By Richa Kurien, SEO and PPC Manager
5th Jun 2026
A flawless spray tan is not just about the application. Long-lasting results rely on professional preparation, effective aftercare advice and suitable retail products.
Clients expect their tan to develop evenly, maintain its colour and fade naturally. While application technique plays a key role, preparation before the appointment and homecare afterwards can significantly influence the final result.
By providing clear aftercare guidance, tanning professionals can enhance client satisfaction, encourage repeat bookings and create valuable retail opportunities within the salon.
Most professional spray tans last between five and ten days, depending on factors such as skin type, lifestyle and daily skincare habits. Recommending the right products can help support colour retention and promote a more even fade.
Prep the skin before tanning
Good preparation is one of the most important steps in professional spray tanning. Poor prep can lead to patchiness, uneven development and reduced longevity.
Advise clients to:
- Exfoliate 24 hours before their appointment
- Avoid oil-based products on the day of tanning
- Wax or shave at least 24 hours beforehand
- Arrive with clean, dry skin
- Wear loose, dark clothing after treatment
Preparing the skin correctly allows the spray tan solution to develop more evenly and helps deliver a longer-lasting result.
The first 24 hours are crucial
The development period is where many clients unknowingly shorten the life of their tan. To protect the result, clients should avoid:
- Exercise and sweating
- Swimming pools and hot tubs
- Tight clothing
- Long hot showers or baths
- Heavy moisturisers before the first rinse
Recommend that your client uses lukewarm water for their first shower and pats their skin dry rather than rubbing it.
These simple steps can significantly improve the longevity of a spray tan.
Hydration is key to long-lasting colour
Dry skin sheds faster, which can cause spray tans to fade more quickly and unevenly.
Encourage clients to moisturise morning and evening using oil-free body lotions. This helps maintain an even fade and supports better colour retention between appointments.
Daily hydration is especially important for clients using self tan, gradual tan or tanning lotion products at home.
Good preparation is one of the most important steps in professional spray tanning. Poor prep can lead to patchiness, uneven development and reduced longevity.
Advise clients to:
- Exfoliate 24 hours before their appointment
- Avoid oil-based products on the day of tanning
- Wax or shave at least 24 hours beforehand
- Arrive with clean, dry skin
- Wear loose, dark clothing after treatment
Preparing the skin correctly allows the spray tan solution to develop more evenly and helps deliver a longer-lasting result.
The first 24 hours are crucial
The development period is where many clients unknowingly shorten the life of their tan.
To protect the result, clients should avoid:
- Exercise and sweating
- Swimming pools and hot tubs
- Tight clothing
- Long hot showers or baths
- Heavy moisturisers before the first rinse
- Recommend lukewarm water for the first shower and advise clients to pat skin dry rather than rub.
These simple steps can significantly improve how long a spray tan lasts.
Hydration is key to long-lasting colour
Dry skin sheds faster, which means the tan fades more quickly and unevenly.
Encourage clients to moisturise morning and evening using oil-free body lotions. This helps maintain an even fade and supports better colour retention between appointments.
Daily hydration is especially important for clients using self tan, gradual tan or tanning lotion products at home.
Prep the skin before tanning
Good preparation is one of the most important steps in professional spray tanning. Poor prep can lead to patchiness, uneven development and reduced longevity.
Advise clients to:
- Exfoliate 24 hours before their appointment
- Avoid oil-based products on the day of tanning
- Wax or shave at least 24 hours beforehand
- Arrive with clean, dry skin
- Wear loose, dark clothing after treatment
Preparing the skin correctly allows the spray tan solution to develop more evenly and helps deliver a longer-lasting result.
The first 24 hours are crucial
The development period is where many clients unknowingly shorten the life of their tan.
To protect the result, clients should avoid:
- Exercise and sweating
- Swimming pools and hot tubs
- Tight clothing
- Long hot showers or baths
- Heavy moisturisers before the first rinse
- Recommend lukewarm water for the first shower and advise clients to pat skin dry rather than rub.
These simple steps can significantly improve how long a spray tan lasts.
Hydration is key to long-lasting colour
Dry skin sheds faster, which can cause spray tans to fade more quickly and unevenly.
Encourage clients to moisturise morning and evening using oil-free body lotions. This helps maintain an even fade and supports better colour retention between appointments.
Daily hydration is especially important for clients using self tan, gradual tan or tanning lotion products at home.
Top spray tan prep and aftercare essentials
Successful spray tanning is supported by good preparation and effective aftercare. Helping clients prepare their skin correctly, maintain hydration and use suitable products can improve longevity, encourage a more even fade and keep their colour looking fresher for longer.
Sienna X exfoliating preparation spritz helps ensure skin is perfectly prepped before a spray tan appointment. Formulated with 100% natural active ingredients, aloe vera and humectants, this gentle spray removes traces of deodorant, perfume, makeup, perspiration and excess oils that can affect colour development. It tones and conditions the skin without stripping away natural moisture, while the easy-to-use spray format allows for quick, even application. Particularly useful for walk-in clients or those who haven't fully prepared their skin beforehand, it's a practical salon essential for achieving professional-looking results.
Crazy Angel barrier cream is a professional spray tan essential that helps create a flawless, even finish. Applied to dry areas such as the elbows, knees, hands and feet before tanning, it forms a protective barrier to prevent excess colour development and staining. Enriched with coconut oil and aloe vera, the hydrating formula smooths and softens the skin, helping spray tan solution develop more evenly for natural-looking results.
Sienna X bath and body lotion is an excellent aftercare product for clients looking to maintain a smooth, even-looking tan between appointments. Suitable for use morning and night, this nourishing formula combines hyaluronic acid, shea butter and vitamin E to support soft, radiant skin, while arginine helps boost collagen synthesis for a firmer, more youthful-looking appearance. Finished with a refreshing lemongrass and ginger fragrance, it's an easy retail recommendation that complements a professional spray tan routine and helps clients keep their skin looking its best.
Best spray tan solutions
Using a high-quality spray tan solution is key to achieving reliable, professional results. Premium formulas are developed to suit a range of skin tones and tanning preferences while supporting even colour development and a natural-looking fade.
Many solutions also contain skin-conditioning ingredients that help maintain a smoother finish and enhance the overall client experience.
St.Tropez express bronzing mist spray solution is ideal for clients who want a fast-developing, long-lasting spray tan tailored to their preferred depth of colour. Developing in as little as 1-3 hours, the lightweight mist delivers a streak-free, natural-looking finish while hydrating ingredients help ensure an even fade. Featuring Aromaguard™ fragrance technology to minimise self-tan odour, it’s the perfect choice for last-minute events and salon professionals looking to offer customisable tanning results.
St.Tropez classic bronzing mist spray solution is a salon favourite for creating a natural-looking, sun-kissed glow with long-lasting results. The quick-drying, no-transfer formula delivers streak-free application while hydrating the skin for an even fade and flawless finish. Suitable for all skin tones, this lightweight mist develops in 4-8 hours and features Aromaguard™ fragrance technology to minimise self-tan odour, making it perfect for clients wanting comfortable, confidence-boosting colour for everyday wear or special occasions.
Sienna X 1 hour hit spray tan solution is the ideal choice for clients wanting a flawless, deep tan in minimal time. Developing in as little as 60 minutes, this tinted spray tan solution delivers streak-free, natural-looking results while allowing therapists to tailor treatments to individual tanning preferences. Perfect for busy clients and last-minute events, the formula is also 100% cruelty free, making it a salon-friendly option for beautiful, confidence-boosting colour.
Sienna X 10% spray tan solution is perfect for clients wanting a natural-looking, sun-kissed glow with a flawless, streak-free finish. Enriched with vitamins A and E, Aloe Vera and Q10, the nourishing formula helps moisturise and condition the skin while developing a beautifully even tan. Ideal for salons, this 100% cruelty free solution delivers reliable results and covers approximately 18-20 full body treatments, making it a popular choice for professional tanning services.
Sienna X 8% spray tan solution is ideal for clients wanting a natural-looking, sun-kissed glow with a smooth, streak-free finish. Enriched with vitamins A and E, Aloe Vera and Q10, the nourishing formula helps moisturise and condition the skin while developing an even, radiant tan. Perfect for professional salons, this 100% cruelty free solution provides reliable results and covers approximately 18-20 full body treatments.
Crazy Angel medium tanning solution helps clients enjoy a longer-lasting, flawless spray tan thanks to its professional formula enriched with naturally derived DHA, Vitamin E and hyaluronic acid. These hydrating ingredients help maintain an even fade and radiant glow, while firming actives support smoother-looking skin. Vegan, cruelty free and packaged in PCR bottles, it’s a salon-friendly choice for beautiful results with a more sustainable approach.
St.Tropez tanning transformations
Take your spray tanning skills to the next level with the St.Tropez online training course from The Academy. Suitable for salon and freelance therapists, the course combines theory and practical learning, supported by expert guidance and an Ellisons Academy certificate.
Take a look at these before-and-after St.Tropez tanning transformations to see how the right training, products and expertise can help therapists achieve flawless, natural-looking results.
Upgrade your professional tanning kit
The right equipment can make a significant difference to spray tan application, helping professionals achieve a more even finish while improving speed, comfort and convenience during treatments. From HVLP machines and complete starter kits to portable spray booths, investing in quality tools supports consistent, salon-quality results.
Explore some of our bestselling spray tanning essentials below.
Retail recommendations to prolong the glow
Helping clients care for their tan at home doesn't have to end with aftercare advice. Recommending gradual tanning products, self-tan boosters and hydrating skincare can help clients top up their colour and keep their skin looking healthy between appointments.
Suggesting complementary retail favourites also provides a valuable opportunity to increase salon sales while supporting long-term client satisfaction.
A longer-lasting spray tan starts with proper preparation, continues with effective aftercare and is supported by the right products and professional advice. By encouraging clients to exfoliate, stay hydrated, moisturise daily and avoid activities that can compromise colour development, tanning professionals can help maximise results and keep clients glowing for longer.
Explore our full tanning range to discover professional solutions, equipment, retail products and training designed to support every stage of the tanning journey.