Spray Tan 2 Days In A Row – Is It Alright?
I was recently asked by one of the site’s followers if it’s okay to spray tan two days in a row, and I found the question interesting enough that I felt it was worth answering with a quick post.
Many people, understandably, worry about how they’ll look from a spray tan.
I’ve had sessions where the airbrusher didn’t have a shade dark enough, and so I wondered if it was alright if I just layered up by coming back the next day to get a darker tan.
Let’s discuss how this works specifically with spray tanning. If you’re curious about layering self-tanner products at home, check out this other post I wrote.
Alright, let’s get started.
What Happens If You Get A Spray Tan 2 Days In A Row?
First, let’s have a quick chat about how most tanning products work, including spray tans. Products that produce tan almost always contain a chemical called DHA.
DHA is a type of sugar that is derived either synthetically or naturally from things like sugar cane or sugar beets.
When DHA comes in contact with the amino acids in the dead skin cells on your body, it chemically reacts, forming pigment.
This pigment, if the product is of high quality, should resemble a natural tan very closely. Typically, products intended to produce a darker tan will have a higher DHA content.
The higher the DHA content, the more challenging it is to achieve a natural-looking, even tan over your entire body, so most professionals prefer to use a light to medium tone spray tanning product.
If you’ve read my guide on getting a darker self-tan, you know that layering self-tanner is a completely reasonable way to do this, but there are a few things you want to watch out for.
You should talk to and trust the person applying the spray tan on you, or at least the employees at the salon you visit. However, I‘m going to share my experience and knowledge with you.
How To Spray Tan 2 Days In A Row
First of all, you certainly don’t want to get a spray tan twice on the same day. You won’t even give the first application enough time to fully develop, even if you wash it off.
It takes around 8-24 hours for a spray tan to fully develop, which is why many people opt for a late-day spray tan, then go to sleep and wash it off in the morning.
Next, before trying to achieve a darker spray tan by applying it twice in two days, ask your salon what their darkest solution is. The average spray tanner solution that they use will probably have between 8-14% DHA.
There are brands out there with significantly higher amounts of DHA, such as Brown Blitz and others. So talk with your airbrusher and see what they can do. If they have a darker solution, that is a much better option than tanning multiple days in a row. Not only will it be easier to maintain, but it will also fade off cleaner.
Next, if you haven’t tried it already, I recommend using a high-quality self-tanning solution that you can apply at home.
My favorite (and the one I’m using right now) is this one that you can pick up fairly inexpensively on Amazon. I’ve used this in the past, and it produces a beautiful, dark shade of tan that looks extremely natural.
I personally love self-tanning, but if you prefer to go in for a spray tan instead, that’s totally fine!
If the salon doesn’t have a darker solution and you’re not interested in self-tanning, then you can try spray tanning twice in a row. Don’t change up your routine; go ahead and do your exfoliation and your moisturizing.
You want to make sure that you shower off the solution before your second session of spray tanning.
Then, when you return to complete your second session, please speak with the salon staff and inform them. They will likely use a slightly lower DHA solution so they can better control the tan; you don’t want to be unnaturally dark.
Once you’ve had the second spray tan done, watch your skin. If you feel like the color is reaching a point where it is getting too dark, hop in the shower right away to slow or stop the reaction that’s forming the tan.
Then, voila, you’ve spray tanned twice in two days and have a beautiful dark color!
I hope you found this short article helpful. If you did, consider sharing it! If you didn’t enjoy it, let me know why in the comments, and I’ll work to improve it!
related Questions
1. Is it safe to get a spray tan two days in a row?
Yes, it is generally safe to get a spray tan two days in a row. It’s essential to allow the first tan enough time to develop (typically 8–24 hours) before applying a second layer. Doing so too soon can lead to uneven results or over-darkening.
2. Why would someone want to spray tan two days in a row?
Some people choose to spray tan on consecutive days to achieve a darker, more intense tan. This method, called “layering”, can be effective if done correctly and with communication between you and your technician.
3. Can I get a spray tan twice in one day?
No, it’s not recommended. A spray tan takes 8–24 hours to develop fully. Applying a second tan too soon won’t give the first one time to set and could lead to patchiness or an unnatural appearance.
4. What should I do between sessions if I plan to spray tan two days in a row?
- Shower off the first tan gently.
- Moisturize regularly to keep skin smooth and even.
- Avoid heavy exfoliation between sessions unless advised by your technician.
- Inform the salon staff that you’re layering your tan so they can adjust the DHA concentration accordingly.
5. Should I ask my salon about their darkest solution before doing two sessions?
Absolutely! Many salons offer solutions with higher DHA concentrations (up to 20% or more). Using a darker formula in one session is often preferable to layering, as it produces a cleaner, more natural look and fades evenly.
6. What are some alternatives to getting two spray tans in a row?
If your salon doesn’t have a darker solution or you prefer more control:
- Use a high-quality self-tanner at home to build or maintain color.
- Combine a light spray tan with a gradual self-tanner for a longer-lasting effect.
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