Everything you need to know about spray tans
Look, we weren’t all blessed with skin that knows how to tan on its own. And while we’re all just right exactly as we are, sometimes you want a little colour.
Enter the spray tan. This is the number-one way to get an even, flawless tan without running any risk of sun damage. They’ll even get the middle of your back for you, and the confidence boost comes free of charge.
If you’re a first-timer and somewhat terrified of ending up orange and streaky, fear not. Modern spray tans can range from super deep to just sun kissed, and with a skilled beauty therapist, you’ll look much more week-in-Tulum than Real Housewives. Read on for all the info you need for your best tan yet.
How long does a spray tan last?
This is the big question, right? You can expect to get 5 to 10 days out of your tan, depending on how dark it is. Deeper tans will last longer, of course. Your tan’s longevity will depend on your skin, how you take care of your tan, and what you’re up to that week.
If you’re keen to make your tan last longer, here are a couple of major keys 🔑:
- Take short, not-too-hot showers
- Pat down with a towel after rather than rubbing
- Avoid scented lotions, but do moisturise
- Don’t exfoliate as this will remove your tan
- Try to minimise shaving
Is getting a spray tan safe?
Let’s get a little technical on this one. So, the active ingredient in any fake tan is dihydroxyacetone (DHA). This is non-toxic and only reacts with the very top layer of your skin. However, its effects on the body when inhaled (as it may be during a spray tan) are not known (1). So considering that little lack of research, you might want to stick with at-home tans if you’re pregnant.
Aside from that, the only potential worry is your skin reacting, and you can get around that by asking for a patch test before your first spray tan.
“Topical sunless tanning products are generally considered safe alternatives to sunbathing, as long as they're used as directed,” according to the Mayo Clinic (they tend to know what they’re talking about) (2).
So really, as long as you don’t breathe it in, your skin isn’t super sensitive and you’re not pregnant, spray tanning is safe. It’s certainly safer than a sunburn, too.
Will my spray tan get darker overnight?
Yes, your spray tan will get darker overnight. Most spray tans ideally need between 6 to 12 hours to finish working on your skin, so an overnight stretch could time out perfectly. Some sunless tanning brands need as little as 2 hours and others need longer though, so make sure to chat to your beautician.
As an aside, you may look a little darker upon leaving the salon than your final colour will look. You see, part of the tan formula is a guide colour that shows your therapist where they’ve been. It’s an instant bronzer, rather than the actual tanning ingredient which takes time to do its job. You’ll then look a little paler after you’ve rinsed the instant bronzer guide colour off, then darker again after hours pass and the actual spray tan formula finishes developing.
Does a spray tan develop after you shower?
Your tan will do most of its developing before you shower, but it will finish off after you’ve rinsed the guide colour off. It’s best to shower with water only for this first one, to give your tan its best chance. Of course, you can go back to using soap and so on the next day. Personal hygiene is key.
Spray tan tips:
So you’re on board with the whole concept, and you’re wanting the inside word. Right this way.
What do I wear for a spray tan?
The goal here is to avoid rubbing your tan off before it’s had a chance to develop, as this can lead to an uneven finish. Think loose, dark-coloured clothing - a big t-shirt dress is ideal here. It’s best to avoid wearing a bra until after you’ve rinsed your tan off, though a strapless one will do if you’re not comfortable bra-free. You’ll also want to wear slides or thongs to stop your tan rubbing off on your feet.
What not to do after getting a spray tan
The name of the game here is avoiding rubbing and moisture.
Until you’ve showered after your spray tan, you’ll want to avoid:
- Exercise
- Getting rained on
- Swimming
- Tight clothing
- Breastfeeding (unless you want to tan your beb’s face)
After your tan is developed, and when you’re wanting to preserve that beautiful glow, it’s best to stay away from:
- Chlorinated pools and spas
- Hair removal (waxing, shaving and so on will act as an exfoliant)
- Laser hair removal
- Rubbing dry with a towel - it’s better to pat
- Fragranced body creams
How do you exfoliate before a spray tan?
Thoroughly, in short. Exfoliating before a spray tan is key, as the tan needs a smooth surface to stick to. If you don’t get scrubby beforehand, your tan may not look as good, and it won’t last as long. Use a body scrub the day before your appointment and you’ll be golden ☀️.
Spray tan removal
All good things must come to an end, though, which is both a useful breakup line and true when it comes to spray tans. Here’s what’s what when it comes to getting rid of your tan.
How do you get rid of spray tans?
This one is super easy. Removing a spray tan just comes down to some good old fashioned exfoliation, so get in the shower and get moving with the scrub of your choice. Many tanning brands also offer tan removal mitts and scrubs, if you’d prefer to go down that path.
Spray tan before and after
As Rihanna said, this is what we came for. Who doesn’t love a good before and after?
