Spray Tan vs Fake Tan – Which Is Better?

If you want a healthy glow without sun damage, you’ve probably considered either self-applied fake tan or a professional spray tan.

Both options can give your skin a bronzed look, but the results, longevity and overall experience can be very different.

If you’re searching for a natural spray tan in Bristol, understanding the difference between spray tanning and fake tan can help you choose the best option.  If you're trying to decide between the two, here’s what you need to know.

What Is a Spray Tan?

A spray tan is a professional tanning treatment applied using a specialist spray system.

A fine mist of tanning solution is applied evenly across the skin, creating a smooth, natural-looking glow.

At Jax-Glam Beauty in Lyde Green, Bristol, spray tans are customised to suit your natural skin tone. You can learn more about my professional spray tanning treatments in Bristol here.

Because the solution is applied professionally, the results are usually much more even and natural-looking than a typical at-home or machine booth tan.

What About Sunbeds?

Some people still choose sunbeds or sunbathing to achieve a tan, but both expose the skin to harmful UV radiation.

UV rays are known to accelerate premature skin ageing, causing:

• wrinkles and fine lines  • pigmentation and sun spots  • loss of skin elasticity

More importantly, regular exposure to UV radiation from the sun or sunbeds significantly increases the risk of skin cancer.

Spray tanning offers a much safer alternative. Instead of damaging UV exposure, a spray tan creates a natural-looking bronzed glow using a cosmetic tanning solution applied evenly to the skin.

Another benefit is that spray tanning provides a flawless, even colour all over the body, without the strap marks, uneven patches or sun damage that can come from tanning outdoors or using sunbeds.



You can enjoy a healthy-looking glow without the risks associated with UV exposure.

Why Many People Prefer Spray Tans

Many clients choose spray tanning because it provides consistent, professional results without the stress of applying tan yourself.

Benefits of spray tanning include:

✔ more even, streak-free results
✔ customised shade to suit your skin tone
✔ quick application (usually around 15–20 minutes)
✔ no mess at home
✔ natural-looking colour that fades more evenly

Professional spray tanning can also help avoid common problem areas such as patchy elbows, wrists and ankles.

Spray Tans for Special Events

Spray tans are especially popular before:

• weddings • holidays • parties and special events • photoshoots • nights out

A professional tan can help give the skin a healthy, radiant glow, making makeup and outfits look even better.

Many clients book their spray tan 1–2 days before their event to allow the colour to fully develop.

Which Option Is Best?

Fake tan can be convenient for occasional use at home, but if you want the most natural, even and reliable results, a professional spray tan is often the better choice.

A spray tan removes the guesswork and ensures your colour develops evenly across the skin.

Professional Spray Tanning in Bristol

At Jax-Glam Beauty, spray tans are applied in a private 1-to-1 beauty studio in Lyde Green, Bristol (BS16).

Each tan is customised to suit your skin tone, helping you achieve a natural glow rather than an orange or overly dark result.

Appointments take around 20 minutes, making it an easy treatment to fit into a busy schedule.

Book Your Spray Tan

If you're looking for a natural-looking spray tan in Bristol, you can view treatments and book online here: