Becko
I’ll be the first to admit that I’ve had my fair share of fake tan fails. You know the type – patchy knees, streaky elbows, and the telltale orange wrists that give the game away before you’ve even left the house. Over the years, I’ve tried bottles, mousses, gradual tanners, and even those terrifying tanning drops. Some were fab. Others… well, let’s just say I spent a lot of time exfoliating.
Then came the game-changer: spray tanning. Not just any spray tan, though – I’m talking about a local school mum who set up a tanning business and gave me my first proper introduction to the benefits of airbrush tanning. She transformed me from pasty to golden goddess in under ten minutes, and I’ve never looked back.
So if you’re teetering on the edge, wondering whether a spray tan is worth it, this one’s for you. Let’s take a look at the benefits of spray tanning, why it might just be your new best friend, and what to know before you strip down and step into that tent.
Benefits of Spray Tanning: Why It’s Better Than DIY Tanning (Yes, Even the Fancy Ones)
Let’s start with the obvious. DIY fake tans are unpredictable. One day you’re bronzed and beautiful; the next, you’ve got a brown handprint on your shin and a white patch where your bra strap was. It’s a minefield.
Enter spray tanning.
The biggest benefit of spray tanning? The even application. When someone else – especially a trained professional – sprays you, they can see exactly where the tan is going. No missed spots. No weird lines on your back. Just smooth, even colour from top to toe.
The Personal Touch: Why I Stick with My Local Spray Tan Lady
As I mentioned, my spray tan journey started with a mum at school who started her own tanning business. At first, I went along to support her – you know, community spirit and all that. But what I didn’t expect was to walk away looking (and feeling) like I’d just come back from a week in Ibiza.
She made it all so relaxed and easy. No judgement, no awkwardness – just a pop-up tent in her spare room and a bottle of expertly blended tanning solution. And because she knows what she’s doing, the results are always spot-on. I book in regularly now, especially before weddings, holidays, or whenever I need a confidence boost.
And let’s be honest – when someone you know is offering a reliable, affordable service, it’s a no-brainer. I get to support a fellow mum and avoid the patchy disasters of my past.
Confidence in a Can: The Mental Boost of a Good Tan
Here’s something that doesn’t get talked about enough: how good a spray tan makes you feel. I’m not saying we all need to be bronzed goddesses 24/7, but there’s something about that post-tan glow that gives you a bit of a spring in your step.
I find I wear less makeup, dress more confidently, and generally feel more “put together” when I’ve had a spray tan. It’s like the physical glow translates to a bit of an inner one, too.
And for those of us in the UK – where sunshine is fleeting and summers are hit-and-miss – a spray tan can be a fab way to fake that healthy glow without risking sun damage.
The Healthier Option: Ditch the Sunbeds
If you’ve ever been tempted by sunbeds, let me gently steer you away from them. They might give you a tan, but they also come with a big dose of UV damage, premature ageing, and an increased risk of skin cancer. Not worth it, in my book.
One of the major advantages of spray tanning is that it gives you all the golden glow without the risks. You can get that beachy look in the middle of winter without even stepping outside.
Plus, modern spray tans are packed with skin-loving ingredients. Some even include aloe vera, coconut water, or vitamins to hydrate your skin while they tan it. Who doesn’t love a two-in-one?
Fast, Fuss-Free and Long-Lasting
Let’s talk logistics.
A full-body spray tan takes less than 15 minutes – which, let’s be honest, is faster than trying to DIY it at home. No wrestling with mitts or standing around in the bathroom trying to dry off while the dog barks and the kids bang on the door.
And the results? They last a good 5 to 7 days if you prep properly and moisturise regularly. That’s nearly a full week of looking like you’ve been somewhere fabulous.
It’s perfect before a holiday, special event, or just because you fancy treating yourself.
The Airbrush Advantage
When it comes to the benefits of airbrush tanning, it’s all about precision.
Airbrush tanning uses a fine mist to deliver the tan evenly across your body, often with customisable formulas depending on your skin tone and the look you want. It’s less likely to go blotchy, and because the spray is so fine, it dries quickly and blends beautifully.
If you’ve had a nightmare with mousse or lotion-based tans, airbrush is your new best mate.
What You Need to Know: Prepping and Aftercare
If you’re new to the spray tan world, here are a few quick tips to make sure you get the most out of your glow:
Prep is everything:
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Exfoliate the night before to remove dead skin cells
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Avoid moisturisers, perfumes, make up and deodorants on the day – they can act as barriers
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Wear loose, dark clothing to your appointment
Aftercare makes the tan last:
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Wondering how long to wait to shower after spray tanning? Usually 8 to 10 hours, unless you’re doing a rapid tan (which can be rinsed off in 1–4 hours)
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Moisturise daily to maintain the tan and avoid patchiness
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Avoid long baths, chlorine, shaving and exfoliating too soon
FAQs About Spray Tanning
How long does a spray tan last?
Most spray tans last 5 to 7 days, depending on your skin type, how well you prepare beforehand, and how you care for your skin after.
How long to wait to shower after spray tanning?
For a standard spray tan, wait 8–10 hours before showering. For a rapid tan, follow the instructions – it could be as little as 1–4 hours. Always rinse with lukewarm water and avoid soap for the first rinse.
Will I turn orange?
Not if the tan is applied correctly and you choose the right shade for your skin tone. A good technician (like my lovely local mum!) will guide you on the best option.
Can I spray tan if I’m pregnant?
Many women do, especially in the second and third trimester, but it’s always best to consult your GP or midwife before booking.
Do I need to be naked?
You can wear as much or as little as you’re comfortable with. Most people go topless or wear paper underwear, but it’s entirely your choice.
Will it stain my clothes or bedding?
There may be some slight transfer before your first rinse, so wear dark, loose clothing and avoid white sheets. After your first shower, you’re good to go.
Whether you’re a total newbie or someone who’s dabbled in fake tan for years (like me), the benefits of spray tanning are hard to ignore. It’s quick, easy, and gives you a glow that lasts for days without the faff of self-tanning at home.
And let’s not forget the real perk: feeling like your best, sun-kissed self – whether you’re off to a wedding, heading on holiday, or just fancy looking fabulous on a rainy Wednesday in Croydon.
So if you’ve been wondering whether to book in for your first tan or are looking for a safer, smarter way to get that bronzed glow, I say go for it. You might just become as hooked as I am.