Before the modern-day technological advancements, the only way to get the popular darker skin complexion was through sun tanning. This procedure of sitting in the sun while having applied various skin-care products was a hassle in itself, and would normally take hours at end.
People wanted to save themselves this trouble and shift to easier alternatives, hence sunless tanning techniques were introduced.
Two of the most commonly used sunless tanning techniques are Spray tanning and Airbrush Tanning. Contrary to common belief, these techniques are quite different from each other.
The Spray tanning technique uses a ‘booth’ and nozzles for the application of the tanning solution. The client is required to stand at certain carefully calculated angles to the nozzles so that the spray is evenly applied to the body.
The Airbrush procedure, on the other hand, is performed by a tanning expert rather than a machine or booth. Much like spray painting, the tanner uses an Airbrush to spray the tanning solution over the body of the client.
There are quite a few different factors that you need to consider when choosing the method that best suits you.
Effectiveness
One such factor is the effectiveness of the technique. It is quite obvious that if you are going to pay a significant amount, you need to see the desired results. With Airbrush tanning, you have the luxury to choose the exact pigmentation that you want.
Spray tanning allows you to choose the type of tan that you want, but you can not exactly add hues and shades to the solution.
This is up to you to decide, whether you want a certain hue or a shade or not. Regardless, the results of both techniques are effective and instant. A tan achieved from the Airbrush technique will last around 5 to 7 days on average. While the Spray tan lasts longer, which is around 10 days.
Cost
The cost of the whole procedure of tanning varies with respect to the techniques being used. For instance, the Airbrush technique is performed by a professional tanner or beautician. The charges of the complete procedure vary a lot and rely upon the popularity of the tanner. This means that if you want the best in the business, you will have to pay significantly more.
This, however, is not the case for the spray tanning technique. Most of the salons that perform spray tanning offer similar packages and prices, which are comparatively cheaper to other techniques. In short, the spray tanning methods are cheaper and more affordable than the Airbrush techniques, on average.
Convenience
The Airbrush techniques are quite expensive and the best salons in the business are well over the affordability of an average client. On top of that, the Airbrush tanning salons require you to fix an appointment, which is a hard task in itself, if the tanner is popular.
On the other hand, the Spray tanning techniques are relatively cheaper and much more affordable. There are various Spray tanning machines that you can purchase and get a tan at home. Unlike the Airbrush techniques, the at-home spray tan machines do not require any professional administration. You can buy the best at-home spray tanning machines which allow you to achieve your desired results in the comfort of your home, at affordable prices.
Which One Should You Choose and Why?
The human administrated Airbrush techniques are more popular in celebrities and influencers. This is simply because they are new to the fashion industry and offer a variety of things that the conventional spray tan techniques don’t. The Airbrush technique allows you to add specific hues, colors, and shades to your tan, which is a quite sought out feature. As discussed earlier, there are cons to the Airbrush techniques, but if you want to enjoy the different colors and shades of the tan, alongside a human administrated, delicate application, you should choose the Airbrush over the conventional Spray tan.
Contrary to popular belief, the Spray tan is quite accurate in the application process, provided the client follows the given instructions correctly. The Spray tanning procedure is also faster, easier to access, and does not require any specialized administration. It is also cheaper and is in the affordable range, unlike the Airbrush technique. If you prefer convenience, affordability, and easier accessibility with promising results, the Spray tan is for you.
Conclusion
Answering the question, whether there is a difference between the two, I would say yes. The application process is different, the effectiveness is variable and the costs of the two are very far apart. There are pros and cons of both methods, which makes it hard for the client to determine which one of the two is better than the other.
Some people prefer the delicate human application of the tan, some prefer the convenience and affordability. Both processes are more or less equal in the accuracy department and are effective in giving you the perfect tan without tan lines. But it is up to you to decide which one you want!
