After you've done your trial run and you're happy with the results, you'll need to book your final appointment. We recommend getting your spray tan 2 - 3 days before the big day.
SPRAY TAN TIMING If your tan is for an event, the common recommendation is 2 days prior, allowing you to get in at least 2 showers. For example, if you are getting a spray tan for a Saturday event, you'd go in Thursday.
The best time to get a spray tan is 2-3 days before the wedding. In this time window, the tan will develop and look most natural. Most importantly, it won't begin to fade or look patchy. If you're new to spray tanning, you should do a test run first.
Ideally, schedule your appointment one to two days before you leave for your trip. This gives the color time to fully develop, and any bronzer can be washed off, leaving you with the tan's true shade. It also ensures your tan has set properly, reducing the risk of transfer to clothing or hotel sheets.
Although you can get a spray tan as often as you want, we recommend coming in every 9-12 days to give you time to enjoy your current tan, exfoliate, and prepare your skin for your next appointment. Maintaining a proper spray tan care routine will help you keep an even spray tan.
The typical cycle for spray tanning will be something like 7 to 12 days, so you should plan your next session around that. If you're careful to maintain your current tan, you should have no problem keeping your appointments closer to 12 days apart every time.
We usually say that a spray tan lasts up to around 10 days. To get the best out of your spray tan, there are a number of steps you can take to ensure it lasts as long as possible. If you are careful and know what to do after getting a spray tan, you can ensure it looks fabulous for longer.
How Long Does a Spray Tan Last? With the proper prep and aftercare, Evans says a spray tan can last between 10 days and two weeks. At-home formulas will usually last for a slightly shorter time—think one week to 10 days. The more you exfoliate your skin and the more you sweat, the faster your tan is likely to fade.
Nail appointments ideally should be done 24 hours before your spray tan. Nails and pedicures CAN be done the day of your spray tan, but please exfoliate any lotion or residue off. Nail appointments CANNOT be done immediately after your spray tan. Nail appointments CAN be done the day AFTER your spray tan.
Your Tan Will Look Natural
In fact, many people have used at-home tanning products that have given them streaky, orange tans that don't look natural or attractive. Fortunately, you don't need to worry about any of these issues when you receive an airbrush tan.
For the best tan, we would recommend doing so at least 24-48 hours prior to your appointment, and not immediately beforehand.
If you get a spray tan four or more days before your event, your tan will start to fade, the colour won't be as dark and won't pop against your outfit like a fresh tan would. Try to aim to book your spray tan two to three days before your event and your tan will be the perfect colour.
The Two-Day Rule: When it comes to tanning before an event, it is generally recommended to have a spray tan or apply your own tan two days prior to the occasion. The reason behind this is that all tans take approximately 24 hours to fully develop, even after rinsing off the initial bronzer.
“It is always good to be safe, especially if you are pregnant,” advises Dr. Lucas. “So, if you can avoid spray tanning during your pregnancy, that's probably the safest approach.” If you've got to have that golden glow, it might be a better alternative to rub on a self-tanning lotion or cream.
Typically, I recommend spraying 2-3 days before a big event (wedding, photo shoot, etc.) and 1 day before you leave to go on a long vacation! If you follow proper pre tan and post tan care instructions, your tan can last up to 9-10 days.
Most Brides schedule tanning sessions approximately 6-8 weeks leading up to the week of their wedding; this allows you to build a base tan.
A good rule of thumb is two days before a big event. “This will give the tan time to settle and look its natural best,” says St. Tropez Skin Finishing Expert Sophie Evans. “Also, if we need to make an area darker or do any correcting we have the opportunity.”
Ideally enjoy a pedicure PRIOR to your spray tan…just be sure they do not use lotion on your legs (feet are okay). You can get a pedicure after your spray tan has set in (so wait a day) just be sure they do NOT use exfoliating scrub or hot towels on your legs.
Avoid Chlorine: Swimming pools, and hot tubs can remove the color and shorten the life of your Airbrush Tan. Gratuities: For Airbrush Tanning, our Artists are providing a customized service and if you are happy with your personalized service, a gratuity of 18-20% is customary.
When you're in the tanning 'tent' (a one-person pod with an open front) the therapist will usually start by applying the formula, dispersed through a spray gun, to your face. As advised, take a deep breath and close your eyes.
A spray tan on lighter skin tones might last for about 5 days, medium shades can last between 7-8 days, and darker shades can last up to 10 days. To be safe, we say that your spray tan will last anywhere between 5-7 days, depending on your spray tan care routine.
Like most beauty services, these tend to be more expensive in big cities and metropolitan areas compared to suburban areas. For example, Bennett says that at her salon (which has locations in Scottsdale, Arizona and Los Angeles, California), spray tans start at $55 in Arizona and $110 in Los Angeles.
As depicted in the image below, applying Dove soap before a spray tan can result in spots on your skin during the application process.
Will a spray tan stain my sheets and clothing? No, but bronzer will transfer onto your sheets and clothing generally the first day so wear something dark and always wear loose fitting clothing too and after your appointment.
Removing an old spray tan is an essential step to ensure your new tan looks even and natural. Spraying over leftover tan can lead to patchy, uneven results—something nobody wants!