Why Raising Your Prices as a Spray Tan Artist Might Be the Best Move You Ever Make

For many spray tan artists, pricing feels personal. You care about your clients. You want to stay “affordable.” You worry that if you charge more, people might leave.

But here’s the truth that often takes time — and experience — to fully understand:

Low prices don’t build sustainable businesses. Value does.

At some point, every serious artist reaches a crossroads: keep working more for less… or raise prices and finally build a business that supports your time, your skill, and your life.

Let’s talk about why raising your prices isn’t greedy — it’s strategic.

1. Higher Prices Reflect the Value of a Luxury Service

A professional spray tan is not a quick, cheap beauty add-on.

It’s:

• Custom color analysis

• Knowledge of undertones and DHA

• Prep + aftercare education

• Sanitation, training, and ongoing skill development

• An experience that makes your client feel confident in their skin

That’s luxury service energy.

When your price communicates that, clients perceive your work differently. You attract people who value quality rather than people hunting for the cheapest option. And those are the clients who rebook, respect your policies, arrive prepared, and tell their friends.

2. Discount Mindset = Burnout Mindset

When prices stay low, you typically have to:

• Take more clients per day

• Extend hours

• Say yes when you’d rather say no

• Hustle nonstop just to break even

Eventually, that leads to exhaustion — and ironically, resentment toward the very business you love.

Raising your prices gives you something invaluable: margin.

Margin to invest back into your studio.
Margin to buy better equipment and solutions.
Margin for time off without panicking about income.

Your business should support your life — not drain it.

3. Clients Expect Quality to Cost More

Think about hair, nails, facials, lashes.

The providers in your area who:

• Deliver consistent results

• Offer beautiful, clean environments

• Are booked out weeks in advance

…usually don’t have the lowest prices.

And clients understand this. In fact, higher pricing often reassures them they’re in the right hands.

When you raise your prices, you’re sending a quiet but powerful message:

“This service is professional. It’s specialized. And it’s worth it.”

4. Your Costs (and Experience) Aren’t the Same as When You Started

Most artists begin with entry-level equipment, minimal training, and a small client base. Pricing reflected that stage.

But now?

• You’ve invested in education.

• You’ve upgraded your solutions and equipment.

• You understand color theory, body positioning, fading patterns, problem skin — and how to fix it.

Your price should grow with your expertise.

If you’re still charging “beginner” rates years later, you’re quietly telling yourself your growth doesn’t matter. And it does.

5. The Right Clients Stay — and Often Respect You More

Yes — when you raise prices, some clients may leave.

But the ones who stay?

They’re your people.
They value your artistry.
They trust you.
They talk about you.

And something magical often happens after a price increase:

Your books stabilize, your income increases, and your stress levels drop — even with fewer appointments.

How to Raise Prices Gracefully (Without Feeling Awkward)

A few tips to keep the transition smooth:

1️⃣ Give notice.
Announce your increase 2–4 weeks in advance.

2️⃣ Be honest, but professional.
Explain that the adjustment reflects rising costs, continued education, and the desire to maintain quality.

3️⃣ Stand firm.
Avoid apologizing for your price. Confident energy reassures clients.

4️⃣ Consider grandfathering your most loyal long-term clients for one cycle — if it feels right to you.

The Bottom Line

Raising your prices isn’t about being “expensive.”

It’s about:

✨ Being paid fairly for your expertise
✨ Creating a sustainable business
✨ Delivering an elevated experience
✨ Showing clients that spray tanning is a true professional service

And the more confident, calm, and supported you are as the artist — the better your clients’ experience will be.

If you’ve been feeling that nudge to raise your prices… this may be your sign that it’s time.

You didn’t start your business to struggle.
You started it to thrive — and to help others glow while you do.