When Should You Get a Spray Tan Before a Holiday?

If you’re heading off on a holiday, going to a hens, or packing for a beach break, timing your spray tan matters more than people think.

Get it right and you’ll look bronzed and even from day one. Get it wrong and you risk streaks, patchiness, or a tan that fades too fast.

Here’s exactly when to book your spray tan and how to make it last on holidays.

The Best Time to Get a Spray Tan Before a Holiday

The sweet spot is as close to when you're leaving for your holiday, the better. Please allow time to rinse off before you go to the airport or hop in the car on your way.

This gives your tan time to:

• Fully develop

• Be rinsed properly

• Set evenly into the skin

If you’re flying early or have a packed schedule, booking two days before departure helps avoid rushing and gives the best result.

Avoid tanning the day before you leave. Fresh tans fade faster once exposed to travel, heat, sunscreen, and swimming.

How Long Will a Spray Tan Last on Holidays?

On average, a Glow Parlour spray tan lasts around 7 days, sometimes longer.

How long it lasts depends on:

• How well your skin is prepped

• How often you swim

• How you care for your skin after tanning

We customise every tan and offer multiple shades, so your colour is matched to your skin tone, plans, and how deep or natural you want your glow.

swimming, Pools and the Ocean After a Spray Tan

You can swim after a spray tan, but timing and care matter.

• Wait at least 24 hours after your first rinse before swimming

• Chlorine and salt water will gradually fade your tan

After swimming:

• Rinse chlorine or salt water off your skin as soon as possible

• Gently pat dry with a towel, don’t rub

• Moisturise once your skin is dry

Rinsing straight after a swim helps slow fading and keeps the tan looking even for longer.

How to Make Your Spray Tan Last Longer on Holidays

A few simple habits make a big difference.

Before your tan:

• Exfoliate thoroughly the day before

• Avoid moisturiser, deodorant, perfume, or oils on tan day

• Wear loose, dark clothing after your appointment

After your tan:

• Moisturise daily

• Avoid long, hot showers

• Use gentle body washes

• Pat skin dry instead of rubbing

• Apply sunscreen after your first rinse

These steps help your tan fade evenly rather than patchy.

Primer and Hydro Boost Add Ons

For clients heading on holidays or wanting their tan to last as long as possible, we offer optional add ons.

• Primer spray helps prep and prime the skin before tanning

• Hydro boost adds extra hydration to help lock the tan in

Both are available at an additional cost and are especially helpful if your skin is dry or you plan to swim regularly while away.

Book Your Holiday Spray Tan

If you’re heading away and want your tan to look good from day one, plan ahead.

At Glow Parlour in Jannali, we tan clients from across the Sutherland Shire, including Cronulla, Gymea, Caringbah, Sylvania, Oyster Bay, Como, Bonnet Bay, Engadine, Menai and Sutherland.