← Spray Tan Guides

1. Step 1

   Book the tan 2-3 days before the first swim

   Schedule the appointment early enough that the tan can develop, be rinsed, and settle before pool, beach, hot tub, or heavy-sweat plans. For most vacation clients, 2-3 days before travel or the first major swim gives better color than tanning the night before departure.

2. Step 2

   Protect the development window completely

   Before the first rinse, avoid rain, splashes, damp swimwear, sweat, steam, sunscreen, tight straps, and long contact with water. The guide color and DHA are still developing, so even a small water mark can show up as a streak or pale patch.

3. Step 3

   Follow the exact first-rinse reminder

   Rapid, classic, dark, and vacation-maintenance tans can have different first-rinse windows. Follow the studio's rinse reminder rather than guessing from a past appointment. Rinse with lukewarm water only, skip soap on the first rinse, and pat dry.

4. Step 4

   Wait at least 24 hours after the first rinse before swimming

   If the vacation schedule allows it, give the tan a full day after the first rinse before long pool, ocean, lake, sauna, or hot-tub time. Chlorine and repeated water exposure can fade the outer skin layer faster, so the longer the color has settled, the more even it tends to look.

5. Step 5

   Use sunscreen without scrubbing the tan

   A spray tan does not provide UV protection. Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen for real sun exposure, but press it on gently instead of rubbing hard. Reapply as directed on the sunscreen label, especially after swimming, sweating, or towel drying.

6. Step 6

   Rinse, pat dry, and moisturize after water

   After swimming, rinse off chlorine or salt water with fresh lukewarm water, pat dry with a towel, and moisturize with a gentle lotion when skin is clean and dry. Avoid exfoliating mitts, harsh acids, long hot showers, and rough towel rubbing until you are ready for the tan to fade.

7. Step 7

   Plan touch-ups around the moments that matter

   If photos, a wedding weekend, a cruise, or a competition trip is the reason for the tan, book around the most important day instead of the longest possible vacation coverage. Ask the studio whether a gradual self-tan extender, travel-safe lotion, or post-trip refresh makes sense for your skin and schedule.