10 Spray Tan Mistakes to Avoid
A professional spray tan is one of the easiest ways to achieve a natural looking, sun kissed glow without spending hours in the sun. But even the best spray tan can be affected by what you do before and after your appointment.
Whether it’s your first spray tan or you’re a regular, avoiding a few common mistakes can make a huge difference to how your tan develops, how evenly it fades and how long your glow lasts.
At Haus of Beauty, I want every client to leave feeling confident in their tan, so here are 10 common spray tan mistakes to avoid for a smooth, even and natural looking result.
1. Exfoliating Immediately Before Your Appointment
Exfoliation is an important part of spray tan preparation, but timing is everything.
Exfoliating too close to your appointment can leave your skin feeling sensitive and can affect how evenly the tanning solution develops.
Ideally, exfoliate the day before your spray tan, paying particular attention to areas such as your elbows, knees, ankles and other areas where the skin tends to be drier.
For a full step-by-step guide, read my [How to Prepare for Your Spray Tan] guide.
2. Applying Moisturiser Before Your Spray Tan
Arriving at your appointment with moisturiser, body oil or other heavy products on your skin can create a barrier between your skin and the tanning solution.
For the best result, your skin should be clean and free from heavy lotions and oils before your appointment.
You can moisturise as normal in the days leading up to your tan, but avoid applying moisturiser immediately before your appointment unless your spray tan technician advises otherwise.
3. Wearing Tight Clothing to Your Appointment
One of the easiest mistakes to avoid is wearing tight clothing immediately after your spray tan.
Tight jeans, leggings, bras and fitted tops can rub against freshly applied tanning solution and potentially cause uneven areas or transfer.
Instead, choose loose, comfortable, dark clothing for your appointment and afterwards. A loose dress, oversized trousers or pyjamas are ideal.
The less friction your skin experiences while the tan is developing, the better.
4. Showering Too Soon After Your Tan
It can be tempting to shower as soon as you get home, especially if you're not used to the feeling of a freshly applied spray tan.
However, washing the tan off too soon can interfere with the development process.
Your recommended development time will depend on the tanning solution used and the result you're looking for, so always follow the aftercare instructions given to you at your appointment.
When it is time for your first shower, use lukewarm water and avoid harsh scrubbing.
5. Using Hot Water and Harsh Products
Once your tan has developed, your skin needs gentle care.
Very hot showers, strong soaps, exfoliating scrubs and harsh body products can contribute to your tan fading more quickly or unevenly.
Instead, keep your shower routine gentle and use products that are suitable for maintaining your tan.
Think gentle cleansing rather than scrubbing.
6. Forgetting to Moisturise Regularly
One of the best ways to help your spray tan fade evenly is to keep your skin moisturised.
As your skin becomes dry, your tan can start to fade unevenly, particularly around areas such as the elbows, knees, ankles and hands.
Make moisturising part of your daily routine after your tan has developed.
Keeping your skin hydrated can help you maintain that healthy-looking glow for longer.
7. Exfoliating Too Early
While exfoliation is important before your next spray tan, doing it too soon after your appointment can remove the tan before it has had a chance to develop and fade naturally.
Avoid exfoliating while your tan is still developing and don't use scrubs or exfoliating products unnecessarily during the first few days.
When you're ready for your next tan, exfoliation becomes important again to help create an even base.
8. Exercising Straight After Your Appointment
A workout might be part of your normal routine, but it's best to avoid exercising immediately after your spray tan.
Sweat, friction and tight workout clothing can interfere with the tanning solution while it is developing.
Try to schedule your appointment at a time when you can relax afterwards and avoid activities that will cause excessive sweating until your tan has developed.
Your tan will thank you for it!
9. Applying Perfume or Deodorant Directly to Your Skin Before Your Tan
Perfume, deodorant and other fragranced products can sometimes affect how tanning solution applies to the skin.
It's best to arrive at your appointment with clean skin and avoid applying unnecessary products beforehand.
If you need to wear deodorant before your appointment, your spray tan technician can advise you on the best approach.
The goal is to give the tanning solution a clean, even surface to work with.
10. Trying to Rush the Process
One of the biggest spray tan mistakes is expecting your tan to look completely finished immediately after your appointment.
A spray tan develops over time, and your final colour won't necessarily be the same as the colour you see immediately after application.
Give your tan time to develop properly and follow your aftercare instructions.
A little patience can make a big difference to your final result.
Bonus Tip: Don't Choose Your Shade Based on Someone Else's Tan
Everyone's skin is different, which means the same shade won't necessarily look the same on everyone.
Your natural skin tone, the occasion you're tanning for, how deep you want your glow to be and the result you're hoping to achieve can all influence the best shade for you.
At Haus of Beauty, I'll help choose a shade that complements your skin and gives you the result you're looking for whether you want a subtle glow or a deeper, more noticeable tan.
How to Get the Most From Your Spray Tan
The good news is that most spray tan mistakes are completely avoidable.
The key is simple:
Prepare your skin properly.
Arrive with clean skin.
Wear loose clothing.
Give your tan time to develop.
Keep your skin moisturised.
Be gentle with your skin.
Following these simple steps can help you achieve a more even, natural-looking tan and help your glow fade beautifully.
If you're new to spray tanning, my Ultimate Guide to Spray Tans is a great place to start. And if you're getting ready for your appointment, don't miss my How to Prepare for Your Spray Tan guide for a complete step-by-step preparation routine.
Ready for Your Spray Tan?
At Haus of Beauty in Killumney, Ovens, Cork, I offer professional spray tanning using a selection of trusted professional tanning brands to create a shade that works for you.
Whether you're getting ready for a wedding, holiday, special occasion or simply want a gorgeous sun kissed glow, I'll help you choose a result that enhances your natural beauty.
Book your spray tan at Haus of Beauty and let’s create your perfect glow.
Call or whatsapp 0868326710