Spray Tan Client Guide
Everything You Need to Know Before
Your Appointment
A professional spray tan is one of the quickest ways to achieve an even, natural-looking glow without exposing your skin to UV rays. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday, wedding, special event or simply want a healthy-looking complexion, the quality of your preparation and aftercare will have a significant impact on your final result.
This guide explains exactly how to prepare, what happens during your appointment and the small habits that help your tan look better for longer.
Quick Answers
Appointment Time: About 20-30 minutes
Results Develop: Approximately 1–8 hours (depending on the solution used)
Results Last: Around 5–10 days
Best For: Anyone wanting a natural-looking bronzed glow without sun exposure
Maintenance: Every 1–2 weeks if maintaining colour
Pregnancy: Many people continue to have spray tans during pregnancy, but you should discuss this with your healthcare professional and inform your therapist before treatment.
Patch Test : Not usually required, although it may be recommended for clients with allergies or particularly sensitive skin.
Key Aftercare: Avoid water, sweating and tight clothing until after your first rinse. Moisturise daily afterwards.
What Is a Spray Tan?
A spray tan is a professional treatment in which a fine mist of tanning solution is applied evenly over the skin using specialist spray tanning equipment.
The active ingredient reacts with the outermost layer of the skin to temporarily create a bronzed appearance. It does not protect against the sun, so sunscreen should still be worn whenever required.
Unlike self-tanning lotions, a professional spray tan is designed to deliver a more even, streak-free finish with colour tailored to your preferred shade.
Who Is It Suitable For?
A spray tan is ideal if you:
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want a natural-looking glow without UV exposure
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have a holiday or special event coming up
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prefer not to use sunbeds
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want an even skin tone
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would like a confidence boost before photographs or celebrations
Before Your Appointment
Exfoliate your skin
Exfoliate your body approximately 24 hours before your appointment.
Pay particular attention to:
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knees
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elbows
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ankles
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hands
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feet
Why this matters
Dry skin absorbs more tanning solution than smooth skin. Removing dead skin cells beforehand helps create a more even result and allows the tan to fade more naturally.
Avoid moisturiser on the day
Unless your therapist advises otherwise, avoid applying moisturiser, body oils or perfume immediately before your appointment.
Why this matters
These products can create a barrier between your skin and the tanning solution, increasing the chance of uneven development.
Waxing and shaving
Complete waxing at least 24–48 hours beforehand where possible.
Shaving is generally best completed around 24 hours before treatment.
Why this matters
Freshly opened pores can sometimes lead to tiny darker dots immediately after tanning.
Giving your skin time to settle usually produces a smoother finish.
Remove deodorant and makeup
These products can interfere with the tanning solution, particularly around the underarms and face.
Wear loose, dark clothing
Bring loose-fitting clothing and open footwear if possible.
Why this matters
Tight waistbands, leggings, bras and socks can rub against the developing tan before it has fully processed.
Experienced spray tan therapists often find that clothing friction causes more patchiness than the tanning solution itself.
What Happens During Your Appointment?
Your appointment begins with a consultation to discuss your preferred depth of colour and any previous tanning experience.
Your therapist may advise a lighter or darker solution depending on your natural skin tone, your event and how your skin usually develops colour.
Your therapist will then go and get the desired solution. In the meantime, you will get undressed. It is optional to wear the disposable panties provided, or you can also wear your own underwear. If no underwear is required (to avoid any tan lines), this is okay for us too.
Barrier cream is applied to naturally dry areas such as the hands, elbows, knees, ankles and feet.
This helps prevent these areas absorbing excessive tanning solution.
The tanning solution is then applied using professional spray tanning equipment in a series of carefully controlled passes to ensure even coverage.
Your therapist will guide you through each position to ensure every area is covered evenly while maintaining your comfort and privacy throughout.
After the application, you’ll be given time to dry before getting dressed.
Before leaving, your therapist will explain exactly when to rinse your tan and how to care for it during the following week.
At Iris Avenue, your treatment takes place in a calm, welcoming environment where attention to detail is just as important as achieving beautiful colour.
Immediately After Your Appointment
The First Hour
Allow the tanning solution to develop without touching your skin unnecessarily.
Until Your First Shower
Avoid:
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getting wet
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swimming
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heavy exercise
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steam rooms
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saunas
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tight clothing
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applying moisturiser
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applying perfume
Why this matters
The tanning solution is still developing.
Moisture or friction during this period may interrupt the development process and affect the final result.
Your First Shower
Follow your therapist’s recommended development time before showering.
During your first rinse:
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use lukewarm water
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avoid soap where advised
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do not scrub your skin
You’ll notice the cosmetic bronzer washing away while your developed tan remains underneath.
This is completely normal.
Spray Tan Aftercare
Moisturise every day
Daily moisturising is one of the simplest ways to extend the life of your tan.
Hydrated skin sheds more slowly, helping your tan fade evenly. A gradual tanning lotion can also be used to prolong the tan and help it fade evenly.
Pat your skin dry
After showering, gently pat your skin with a towel instead of rubbing vigorously.
This reduces unnecessary friction.
Avoid long hot baths
Hot water and prolonged soaking encourage the outer layer of skin to shed more quickly.
Shorter, cooler showers usually help your tan last longer.
Swimming
Swimming is fine once your tan has fully developed, although frequent exposure to chlorinated pools may reduce its longevity.
Expert observation
One of the most common causes of uneven fading isn’t poor application.
It’s dry skin around the elbows, knees and ankles.
Clients who moisturise consistently usually enjoy a much more even fade throughout the week.
Common Mistakes
Moisturising immediately before the appointment
This can prevent the tanning solution from developing evenly.
Wearing tight clothing home
Compression and friction may leave marks while the tan is still developing.
Showering too early
Rinsing before the recommended development time can reduce the final depth of colour.
Forgetting to moisturise afterwards
Dry skin sheds more quickly, shortening the life of your tan.
Booking on the day of your event
For weddings, holidays or important occasions, most clients prefer to have their spray tan one to two days beforehand.
This allows the colour to fully develop and gives time for the first rinse.
Maintenance
Most spray tans last around five to ten days.
You may wish to rebook when:
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the tan begins fading unevenly
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your natural skin tone starts returning
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you have another event approaching
If you maintain a spray tan regularly, many clients return every one to two weeks.
Expert Advice
The difference between a good spray tan and a great one often comes down to preparation rather than application.
The clients who achieve the most even, longest-lasting results are rarely those with the darkest tan.
They’re the ones who exfoliate properly, wear loose clothing home and moisturise every day afterwards.
Related Treatments
You may also enjoy:
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Luxury Manicure
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Luxury Pedicure
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Lash Lift
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Brow Lamination
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Facials
Spray tans are particularly popular before holidays, weddings, parties and special occasions and combine well with other beauty treatments. If you would like to book one of the services, it is advised to call Iris Avenue so we can arrange your services in the correct order.
Why People Choose Iris Avenue
Clients choose Iris Avenue for beautifully natural spray tans, meticulous preparation, exceptional attention to detail and warm hospitality. Whether you visit our Fitzrovia or Marylebone salon, you’ll receive personalised advice designed to help you achieve an even, natural-looking glow that suits your skin tone and occasion.
Spray Tan vs Self-Tan
Professional Spray Tan
Even professional application
Tailored shade
Quick treatment
Hard-to-reach areas covered
Professional advice included
Self-Tan at Home
Depends on application technique
Usually one formula
Takes longer to apply yourself
Difficult to reach the back evenly
Self-guided application