What Is a Spray Tan? How It Works and What to Expect
If you've never had a spray tan, the whole idea can feel a little mysterious. How does a mist create a tan, and what actually happens in the booth? Here's a plain-language walkthrough.
A spray tan is a sunless tan. A fine mist of solution containing DHA is applied to your skin in a booth, and the DHA reacts with the outer layer of skin to develop color over the next several hours. It lasts about 5 to 10 days and fades naturally as skin sheds.
Key takeaways
- ✓A spray tan creates color without sun exposure, using a cosmetic ingredient called DHA.
- ✓The booth session itself takes only a few minutes; your color develops over the following hours.
- ✓Your color fades gradually as your skin naturally exfoliates, usually over 5 to 10 days.
- ✓We have two booth options: a heated VersaSpa Pro and an automated Norvell.
- ✓A little prep and aftercare makes a big difference in how even and long-lasting your tan looks.
What is a spray tan?
A spray tan, also called a sunless tan, is a cosmetic way to get a tan without lying in the sun. A fine mist of solution is sprayed over your skin, and over the next several hours it develops into a natural-looking tan color.
How does a spray tan work?
The key ingredient is DHA (dihydroxyacetone), a cosmetic color additive. When DHA touches the outermost layer of your skin it reacts with amino acids there and gradually turns brown. It is not a dye that sits on top of your skin, which is why color appears slowly rather than all at once, and why it fades evenly as your skin naturally sheds. The FDA has approved DHA as a color additive for external cosmetic use, and notes it should be kept away from the eyes, lips and other mucous membranes. That's why nose and eye protection are part of every booth session.
What happens during a booth session
| Step | What happens |
|---|---|
| Prep | You arrive showered and exfoliated, without lotion, deodorant or makeup. |
| Step in | You step into the booth and follow the on-screen or posted instructions for positioning. |
| Mist | Fine, even spray is applied from several angles in a short automated cycle. |
| Dry | The booth finishes and you let the solution dry before dressing in loose, dark clothing. |
| Develop | Color continues to develop over the next several hours. Wait for your salon's recommended time before your first shower. |
Our booths: VersaSpa Pro and Norvell
We offer a heated VersaSpa Pro booth and an automated Norvell booth. Both are automated, so each session is quick and consistent. We also carry Norvell solutions in Venetian, Dark and Clear, so you can choose the look that suits you. See our guide to choosing between them, or read more about how an automated sunless booth works.
How long does a spray tan last?
Most spray tans last about 5 to 10 days. Your skin naturally sheds its outer layer, so the color fades gradually rather than washing off. Moisturizing daily and avoiding long hot showers and harsh scrubbing help it last longer. Our aftercare guide covers the details, and our spray tan guide walks through prep.
Try a free week of tanning
New local guests get a free week of tanning across our six South Hills locations. Bring a photo ID and ask our team about spray tanning.
Claim my free weekFrequently asked questions
What is a spray tan?
A spray tan is a sunless tan. A fine mist of solution containing DHA is applied to your skin and develops into a tan color over several hours, with no sun exposure.
How does a spray tan work?
DHA reacts with amino acids in the outer layer of your skin and gradually turns it brown. The color fades as your skin naturally sheds, usually over 5 to 10 days.
How long does a spray tan session take?
The spray cycle itself takes a few minutes, and the full appointment, including drying, usually takes around 10 to 15 minutes. Your color then develops over the next several hours.
Does a spray tan wash off right away?
No. The guide color from the bronzer rinses off at your first shower, but the color from the DHA is already developing in your skin and stays until your skin naturally sheds.
Is a spray tan safe?
DHA is FDA-approved as a color additive for external use. It should be kept away from eyes, lips and mucous membranes, which is why booth sessions include nose and eye protection.
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 and manufacturer information 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.