Spray Tan Aftercare: How to Make Your Spray Tan Last Longer

The day of your tan is crucial to how your tan develops and how long it lasts. Before your appointment, complete your spray tan prep to ensure your skin is smooth, hydrated, and primed for spray tanning – our preparation guide covers when to shave, products to avoid, and how to apply barrier cream for the ideal base.

Did you know that post-tan spray care matters just as much as your prep? Your colour will continue to develop for up to 24 hours after your session, and there are several things you can do (or not do) to help your tan develop beautifully.

What to wear after a spray tan

Dark, loose-fitting clothes are your post-tanning best friend. Not only will darker material prevent colour transfer and staining, but a looser fit avoids friction, rubbing, or anything digging in, all of which can leave marks. Avoid tight clothes like jeans, leggings, bras, and socks – go with baggy Ts, loose, long dresses or skirts, shorts, or jogging bottoms, and opt for sandals or flip flops instead of closed shoes or trainers.

Avoid water, workouts, and steam

You’ll want to keep your skin as dry as possible while your colour develops, so avoid any environment that will put you in contact with water, chlorine, or steam. Sweating also affects tan development, so save workouts for after your tan has fully developed.

After those first 24 hours, it’s all about keeping your tan looking fresh and helping it fade naturally when colour starts to go. Here are our top spray tan aftercare tips for the days after your appointment.

Avoid exfoliants

With your skin looking fresh and golden, the last thing you want to do is strip it all away. Choose gentle skincare products and avoid harsh exfoliants and soaps, or products containing acids. If you can, avoid exfoliating for at least 48 hours and aim to hold off until your colour begins to fade (usually around days 5 to 7).

Skip shaving and waxing

Just like exfoliating products, shaving removes the top layer of skin, so should be avoided in the days following your spray tan. Don’t book a wax in the week after your tan as this will completely strip away colour. Instead, time hair removal for the days before your spray tan session.

No long soaks

While showers are fine once your tan has developed, you should still avoid swimming, hot baths, long showers, hot tubs, or saunas. Anything that keeps skin wet for long periods can cause colour to fade faster or unevenly.

Stay hydrated

Healthy, hydrated skin isn’t just about the lotion you use. It’s also about what you put into your body. Drinking plenty of water every day helps keep your skin hydrated from within, so you can enjoy supple, glowing skin for longer.

How your care for your colour changes depending on where you are in the process. Our handy timeline explains what’s going on with your tan and how to encourage a flawless, even finish at every step.

Now you know how to look after your spray tan before and after, we’ll bet you’re ready to book your session. Whether you’re new to spray tanning or visit us regularly, our spray tans promise beautifully even results, guided by expert spray tanning aftercare advice.