You've just walked out of your spray tan appointment feeling bronzed, glowing, and completely confident. The next question on every client's mind is always the same, how long is this going to last?
The honest answer is that it depends. A well-applied, custom spray tan from a bespoke studio like Body Olive in Innaloo, Perth, will typically last between 7 and 10 days. But the real secret to a long-lasting tan isn't just in the application, it's in how you prepare your skin before and care for it after.
Here's everything you need to know.
How Long Does a Spray Tan Last?
On average, a professional spray tan lasts between 7 and 10 days before it begins to fade naturally. This is because spray tanning works by interacting with the outermost layer of your skin, the dead skin cells on the surface. As your skin naturally sheds those cells over time, the tan fades with them.
Several factors influence exactly how long your tan will last:
Skin type - drier skin tends to shed cells faster, which can shorten the life of a tan. Oily skin can sometimes cause a tan to develop unevenly or fade more quickly in certain areas.
Hydration - well-hydrated skin holds a tan significantly longer than dry skin. Moisturising daily after your tan is one of the most effective things you can do to extend its life.
Lifestyle - frequent swimming, intense exercise, long hot showers, and activities that cause heavy sweating will all shorten the lifespan of your tan. This doesn't mean you need to avoid these things, just know they will have an impact.
The formula - at Body Olive, every spray tan is hand-mixed specifically for your skin. A formula that is perfectly matched to your skin tone and type will not only look more natural but will also develop and fade more evenly, extending the overall life of your tan.
Tips to Make Your Spray Tan Last Longer
Before Your Appointment
Exfoliate thoroughly
The single most important thing you can do before a spray tan is exfoliate. Use an exfoliation mitt to remove dead skin cells from head to toe the night before your appointment. This creates a smooth, even base for your tan to develop.
Shave or wax in advance
Always shave or wax at least 24 to 48 hours before your appointment. Hair removal after a spray tan will take the colour with it, dramatically shortening its lifespan.
Arrive product-free
Come to your appointment with clean, bare skin - no moisturiser, deodorant, perfume, or makeup. Any product residue on the skin can act as a barrier and affect how evenly and deeply your tan develops, which directly impacts how long it lasts.
After Your Appointment
Moisturise every single day
This is the most impactful thing you can do to extend your tan. Apply a generous layer of moisturiser daily, avoiding oil-based formulas which can break down your tan faster. Focus on dry areas like elbows, knees, and ankles which tend to fade first.
Keep showers short and lukewarm
Long, hot showers are one of the fastest ways to shorten the life of your tan. Keep showers brief and turn the temperature down. Your tan will thank you.
Pat, never rub
When drying off after a shower, always pat your skin gently rather than rubbing with your towel. Rubbing physically removes the tan from the surface of your skin and causes uneven fading.
Avoid chlorine and saltwater where possible
Swimming whether in a pool or the ocean, will fade your tan significantly faster. If you do swim, moisturise immediately afterwards to help restore hydration to the skin.
Avoid oil-based products
Oil-based moisturisers, body oils, and certain makeup removers can break down your tan quickly. Stick to water-based formulas while your tan is active.
When to Book Your Next Appointment
Most clients find that booking their next spray tan appointment around day 7 works best, just as the current tan is beginning to fade. This also gives you time to exfoliate properly before your next session.
At Body Olive, we recommend a light exfoliation around day 7 to help your tan fade evenly and gracefully, removing any patches before they become noticeable.
Self Tanning at Home Between Appointments
If you want to maintain your glow between studio visits, Body Olive's at-home self tanning range is designed to complement your spray tan perfectly. Our TOAST and HONEY Self-Tanning Mousses are hand-blended with the same philosophy as our in-studio tans, custom shades designed to work with your specific skin tone rather than against it.
Used correctly with our Application Mitt and Blending Brush, you can seamlessly top up your colour between appointments and keep your glow going all year round.
Book Your Custom Spray Tan in Perth
At Body Olive in Innaloo, Perth, every spray tan is hand-mixed specifically for you, designed to look natural, develop evenly, and last as long as possible. Whether you're preparing for a special occasion or simply want to maintain a year-round glow, we'd love to help.
