Spray tanning or sunbeds? 2026 costs and how long the tan lasts

indekscen.pl editorial team · published 30 September 2026 · prices according to the 5 October 2026 index

A full-body spray tan at a salon most often costs PLN 145 (typically PLN 125 ‑ 225), and the tan usually lasts 5 to 10 days. A single sunbed session is cheaper, at around 1.50 PLN/min, but several visits are needed to build up colour, and the lamps emit UV radiation. A spray tan gives immediate results without UV exposure.

A tan before a holiday, wedding or photo shoot means choosing between two options: a single spray tan at a salon or several sunbed visits. The first costs more upfront, while the second is cheaper per session but spread over time and involves UV radiation. We compare both options based on salon price lists collected by indekscen.pl.

Spray tanning or sunbeds: which should you choose?

Spray tanning is the better choice when you need your tan to be ready for a specific day and want to avoid UV radiation. Sunbeds suit those who want to build colour gradually and accept the risks associated with tanning lamps. A full-body spray tan most often costs PLN 145, while a sunbed session costs around 1.50 PLN/min, but one session does not produce the same result as a spray tan.

Feature	Spray tanning	Sunbed
Price per visit	PLN 125 ‑ 225 (full body)	around PLN 30 for 20 minutes
When results appear	after a few hours	after several sessions
How long it lasts	usually 5 to 10 days	longer, fading gradually
UV radiation	none	yes
Risks	streaks, smell of the solution	burns, skin ageing
Suitable for	before an event, fair skin	adults without contraindications

A sunbed may seem attractive because of the price of a single session, but it is worth remembering that the International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies tanning lamps as carcinogenic, and minors in Poland are not allowed to use sunbeds. If you have moles, skin conditions or take medication, consult a dermatologist before choosing either method.

How much does spray tanning cost?

According to 4 price lists and articles collected by indekscen.pl, a full-body spray tan most often costs PLN 145, with half of all offers falling within PLN 125 ‑ 225. The cheapest salons charge from PLN 100, while the upper limit of PLN 715 applies to multi-stage packages at premium salons.

Treatment options from price lists:

Median and typical range from public price lists, as at 5 October 2026. Each price includes a source and quotation on the service page.

The face, neck and décolletage cost considerably less than the full body. Packages of several treatments can work out cheaper per visit. Details and quotations from price lists are available on the spray tanning page.

How much does a sunbed cost compared with spray tanning?

A sunbed session costs around 1.50 PLN/min, so 20 minutes under the lamps costs approximately PLN 30. Achieving a noticeable colour usually requires several sessions spaced a few days apart.

For example, a series of 6 sessions lasting 10 minutes each means 60 minutes under the lamps, costing around PLN 90. This is still less than one full-body spray tan (PLN 145), but the visits are spread over two weeks. Our sunbed rates come from only a small number of facilities, so treat them as a guide: they depend on the type of sunbed, whether horizontal or vertical, and the pricing plan.

How long does a spray tan last?

A spray tan usually lasts 5 to 10 days, and lasts longest on skin that was thoroughly exfoliated before the treatment and is moisturised regularly. The colour fades as the epidermis sheds, so it disappears fastest from the hands, feet and areas exposed to friction.

Its longevity depends on:

1. Exfoliation before the treatment. Freshly exfoliated skin absorbs the solution evenly and retains it for longer.
2. Moisturising after the treatment. Oil-free body lotion slows exfoliation.
3. Bathing and swimming. Hot water, saunas and chlorine accelerate fading.
4. Type of solution. Salons use different concentrations of the tanning ingredient, so both the result and its longevity vary.

How long does spray tanning take and what happens during the treatment?

Spraying the entire body usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, while the whole salon visit, including preparation and drying, lasts around 45 minutes. The process is similar at most salons:

1. Choosing a shade. The beautician assesses your skin tone and suggests the colour intensity.
2. Protecting the skin. A thin layer of cream is applied to the hands, feet, elbows and knees to prevent colour from accumulating on dry areas.
3. Spraying. The solution is applied with a spray gun in several layers inside an extraction booth.
4. Drying. You spend a few minutes in disposable underwear before putting on loose clothing.

The colour develops gradually over several hours, with the full effect visible after the first shower.

How can you avoid overpaying for a spray tan?

• Compare the same area. Full-body, half-body and face-only spray tans are three separate items on a price list.
• Ask about exfoliation. If it is not included in the price, do it at home the day before.
• Buy a package if you plan several treatments during the season. Packages can work out cheaper per visit.
• Have a trial before an important event. Correcting an unsuccessful colour costs more than a trial treatment.

How should you prepare and dress for spray tanning?

Prepare for spray tanning the day before: remove unwanted hair and exfoliate your entire body 24 hours before the treatment. On the day, your skin should be clean and free from body lotion, perfume and deodorant. Exfoliation may be a separate salon service, so ask whether it is included in the spray tan price.

Wear loose, dark clothing to the appointment, preferably without elasticated bands or straps, as well as flip-flops. Tight jeans and a bra can leave marks on the freshly applied solution. Salons usually provide disposable underwear for the spray itself.

What should you avoid after spray tanning?

For 6 to 12 hours after spray tanning, do not shower or exercise and avoid sweating, as the solution needs time to set. For the first few days, do not use exfoliating products or visit a swimming pool or sauna.

• Take your first shower in lukewarm water, without a gel containing exfoliating particles and without scrubbing.
• Pat your skin dry with a towel instead of rubbing it.
• Use dark bed linen overnight, as light fabrics may become stained.

What are the drawbacks of spray tanning and is it worth it?

The main drawbacks of spray tanning are its short lifespan, the risk of streaks if the skin is not prepared properly, the solution’s distinctive smell for several hours and possible staining of clothes. Despite this, a spray tan is worth considering before a wedding, ball or photo shoot because it provides predictable colour without UV radiation.

Before a wedding, salons offer packages with exfoliation and a trial spray tan for around PLN 250. A trial a few weeks before the ceremony allows you to match the shade to your dress and make-up. We break down the other costs of preparing for the celebration in our article how much does a wedding cost. If you are also planning hair or eyebrow treatments, see how much does professional hair colouring cost and brow lamination or powder henna.

How much does spray tanning cost in Warsaw and Kraków?

We do not yet have separate medians for individual cities: the prices we have collected come from salons in cities including Warsaw and Łódź, as well as nationwide articles. The upper end of the price range is higher in large cities, where premium salons offer packages costing up to PLN 715, but a basic full-body spray tan usually falls within PLN 125 ‑ 225.

„Z reguły koszt opalania całego ciała wynosi 120-200 zł.”

gemini.pl, 2026-06, source

„Opalanie całe ciało · 100 zł”

alfabetpiekna.pl (Łódź), source

„nasza oferta dla całego ciała zaczyna się od 130 zł”

soulray.pl, 2026-03, source

„od 119 zł do 715 zł”

jadoreinstytut.com (Warszawa), source

You can find more beauty treatment prices in the beauty category.

The prices in this article come from public salon price lists and articles. Each price on the service page includes its source, date and a verbatim quotation.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a facial spray tan cost?

Opalanie natryskowe samej twarzy kosztuje według cenników około PLN 40, czyli kilka razy mniej niż całe ciało (PLN 145).

Does spray tanning stain clothes?

Przez pierwsze kilka godzin po zabiegu preparat może odbić się na jasnych ubraniach i pościeli. Po pierwszym prysznicu, zwykle po 6 do 12 godzinach, ryzyko jest już małe.

Can you spray tan at home?

Domowym odpowiednikiem natrysku jest samoopalacz w piance albo balsamie, ale trudniej o równy kolor na plecach i łokciach. Salon bierze za całe ciało zwykle PLN 125 ‑ 225 i nakłada preparat równo pistoletem.

Is spray tanning safe during pregnancy?

Natrysk nie działa promieniowaniem UV, ale preparat jest rozpylany i wdychany. W ciąży albo przy chorobach skóry najpierw zapytaj lekarza lub dermatologa.

How much does 20 minutes on a sunbed cost?

Przy stawce około 1.50 PLN/min dwadzieścia minut w solarium kosztuje mniej więcej PLN 30. Stawki różnią się między łóżkiem leżącym a stojącym.

Translation of the original Polish article dated 30 September 2026. Quotations from price lists are in Polish, as published by the companies. Read the original in Polish.

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