How Often Should You Spray Tan? Tips on Frequency & Maintenance (2024)

This site is supported by our readers. We may earn a commission, at no cost to you, if you purchase through links.

How often then must a bride-to-be like Sarah spray tan to maintain the glow up until her big day? If you’re asking this to yourself, then you’re not alone.

In fact, the ideal frequency for spray tanning depends on several factors, from the shade you want to achieve down to your skin type. For best results, this is typically every 7 to 10 days. However, this may vary depending on your lifestyle and how well you maintain it.

Here are some critical factors to consider which can help in acquiring and maintaining the perfect sun-kissed look.

How Often Should You Spray Tan?

A spray tan is fantastic for achieving that sun-kissed glow without the damaging UV rays.

Normally, you’d want to plan on getting a tan every 7-10 days to get an even, continuous color. You might also be concerned with how long your spray tanning may last; generally, it’s a week long before it starts to fade.

To obtain the best results, pay proper attention to pre-tan care and post-tan maintenance. This sunless tanning method is relatively inexpensive and far less time-consuming compared to traditional tanning.

Provided that you have the right equipment and tanning solution, a truly beautiful, natural tan could put a little summer glow into your appearance.

Regular sessions make certain you get to enjoy all the benefits that come with spray tanning without the fuss.

Factors Affecting Spray Tan Frequency

The frequency of your spray tans isn’t one-size-fits-all and can depend greatly on factors like the shade you’re aiming for, your pre-tan care routine, and how hydrated your skin is. Additionally, how often you shave will also impact how long your tan lasts and how frequently you’ll need a touch-up.

Shade of Tan

The shade of the spray tanning determines the frequency by which one should tan. A deeper tan may mean a longer time before fading, while a lighter shade gives way quicker. Your skin tone, desired results, timing of events, and budget also have pivotal inputs in the determination of how frequent you can get a spray tan.

Just make adjustments to your schedule so that when you really need it most—for instance, for an event—it will still look fresh and natural.

Pre-Tan Care

For outstanding spray tan results, effective pre-tan care is essential. Prepare your skin by:

• Exfoliate with gentle, non-oily products a day before your tan.
• Shave 12 hours prior for smooth application.
• Skip lotions and deodorants on the day of your appointment.
• Take a quick, cool rinse to clean the skin.
• Avoid using oils that can cause streaks.

Hydration Level

Keeping your spray tan well-watered is essential. Your skin type really does make a difference; dry skin just sucks up the tan and makes it wear out much faster.

Apply lotions daily to dry areas, and your tan will have no choice but to last longer.

Drinking water throughout the day keeps you hydrated from the inside, allowing the tan to look even and last longer to give you that sun-kissed look.

Shaving Habits

Shaving habits will drastically affect your spray tan duration. Try to shave 12-24 hours prior to your appointment to avoid speckling.

Use an electric shaver, which simply removes the hair without razoring or cutting the skin, which would ruin the tan. Don’t shave after your spray tan, as this will lift the color off the skin and cause patchiness.

Proper skin preparation will help ensure that flawless glow and let it last.

Spray Tan Longevity and Maintenance Tips

Your spray tan can last up to 10 days, but proper maintenance is key to extending its life. To keep your glow going strong, stay hydrated and avoid harsh exfoliation, shaving, and oil-based products that can strip away your tan prematurely.

Duration of Tan

How long does it last? Well, that depends on a few things.

Basically, you can sport that sun-kissed look for 5-10 days without taking those harmful UV rays to your skin and avoiding the risk of skin cancer from tanning beds.

The drying time and type of skin are critical in how long it may last. Be careful not to stay out too much in the sun after having this done, and use mild body wash.

Keep in mind, the more frequently you’re sprayed, the better it looks; it all depends on how often you’re willing to do it and maintain it.

Extending Tan Life

Now that you know your spray tan lasts up to 10 days, let’s explore how to extend its life. To keep that sun-kissed glow longer:

1. Moisturize daily with water-based lotions
2. Avoid harsh exfoliation and oil-based products
3. Use gradual tanners or tanning drops for touch-ups

Shaving can fade your tan, so opt for an electric razor. For a fresh start, use a fake tan remover. Remember, hydration is key to maintaining your bronze beauty!

Recommended Frequency for Spray Tanning

Now that you know how long your spray tan can last and how to take care of it, let’s discuss how often you should get a spray tan. For most people, getting a spray tan every 7-10 days is perfect for that constant glow. Again, this will depend on your lifestyle and personal preference.

If you’re looking for an even darker tone, you may want to consider tanning every 5-7 days. If you want a subtler, more natural look, every 10-14 days might suffice. Remember not to overdo it because your skin does need some time off to rejuvenate in between.

Be seeing how your tan fades and act accordingly. Some salons offer membership packages, like monthly memberships, which can make regular visits to the tanning salon more pocket-friendly.

Ultimately, find a rhythm that works for you, taking into consideration factors such as skin preparation and fading prevention if you want to maximize the life of your spray tan.

Mistakes to Avoid Before Spray Tanning

To get the best results from your spray tan, you’ll want to avoid common pre-tanning mistakes. Two key areas to focus on are proper exfoliation and oil removal, as well as timing your shaving correctly before your appointment.

Exfoliation and Oils

To achieve the perfect spray tan, you’ll want to exfoliate every day for a week before your session. This removes dead skin cells, ensuring an even application.

However, steer clear of oils during this time. They leave a residue that can cause streaks, interfering with the DHA’s reaction to your skin’s amino acids.

Instead, opt for oil-free products like Clarins gel and use an exfoliation mitt for best results.

Shaving Timing

Don’t mess up that perfect tan by shaving at the wrong time. Timing is everything. Shaving 12 hours prior to your spray tan prevents speckles.

Go for an electric shaver so you don’t lose color right after a tan. If you have sensitive skin, consider chemical exfoliation so your skin isn’t completely destroyed from razors.

Keep rain off the skin after the tanning applications.

For added convenience, seek out shaving subscription services that bring high-quality razors right to your front door.

Effective Ways to Maintain a Spray Tan

To maintain your spray tan effectively, pay attention to your clothing choices and skin care routine. Wear loose-fitting garments to prevent rubbing off the tan, and moisturize daily with a water-based lotion to keep your skin hydrated and your tan looking fresh.

Clothing and Skin Care

Now that you have avoided all the pre-tan mistakes, let’s discuss maintaining your glow. It will require some proper clothing and good skin care to keep your tan in good order.

• Wear loose dark clothing to prevent streaks

  • Use a kabuki brush to blend out uneven areas

  • Avoid using oil-based products that may ruin the tan

• Skip instant wash-off bronzers and reach for goop beauty mascara instead

Post-Tan Activities

After your spray tan, you’ll want to maintain that golden glow. Here’s a quick guide to post-tan activities:

Activity	Do’s	Don’ts
Washing	Use warm water	Avoid hot showers
Skincare	Apply DHA-friendly lotions	Skip oil-based products
Exercise	Plan a rest day	Avoid excessive sweating
Weather	Stay dry	Dodge rain exposure
Hair Care	Use color-safe shampoo	Don’t touch up gray roots

Tan Removal Techniques

After your post-tan activities, you’ll eventually need to address tan removal. Your spray tan will naturally fade, but you can speed up the process with glycolic tan removers.

For patchy tan sections, use a 360-degree nozzle to apply a gradual tanner. IPL devices can break down tan faster, while full-body deodorants and solar scents help mask any lingering odors.

Common Concerns About Spray Tan Frequency

While maintaining your spray tan is very essential, there might be some questions in your mind regarding the frequency of getting one. Let these common worries be addressed:

• Will frequent spray tans damage my skin? While it’s unlike sun exposure in that it doesn’t have long-lasting effects, frequent use of spray tanning solutions will also not go easy on your skin.
• Can I alternate between darker and lighter shades? Absolutely! You can adjust your tan intensity for the season or personal preference.

  • And what if I’ve sensitive skin or skin conditions? Most nail salons UK will offer hypoallergenic solutions for all kinds of skin sensitivity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)