About Spray tan
A spray tan is a form of sunless tanning that gives your skin a golden, sun-kissed look without any exposure to UV. A fine mist of solution is applied to the skin, either by a trained therapist using a spray gun or in an automated booth. The active ingredient is usually dihydroxyacetone (DHA), a colouring agent that reacts with amino acids in the outermost layer of the skin to gradually produce a brown tone. Because the colour sits on the surface and is not caused by UV damage, a spray tan is widely regarded as a lower-risk alternative to sunbathing or sunbeds. It is important to understand, though, that a spray tan offers no protection from the sun, so you still need sunscreen. In the UK, DHA is permitted in cosmetic products at controlled concentrations, and reputable salons follow guidance on safe use. The depth of colour can be tailored to you, from a light, natural glow to a deeper bronze, by adjusting the strength of the solution, the number of passes and how long it is left to develop. Results typically last several days before fading gently.
On the day, and after
During the treatment
The treatment itself is quick, typically taking around 10 to 15 minutes. You will usually undress to your comfort level, often in disposable underwear provided by the salon, and stand in a designated tanning area or booth. A barrier cream may be applied to drier areas such as hands, feet, knees and elbows to stop them grabbing too much colour. Your therapist will guide you into a series of poses so the mist reaches the skin evenly. To reduce inhalation of the DHA mist, you should typically be offered protective measures such as nose filters, a cap for your hair and eyewear, and you may be asked to hold your breath and close your eyes and mouth during facial passes. Good salons work in a well-ventilated space. The solution feels cool and slightly damp on application. Some formulations include a temporary bronzer, so you may look tanned straight away, while the true colour develops over the following hours.
How it feels
Most people find a spray tan comfortable and quick. The mist feels cool and lightly damp as it lands, and can be a little chilly, especially in a booth, though this passes quickly. As the solution dries you may notice a slight tacky or sticky feeling on the skin, and some formulas have a distinctive scent as the DHA develops, which usually fades after rinsing. It is normal for the skin to feel a touch tight until you moisturise. You should not feel any stinging, burning or itching; if you do, tell your therapist, as this can signal sensitivity. Keeping your eyes and mouth closed during facial passes helps avoid any irritation from the mist.
Results and maintenance
A spray tan typically begins to show within a few hours and reaches its full depth around 8 to 24 hours after application, then lasts roughly five to ten days before fading as the outer skin cells naturally shed. How long it lasts depends on your skin type, how well you prepare and your aftercare. To keep your colour looking its best, moisturise daily, as hydrated skin fades more slowly and evenly, and avoid long hot baths, chlorinated pools, saunas and harsh exfoliation, which strip the colour faster. Pat skin dry rather than rubbing, and use gentle, oil-free products where possible. The depth of colour can be built or refreshed at your next appointment by adjusting the solution strength, number of passes and development time. When the tan fades, exfoliate to remove any patchiness before reapplying. Throughout, keep using sunscreen outdoors, as the tan gives no UV protection.
Before and after your appointment
Before your appointment
Good preparation is the difference between an even, long-lasting tan and a patchy one. In most cases, exfoliate thoroughly around 24 hours beforehand to remove dead skin, paying attention to drier areas such as elbows, knees, ankles and hands. If you shave or wax, do this at least 24 hours in advance so pores can close and the colour does not settle into open follicles. On the day, arrive with clean, product-free skin: avoid moisturiser, deodorant, perfume, make-up and oils, as these can create a barrier and cause uneven results. Keep skin hydrated in the days before, but skip lotion on the appointment day itself. Wear loose, dark clothing and open shoes to travel home in, and remove contact lenses or jewellery if asked. If this is your first treatment, or you have sensitive or reactive skin, request a patch test in advance. Tell your therapist about any skin conditions or medications, and ask any questions before you start.
Aftercare
After your treatment, keep the skin dry and avoid anything that could disturb the developing colour. Do not shower, swim, sweat heavily or exercise until the recommended development time has passed, which varies by product but is often between six and eight hours, or as advised for rapid-develop formulas. Wear loose, dark clothing and avoid tight straps, seatbelts and bags rubbing against the skin. When it is time to rinse, take a cool, plain water shower without soap or scrubbing until the water runs clear, then pat rather than rub yourself dry. From the next day, moisturise generously twice a day, as well-hydrated skin holds colour for longer and fades more evenly. Avoid long baths, chlorinated pools, saunas and vigorous exfoliation, which all speed up fading. Crucially, remember your tan gives no sun protection, so continue to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen whenever you are outdoors.
There is generally no downtime with a spray tan, and most people return to their normal routine straight away, taking care only to protect the developing colour. You can go about your day once the initial solution feels dry to the touch, avoiding water, sweat and friction until the development time is complete. If you experience any itching, redness, rash or difficulty breathing during or after the treatment, rinse the area and seek advice from a GP or, if symptoms are severe, urgent medical care. In most cases the only after-effect is the temporary colour itself, which fades gradually over several days rather than needing any recovery period.
Safety and medical considerations
Safety essentials
The most important thing to understand is that a spray tan provides no protection against UV rays. It does not act as a sunscreen, and you can still burn and damage your skin, so a broad-spectrum SPF remains essential outdoors. DHA is intended only for external skin and should be kept away from the eyes, lips and other mucous membranes, and should not be inhaled, as the mist can irritate the respiratory tract and eyes. For this reason, choose a salon that offers nose filters, eye protection and good ventilation, and follow instructions to close your eyes and mouth during facial passes. A spray tan should not be applied over broken skin, open wounds, sunburn, active eczema or infected areas. Automated booths and hand-held guns both carry the same inhalation considerations. If you have asthma or any respiratory condition, discuss this with the salon and your GP beforehand, as extra care with the mist is sensible.
Medical considerations
Certain skin and health conditions warrant a conversation with your therapist and, where relevant, a GP before booking. If you have eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, dermatitis or very sensitive skin, the solution or its fragrances and additives can sometimes trigger irritation or a flare, so a patch test is wise. People with asthma or other respiratory conditions should take particular care around the inhaled mist and may prefer a lotion-based application. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, current thinking generally regards topical DHA as low risk because little is absorbed, but reputable salons often advise caution and recommend checking with your midwife or GP first, partly because of the inhalation point. UK guidance also raises concerns about use in children. Always disclose skin conditions, allergies and medications, especially anything affecting the skin, so your therapist can advise whether the treatment is suitable for you.
Patch testing
A patch test is recommended before a first treatment and for anyone with sensitive, reactive or allergy-prone skin, because DHA solutions and their fragrances can occasionally cause irritation or an allergic reaction. It usually involves applying a small amount of product to a discreet area, often the inner arm, 24 to 48 hours ahead and checking for redness, itching or swelling. Reactions are uncommon, but a patch test reduces the risk of an unpleasant surprise over a large area. Reputable UK salons also protect you from inhaling the DHA mist by providing nose filters, eyewear and ventilation and asking you to hold your breath during facial passes, as inhalation can irritate the airways. For a UK salon, offering a patch test and these protective measures is part of responsible practice and sound insurance and liability cover.
Knowing a good practitioner
Green flags
A good salon or mobile therapist will hold a recognised tanning qualification and public liability insurance, and will happily talk you through the products they use. They offer or recommend a patch test for new or sensitive clients, and they provide protective measures such as nose filters, eyewear and a hair cap, working in a clean, well-ventilated space. Expect a brief consultation about your skin, health and the depth of colour you want, with the shade tailored to suit you rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. They will apply barrier cream to dry areas, give clear written aftercare, and remind you that the tan offers no sun protection. Honest advice about realistic results and suitability, rather than pressure to book, is a reassuring sign.
Red flags
Be cautious if a salon dismisses your request for a patch test, cannot explain the ingredients, or refuses to answer questions about how they protect you from inhaling the mist. It is a warning sign if no nose filters, eye protection or hair cap are offered, if the room is poorly ventilated, or if you are encouraged to breathe in the spray. Applying tan over broken skin, sunburn, open wounds or an active skin flare is not appropriate. Vague or absent aftercare advice, no insurance, an untrained operator, or any claim that the tan protects you from the sun should all prompt you to look elsewhere. Stop and seek medical advice if you develop breathing difficulty, a spreading rash or significant swelling.
Questions to ask
- What DHA concentration and brand of solution do you use, and can I see the ingredients?
- Do you offer a patch test, and how far in advance should I have one?
- What do you provide to protect my eyes, nose and mouth from the mist, and how is the room ventilated?
- How will you tailor the depth of colour to my skin tone and the look I want?
- What is your aftercare advice, including how long before I should first rinse?
- Are you qualified and insured, and is the treatment suitable given my skin condition or health history?
Frequently asked questions
Does a spray tan protect me from the sun?
No. This is the most important point to understand. A spray tan colours the surface of your skin but offers no protection against UV rays, so you can still burn and damage your skin. You should always apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen when you are outdoors, whether or not you have a tan.
Is DHA safe?
DHA has a long history of use in cosmetics and is permitted in the UK at controlled concentrations for adults. A 2024 UK scientific opinion confirmed it as safe for adults within set limits. The main practical concerns are avoiding inhaling the mist and keeping it away from the eyes, lips and other mucous membranes, which good salons manage with protective measures.
Do I need a patch test?
A patch test is recommended before a first treatment and for anyone with sensitive or reactive skin, as the solution or its fragrances can occasionally cause irritation. It is a quick, simple step done 24 to 48 hours ahead and helps you avoid a reaction across a large area.
Can I have a spray tan while pregnant?
Topical DHA is generally considered low risk in pregnancy because very little is absorbed, but many salons advise caution, largely because of the inhaled mist. It is sensible to check with your midwife or GP first, and a lotion-based application may be preferred over a spray.
How dark can my tan be?
The depth of colour is tailored to you. Your therapist can adjust the strength of the solution, the number of passes and the development time to create anything from a light, natural glow to a deeper bronze. It is often best to build gradually, especially for a first tan.
This guide is general information, not medical advice. Speak to a qualified practitioner, and to your GP if you have a medical condition, before booking.