How Often To Spray Tan

As spray tan artists, we get a lot of the same questions asked to us, especially when talking with a brand new client that has never gotten a spray tan before. Typically, one of those common questions is “how long does the tan last?” The answer to this question can vary based on a lot of different factors ranging from the way the client preps their skin to how they take care of their tan to what type of solution and products are used by the technician. The average answer that most artists give when asked this question is 7-10 days. Most clients, if they have prepped properly and stay moisturized after their appointment can expect to see a week to a week and a half of color until their tan starts to dramatically fade. We always want to provide a service that gives our clients the greatest value for their investment. Therefore, it’s important to understand how often they should tan and the ways in which we can go about educating our clients for the most long-lasting tan. Here are a few ways to lengthen the life of the tan when discussing how often a client should schedule their sunless glow.

Prepping

Unfortunately, when it comes to getting a flawless long lasting spray tan, the artist has to rely on the client for 50% of the work when it comes to prepping for their appointment. We always recommend that the client shave, shower and exfoliate the night before their appointment and show up to their appointment with skin that is free of any lotions, perfumes, makeup or deodorant. We communicate that they should exfoliate the night before so that when they come to their appointment, that top layer of dead skin has been removed and the tan can sit on a fresh new slate. This allows the tan to last longer. We also recommend that they do their shaving and showering the night before so that they don’t have to add extra exfoliation to the skin when shaving after their tan and because showering too close to their actual spray tan can cause the tan to not develop to the greatest extent of color. Another aspect that can affect the development of color is if the client shows up with products on their skin that will cause a barrier between the solution and the skin, causing the tan to not develop properly. We always hope that our clients follow these instructions to the T when prepping for their appointment, but as we know that’s not always the case and can affect how often that client will need to get their tan. 

Quality of Products

The one thing we can control as the spray tan artist is the quality of products that we use during client appointments! When you use solutions that are made with naturally derived and hydrating ingredients, your clients will have a sunless tan that lasts with longevity. We all know that DHA, the active ingredient in Spray Tan Solution, dries out the skin. Therefore, using a solution that is made with moisturizing ingredients will help combat this dryness. 

Post Tan 

Our job is to spray tan our clients with products we love that will give great results, however the post tan care is up to the client to be on top of. It’s important to communicate to the client that they should moisturize 1-2 times a day, drink lots of water and avoid activities that will add extra exfoliation to the skin, such as excessive sweating and wading in the water. It’s also beneficial for clients to use a tan extender to help increase the life of their tan, especially if they will be going on a vacation where they will be spending time in the water. 

Although we recommend that each client prepare to book their tans every 7-10 days, with the proper prep, application and after care, clients can see their tans last up to two weeks! As the expert, it’s your job to make sure that your clients know the best ways to get the most out of their investment with you. This is where retail can be such a beneficial asset to your clients and your business! By offering specific products that help the longevity of their spray tan, clients will be more encouraged to come back to you and appreciate the fact that you offer ways to improve their overall experience.

If you are ready to stock up your spray tan kit and your studio with products that will give your clients a premier, luxury spray tan experience, make sure you visit our X-TAN Sunless shop!

Xoxo,

Kelly