Frequently asked questions

A professional spray tan typically lasts 5-10 days, depending on your skin type, preparation, and aftercare routine. The longevity of your spray tan depends on how well you moisturize daily and avoid activities that cause excessive sweating or exfoliation. Most clients find their sunless tan fades gradually and naturally over 7-10 days. To maximize your spray tan lifespan, use oil-free moisturizer twice daily and avoid long, hot showers that can strip away your bronzed glow.

For weddings, photoshoots, vacations, or special events, schedule your spray tan appointment 1-2 days before the big day. This timing allows your sunless tan to fully develop and gives you time to shower off the initial bronzer guide while achieving peak color. Getting a spray tan too early means it may fade before your event, while getting spray tanned the same day doesn’t allow proper development time. Brides should consider a trial spray tan 2-3 weeks before their wedding to test the color and ensure the perfect shade for wedding day photos.

Wear loose, dark-colored clothing to your spray tanning session, including flip-flops or sandals. Avoid tight-fitting clothes, underwire bras, skinny jeans, socks, and light-colored fabrics for 8-10 hours after your spray tan application. The best spray tan outfit includes a loose maxi dress, oversized hoodie, or flowy pants that won’t rub against freshly tanned skin. Bringing dark underwear or going braless under loose clothing prevents tan lines and ensures even color development across your entire body.

Proper spray tan preparation is crucial for achieving a flawless, even sunless tan. Exfoliate your entire body 24 hours before your spray tan appointment using a gentle scrub to remove dead skin cells. Shave or wax at least 24 hours prior to avoid irritation. On the day of your appointment, arrive with completely clean, dry skin—no makeup, deodorant, moisturizer, perfume, or body oils. Avoid using oil-based products before spray tanning, as they create a barrier that prevents proper tan absorption. For best spray tan results, shower the morning of your appointment and skip all skincare products.

Wait 8-12 hours before showering after a spray tan, or 4-6 hours, (depending on what solution was used) follow your spray tan technician’s specific instructions based on the solution used. Your first shower after spray tanning should use lukewarm (not hot) water without soap for the initial rinse. Gently pat your skin dry with a towel—never rub or scrub—to preserve your new tan. The bronzer guide color will rinse away during your first post-spray-tan shower, revealing your true tan color underneath. Waiting the full recommended time before showering ensures maximum color development and a longer-lasting spray tan that won’t fade prematurely.

Professional spray tans should never look orange when applied correctly with quality solutions. Modern spray tanning solutions are formulated with advanced DHA technology that creates natural-looking, golden-bronze color without orange undertones. To avoid an orange spray tan, choose an experienced spray tan artist who uses premium products, properly prepare your skin before your appointment, and select the right tan shade for your skin tone. Custom spray tan color matching ensures you get a sun-kissed glow that looks natural, not orange or fake. Proper exfoliation, moisturizing, and aftercare also prevent patchiness or uneven color that can appear orange.

Spray tanning is a safe, sunless tanning alternative to UV tanning beds and sun exposure. The active ingredient in spray tan solution, DHA (dihydroxyacetone), is FDA-approved for cosmetic use and temporarily colors the outer layer of skin without causing sun damage, premature aging, or skin cancer risks associated with UV tanning. Professional spray tanning provides a healthy glow without harmful UV rays, making it the safest way to achieve bronzed skin year-round. Unlike sun tanning or tanning beds, spray tans don’t damage skin cells or increase melanoma risk, making sunless tanning the dermatologist-recommended option for safe color.

Avoid working out, sweating, or swimming for 8-12 hours after getting a spray tan to allow full color development. Heavy workouts, hot yoga, steam rooms, and swimming pools should be avoided during the initial spray tan development period because sweat and water can cause streaking or uneven color. Once your spray tan has fully developed (after your first shower), you can resume normal exercise routines. However, excessive sweating from intense workouts and chlorine from swimming pools will cause your spray tan to fade faster. Apply water-resistant sunscreen before outdoor workouts to protect your spray tan and your skin.

Extend your spray tan’s lifespan with proper aftercare: moisturize twice daily with oil-free, tan-extending lotion, avoid exfoliating products and loofahs, take shorter lukewarm showers instead of long hot baths, pat skin dry gently, stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, and avoid chlorinated pools when possible. The best spray tan extender products are specifically formulated to maintain your color without breaking down the DHA. Avoid oil-based lotions, self-tanning products that can cause uneven color, and activities causing excessive friction on skin. With proper spray tan maintenance, you can keep your glow looking fresh for 10+ days.

If you’re unhappy with your spray tan results, contact your spray tan salon immediately—most professionals offer color correction services. To lighten or remove a spray tan quickly, take a long hot bath with baking soda, exfoliate gently with a scrub or exfoliating mitt, apply lemon juice to darker areas, or use a spray tan remover product designed specifically for safely stripping sunless tanner. Baby oil, coconut oil, and vinegar baths can also help fade spray tan color faster. For professional spray tan removal, return to your technician who can assess the issue and provide corrective solutions. Most spray tan concerns like streaking, dark spots, or too-dark color can be fixed within 24-48 hours.