How Long Does a Spray Tan Last? Tips to Keep Your Glow Longer

Posted on april 28, 2026

You just got the perfect spray tan. Now the big question is: how long will it last?

Most professional spray tans look their best for about 5 to 7 days, although your color may last longer depending on your skin, lifestyle, prep, and aftercare.

The good news? What you do before and after your appointment can make a big difference in how long your tan stays smooth, even, and glowing.

At Designer Lashes in Scottsdale, we use professional SunFX spray tanning solutions for customizable, natural-looking color. Here’s how to get the most out of your tan.

Why Does a Spray Tan Fade?

A spray tan works on the outermost layer of your skin.

The tanning ingredient (DHA) reacts with amino acids in the surface layer of the skin to temporarily create that bronzed appearance. Because your skin naturally sheds and renews itself, your spray tan gradually fades along with those surface skin cells.

That’s why a spray tan isn’t permanent—and why good skin prep and aftercare matter so much.

How Can I Make My Spray Tan Last Longer?

1. Start With Good Prep

A longer-lasting tan actually starts before your appointment. Exfoliate about 24 hours beforehand, paying special attention to dry areas like your knees, elbows, ankles, heels, hands, and feet. Shaving or waxing should also be done before your spray tan rather than afterward whenever possible.

The takeaway: The smoother and more evenly exfoliated your skin is before your appointment, the better foundation you have for even color.

2. Follow Your Rinse Time

This one matters. If you’re getting a rapid spray tan, don’t assume leaving the solution on longer will automatically give you a better or darker tan. Follow the rinse time recommended by your spray tan artist based on the solution used and the color you’re trying to achieve.

Don’t worry if you look lighter immediately after that first rinse! Some of what you’re seeing before your shower is cosmetic bronzer. Your actual tan will continue developing after you rinse.

3. Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize

Dry skin tends to shed more noticeably, and when those surface skin cells go, your tan goes with them. Once your tan has developed, keep your skin hydrated with a gentle moisturizer.

Pay extra attention to:

• Legs
• Knees
• Elbows
• Hands
• Feet
• Ankles

4. Turn Down the Shower Temperature

We love a steaming hot shower too, but your spray tan may not! Long, hot showers and baths can encourage the skin to dry out and may shorten the life of your tan. Keep showers on the shorter side and use warm rather than very hot water. When you get out, gently pat your skin dry instead of rubbing it with your towel.

5. Put the Scrub Away

Exfoliation is your best friend before a spray tan. Afterwards? Not so much. Body scrubs, exfoliating gloves, loofahs, dry brushing, and aggressive rubbing can remove surface skin cells faster and take your tan along with them. Save the serious exfoliation for when you’re ready to remove your remaining color and prepare for your next tan.

6. Be Gentle When You Shave

Shaving naturally exfoliates the skin, so frequent shaving can make your tan fade faster, especially on the legs. If you need to shave, use a fresh razor and gentle pressure rather than repeatedly going over the same area.

7. Watch the Pool and Hot Tub

You can absolutely enjoy your spray tan on vacation, but keep in mind that chlorinated pools, hot tubs, salt water, and long periods of swimming can make your tan fade faster. If you’re planning a pool weekend or beach vacation, timing your spray tan appointment correctly can help you enjoy your best color during the days that matter most.

8. Be Mindful of Your Skincare

Some skincare ingredients are designed to increase cell turnover or exfoliate the skin—great for skincare, but not for preserving a spray tan. Products containing exfoliating acids, retinoids, and scrubs can cause your tan to fade faster wherever they’re used.

Why Does My Face Fade Faster Than My Body?

You’re not imagining it! We wash our faces more often, use more skincare products on them, and frequently use active ingredients that encourage exfoliation and skin renewal.

Your face is also exposed to makeup, cleansing, sunscreen, and environmental elements every day. All of that can mean your facial tan fades faster than the color on your arms, legs, or torso.

How Long Before an Event Should I Get a Spray Tan?

If you’re getting a spray tan for a wedding, birthday, photoshoot, bachelorette party, or vacation, the day before isn’t always the best time to experiment.

Ideally, schedule your tan with enough time for your color to fully develop and complete your first rinse before your event. For an important occasion—especially if it’s your first spray tan—we recommend doing a trial tan beforehand so we can find the exact depth and tone you love.

Can I Make My Spray Tan Last 10 Days?

Some clients will still have color at 7 to 10 days, but expecting your tan to look exactly like it did on day two isn’t realistic. Your skin is constantly renewing itself!

Instead of trying to hold onto every bit of color, focus on keeping your skin hydrated and allowing the tan to fade evenly. A beautiful fade is part of a beautiful spray tan. When your tan is nearing the end, gently exfoliate the remaining color and prepare your skin for a fresh spray tan.

How Often Can I Get a Spray Tan?

If you love maintaining a consistent glow, spray tans can easily become part of your regular beauty routine.

The important part is properly removing old, uneven color and preparing the skin before applying a fresh tan. Layering new solution over patchy remnants of an old tan can create uneven results. A fresh canvas gives us the best opportunity to create beautiful, even color!

Scottsdale Spray Tans at Designer Lashes

Whether you’re preparing for a Scottsdale weekend, heading on vacation, attending a wedding, or just want a little extra glow, a professional spray tan gives you beautiful color without spending hours in the Arizona sun.

At Designer Lashes in Scottsdale, our SunFX spray tans are customized to your skin tone and desired depth of color, with rapid options available for clients who don’t want to wait all day to rinse. We’ll help you choose the right shade and give you personalized rinse and aftercare instructions for your tan.

Ready for your glow? Book your SunFX spray tan at Designer Lashes in Scottsdale today!