Your First Spray Tan
What should you know before your first spray tan?
A spray tan is a cosmetic service in which a colour-producing product is sprayed onto the skin. It changes how your skin looks, but it does not replace a natural tan or protect against ultraviolet rays. If it is your first time, focus less on getting the darkest possible shade and more on the look you want and which areas of your body you would like covered.
If you want a tan for a specific occasion, mention this before booking. The salon can explain when the final colour should be visible according to the instructions for the product it uses and help you plan your visit. Do not assume the shade you see immediately after spraying will be the same later on: ask about the chosen product in advance.
How should you discuss your preferred shade?
When booking or before the treatment, describe the result in your own words: a barely noticeable warmer tone, a medium tan or a more pronounced colour. Say whether you want the shade to complement your current skin colour or are looking for a more noticeable change. These descriptions are more useful than a one-size-fits-all rule about how many shades darker to go.
You can ask which shades and products the salon offers, whether you can choose the intensity and how this is discussed before spraying. If you have a photo showing a look you like, it may help explain what you want, but it will not necessarily reflect the result on your skin. A personal consultation helps you agree on a choice, but does not guarantee a particular colour.
What should you confirm before booking a body treatment?
The name of a service does not always make clear exactly what it includes. Ask which areas of the body are sprayed, whether hands and feet are included, and whether facial spraying is offered separately. Find out what to expect during the visit too: whether you will discuss the shade before spraying, whether anything is provided to protect your skin or clothing, and what instructions you will receive when you leave.
If privacy matters to you, ask before booking what you would wear during the treatment and what arrangements are made for changing comfortably. Check what you need to bring yourself. If you are sensitive to cosmetic ingredients, ask for information about the product used. If you have questions about a skin condition or a possible reaction, discuss whether the treatment is suitable with a qualified healthcare professional.
Preparation and clothing: follow the specific instructions
Ask the salon for preparation instructions before your visit. Tell them if you plan to remove hair, exfoliate or use body products: they can explain whether and how to coordinate this with the instructions for the product they use. There is no need to guess how long before your appointment to do anything or which products to avoid. If the instructions are unclear, it is better to ask before you arrive.
Choose what to wear with your comfort and the salon’s advice in mind. You can ask whether loose-fitting clothes would be suitable after the treatment and whether the product might leave marks on fabric. If you have an outfit planned for an event, discuss that too: it will help you work out which areas of skin will be visible and which are worth including in the spray treatment.
What should you know about aftercare?
Before leaving, ask for specific instructions for the product used: when you can wash, how to care for your skin and what to do if colour gets on your clothes. Avoid replacing those answers with general advice from elsewhere, as instructions can vary between products. If anything is unclear, check with the salon before you leave.
Assess how the colour changes based on the salon’s explanation of how the product works, rather than judging it only by how it looks immediately after your visit. A spray tan does not provide sun protection, so do not base decisions about sun exposure on it. If you experience concerning skin sensations or a reaction, contact a qualified healthcare professional; for questions about the cosmetic result, contact the salon.
Frequently asked questions
Is it better to choose the darkest shade for a first spray tan?
Not necessarily. Describe the change you want and discuss the available levels of intensity with the salon.
Is the face included in a body spray tan?
What is included varies between services. Before booking, ask whether the face is included or offered separately.
What should I wear after the appointment?
Ask the salon about comfortable clothing and possible marks on fabric, then choose what to wear according to its instructions.
When can I wash after a spray tan?
Follow the instructions for the specific product and the salon; confirm the timing before you leave.
Does a spray tan protect against the sun?
No. It gives your skin cosmetic colour but does not replace protection against ultraviolet rays.