The holiday countdown is on. Your outfits are planned, your airport look is ready, and the group chat is in chaos. Then you remember one final part of your pre-holiday preparation:

“Should I get a spray tan before I go?”

The short answer is yes—if you want to begin your holiday with a natural-looking glow and a little extra confidence. However, good preparation, careful timing and the right aftercare are essential if you want your spray tan to look its best.

Here are our top pre-holiday spray tan tips, from when to book your appointment to keeping your colour fresh while you’re away.

Why Get a Spray Tan Before Your Holiday?

Arriving at your destination with a fresh glow instantly puts you in holiday mode. A professional spray tan can:

• Give you an instant, sun-kissed appearance
• Help create a more even-looking skin tone
• Complement your holiday outfits and swimwear
• Provide a UV-free way to achieve a bronzed look
• Help you feel confident from the first day of your trip

It also means you won’t feel as though you need to spend your first few days trying to change the colour of your skin in the sun. You can relax, enjoy your holiday and focus on protecting your skin.

Remember, a spray tan is purely cosmetic and does not protect your skin from UV rays. You will still need to apply a suitable broad-spectrum sunscreen regularly throughout your holiday.

When Should You Get a Spray Tan Before a Holiday?

We generally recommend booking your spray tan one or two days before you travel.

This gives the colour time to develop and lets you shower before you leave. It also helps you avoid leaving the appointment on the same day as your flight, when tight clothing, heat, rushing around, and carrying bags could affect the developing tan.

If you have never had a professional spray tan before—or you are trying a new solution or shade—consider booking a trial ahead of your holiday. This helps you find the colour and development time that work best for you.

Prepare Your Skin Before Your Appointment

A beautiful holiday spray tan starts with good preparation. Your tanning solution sits on the outermost layer of your skin, so creating a smooth and even base can help the colour develop more consistently.

Before your appointment:

• Exfoliate thoroughly around 24 hours beforehand
• Pay extra attention to dry areas such as elbows, knees and ankles
• Complete shaving or waxing at least 24 hours before your tan
• Moisturise regularly in the days leading up to the appointment
• Avoid applying deodorant, perfume, makeup, oils or body lotion immediately beforehand

Arrive wearing dark, loose-fitting clothing and comfortable footwear. Tight waistbands, bras, socks and restrictive shoes can rub against the solution while it develops.

How Long Will a Spray Tan Last on Holiday?

A professional spray tan usually lasts several days, but it is unlikely to stay unchanged throughout a long holiday.

Swimming pools, seawater, hot weather, sweating and regular showering can all make the colour fade more quickly. Sunscreen is also essential, even though frequent application may gradually affect your tan.

Rather than expecting your spray tan to last for the entire trip, think of it as your starting holiday glow. It can give you colour from the moment you arrive, including those first airport, poolside and evening photographs.

How to Make Your Holiday Spray Tan Last Longer

Although some fading is unavoidable, gentle aftercare can help your tan remain smooth and even for longer.

Moisturise Every Day

Keeping your skin hydrated can help prevent dryness and uneven fading. Apply a gentle moisturiser daily, ideally after showering.

Keep Showers Short and Lukewarm

Long, hot showers can dry skin and make your colour fade faster. Use lukewarm water and avoid scrubbing your body.

Pat Your Skin Dry

When you step out of the shower or pool, gently pat your skin with a towel instead of rubbing it.

Be Gentle After Swimming

Chlorine and salt water can gradually fade a spray tan. Rinse your skin with fresh water after swimming and moisturise once you are dry.

Continue Using Sunscreen

A spray tan does not provide an SPF or make your skin safer in the sun. Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen as directed, reapply regularly, and take extra precautions such as seeking shade and wearing protective clothing.

Is a Pre-Holiday Spray Tan Worth It?

If you want to arrive feeling bronzed, confident and holiday-ready, a spray tan before your holiday can absolutely be worth it.

The key is to prepare your skin properly, schedule the appointment at the right time and be realistic about how long the colour will last. With gentle aftercare, you can keep your tan looking smooth and fresh while enjoying the first days of your trip.

Pre-Holiday Spray Tan FAQs

1) Can I get a spray tan on the day I fly?

It is best to book your appointment one or two days before travelling. This allows the colour to develop and gives you time to take your first shower before your flight.

2) Can I swim with a spray tan?

Yes, but chlorine and salt water can make the colour fade faster. Rinse after swimming, pat your skin dry and moisturise regularly.

3) Does a spray tan protect me from the sun?

No. A spray tan does not provide sun protection, so you must still use a suitable broad-spectrum sunscreen and follow normal sun-safety precautions.

4) Should I have a trial spray tan before my holiday?

A trial is a good idea if it is your first spray tan or you are unsure which shade to choose. It gives you the chance to see how the colour develops and fades on your skin.

Book Your Pre-Holiday Spray Tan

Ready to start your holiday with a gorgeous, sun-kissed glow? Book your pre-holiday spray tan at The Tan Boutique and let our team help you choose a shade that complements your skin tone.

Prepare properly, follow your aftercare advice and get ready to glow from take-off to touchdown.