Is a spray tan safe?

Yes! Spray tanning is completely safe. DHA is non-toxic and only reacts with the top layer of your skin  nothing is absorbed into the bloodstream. This is why a spray tan fades naturally as your skin renews and flakes off.

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How long does a spray tan last?

Every body is different, and spray tans fade as your skin naturally sheds. Your skin’s renewal cycle varies based on several factors:

• Age: Younger skin sheds faster, while more mature skin sheds more slowly.

• Hormones: Your hormonal cycle can influence how quickly your tan fades. Depending on the phase of your cycle, your tan may begin fading after 4 days, 7 days, or longer.

• Individual skin biology: Some people naturally hold colour for up to 7 days, while others can maintain their tan for up to 14 days with proper care.

On average, spray tans last 7–10 days, but your personal skin cycle, lifestyle and after-care routine will determine your exact results.

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How long does a spray tan appointment take?

A standard spray tan appointment takes around 30 minutes from start to finish. I carry out all treatments in my home studio, in a private and dedicated tanning room.

✔If it’s your first appointment, it may take a little longer. I take the time to explain the full process, answer your questions, and provide detailed after-care tailored to your skin needs and the purpose of your tan whether it’s for a wedding, holiday, photoshoot, competition, or everyday glow.

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How should I prepare for my spray tan?

Please read the full Before Care guide for detailed instructions.

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What should I wear during and after a spray tan?:

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During your spray tan:
✔Wear whatever makes you feel comfortable. Most people choose to go topless with their own thong or a disposable thong provided at the appointment. Women may go fully nude if they prefer, but keep in mind that you won’t see your tan lines develop. You may also wear your own strapless bra or sticky bra, although this is less common.

✔Children must stay in their own underwear, though they can be topless if a parent or guardian remains in the room.
✔Men must stay in their own underwear or can wear a sock for comfort and to avoid irritation.

If you choose to keep your own underwear on, please select a black or older pair.

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After your spray tan:
Choose loose, dark cotton clothing such as an oversized t-shirt and loose bottoms. Pyjamas are excellent. Wear loose slippers or flip-flops; disposable slippers are available on request.
If you are wearing a dress or shorts in the summer, protect car seats with a towel or blanket.

Avoid tight tops, leggings, jeans, strappy tops (underarm-to-skin contact can cause rubbing), bras immediately after your tan, long tight socks and anything that may press on or rub the skin. These can disturb the tan while it is developing.

If you have leather seats in your car, bring a towel or blanket.
If it is raining, please bring an umbrella or jacket.

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What should I wear to bed after a spray tan?

On the night of your tan, wear long cotton sleeves and long cotton trousers to minimise bronzer transfer. In summertime, try to wear long bottoms for the first night or before first rinse as well.

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What are the contraindications for spray tanning?

Spray tanning should be avoided in certain situations.

✔Sunburn is the most important contraindication. Sun-damaged skin does not tan evenly, and the healing process may take up to 6 weeks. Sun damaged skin is sun damaged skin, afetr few weeks you may not see red skin or peels but your skin may still heals.
✔Eczema flare-ups may also affect results. Barrier cream can be applied, but even with this support, outcomes cannot be guaranteed.
✔Fresh tattoos, piercings, cuts or scars must be covered with a plaster, as these areas are semi-contraindicated and should not receive tanning solution.
✔Extremely dry skin may result in a warmer tone because high pH levels affect DHA development. The tan may also emphasise dryness.
✔If you have known skin allergies, I am happy to send a full ingredient list before your appointment.

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What is Tan Lock / Hydrating Mist?

It is a post-tan finishing spray designed to lock in your colour, prolong your tan, and enhance your skin’s hydration. It contains Aloe Vera to soften the skin, improve fade, extend longevity, and minimise DHA smell. It is highly recommended to add this option to your appointment.
 

What is Drying Powder?

Drying powder is a talc-free finishing powder included with every tan. It removes the sticky feeling, reduces fake tan smell and helps prevent rubbing or transfer while the tan is developing.
 

How can I prolong my tan?

✔Moisturise daily with an mineral oil-free lotion. Many mass-produced lotions contain mineral oil, petrolatum jelly or paraffinum liquidum, which can break down the tan. During your appointment you can purchase a professional body butter or lotion at an affordable price to improve hydration and fade.

✔Pat dry gently after showers; do not rub the skin.
✔From day 3, use a tan extender or gradual tanning lotion, also available to purchase at your appointment.
✔Avoid long baths, saunas and swimming pools as they speed up fading.
 

Does a spray tan protect my skin from the sun?

No, spray tans do not contain SPF. Always use sunscreen. The best after-tan sunscreens waterproof lotions such as SunBum or Coola. They are high quality, spray-tan safe and sometimes on sale in Boots.
 

Can I sunbathe after a spray tan?

Yes, but wait 24–48 hours before applying tanning accelerators. Because the top layer of your skin is tinted, it may be harder to notice early signs of burning. Please be very careful.

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What sunscreen is safe for fake tan?

✔Use waterproof lotion such as SunBum or Coola.
✔Avoid aerosol sprays as they apply unevenly and often contain alcohol.
✔For more details, please check the Holiday Tan page.

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Can I spray tan after sunburn?

No. You must wait at least four weeks.
Sun-damaged skin continues peeling for up to six weeks even when peeling is not visible. Spray tan is not a paint  it is a chemical reaction with the amino acids in your skin. Sunburned skin is the biggest contraindication.

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Can I spray tan during my period?

Yes, but hormonal changes may influence your skin’s pH and cause shorter or longer tan longevity, lighter or darker results or occasional patchiness. This is normal when hormones fluctuate.
 

Can I get a spray tan while pregnant or breastfeeding?

Yes. DHA reacts only with the outer layer of the skin and is considered safe.
I recommend tanning after the first trimester.
✔For more details, please check the Pregnancy and Breastfeeding page.
 

Can I spray tan after lash extensions or nails?

✔Yes, but please wait 24–48 hours after your lash or nail appointment. Ask your technican about glue or tint if spray tan can be applied right before - they know what they using, for example some glue need 24h to dry while others drying in few hours.
✔Never do lashes or nails immediately after a spray tan soaking, remover and eye tapes can strip the tan.
 

Can I shave before or after a spray tan?

Shave 24 hours before your appointment to allow your skin to return to its natural pH level. Waxing should be done 48 hours before, as waxing may remove the upper layer of your skin which can lead to darker patches. You can shave after tanning, but wait at least 2days, as shaving exfoliates the skin.
 

How long after a spray tan can I work out?

Do not exercise before your first rinse. Sweat and friction will disturb the developing tan. After 24 hours, you can exercise as normal, though heavy sweating may speed up fading.

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How does fake tan work?

DHA, a natural sugar, reacts with oxygen and the amino acids in your skin’s surface to darken the top layer. Spray tan continues developing for up to 24 hours and looks its best after 48 hours. Even rapid-rinse tans still need time to develop fully.

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Spray tan vs gradual tanning lotions  what’s the difference?

Spray tans contain higher levels of DHA, creating a deeper and more even colour. The premium solutions I use contain Eco-certified DHA, anti-aging ingredients, antioxidants, vitamins and natural extracts. They provide streak-free, odourless and long-lasting results compared to many over-the-counter lotions.
 

Why choose spray tanning instead of UV tanning?

Spray tanning does not cause melanoma, wrinkles, sunspots, freckles or sun damage. It is ideal for sensitive skin and those who struggle to tan naturally. One spray tan gives results comparable to several tanning bed sessions, making it a healthier and more effective option.
 

How will my tan fade?

✔Fade depends on skincare, products and lifestyle. Hands and face fade first, which is why I recommend purchasing a tanning water for facial touch-ups. A bottle lasts months when used only on the face.

✔Areas with friction fade faster, such as cleavage, elbows and knees.
✔Tan extenders and mists are available at your appointment. Please also check the Products page.
 

My clothes or towels are stained after a week. Is this normal?

Yes. This is not product, but your own skin cells shedding. Clothing such as tight bras or white fabrics can show this more clearly. Washing at 30–60 degrees is usually enough.
 

Can a spray tan be removed?

Spray tan cannot be washed off in a single day. It fades gradually as your skin sheds. Exfoliate with an exfoliating mitt or use a tan remover. Full removal may take up to a week.
 

Why use exfoliating gloves instead of a loofah?

Exfoliating gloves remove old skin evenly, creating a smooth base for your spray tan. Loofahs and shower puffs exfoliate unevenly and can create streaks or patchy areas.

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What should I avoid after a spray tan?

Avoid mineral oil-based products, perfumes, retinol and products containing peroxide or acids. Mineral oils break down spray tan. Natural oils such as jojoba or almond oil are safe alternatives.

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Can I shave and exfoliate on the same day as my spray tan?

No. Your skin needs time to calm and return to a balanced pH level.
 

How dark will I get?

This depends on your natural skin tone, your skin type and the strength of the solution chosen during your appointment. Every skin has natural limitations for example, very fair skin will not achieve the same depth as deeper skin tones. Setting realistic expectations ensures the best result.

If you need / want to be darker consider top up with body makeup spray like Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs Instant Tan Spray
 

How often can I spray tan?

As often as you like. Most clients return every 10–14 days to enjoy their tan, allow it to fade naturally and prepare their skin for the next application.
 

Why does my spray tan look crackly?

This happens when the skin is dry or dehydrated. Drink plenty of water and moisturise twice daily with a mineral-oil-free lotion. Natural oils such as jojoba or almond oil are excellent. You can also purchase deeply hydrating, spray-tan-safe products at your appointment.
 

Why do I have streaks or stripes after my tan develops?

This may happen if you did not rinse thoroughly enough during your first shower, or if you rinsed from top to bottom rather than bottom to top. Razor drag marks or leftover products on the skin can also cause lines.
 

Something dripped or splashed on my skin before my first rinse. What should I do?

Pat dry gently and blend the area with a makeup brush. Do not panic  it usually evens out after your shower. You can message me anytime for guidance.
 

Why do I have white spots?

This can be caused by sweating during development, residue from lotions or perfumes, fungal conditions such as tinea versicolor, IGH (Idiopathic Guttate Hypomelanosis) or water splashes before the tan is fully developed.

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Will a spray tan hide stretch marks or scars?

Some older scars do not absorb tanning solution evenly, so the coverage may vary.

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Why am I not getting colour anymore even though I used to tan well?

Possible causes include hormonal changes, medications such as birth control, acne treatments or steroids, increased stress, seasonal changes or products creating a barrier on the skin.

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Why do I need to wait 24 hours after shaving before a spray tan?

Shaving creates micro-tears in the skin that need 24–48 hours to close. Tanning solution can collect in these open pores, causing dots or “strawberry legs.” Always rinse away all shaving residue.

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Can spray tan turn orange?

Not with high-quality products. However, orange tones can appear if the skin is extremely dry, the bronzer is left on too long, medications affect development or if someone with very fair skin requests a shade that their skin cannot naturally achieve.

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If your tan is for a specific occasion, please check these pages:

Photoshoot Tan, Bodybuilder Tan, Wedding Tan, Holiday Tan, Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Tan.

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Can I get a spray tan if I have vitiligo?

Yes, you can absolutely get a spray tan if you have vitiligo. Spray tanning can help soften the contrast between lighter and darker areas of skin. Setting the right expectations is very important: vitiligo patches do not always absorb tanning solution evenly. When you book your appointment, please inform me beforehand so I can use specific tanning techniques and blending methods to minimise the appearance of lighter patches as much as possible.
 

Will a spray tan cover my vitiligo patches completely?

Spray tan will not completely “hide” vitiligo, but it can significantly reduce the contrast. Some patches may still appear lighter. I use customised shading, layering and colour-correcting techniques to create the most natural and even result possible for your individual skin.
 

Is spray tanning suitable for darker skin tones?

Yes, spray tanning is suitable and beneficial for deeper skin tones. It’s not only about getting darker; it’s about enhancing radiance, creating a smooth, even tone and boosting overall glow. If you have a darker skin tone, you will not find anyone in Leicester more experienced in tanning deeper complexions.

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Can I get a spray tan without going too dark?

Absolutely. Many clients with deeper skin tones choose a spray tan to even out pigmentation, soften discoloration or add a subtle golden finish, not necessarily to go much darker. I use specific tanning techniques designed for deeper skin to create a smooth, natural and balanced result.

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Will my spray tan look natural on dark skin?

Yes. The solutions I use include a wide shade range and undertones that work beautifully on deeper skin. This prevents the colour from looking dull or orange. I customise your shade based on your undertone and desired result.

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Why would someone with dark skin get a spray tan?

A spray tan can:
✔even out hyperpigmentation
✔increase radiance
✔enhance a photoshoot or special event look
✔smooth uneven areas
✔reduce the appearance of old marks or inconsistencies
Many deeper-skinned clients love the healthy, glowing finish it provides.