A spray tan typically lasts 5 to 10 days, depending on your skin type, lifestyle, and how well you take care of it afterward. Here’s a breakdown:

Lighter skin tones: usually 5–7 days

Medium to darker skin tones: closer to 7–10 days

With good aftercare (moisturizing, gentle showering, avoiding scrubbing): you can stretch it toward the higher end

Frequent workouts, swimming, or hot showers: may shorten it to 3–5 days

A spray tan is a cosmetic treatment that gives your skin a bronzed, sun-kissed look without UV exposure. Instead of using sunlight or tanning beds, it works through a solution that’s sprayed onto your skin.

Here’s what happens:

The active ingredient, DHA (dihydroxyacetone), reacts with amino acids in the outermost layer of your skin.

This causes a temporary browning effect, similar to how a cut apple turns golden when exposed to air.

The result is a natural-looking tan that develops over several hours and lasts about 5–10 days, fading as your skin naturally sheds dead cells.

It doesn’t actually change your skin pigment like melanin from the sun would—it’s more like a safe surface-level stain.

Yes, you can shower after a spray tan, but you must wait 4-24 hours for the tan to develop and use lukewarm, oil-free products, avoiding exfoliation and hot water. When you shower, be gentle, pat yourself dry, and moisturize to extend your tan's life.  

Before your first shower:

Wait for it to develop:

The tanning solution needs time to set into your skin. A minimum of 4-8 hours is recommended, but waiting up to 24 hours provides better results. 

Avoid moisture:

During this development period, avoid sweating, working out, or applying any liquid or oil-based products that could interfere with the tan. 

How to shower after:

Use warm, not hot, water: Hot water can cause the tan to fade and streak. 

Use an oil-free body wash: Mineral oil and other oils can break down the DHA in the tanning solution and cause your tan to fade faster. 

Skip the washcloth: Avoid any scrubbing, exfoliating, or using a loofah or washcloth, as these can remove the tan. 

Rinse gently: Let the surface bronzer wash away with the water, then rinse the area. 

Pat dry: Gently pat your skin dry with a soft towel instead of rubbing. 

Moisturize: Apply an oil-free moisturizer to hydrate your skin and help lock in the tan. 

Yes — spray tans are much safer than tanning in the sun or using tanning beds.

Here’s why:

🌞 Tanning in the sun or tanning beds

Works by exposing your skin to UV radiation

Increases risk of skin cancer (including melanoma)

Speeds up skin aging (wrinkles, sun spots, sagging)

Can cause sunburns and skin damage

🌤️ Spray tans

Use DHA (dihydroxyacetone), a sugar-derived compound that reacts only with the top layer of skin

No UV rays involved → no increased risk of cancer or premature aging

Effects are temporary and fade as your skin naturally sheds

Downsides: may sometimes look streaky, can rub off on clothes, and requires upkeep

👉 Medical organizations like the American Academy of Dermatology consider spray tans a safe alternative to UV tanning.

During the spray tan:

For women: Most go in a bikini, bra/underwear, or disposable spa wear provided at the salon. Some prefer to go topless or nude to avoid tan lines — it’s totally your comfort level.

For men: Typically shorts, boxers, or disposable garments.

General rule: Wear as little as you’re comfortable with to avoid unwanted tan lines.

Right after the spray tan:

Loose, dark clothing — think baggy t-shirt, maxi dress, sweatpants. Tight clothes (like leggings, skinny jeans, bras with underwire) can rub against your skin and cause streaks.

Dark colors only — the bronzer can transfer while it develops (usually 6–8 hours), but it washes out of most fabrics.

Flip-flops or slides — avoid sneakers, boots, or socks right after, since they can smudge the tan around your feet/ankles.

Extra tips:

Don’t wear jewelry or watches until after your first shower.

Bring a hair tie or clip to keep hair off your shoulders and back.

If it’s raining, bring an umbrella and long sleeves — water spots can ruin the fresh tan

Yes — but only at first. Here’s how it works:

On clothes:

Right after your spray tan, most solutions include a bronzer (a cosmetic color guide) that sits on your skin while the DHA develops.

That bronzer can rub off on clothes, especially if they’re tight or light-colored.

Once you shower (usually after 6–8 hours, or sooner with “rapid” tans), most of that bronzer rinses away, and transfer is much less likely.

On sheets:

The same bronzer can transfer to sheets if you sleep in it before rinsing.

Dark sheets or an old blanket are a safe choice for the first night.

After your first rinse, it’s rare for a spray tan to stain bedding.

Tips to avoid transfer:

Wear loose, dark clothing until your rinse.

Avoid sweating heavily before your first shower.

Use silkier fabrics (like satin PJs or sheets) if you can — they cause less friction.

After your first rinse, your tan is much more stable and shouldn’t stain clothes or sheets

Getting ready for a spray tan is super important — good prep is what makes the difference between a smooth, natural glow and a streaky one. Here’s a step-by-step prep guide:

🛁 The Day Before (or Morning Of)

Exfoliate thoroughly

Use a body scrub, exfoliating mitt, or loofah.

Focus on rough areas (elbows, knees, ankles, feet).

This removes dead skin cells so the tan sticks evenly.

Shave or wax

Do this at least 12–24 hours before your appointment.

Freshly shaved skin can get irritated, and pores need time to close so they don’t look like little dark dots.

Avoid heavy lotions or oils

Oils leave a barrier that can prevent the spray solution from developing evenly.

🚿 The Day Of

Shower (if needed)

Do a light rinse, but avoid conditioner residue or heavy body wash that leaves a film.

Skip deodorant, perfume, and makeup

They can block absorption and cause patchiness or discoloration.

Moisturize lightly (only if very dry)

If you have dry spots (ankles, knees, elbows), a thin layer of oil-free lotion can prevent them from over-absorbing color.

At Faux Glow Tanning Co. we pride ourselves in making you feel confident in your skin, there's never any judgement. We will do everything in our power to make sure you feel as comfortable as possible, we will arrive to your place, set up and guide you each step of the way so you don't have to worry about anything.

We will begin with a brief consultation and assessment of your skin type and answer any questions you might have. Then you will get into something more comfortable, you can wear a swimsuit, undergarments or we provide disposable undergarments.

Then we will begin the process of spraying you with a slight mist making sure that every part of your body gets evenly covered, this is a quick, discrete process that should take no more than 20 minutes.

If you have any concerns or require special accommodations we would be happy to help, just reach out.

No, spray tans have come a long way and longer leave an orange hue. Also we use only the highest quality products, we are professionals who know how to work with your unique skin tone to make sure the tan is perfectly suited for you. We will ask what level of tan you want and recommend the ideal blend based on your preference. Our spray tan technician is certified and able to apply the correct amount and evenly to all parts of your body without causing streaks, and making the tan look natural.

Spray tanning is suitable for all skin tones. Professional spray tan artists can customize the solution to match your individual skin tone, providing a natural looking tan regardless of your complexion.

Quality spray tanning solutions contain hydrating ingredients that actually help moisturize the skin. When applied correctly, a spray tan will have your skin feeling smooth and hydrated.