA, multi-coat) for bodybuilding and figure competitions.

  • Rapid Tan

    High-DHA spray tan solution that develops in 1–4 hours instead of 8.

  • Barrier Cream

    Thick moisturizer applied to dry-skin areas before tanning to prevent over-absorption.

  • Tanning Solution

    The DHA-based liquid sprayed onto skin during a spray tan; varies in depth, base color, and additives.

  • Spray Tan Booth

    Self-contained automated spray tan unit, distinct from a hand-applied artist tan.

  • HVLP (High-Volume Low-Pressure)

    The spray gun technology used by most professional spray tan artists.

  • Airbrush vs HVLP

    Two spray gun technologies; airbrush is higher-pressure and more precise, HVLP is lower-pressure and softer.

  • After-Tan Instructions

    Post-application care to maximize tan depth and longevity.

  • Tan Fade

    The natural lightening of a spray tan as the outer skin layer exfoliates.

  • Skin Prep

    Pre-tan exfoliation, shaving, and moisturizer-stripping that determines tan quality.

  • Fitzpatrick Scale

    Six-level skin classification system used to determine appropriate spray tan solution depth.

  • No-Show Fee

    Charge applied via card-on-file when a client misses an appointment without canceling.

  • Deposit

    Pre-paid amount required at booking that secures the appointment slot.

  • Card on File

    Saved client payment method used for deposits, no-show fees, and post-appointment charges.

  • Rinse Reminder

    Automated SMS sent to the client at the correct rinse window based on solution applied.

  • Intake Form

    Pre-appointment client questionnaire covering skin type, contraindications, and preferences.

  • Spray Tan Tent

    Pop-up enclosure that contains overspray during a hand-applied spray tan.

  • Spray Tan Membership

    Recurring subscription bundling 1–4 tans/month at a discounted per-tan rate.

  • Bronzly Gold Credits

    Prepaid spendable currency clients can apply to any service at a Bronzly studio.

  • Client Retention

    Percentage of one-time clients who rebook within a defined window — the single largest revenue lever for spray tan studios.

  • Guide Color

    The temporary cosmetic bronzer added to spray tan solution so the artist can see coverage.

  • Contraindications

    Conditions or recent activities that make a spray tan inadvisable or require technique modification.

  • Stripe Connect

    The payment platform that powers Bronzly studio payouts and the 2.99% transaction fee.

  • UV Tanning Bed

    A tanning device that uses ultraviolet radiation; classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the WHO.

  • Spray Tan Business

    A business that provides professional spray tan services — solo artist, multi-staff studio, or chain.

  • Mobile Spray Tan

    A spray tan service performed at the client's home, hotel, or event venue rather than at a studio.

  • Before/After Photo

    Side-by-side image of a client pre- and post-spray-tan; the most effective marketing asset for the industry.

  • Salon Software

    Generic booking and CRM software designed for the broad beauty market — distinct from spray-tan-specific software.

  • Vertical SaaS

    Software built for one specific industry vertical, designed to outperform horizontal generalist alternatives.

  • Post-Tan Review SMS

    Automated SMS sent the day after a tan asking the client to leave a public review.

  • Lapsed Client

    A client whose last appointment is older than the typical rebook window, with no upcoming appointment scheduled.

  • Tan Party

    Group spray tan booking — bridal, prom, bachelorette, or fitness team — typically 4+ people at a discounted per-person rate.

  • Rinse Window

    The specific time period after spray tan application during which the client should rinse for optimal depth.

  • Spray Tan Near Me

    The most common consumer search query for finding a local spray tan service.

  • Spray Tan Certification

    Training and credentialing for spray tan artists; offered by major solution brands.

  • Spray Tan Insurance

    Liability insurance covering DHA reactions, slip-and-fall, and equipment claims.

  • AI Receptionist

    Voice AI agent that answers studio phone calls, books appointments, and handles FAQs 24/7.