The Consultation Questions You SHOULD Be Asking to Create an Inclusive Service
If your consultation form only asks for a name, phone number, and "have you spray tanned before," you're not prepared to serve everyone who walks through your door.
And before you say, "I treat everyone the same"—that's exactly the problem. Treating everyone the same assumes everyone has the same needs, the same concerns, the same body, and the same experience. They don't.
An inclusive spray tan service isn't about performative diversity or checking boxes. It's about asking the right questions so that every client, regardless of skin tone, gender identity, ability, or body type, feels seen, respected, and confident that you know what you're doing.
Most spray tan artists aren't asking these questions because they don't know they should. The industry didn't teach them. Training programs skipped over it. And now, clients who don't fit the "standard" mold are walking into appointments feeling anxious, misunderstood, or flat-out ignored.
Let's fix that.
Why Your Current Consultation Isn't Enough
The standard spray tan consultation was designed with one type of client in mind: cisgender women with fair to medium skin, no mobility limitations, and a body that fits neatly into the industry's idea of "normal."
Everyone else is expected to figure it out on their own or just hope the artist adapts on the fly.
That's not inclusive. That's lazy.
An inclusive consultation doesn't just ask surface-level questions. It digs into what each individual client needs to have the best possible experience.
Questions for All Skin Tones (Because "What Shade Do You Want?" Isn't Enough)
Most artists ask clients what shade they want and call it a day. But if you're working with deeper skin tones, that question doesn't cut it.
What to ask instead:
"What's your main goal for this tan—evening out your tone, adding depth, enhancing your natural glow, or something else?"
This opens the door for clients with darker skin to explain what they're actually looking for instead of assuming they want to be "darker."
"Do you have any areas of hyperpigmentation, scarring, or uneven tone you'd like me to focus on?"
Spray tanning can help even out skin tone, but only if you know where the client wants coverage or blending.
"Have you spray tanned before, and if so, how did the color develop on your skin?"
This tells you whether past tans oxidized well, went muddy, or didn't show up at all—critical info for choosing the right formula.
"What undertones do you typically see in your skin—warm, cool, neutral, olive?"
Understanding undertones helps you customize the solution so it enhances instead of clashes.
"Is there a specific shade or finish you're going for, or would you like me to recommend what I think will work best for your tone?"
This gives the client agency while also positioning you as the expert who can guide them.
Why this matters:
Clients with deeper skin tones have been told for years that spray tanning "isn't for them" or have had bad experiences with artists who didn't know how to tan them. Asking thoughtful, specific questions shows you're not guessing—you've done this before, and you know what you're doing.
Questions for Trans and Non-Binary Clients (Because Gender Isn't Binary and Neither Is Your Service)
Most spray tan forms ask for "gender" and give two options: male or female. That immediately excludes trans and non-binary clients before they even walk in the door.
And even if your form is inclusive, your in-person questions might not be.
What to ask instead:
"What pronouns do you use?"
Simple. Respectful. Sets the tone that you're not making assumptions.
"Are there any specific areas of your body you'd like me to focus on or avoid during the application?"
This is crucial for trans clients who may be experiencing gender dysphoria around certain body parts. Let them guide you instead of assuming.
"Is there anything about the process I should know to make you feel more comfortable?"
This is an open-ended invitation for the client to share what they need without you having to guess.
Why this matters:
Trans and non-binary people often feel hyper-visible or uncomfortable in beauty and body-focused spaces. Asking these questions signals that your space is different.
Bonus:
Train yourself and any team members to use gender-neutral language by default. "Clients" instead of "ladies." "They" until you know someone's pronouns. It's a small shift that makes a massive difference.
Questions for Disabled and Differently-Abled Clients (Because Accessibility Isn't Optional)
The spray tan industry is built around the assumption that every client can stand for 10-15 minutes, move their body in specific ways, and navigate a standard spray tan setup without issue.
But not every client can do that. And if your consultation doesn't account for mobility limitations, chronic pain, sensory sensitivities, or accessibility needs, you're not set up to serve them well.
What to ask instead:
"Do you have any mobility limitations or physical considerations I should be aware of before we start?"
This opens the door for clients to share if they use a wheelchair, have chronic pain, have limited range of motion, or need accommodations.
"Would you be more comfortable sitting or standing during the application?"
Not everyone can stand for the full session. Offering alternatives shows you've thought this through.
"Are there any areas of your body that are sensitive or that you'd prefer I avoid?"
Some clients have nerve pain, skin sensitivities, or conditions that make certain areas uncomfortable to tan. Let them tell you upfront.
"Do you need any breaks during the session, or is there anything I can do to make the process more comfortable for you?"
Chronic pain and fatigue are real. Giving clients permission to ask for breaks removes the pressure to "tough it out."
"Are you sensitive to scents, textures, or certain sensory experiences?"
Some clients with sensory processing differences may find the smell of DHA overwhelming or the sensation of spray uncomfortable. Knowing this ahead of time lets you adjust or prepare them.
"Is my space accessible for you, or is there anything I can adjust to make it easier to navigate?"
If your studio has stairs, narrow doorways, or other barriers, you need to know before the client arrives. And if it's not accessible, you need to be upfront about that so they can decide if it works for them.
Why this matters:
Disabled and differently-abled clients are often excluded from beauty spaces—not always intentionally, but through lack of forethought. When you proactively ask these questions, you signal that your service was designed with them in mind, not as an afterthought.
How to Ask These Questions Without Making It Weird
Here's the thing: these questions only feel awkward if you're treating them like they're awkward.
Ask them the same way you'd ask any other consultation question.
Tips for making it feel natural:
Include these questions on your intake form so clients can answer privately if they prefer
Train yourself to ask follow-up questions with curiosity, not judgment
If a client seems hesitant to share, reassure them: "I'm asking because I want to make sure I'm giving you the best experience possible. You only need to share what you're comfortable with."
Don't make a big deal out of their answers. Just take the info, adjust your approach, and move forward professionally
The goal isn't to perform inclusivity. It's to actually be inclusive—by asking the questions that let every client feel like you're prepared to serve them well.
Inclusivity Isn't a Trend. It's a Baseline.
Creating an inclusive spray tan service isn't about being woke or performative. It's about recognizing that your clients are diverse, and your service should reflect that.
It's about asking the questions that let people feel seen instead of assuming they'll just adapt to your standard process.
Because when you ask the right questions, you don't just provide a better service. You create an experience where people feel respected, valued, and confident that you actually know what you're doing.
And that's not optional. That's the baseline.
Ask better questions. Serve everyone better.
