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The Ultimate Spray Tan Q&A

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Spray Tanning, Prep, Aftercare & Products By Karina, Personal Tanner

1. What is a spray tan?

 

 

A spray tan is a professional application of a tanning solution containing DHA (dihydroxyacetone) that reacts with the top layer of your skin to create a bronzed glow — without sun damage.

 

At Personal Tanner Brisbane, every tan is customised to your skin tone, event, lifestyle and confidence level.

 

No orange. No streaks. No guesswork.

 

 

 

 

2. How long does a spray tan last?

 

 

A professional spray tan lasts 5–10 days, depending on:

 

  • Your skin prep

  • Your aftercare

  • How often you shower

  • Hot water exposure

  • Swimming (salt or chlorine)

  • Exfoliation habits

 

 

Proper prep + hydration = longer, more even fade.

 

 

 

 

3. How should I prepare for my spray tan?

 

 

Prep starts at home.

 

✔ Exfoliate properly the day before

✔ Remove ALL old tan

✔ Avoid oils, deodorant, makeup & perfume on the day

✔ Wear loose, dark clothing

 

If you tan over old tan without proper exfoliation, colour can grab unevenly, fade patchy, or even turn orange in areas.

 

And no… a soft sponge is not exfoliating 😅

 

 

 

 

4. Why is exfoliation so important?

 

 

Old tan + new tan = risky business.

 

If dead skin isn’t removed:

 

  • Colour can go darker in some areas

  • It can look muddy or orange

  • It fades faster and patchier

 

 

Use a proper exfoliating mitt or tan remover like Ten Off. If you tan regularly, removal products are essential.

 

 

 

 

5. Can I shower before my spray tan?

 

 

Yes — but at least 4 hours before your appointment.

 

Quick, warm shower. No boiling 25-minute spa sessions.

And no moisturiser, deodorant or makeup after.

 

Clean skin = even development.

 

 

 

 

6. What should I wear to my appointment?

 

 

Loose. Dark. Comfy.

 

  • Loose dress

  • Oversized tee

  • Robe

  • Slides

 

 

Avoid tight bras, leggings, jeans or light fabrics.

 

Robes are actually perfect because:

 

  • They’re loose

  • Sleeves protect underarms

  • No tight waistbands

 

 

 

 

 

7. Can I wear a bra after my spray tan?

 

 

Before your first rinse? Avoid it if possible.

 

Straps can rub and cause lines.

If you must, go strapless and loose.

 

After your rinse — live your life.

 

 

 

 

8. When should I tan before an event?

 

 

Best timing: 2 days before.

 

2 days before is ideal:

 

  • Fully developed colour

  • Time to rinse bronzer

  • Less risk of transfer

 

 

Perfect for:

 

  • Weddings

  • Formals

  • Holidays

  • Photoshoots

 

 

 

 

 

9. What if I cry, sweat or dance at my event?

 

 

After your first rinse, you’re good.

 

Sweat is fine — just be mindful of tight backless dresses that might rub if you wear tight bra.

Moisturise the next day and glow on.

 

 

 

 

10. Can I use sunscreen with a spray tan?

 

 

Yes. Always.

 

Sunscreen protects your skin AND your tan.

 

Sunburn = peel = bye tan 👋

 

A tan is not sun protection.

 

 

 

 

11. Why does sunscreen help my tan last longer?

 

 

Same reason it’s waterproof.

 

It creates a barrier between:

 

  • UV damage

  • Salt water

  • Chlorine

 

 

Healthy skin holds colour better.

Burnt skin peels.

 

 

 

 

12. Can I swim with a spray tan?

 

 

Yes — after your first rinse.

 

Salt water and chlorine will fade it faster, so:

 

  • Rinse after swimming

  • Pat dry

  • Moisturise

 

 

Hydration is everything.

 

 

 

 

13. Why does my face fade faster?

 

 

Because we:

 

  • Wash it more

  • Use acids & serums

  • Remove makeup daily

 

 

Your face needs top-ups. Available online or in studio.

 

 

 

 

14. What is TanuP Face Tanning Serum?

 

 

TanuP Face Tanning Serum is my custom glow baby.

 

It’s an illuminating tanning serum that:

 

  • Matches your body tan

  • Develops overnight

  • Gives real colour

  • No muddy undertones

 

 

I personally use 5 drops on clean skin at night.

 

Wake up glowing.

 

 

 

 

15. How do I use face tanning drops?

 

 

  1. Clean, dry skin

  2. Add 3–5 drops

  3. Blend evenly

  4. Wash hands

  5. Sleep

 

 

Glow in the morning.

 

 

 

 

16. Can I spray tan my face?

 

 

Yes — but many clients prefer using face serum instead because:

 

  • More control

  • Easier top-ups

  • Less risk of congestion

 

 

Sometimes I don’t spray tan my face at all.

 

 

 

 

17. What percentage DHA should I choose?

 

 

DHA % doesn’t mean darker automatically.

 

It depends on:

 

  • Skin tone

  • Undertone

  • How long you leave it on

  • Your lifestyle

 

 

We customise between 12%, 14%, 16% based on your goals.

 

Testing is everything.

 

 

 

 

18. Why does my tan sometimes look orange?

 

 

Usually because of:

 

  • Old tan underneath

  • Poor exfoliation

  • Overdeveloping

  • Wrong solution for your undertone

 

​​

 

 

 

19. What aftercare products should I use?

 

 

Hydration = longevity.

 

Use:

 

  • Tan-safe body wash

  • Hydrating oil

  • Body butter

  • Gradual tan to boost

 

 

Avoid:

 

  • Harsh scrubs

  • Long hot showers

  • Chlorine without rinsing

 

 

 

 

 

20. What is gradual tan?

 

 

Gradual tan is a moisturiser with a small amount of DHA that:

 

  • Boosts colour

  • Extends your tan

  • Keeps it even

 

 

Perfect for travel.

 

 

 

 

21. Is Sunescape tanning oil a sun oil?

 

 

Sunescape Tanning Oil is NOT a sun oil.

 

It’s a gradual tanning oil used to:

 

  • Top up colour

  • Enhance glow

  • Hydrate skin

 

 

Perfect for holidays.

 

 

 

 

22. Can I travel with gradual tan?

 

 

Yes.

 

Travel sizes fit in hand luggage.

Great for long flights and humidity.

 

I literally pack it every trip.

 

 

 

 

23. How do I remove my spray tan properly?

 

 

Don’t scrub aggressively.

 

Use:

 

  • Exfoliating mitt

  • Tan remover

  • Warm shower

  • Gentle circular motions

 

 

No boiling showers please 😅

 

 

 

 

24. Why did my tan fade patchy?

 

 

Common reasons:

 

  • No prep

  • Dry skin

  • Long hot showers

  • Chlorine

  • Tight clothing rubbing

 

 

Prep + hydration prevents 90% of patchy fades.

 

 

 

 

25. Can tight clothes ruin my tan?

 

 

Before rinse: yes.

After rinse: mostly fine.

 

But constant friction can fade areas faster.

 

 

 

 

26. Is spray tanning safe?

 

 

Spray tanning is a cosmetic reaction on the outer layer of skin.

 

It does not penetrate into your bloodstream.

 

It’s far safer than sun tanning.

 

 

 

 

27. How much does a spray tan cost in Brisbane?

 

 

Professional spray tanning in Brisbane typically ranges from $35–$65 depending on:

 

  • Location

  • Customisation

  • Experience

  • Mobile vs studio

 

 

At Personal Tanner, we focus on VIP custom experience — not fast conveyor belt tanning.

 

 

 

 

28. What makes Personal Tanner different?

 

 

I don’t just spray and send you home.

 

I:

 

  • Customise colour

  • Educate on prep

  • Guide aftercare

  • Offer top-up solutions

  • Create a personalised glow plan

 

 

It’s personal for a reason.

 

 

 

 

29. Do I need to book in advance?

 

 

Yes, especially in warmer months.

 

September onward gets BUSY in Brisbane.

 

Booking ahead avoids stress (for you and me 😅).

 

 

 

 

30. Does a spray tan stain clothes?

 

 

The bronzer can transfer before first rinse.

 

That’s why:

 

  • 1–2 days before event is ideal

  • Rinse properly

  • Avoid tight white clothing pre-rinse

 

 

After rinse, transfer risk is minimal.

 

 

 

 

31. Can I tan while pregnant?

 

 

Always consult your healthcare professional first.

 

Many women choose to spray tan during pregnancy as a sun-safe option.

 

 

 

 

32. How do I maintain my glow long-term?

 

 

Glow rule:

 

✨ Prep well

✨ Hydrate daily

✨ Use gradual tan to boost

✨ Don’t over-exfoliate

✨ Protect with sunscreen

 

Respect the tan.

 

 

 

 

Final Glow Note

 

 

Spray tanning isn’t just colour.

 

It’s:

 

  • Confidence

  • Mood shift

  • Event readiness

  • Holiday energy

  • Feeling put together

 

 

And when done properly — it fades beautifully

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