← Spray Tan Guides

1. Step 1

   Check Google Business Profile reviews

   Open Google Maps, search 'spray tan near me'. Open the top 5 results. Skim reviews — look for studios with 4.7+ stars and 100+ reviews. Watch for repeated complaints (uneven, orange, late artist) and repeated praise (consistent results, professionalism, prep instructions).

2. Step 2

   Look for before/after photos

   Studios that post before/after photos consistently are signaling that they're confident in their work. Look for natural lighting, similar poses across photos, and a range of skin tones in the portfolio (a sign the artist customizes solution to skin type).

3. Step 3

   Confirm the artist is certified

   Look for 'certified Norvell artist', 'Sjolie certified', or 'NAHA member' on the website or Google Business Profile. Certification means the artist has formal training in DHA chemistry, contraindications, and technique — not just YouTube tutorials.

4. Step 4

   Read the prep and cancellation policy

   Quality studios send detailed prep instructions and have a clear cancellation policy ($20–$50 late-cancel fee, $50–$75 no-show). Vague or missing policies signal a less professional operation.

5. Step 5

   Compare price within +/- 20% of local average

   If a studio is dramatically cheaper than nearby competitors, ask why. Cheap usually means rushed appointments or cheap solution (which fades fast and looks orange). Premium pricing usually means more time per client and higher-quality solution.

6. Step 6

   Book a single tan first, then commit

   Don't buy a 4-tan package on your first visit. Book a single Classic tan, evaluate the result over 7 days, then decide whether to buy a package or try another studio. Memberships average $79–$249/month — worth waiting one tan to commit.