How Long Do Spray Tans Last

Questions regarding the length of a spray tan are always some of those frequently asked questions you’ll get from first time tanners. Clients always want to know how long their spray tan is going to last because they want to make sure that they are going to get the most from their investment, understandably. As professional spray tan artists, it’s our job to understand the average time a client’s tan will last as well as what factors go into affecting that time frame. We can confidently say, on average, a tan will last 7-10 days with proper care, but your clients may not know what “proper care” actually entails. That’s why it’s crucial that we do our best to educate and communicate the ways in which your client can see the best results with the most long lasting color after their appointment. Below, let’s dive into what proper care actually means when it comes to getting a tan that lasts 7-10 days.

Staying Moisturized & Hydrated

Hydrated skin is crucial for a natural-looking tan that lasts as long as possible. In order to reach that 7-10 day mark with a spray tan, the skin should be well moisturized and very hydrated. This comes down to pre-tan prep from the client and spray tan artist side. Both parties should do their part to create the best canvas for the skin to receive the spray tan solution. If the client has dry skin, they should focus on drinking a lot of water and moisturizing the week or two before their appointment. As the spray tan artist, you can use prep spray to add extra hydration to the skin and barrier cream to alleviate the potential of oversaturation on drier areas, such as the hands and feet, to ensure that the client has a long lasting result. Dry, under moisturized skin, is typically more flakey than well hydrated skin, which can cause the tan to exfoliate off more quickly. 

Decrease Exfoliation 

Exfoliation is one of the number one factors that increases early fading of spray tans. Exfoliation can come in the form of excessive sweating, rubbing towels on the skin after a shower and wading in hot water or jacuzzis. If your client is planning on doing any of these things, they can see their tan fade more quickly, however, some of this fading can be combated. This takes place in the after-care of the tan, so make sure you have extremely clear and concise instructions provided to each client so they know how to properly go about taking care of their tan for the best results. 

Using Sunless Safe Products

Not all products are ideal for use on skin that has a spray tan! There are certain products that contain alcohol or mineral oil that can be damaging to the length of a spray tan by stripping the color more quickly. This is a great opportunity to introduce retail into your sunless biz! One way you can allow your clients to get pro-longed results would be through products like a tan extend lotion that act as a gradual tanner. This type of product provides a solution to the clients that are most likely going to see quicker fading if they’re going on vacation and will be in and out of the water. Sunless safe products that hydrate, cleanse and protect the skin should be on your client’s radar, but if they’re not, you can introduce them to the products they should be using while also making more money in your business.

Your clients are always looking for ways to get the most out of their investment, so make sure you continue to educate them before their appointment! Although you know what is going to work best for getting a spray tan that lasts 7-10 days, your first time clients probably don’t! This is where you can place yourself in the expert position and provide all your clients with education on proper spray tan care. If you’re able to prolong your client’s results, there’s a higher chance that they are going to rebook and tell all of their friends about your service! To explore more ways to grow your clientele and build a 6-7 figure sunless biz, head to the Spray Tan Class website for all of our Certification Courses and beauty business resources.

Xoxo,

Kelly