Spray Tan Guide: Everything You Need to Know
Whether it's your first spray tan or your fiftieth, a little prep goes a long way toward getting an even, natural-looking result that lasts. Here's how the process actually works, what our booths do differently, and how to make your color go the distance.
A spray tan uses DHA, a cosmetic ingredient that reacts with your skin's surface to produce color with zero UV exposure. Prep with a shower and light exfoliation, skip lotion and deodorant the day of, and moisturize daily afterward to make it last.
Key takeaways
- ✓Spray tans use DHA, which is FDA-approved for external cosmetic use and involves no UV exposure.
- ✓We run two booth types — a heated VersaSpa Pro and an automated Norvell — so you can pick heated comfort or a build-your-own shade depth.
- ✓Exfoliating beforehand and skipping lotion the day of are the two biggest factors in an even result.
- ✓Most spray tans last 5 to 10 days with good aftercare.
How a spray tan actually works
The active ingredient in every spray tan is DHA (dihydroxyacetone), a cosmetic compound that reacts with amino acids in the outer layer of your skin to produce a brown color — it's a chemical reaction, not a dye or stain sitting on top of skin. The FDA has approved DHA as a color additive for external cosmetic use, though it's restricted from the eyes, lips and mucous membranes, which is why eye and nose protection are part of every booth session. That's also why color develops gradually over a few hours rather than appearing instantly, and fades naturally as skin cells turn over.
VersaSpa Pro vs. Norvell: our two booth options
We run a heated VersaSpa Pro booth and an automated Norvell booth, and which one's right for you comes down to preference. The VersaSpa Pro warms the solution before it's applied, which most guests find more comfortable and helps the tan dry faster and more evenly. The Norvell booth skips the heated step but lets you choose your shade depth going in, so you can build color light to dark depending on the occasion.
| VersaSpa Pro | Norvell | |
|---|---|---|
| Application | Heated, automated | Automated, unheated |
| Shade control | Standard even tone | Choose light to dark |
| Dry time | Faster, warm session | Standard |
| Best for | Comfort, quick-drying color | Guests who want to control depth |
How to prep for your appointment
- Shower and exfoliate beforehand. Dead skin cells absorb DHA unevenly, so a gentle exfoliation a few hours before your session helps color go on smoothly.
- Skip lotion, deodorant and makeup. These create a barrier that can cause streaking or uneven spots.
- Wear loose, dark clothing. Tight or light-colored fabric can rub off fresh color or show transfer on the way home.
- Remove jewelry. Rings and bracelets can leave light marks where solution can't reach the skin underneath.
Try your first spray tan free
New local guests get a free week of tanning across our six South Hills locations — spray tan included.
Claim my free weekAftercare: making your tan last
Wait the full time your salon recommends before your first shower — usually a few hours — to let the solution fully develop. After that, moisturize daily with a lotion made for sunless tans, like the Devoted Creations Vault extender, to keep skin hydrated and slow the natural fading process. Avoid long hot showers, harsh scrubbing and chlorine pools, all of which strip color faster than normal wear.
The bottom line
A spray tan is one of the fastest ways to get natural-looking color with zero sun damage, and a few minutes of prep and aftercare make the difference between a tan that looks great for a week and one that fades patchy after two days. Come in, tell the front desk what look you're going for, and they'll help you pick the right booth and shade.
Frequently asked questions
How do I prepare for a spray tan?
Shower and exfoliate a few hours beforehand, skip lotion, deodorant and makeup the day of, and wear loose, dark clothing to your appointment so nothing rubs off the fresh color.
How long does a spray tan last?
Most spray tans last 5 to 10 days. Moisturizing daily, avoiding long hot showers, and gently exfoliating rather than scrubbing all help extend it.
What's the difference between VersaSpa Pro and Norvell?
VersaSpa Pro is a heated booth that applies a fast, even, quick-drying tan in a warm session. Norvell is an automated booth that lets you choose your shade depth, from light to dark, without the heated step.
Can I shower right after a spray tan?
No. Most solutions need a few hours to fully develop before your first rinse. Your salon will tell you the exact wait time for the solution they use.
Will a spray tan look orange or streaky?
Modern DHA solutions are formulated against the old orange-tint problem, and automated booths apply an even coat that minimizes streaking. Exfoliating beforehand and following aftercare instructions are the biggest factors in an even result.
Brian Homerosky
Founder & Owner, Sunsational Tan
Austin Homerosky
Owner, Sunsational Tan
Brian founded Sunsational Tan in 1995; Austin now oversees day-to-day operations across all six South Hills locations. Guides like this one are reviewed by the team that actually runs these services in-salon.
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and reflects publicly available FDA guidance current as of publication. It is not medical advice. Sunsational Tan does not provide medical diagnosis, treatment or advice. Consult a licensed physician with questions about a skin condition, pregnancy, or an allergy before your appointment.