There are more and more people getting spray tans, or self tanning, now than ever before.  

With the cost of tanning beds, speaking on the financial impacts as well as health impacts, people seem to move more towards self tanning, or “sunless tanning”. 

Although there are some cons to self tanning such as the smell can be unpleasant and the application process can be tricky, the overall effect of self tanning has become a viral trend and even more so during and after the pandemic. 

With spray tanning in mind, some people may be asking themselves, “how do spray tans work?” Well, lucky for you I worked at Sun Tan City in college for three years! So I’ve got all the tips and tricks when it comes to spray tanning.  

Here’s everything you need to know about the spray tanning process and what to be cautious for when applying and removing the spray tan. 

How do spray tans work 

Spray tans work by applying a fine mist of a solution that contains a chemical called DHA (dihydroxyacetone) to the skin. When the solution comes into contact with the skin, it reacts with the proteins in the outer layer of skin cells to produce a temporary tan color.  

The color usually develops within a few hours and can last for several days before gradually fading. 

How much is a spray tan 

Spray tanning is a super easy way to get tan fast! But how much does a spray tan cost?  

The cost of a spray tan can vary depending on factors such as where you live, the type of solution used, and the salon or spa you go to. However, on average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $15 to $50 for a single spray tan session.  

Some salons and spas may offer packages or deals that can reduce the overall cost of multiple spray tan sessions. It’s always a good idea to shop around and compare prices before deciding on a salon or spa for your spray tan. 

Pro Tip: Sign up for your local spray tannery to receive discounts and alerts when it’s “free spray tan week”. At Sun Tan City, there are multiple weeks within the year that they offer FREE spray tans! Yes, FREE!  

Also, At Sun Tan City , if you sign up with your birthday, you get to use a one-time FREE Spray tan for your birthday month! You’re welcome. 😊 

How long does a spray tan last 

A spray tan typically lasts for about 5 to 7 days before it starts to fade.  

However, the exact length of time a spray tan will last can vary depending on factors such as the type of solution used, the quality of the application, and how well you take care of your skin.  

How to get your spray tan to last longer 

To help your spray tan last as long as possible, it’s important to avoid activities that can cause your skin to exfoliate, such as swimming or using harsh soaps.  

Another great tip for a lasting spray tan is to moisturize your skin daily, at least once a day but the best is to moisturize both morning and night. 

My absolute favorite lotion to moisturize your skin after spray tans is the HEMPZ body lotion. They smell amazing and will help your tan last longer!

What to wear to a spray tan 

When going to a spray tan, it’s best to wear loose, dark clothing that covers as much of your skin as possible. This will help protect your clothes from getting stained by the spray tan solution.  

It’s also a good idea to avoid wearing any tight-fitting or synthetic clothing, as this can cause the solution to rub off onto your clothes and result in an uneven tan. 

Pro Tip: Go to your spray tan visit without wearing underwear or a bra! This will help the spray tan not create lines on your skin after the application.  

How long after a spray tan can you shower  

It’s generally recommended to wait at least 6 to 8 hours after getting a spray tan before showering.  

This allows the solution to fully react with your skin and develop into a tan. If you shower too soon after getting a spray tan, you may wash off the developing solution and prevent the tan from properly forming.  

It’s also important to avoid activities that can cause your skin to exfoliate, such as working out, swimming, or using harsh soaps, for at least 24 hours after getting a spray tan to help the tan last as long as possible. 

Can you workout after a spray tan 

Is it not wise to workout or hit the cardio after getting a spray tan as the tan will create streaks and even worse, rub off where you sweat – like your armpit area leaving you with heavy discoloration in those areas. I would consider waiting at least 24 hours before going to the gym. 

Pro Tip: Make sure to shower and rinse off your body before going to the gym. 

Can you get a spray tan while pregnant 

It’s generally safe to get a spray tan while pregnant, as the amount of DHA (the active ingredient in spray tan solutions) that is absorbed through the skin is minimal and unlikely to cause any harm to you or your baby.  

However, it’s always a good idea to consult with your doctor before getting a spray tan to make sure it’s safe for you and your specific situation.  

Additionally, you may want to consider using a spray tan solution that is specifically designed for use during pregnancy, as these solutions may contain lower levels of DHA to reduce the risk of any potential side effects. 

Pro Tip: you might be allergic to the spray tan solutions begin used. Always ask what ingredients are in the solutions before application as many solutions use a nut oil such as hazelnut to get the brown color. 

How to get spray tan off  

If you want to remove a spray tan, there are a few different methods you can try.  

One effective method is to exfoliate your skin using a loofah or exfoliating scrub to gently slough off the top layer of skin cells where the spray tan has developed.  

You can also try using a solution specifically designed to remove spray tans, which can help to break down the tan and make it easier to wash off. My favorite is the Bondi Sans Spray Tan Eraser.

How to get spray tan off hands 

Some people may be asking how to get the spray tan off your hands. A great DIY solution to removing spray tan from hands and fingers is to use a combination of lemon juice and baking soda to create a paste that you can apply to your skin and let sit for a few minutes before rinsing off.  

Whichever method you choose, it’s important to be gentle and avoid scrubbing too hard, as this can irritate your skin and cause it to become red and inflamed. 

With all this in mind, if you consider the self-application tanning rather than the spray, check out this article on The Best Products For Self Tanning.

Have any more questions you’d like answered regarding spray tans? Comment your questions below and they’ll be featured in the article!  

Good luck and stay golden beauties! 

Until next time…

Cheers Lovelies!