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.