You and I both know that there are few questions that we get asked over and over again as a spray tan artist. When new clients come to see us for a fresh bronze glow, they typically have some of the same concerns. One of those common questions that we get on a regular basis 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 prior to their tan to their after-tan care and even what type of solution and products that are used by the technician. On average, it’s safe to say that a spray tan will last around 7-10 days. Most clients, if they prepped their skin properly leading up to the appointment  and stay moisturized following their tan, can expect to enjoy about a week to a week and a half of color until their tan starts to dramatically fade. It’s no secret that our main goal as the artist, is to provide a service that gives our clients the highest level of value for their investment. This is why it’s so crucial to understand how the solution interacts with the skin and the ways in which we can go about educating our clients on proper prep and care. Below we’ve listed out the best ways to increase the longevity of a spray tan when it comes guiding clients on how often they should schedule out their glow appointment.

Pre-Tan Prep

Being a spray tan artist means that we have to rely heavily on the dedication of our clients to get the best results of their service. Spray tanning is a 50/50 game, in the sense that our clients have a responsibility to follow pre-tan instructions in order to get their skin in the best condition to develop the most flawless tan. Part of the prep process involves instructions to 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. Exfoliating 24 hours before the appointment is a major prep step that can determine the longevity of the tan. When exfoliating, that top layer of dead skin is being sloughed off so the tan can develop evenly on a fresh new slate. Since the act of exfoliating reveals a new layer of skin, this allows the tan to last longer. We also recommend that clients 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. Another factor that can affect the longevity and quality of the tan is the time in which the client showers before their appointment. Showering too close to the actual spray tan can cause the tan to not develop to the greatest extent of color. Lastly,  if the client shows up with any sort of product or barrier on their skin, such as lotions, makeup, perfume or deodorant, the solution can not fully access or develop on the skin. Of course we hope for the best when it comes to relying on our clients to follow instructions, but this means we also need to make sure that we effectively communicate prep expectations so that our clients know they have a huge part in getting amazing results! 

Quality of Products

Like we mentioned previously, this is a 50/50 game! Which means we do still have some control over the outcome of the spray tan based on the quality of products we choose to use during our client’s appointment. This is where research and trialing out different solutions can be a process that makes a huge difference in the longevity of the spray tans you deliver. When you use solutions that are made with naturally derived and hydrating ingredients, your clients will have a sunless tan that lasts longer over all. Dihydroxyacetone (DHA), the active ingredient in spray tan solution, dries out the skin and dry skin causes sunless tans to fade more quickly and unevenly.Therefore, using a solution that has that extra boost of moisture added through their ingredients can help to combat the drying effect of DHA and any dryness that may be already present from the client’s skin type.

Post Tan 

Our job is to spray tan our clients with products we love that will give great results, however the other half of the process to getting a flawless, long lasting glow is also up to the client when it comes to post tan care. This is why 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. Many of the clients we see will be getting a spray tan for a vacation of some sort. This is where It’s also beneficial to recommend a tan extender to help increase the life of their tan if they’re going to be doing any swimming or hot tubbing on their vacation. 

When it comes to that number one question “how long do spray tans last,” we can comfortably respond with a timeline of 7-10 days. However, as you can see, there’s plenty of factors that play into the role of achieving a long lasting glow. 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. You can also start to include retail into your business as a beneficial asset to your clients when helping them prep and take cafe of their fresh tan. By offering specific products that help with the longevity of a 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.

Now it’s time to stock up your spray tan kit and your studio with products that will give your clients a premier, luxury spray tan experience! Head over to the X-TAN Sunless shop for all of our professional and retail options!

Xoxo,

Kelly