Spray Tanning Course in Australia: Get Certified (SHBBBOS007)
Spray tanning is one of the easiest beauty skills to turn into income fast. Start-up costs are low, you can run it mobile from day one, and demand is year-round — weddings, formals, competitions and holidays never stop. If you want a quick, practical qualification, a spray tanning course is one of the smartest short courses in the industry. Here is what you will learn, what it costs, and how to build it into a business.
What is a spray tanning course?
A spray tanning course teaches you to apply a sunless tan safely and evenly using a professional HVLP spray gun or airbrush system. The active ingredient, DHA (dihydroxyacetone), reacts with the top layer of the skin to develop colour over a few hours — no UV exposure required. Good technique is the difference between a flawless, natural finish and streaky, patchy results, and that is exactly what proper training gives you.
Is spray tanning training nationally recognised?
Yes. The nationally recognised unit of competency is SHBBBOS007 – Apply cosmetic tanning products, listed on training.gov.au. It covers consulting with clients about colour choice, selecting products and equipment, preparing the skin, and applying tanning products with a spray gun. Completing an accredited unit gives you a nationally recognised Statement of Attainment you can show clients and insurers.
What you will learn
- How DHA works and the science behind sunless tanning
- Client consultation, skin typing and contraindications
- Skin preparation and exfoliation for an even base
- Setting up, using and maintaining spray-tan equipment
- Application technique for even coverage, natural colour and light contouring
- Aftercare advice to help the tan last and fade evenly
- Hygiene, ventilation and infection-control practices
Do you need a licence to spray tan?
Unlike laser or skin-penetration services, spray tanning does not require a special government licence — it is a non-invasive, topical treatment. However, you should still hold public liability insurance, follow good hygiene practices, and comply with your local council’s health regulations, particularly if you set up a fixed premises or tanning booth with proper ventilation.
How long does it take, and how much does it cost?
Most spray tanning courses are short — often a single day or a few focused sessions — and are among the most affordable in beauty. That low barrier to entry is a big part of the appeal: you can be qualified and taking bookings within days, then recover your training and kit costs quickly because the consumables per tan are inexpensive and the service is high-margin.
Turning spray tanning into a business
Because the kit is portable and inexpensive, spray tanning is ideal as a mobile or home-based service, or as an add-on for an existing salon. Partnering with hair and makeup artists for weddings and formals is a reliable source of repeat work. If you are thinking bigger, our guide on how to start a beauty business covers pricing, insurance and marketing that apply just as well to tanning, and you can stack tanning with other skills — browse our overview of beauty courses in Sydney to plan your menu.
Is a spray tanning course worth it?
For a low-cost, fast qualification with year-round demand and strong margins, a spray tanning course is one of the best-value entries into the beauty industry — whether as a standalone mobile business or an add-on service. Ready to get started? Contact our team to find the right course and intake for you.