How Long Does a Spray Tan Last? A Luxury Spray Tan Expert Breaks It Down

Spray tans are one of the safest ways to achieve a natural, glowing tan without exposing your skin to aging UV rays. But the most common question I hear in my studio is simple:

How long does a spray tan last?

After more than 10 years of hands-on experience and thousands of spray tans, the honest answer is:

Most spray tans last between 5 and 10 days.

Many of my regular clients get up to 10 days, or more.

That longevity is not accidental. It comes down to skin prep, hydration, lifestyle, and aftercare paired with the Aloha Glow custom high quality spray tan solution.

A Realistic Spray Tan Timeline

Here’s what I consistently see in real life:

• Spray tans that last 5 days usually involve minimal prep or inconsistent moisturizing

• Spray tans that last 7 to 10 days come from proper exfoliation and daily hydration

• Spray tans lasting 10+ days are almost always regular clients who follow prep and aftercare closely

Same studio. Same solution. Very different results.

Does Skin Type Affect How Long a Spray Tan Lasts?

Yes, but skin condition matters more than skin tone.

Healthy, well-hydrated skin holds color longer than dry or compromised skin.

General patterns I see with clients in Chicago, South Barrington, and Hoffman Estates:

• Lighter skin tones often see 5 to 6 days

• Medium tones average 7 to 8 days

• Deeper tones can reach 9 to 10+ days

When skin is cared for correctly, longevity improves across all tones.

Rapid Rinse vs Overnight Spray Tans

When high-quality solutions are used correctly, there is no difference in how long a tan lasts.

I often recommend rapid rinse spray tans because they reduce common issues like bronzer transfer, accidental water exposure, dry overnight skin, and staining sheets or clothing. Once bronzer is rinsed, the tan continues to develop naturally.

The Biggest Reason Spray Tans Fade Early

If I had to choose one reason spray tans fade sooner than expected, it would be this:

Improper exfoliation before the appointment.

A quick scrub the night before is not enough. Skin needs to be evenly exfoliated so the tan fades evenly and lasts longer.

Hands, feet, ankles, knees, shins, and neck are common problem areas simply because skin there tends to be drier or thicker. Proper exfoliation a day or two before your appointment can add days to your tan.

Before Your Spray Tan: What Actually Matters

If you want your spray tan to last, prep matters.

Recommended prep:

• Complete all other services first such as waxing, facials, nails, or massage

• Wax at least 24 hours before

• Shave at least 24 hours before for dark coarse hair, as little as 4 hours for fine blonde hair

• Exfoliate thoroughly using an exfoliation mitt

• Ditch the scrubs that leave residue

• Arrive with clean, dry skin and no lotion, makeup, or deodorant

Skipping this step is the fastest way to shorten a tan.

Aftercare: How to Make Your Spray Tan Last Longer

Aftercare is where most people lose longevity without realizing it.

After your spray tan:

• Rinse in 2 to 6 hours for the express rinse or 8 hours for the overnight solution

• Avoid sweating or moisture before your first rinse

• Use lukewarm water, never hot

• Wash gently with hands and a moisturizing ph balanced body wash

• Pat skin dry instead of rubbing

• Moisturize immediately while skin is still slightly damp

• Continue moisturizing morning and night

Hot showers, baths, steam rooms, saunas, and soaking will shorten the life of your tan.

A Real Example: Pageant Prep Under Real Conditions

I work with celebrity performers and pageant contestants who need their spray tans to last under real conditions.

One of my clients, Miss Chicago 2025 Rhiannon Graham preparing for the Miss Illinois pageant, rehearses, performs, and loves baths as a way to decompress.

For competition week, we had an honest conversation. Baths had to pause temporarily. Hot water and soaking shorten spray tan longevity significantly.

Because of her schedule, we layered in elevated services such as professional pH balancing prep, deep hydration spray, and sweat-resistant solutions designed for stage performance.

While other contestants were reapplying self-tanner every few days, and avoiding showering all together that week, her spray tan still looked fresh on day seven, even under stage lights. Many of my regular clients experience similar longevity because prep and maintenance are consistent.

What If You Didn’t Have Time to Prep?

That’s more common than you think.

At Aloha Glow, I offer elevated prep services for clients who didn’t have time to exfoliate properly, have dry skin, or need pH balancing before tanning. These services help create an even base so the tan lasts longer and fades better.

Spray tanning is both beauty and science. Over the years, I’ve learned exactly why certain areas fade faster on different bodies. Once I know your history, I can usually pinpoint what’s happening and adjust your tan accordingly.

So, How Long Should Your Spray Tan Last?

If you prep correctly and moisturize consistently, 7 to 10+ days is very realistic.

If prep and hydration are skipped, around 5 days is more typical.

If your spray tan isn’t lasting, it’s usually something small and fixable.

Luxury Spray Tans in Chicago & Northwest Suburbs

If you’re searching for a luxury spray tan in Chicago, or Northwest Suburbs in South Barrington / Hoffman Estates, Aloha Glow specializes in customized, skin-first spray tans designed to last and fade evenly.

Book your appointment and experience what a professional spray tan should actually feel like.