A flawless, sun-kissed glow without the UV damage — that's the promise of a great spray tan. Whether you're prepping for a wedding, a special event, a holiday, or you just want to feel your best, getting a professional spray tan in Perth is one of the easiest ways to look radiant year-round.
But here's the thing: the results you get depend just as much on what you do before and after your appointment as they do on the skill of your beauty therapist. In this guide, we'll walk you through exactly how to prep, how to care for your tan so it lasts, and where to book a trusted spray tan in Perth.
Why Choose a Spray Tan?
A spray tan gives you that bronzed look in a single session — usually under 30 minutes — with no sun exposure, no tan lines (unless you want them), and no waiting around for a natural tan to develop over weeks.
Modern tanning solutions have come a long way. Today's formulas are designed to look natural, fade evenly, and avoid the orange tones of older products. A good Perth beauty salon will also colour-match your solution to your skin tone, so the result looks like you — just a little more glowing.
How to Prep for Your Spray Tan
Preparation is everything. Skip these steps and even the best tan can turn out patchy or short-lived. Here's your pre-tan checklist:
24–48 Hours Before
- Exfoliate thoroughly. Use a gentle, oil-free scrub to remove dead skin cells. This creates a smooth, even canvas so your tan develops uniformly. Pay extra attention to dry areas like elbows, knees, ankles and hands.
- Shave or wax. Do any hair removal at least 24 hours before your appointment. Shaving immediately before can irritate the skin and open pores, leading to uneven colour.
- Get any other treatments done first. Facials, manicures, pedicures and massages should all happen before your tan, not after.
The Day Of
- Arrive with clean, product-free skin. Don't apply moisturiser, deodorant, perfume, makeup or oils. These create a barrier that stops the solution from absorbing evenly.
- Wear loose, dark clothing. Think baggy track pants, a loose top and flip-flops or thongs. Tight clothes and closed shoes can rub the tan before it sets.
- Bring or wear minimal underwear. Most salons offer disposable options, but you can wear your own — just know it may pick up some bronzer.
What Happens During Your Appointment
A professional spray tan is quick and straightforward. Your beauty therapist will guide you through a series of poses while applying the solution evenly with a spray gun. The whole process typically takes 15 to 30 minutes, and you'll often see an instant bronze "guide colour" straight away, which develops into your true tan over the following hours.
Many salons offer different shades and even rapid or express tans that you can rinse off in as little as 1–4 hours, depending on how deep you want the colour. Your therapist can recommend the right option for your skin and your timeline.
Spray Tan Aftercare: Make It Last
Your tan continues developing after you leave the salon, so the first several hours are crucial. Follow these tips to keep your glow looking its best for longer:
The First 4–8 Hours
- Don't get wet. Avoid showering, sweating, swimming or even getting caught in the rain until your development time is complete (your therapist will tell you exactly how long).
- Skip the gym. Sweat can cause streaking, so postpone intense workouts.
- Stay in loose clothing until your first rinse.
Your First Shower
- Rinse with lukewarm water only — no soap or scrubbing — until the water runs clear. Then pat (don't rub) yourself dry with a towel.
Days 1–7
- Moisturise daily, ideally morning and night. Hydrated skin holds colour far longer and fades more evenly. Use a hydrating, oil-free lotion.
- Avoid exfoliating products, anti-ageing serums with retinol or AHAs, and long hot baths — these all speed up fading.
- Pat dry after every shower rather than rubbing.
- Limit chlorine and salt water, which can strip the tan faster.
With proper care, most spray tans last around 5 to 10 days before gradually fading.
Where to Book a Spray Tan in Perth
Perth has a thriving beauty scene with talented therapists across the city and suburbs. One name worth knowing is Tash's Tanning, a Perth-based spray tan specialist offering professional tanning services tailored to your skin tone and occasion.
Of course, the best beauty therapist in Perth for you is the one who fits your location, schedule and budget — which is exactly where Book My Chair comes in. Instead of scrolling through endless reviews and calling around, you can browse and compare spray tan providers across Perth and book your appointment online in just a few taps.
Whether you're after a quick express tan before a Friday night out or a deep, long-lasting bronze for your big day, finding the right beauty salon in Perth has never been easier.
Ready to Glow?
A great spray tan is a partnership between a skilled beauty therapist and good prep and aftercare on your part. Nail both, and you'll walk away with a natural, even, long-lasting glow you'll love.
Find and book your spray tan in Perth today on Book My Chair — compare local salons, check availability, and secure your appointment in minutes.
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Looking for more beauty inspiration and booking tips? Explore the Book My Chair blog for guides on everything from lashes and brows to facials and skincare.
