One of the most common questions we hear is: how long will my spray tan actually last? The honest answer is 7–10 days for most people — but with the right aftercare routine, you can push that closer to 10–14 days and keep your color looking even and natural the whole time.
Here's what affects how long your tan lasts — and exactly what to do to make the most of it.
What Affects How Long It Lasts
Spray tan results vary from person to person based on a few key factors:
- Skin type: Drier skin tends to fade faster because it sheds more quickly. Moisturizing daily makes a significant difference.
- Prep work: A good exfoliation before your appointment means the solution adheres to fresh skin — which fades more evenly and lasts longer.
- Aftercare habits: What you do (and don't do) after your appointment is the biggest factor in longevity.
- Activity level: Frequent sweating, swimming, or long hot showers will fade your tan faster.
The First Rinse — Timing Matters
After your appointment, you'll need to wait before your first rinse. For standard tans (Signature Glow, Golden Bronze, Deep Bronze), that's 8–12 hours. For Express Bronze, it's 1–4 hours depending on your desired depth.
When you do rinse, use lukewarm water only — no soap on the first rinse. You'll see bronzer wash off, which is completely normal. Your actual tan (the DHA reaction) has already developed underneath and will continue to deepen over the next several hours.
Daily Aftercare to Extend Your Glow
These habits will keep your tan looking its best for as long as possible:
- Moisturize every day. Hydrated skin fades more slowly and more evenly. Use a lightweight, oil-free lotion on your whole body after showering.
- Shower in lukewarm water. Hot showers open your pores and accelerate fading. Keep it cooler and shorter when you can.
- Use a gentle body wash. Avoid anything with exfoliating beads, AHAs, BHAs, or heavy sulfates — these strip your tan faster.
- Avoid prolonged water exposure. Long soaks in pools, hot tubs, or baths will fade your tan faster.
- Skip exfoliating until you're ready to fade. When your tan starts to look uneven toward the end, that's the time to exfoliate and start fresh.
When to Book Your Next Tan
Most of our regular clients book every 10–14 days to maintain a consistent glow. If you bought the Glow Package (3 tans), you can mix and match between Signature Glow, Golden Bronze, and Deep Bronze at each visit depending on your schedule and preference.