Atlanta’s tanning salon market has shifted significantly toward spray tanning and organic airbrush formats as public awareness of UV radiation health risks has grown, while traditional UV tanning bed operations have declined in proportion to the total market. The city’s warm climate and outdoor social culture create year-round demand for bronzed skin aesthetics, making spray tan services particularly popular before summer, holiday events, vacations, and wedding seasons. Several Atlanta studios have differentiated through organic DHA formulations and mobile service offerings that bring spray tanning to clients’ homes, offices, or event venues. The metro area supports both full-service tanning salons with UV bed and spray tan options and spray-tan-only boutique studios catering to the health-conscious segment of Atlanta’s beauty market.
When selecting a tanning salon in Atlanta, understand the distinction between UV tanning, which uses ultraviolet radiation and carries documented skin cancer risks, and spray tanning, which applies dihydroxyacetone (DHA) to the skin surface without UV exposure. Georgia does not have a minimum age law for UV tanning specifically for adults, but minors under 18 are prohibited from using UV tanning devices in Georgia. For spray tanning, ask about the DHA concentration and whether the formula is organic or conventional, as natural and eco-certified formulas are available at several Atlanta studios. Spray tan results are highly dependent on pre-treatment skin preparation, including exfoliation 24 hours before the appointment and avoiding moisturizers on the day of the appointment.
Top Tanning Salon Companies in Atlanta
1. Simply Sun Tanning Salon
Address: 500 Amsterdam Avenue NE, Atlanta, GA 30306
Phone: (404) 874-9600
Website: https://www.simplysuntan.com
Services:
- UV tanning beds (UVA/UVB)
- Stand-up tanning beds
- Spray tanning
- Tanning lotions and products
About: Simply Sun Tanning Salon is located in Atlanta’s Virginia Highland neighborhood on Amsterdam Avenue and provides both traditional UV bed tanning and spray tanning services to the Intown Atlanta population. The salon’s combination of UV standup beds and spray tan options serves clients across the spectrum of tanning preferences. The Virginia Highland location places Simply Sun within one of Atlanta’s most active retail and personal care corridors, serving the neighborhood’s professional residential community. The salon’s tanning lotion and product selection allows clients to purchase their preferred lotions for at-home maintenance between appointments.
2. RAW Bronzing Studio
Address: 34 Moda Lane, Atlanta, GA 30316 (Inman Park); Buckhead location also available
Phone: (770) 891-1615
Website: https://www.rawbronzingstudio.com
Services:
- Organic spray tans
- Custom airbrush tanning
- Chemical-free formulations
- Mobile tanning available
About: RAW Bronzing Studio offers organic spray tanning in Atlanta at two locations, Inman Park and Buckhead, using chemical-free natural DHA formulations that appeal to health and environmentally conscious clients. The studio’s organic approach to spray tanning removes the synthetic chemicals and parabens found in conventional spray tan solutions in favor of natural ingredient bases that are gentler on sensitive skin. RAW Bronzing’s Inman Park location serves the BeltLine corridor community and the Atlanta neighborhoods surrounding Moreland Avenue. The Buckhead location extends the studio’s reach to Atlanta’s most affluent consumer market.
3. True Glow Spray Tan
Address: 4920 Roswell Road NE, Fountain Oaks, Suite 6, Atlanta, GA 30342
Phone: (404) 948-4547
Website: https://www.yourtrueglow.com
Awards & Recognition: Voted Best Spray Tan in Buckhead
Services:
- Organic spray tanning
- Body contouring treatments
- Teeth whitening
- Custom tan formulations
About: True Glow Spray Tan has earned consistent recognition as the best spray tan studio in Buckhead with an organic spray tan approach and customized formulation for each client’s skin tone. The studio’s service menu extends beyond spray tanning to include body contouring and teeth whitening, providing a multi-service self-care destination for the Buckhead clientele. True Glow’s consistent community recognition in Buckhead’s competitive beauty market reflects a strong reputation for producing natural-looking, streak-free results that align with each client’s individual skin tone. The studio’s Roswell Road location is centrally positioned within the Buckhead/Sandy Springs beauty corridor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does a spray tan last in Atlanta’s climate?
A: Spray tans in Atlanta typically last 5 to 10 days, with the warmer and more humid summer months causing faster fading due to increased perspiration and outdoor activity. Proper skin preparation before the appointment, including exfoliation 24 hours before and skipping moisturizer on appointment day, maximizes longevity. Post-tan care including moisturizing daily, avoiding prolonged soaking, and using tan-extending products can extend the fade period by 2 to 3 additional days. Atlanta’s high summer UV index can also cause faster degradation of spray tan color during outdoor time, so SPF use is recommended both for skin health and to protect the tan.
Q: What is the difference between organic and conventional spray tanning at Atlanta studios?
A: Conventional spray tan solutions contain DHA as the active tanning agent alongside various synthetic preservatives, fragrances, and color guides. Organic formulas use DHA derived from natural sources paired with plant-based carriers and natural preservatives, avoiding parabens, synthetic fragrances, and conventional chemical stabilizers. For clients with sensitive skin, allergies, or preferences for natural beauty products, organic formulas at studios like RAW Bronzing Studio provide the spray tan result without the conventional chemical load. The bronzing result from organic DHA is functionally similar to conventional formulas, with the key difference being the supporting ingredients rather than the tanning mechanism itself.
Q: How should I prepare for a spray tan appointment in Atlanta?
A: Exfoliate your skin thoroughly 24 to 48 hours before your appointment to remove dead skin cells that would otherwise cause uneven DHA absorption. Shave or wax at least 24 hours before, as waxing post-tan would strip the color and shaving immediately before creates microscopic cuts where DHA absorbs unevenly. Arrive at your appointment with bare skin, no moisturizer, deodorant, perfume, or makeup. Wear loose, dark clothing to your appointment, as the bronzed guide color can transfer to fabric before the DHA sets. Avoid water contact including sweating, showering, and swimming for at least 8 hours after the application.
Conclusion
Atlanta’s tanning studios offer both traditional UV and organic spray tanning options for clients seeking a bronzed appearance at any time of year. Simply Sun Tanning Salon in Virginia Highland provides a full-service tanning menu including UV beds and spray tanning in one of Atlanta’s most active Intown neighborhoods. RAW Bronzing Studio delivers organic, chemical-free spray tanning in both Inman Park and Buckhead with a formula philosophy built around natural and health-conscious ingredients. True Glow Spray Tan in Buckhead has earned consistent community recognition as the neighborhood’s best spray tan studio with custom formulations and an expanded self-care menu. Contact each studio to schedule your appointment and discuss the best formula and approach for your skin type.