Our studio is open to clients aged 16 and older, and anyone under 18 needs parental or guardian consent before booking. Within that, a spray tan is a straightforward, UV-free option for prom, grad or summer photos, and the private automated booth suits younger clients particularly well. Here is what both parents and teens should know before booking.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Get a Spray Tan?
At TANNED TO, 16. Our Terms & Conditions set our services at 16 and older, and clients under 18 must have parental or guardian consent before using the studio. That consent is not a formality we skip when the studio is quiet. Policies differ between providers, so if you are booking somewhere else, check their terms rather than assuming ours apply.
Is Spray Tanning Safe for Teen Skin?
DHA, the active ingredient in every spray tan, is approved for external cosmetic use and reacts only with the outermost layer of dead skin cells. It is not absorbed into the bloodstream, and that is true at any age. The considerations for a teen are the same as for anyone else: no active skin allergies, no broken or inflamed skin, and a patch test first if there is any history of reactions. Our post on whether spray tanning is safe covers the ingredient side in full.
Why Choose a Spray Tan Over a Tanning Bed?
Because there is no UV involved. Tanning beds are classified by the World Health Organization as a Group 1 carcinogen, and the risk associated with indoor tanning is higher for people who start young. A spray tan produces colour through a surface reaction with dead skin cells and involves no ultraviolet exposure at all, which is the entire reason it is the safer option for this age group. We compare the two directly in spray tan vs tanning bed.
What Should Parents Know About the Booth?
The studio is fully automated and self-service, and the booth itself is private. There is no technician in the room at any point, nobody applying anything by hand, and no conversation about your body while you stand there. For a self-conscious teenager that privacy is usually the deciding factor. The session runs about four minutes, the client chooses the solution and intensity themselves, and complimentary nose plugs and barrier cream are provided. You can see the whole process on our how it works page.
Does a Spray Tan Give Any Sun Protection?
No. This one is worth saying plainly, because it is a common misunderstanding. A spray tan provides zero UV protection. The colour is cosmetic and does nothing to block ultraviolet light, so sunscreen is just as necessary with a tan as without one. We cover it in does a spray tan protect you from the sun.
How Should Teens Prep Breakout-Prone Skin?
Gently. Exfoliate a day or two before rather than the morning of, skip lotion, deodorant and perfume on the day itself, and pause acne treatments containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide for about 24 hours beforehand, since they can leave colour patchy. Afterwards, use a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer. If there are active breakouts, our guide on spray tans and acne-prone skin has the full approach.
When Is the Best Time to Book Before an Event?
Two to three days ahead. The colour peaks around day two or three, once it has fully developed and settled evenly. Booking the day before prom leaves no margin if anything needs adjusting, and booking the morning of means rinsing and getting dressed while the tan is still setting. Our guide on getting a spray tan for a big event covers the timing in detail.
For a teen who wants colour for an occasion, a spray tan is the version of that with no UV exposure attached. Just confirm the consent requirement first if the client is under 18. Read our prep and aftercare guide, then book a session at TANNED TO in Toronto.
