Spray Tanning FAQ's
Understanding Spray Tanning
A safe alternative to sunbathing that uses a fine mist to give you a natural-looking tan without UV exposure.
A spray tan is applied by hand by a certified spray tan artist using an HVLP (High Volume, Low Pressure) airbrush system that gently mists a fine, even layer of tanning solution onto the skin. This low-pressure application ensures smooth, streak-free coverage with minimal overspray and quick drying. The entire process takes 15 minutes or less, and because a rapid tan solution is used, your final shade is determined by how long you wait before showering.
With proper care, your spray tan should last a minimum of five days and can sometimes last up to ten days. Longevity varies based on individual factors such as skin type, hydration levels, body composition, hormones, and certain medications, all of which can affect how the skin sheds and retains color. Drier skin tends to flake and fade more quickly, while well-hydrated skin allows the tan to wear more evenly and last longer. Below, you’ll find a list of commonly asked questions that address factors which may interfere with the longevity of your spray tan.
Spray tanning is a safe, sunless way to achieve a beautiful, even glow without the damaging effects of UV exposure. One of the best benefits is heading on vacation, putting on your swimsuit, and already having a gorgeous tan—no hours in the sun required. Spray tans deliver instant color, help even out skin tone, and fade naturally, giving you a radiant, confident look while protecting your skin’s health.
Spray Tan Guidelines:
It is very important to carefully read and understand what to wear during and after your spray tan to ensure the best possible results.
What to Wear During your Spray Tan:
We believe in providing a comfortable experience tailored to your preferences. When it comes to attire during your spray tanning session, the choice is entirely up to you. You have the option to wear a swimsuit, undergarments, or receive the spray tan nude, based on your personal comfort level.
What to After your Spray Tan:
Wear loose-fitting long pajamas or sweatpants, a long, loose shirt that covers your elbows, and flip-flops until your first shower.
Why?
Skin-on-skin contact (like bending arms or legs) creates moisture, which can affect how your tan develops. Loose clothing helps minimize friction, moisture, and the chance of smudging or uneven spots.
What to Wear During your Spray Tan:
To ensure an even tan line, it is advisable for men to wear undergarments that fit tightly around the leg or thigh area. For the safety and comfort of our spray tan artists, we kindly request that men wear shorts or undergarments during the session.
In compliance with gender discrimination laws, we understand that some men may prefer to be spray tanned nude. To accommodate such requests, we kindly ask that all clients born biologically male who wish to be sprayed nude notify our staff at least 48 hours prior to their scheduled appointment.
Contact Info:
Phone: 303-587-6173
email: rockstarspraytans@outlook.com
What to After your Spray Tan:
Wear loose-fitting long pajamas or sweatpants, a long, loose shirt that covers your elbows, and flip-flops until your first shower.
Why?
Skin-on-skin contact (like bending arms or legs) creates moisture, which can affect how your tan develops. Loose clothing helps minimize friction, moisture, and the chance of smudging or uneven spots.
By default, we do not spray areas where skin regularly folds, including:
- Under the breasts
- Between and under the buttocks
- Under skin folds (if applicable)
Why?
These areas tend to sweat and rub, which can cause the tan to break down and look patchy—similar to coffee ground stains.
Exceptions?
Yes, we can spray these areas upon request, but:
- We do not recommend it
- We cannot fix issues if you’re unhappy with how it fades
- You’ll have to wait for it to naturally fade off
Prep & Aftercare Tips
Proper skin preparation is key to achieving the best spray tan results. Before your appointment, exfolate thoroughly to remove dry or dead skin, paying special attention to areas like elbows, knees, ankles, and wrists. Avoid lotions that contain mineral oil, makeup, or perfume on the day of your spray tan, as these can create barriers on the skin. Arrive with clean, dry skin and wear loose, dark clothing to ensure your tan applies evenly and develops beautifully. Important note about deodorant: If you are prone to heavy sweating, wearing deodorant is recommended, as sweating under the arms can cause streaking down the sides of the body. Be aware that deodorant may cause the underarm area to appear slightly green before your first shower. This is completely normal, temporary, and will not affect the final result of your tan.
Please AVOID using DOVE SOAP before and after your spray tan. The photo shown above was shared by a generous client who allowed me to document her results after using Dove soap prior to her appointment. While this reaction does not happen to everyone—and some clients report no issues at all—in my experience over the years, when an uneven, oil-like reaction appears during application, Dove soap has often been a common factor. Although it’s unclear why this affects some individuals and not others, based on patterns seen in my business history, we strongly recommend choosing a different soap before and after your spray tan to help ensure the best possible results.
After your spray tan, wait the full development time you selected before showering. Your first shower should be a rinse only—do not use soap. During your second shower, you may use a gentle soap on your entire body, but continue to avoid washcloths or loofahs. After that second shower, limit soap use to your “pits and bits” for the remainder of your tan to extend its longevity.
To keep your spray tan looking fresh and flawless, daily hydration is key. Moisturize at least once a day—twice a day is ideal—to help your tan fade evenly and last longer. Use a mild soap and avoid any products that contain mineral oil, as they can break down your tan prematurely. Never use loofahs or washcloths during the life of your tan, and choose a mineral-oil-free sunscreen when spending time outdoors to protect both your skin and your glow. After your first full soap shower, focus cleansing on your “pits and bits” rather than washing your entire body to help preserve your color.
Important facial care note: Clients who use Retin-A or other retinoid products may notice their facial tan fading more quickly. To help your facial tan last longer, avoid using these products before and after your spray tan.
Ingredients & Safety
Our solutions are formulated with skin-friendly, safe ingredients tested for your peace of mind.
Our spray tanning solutions and products do not contain sunscreen and do not provide protection from UV exposure. While your tan creates the appearance of bronzed skin, it does not protect against sunburn, skin damage, or premature aging caused by the sun.
To protect your skin and maintain your results, we strongly recommend applying a tan-safe, broad-spectrum SPF daily when spending time outdoors. Proper sun protection helps prevent skin damage while also extending the life of your spray tan.
A glow looks best when your skin is healthy—SPF is always essential. ☀️✨
Most Commonly Asked Questions
Shower timing depends on your desired shade:
1 hour for a light tan
2 hours for light/medium
3 hours for medium
4 hours for dark
No—our solution is formulated with a proprietary ingrediant (our secret sauce!) designed to prevent orange tones and keep your tan looking natural and balanced. Immediately after your spray tan, you may notice a red or lavender undertone on the skin, which is completely normal and part of the color-correcting process. This temporary tone will rinse away with your first shower, revealing a natural, bronzed glow underneath.
For best results, we recommend scheduling your spray tan 1–2 days before your event. This allows enough time for the color to fully develop, settle into the skin, and look its most natural while still being fresh and vibrant on the day of your event.
This is normal. The bronzer washes off during your first rinse, but your actual tan continues developing over the next 24 hours.
No—our proprietary formula was carefully developed to minimize the typical sunless tanning smell. We’ve worked very hard to ensure there is little to no odor during application or wear, allowing you to enjoy your tan comfortably and confidently without the strong scent often associated with traditional spray tans.
Avoid exercising and sweating for at least 24 hours after your spray tan, as moisture and friction can interfere with the development process and cause uneven fading or streaking.
Medications and health conditions primarily affect spray tans by altering the skin’s pH level, hydration, oil production, or cell turnover rate. These changes can cause the tanning agent, Dihydroxyacetone (DHA), to develop unevenly, appear lighter, or fade more quickly.
The following medications may cause patchy, lighter, or fast-fading results:
Oral: Medications like Accutane (Isotretinoin) cause extreme skin dryness, leading to uneven development and peeling.
Topical: Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid can strip the tan or cause it to “grab” unevenly, resulting in dark or light spots.
Topical Steroids & Antifungals: Corticosteroid creams or antifungal ointments can create a barrier that prevents the tan from absorbing, leading to streaks.
Immunosuppressants & Steroids: Medications like Methotrexate or topical corticosteroids used to manage autoimmune flares can create a barrier on the skin, change its pH, or increase sensitivity, leading to streaks or uneven development.
Before you leave, we always check your tan in the mirror together.
• The bronzer we apply acts as a template for how your final tan will look. We cannot streak you or make your spray tan splotchy.
• We’re human—mistakes are rare, but possible—so please check carefully before leaving that no body parts were missed.
• After you leave the spa, we cannot be held responsible for any issues that result from not following the provided aftercare instructions.
(We use the same solution on over 80 clients per gallon. If the issue were solution-related, multiple clients would be experiencing the same problem.)
• No tight clothing, socks (you will look like you were playing golf), or accessories (like watches, necklaces, or sports bras) for 24 hours
• Avoid sweating, swimming, or getting wet during this development time
• No Dove Soap, which leaves a residue that can ruin your tan or any products including sunscreen that contain Mineral Oil.
Your spray tan includes a cosmetic bronzer that can temporarily transfer to light-colored fabrics before your first rinse. Wearing loose, dark clothing after your appointment is recommended. Any bronzer transfer typically washes out easily, and once you’ve completed your first rinse, staining is no longer a concern.