In recent times, the grooming game for men has genuinely evolved, with guys of all shapes and sizes embracing self-care routines that were once thought to be strictly “for women.”
A rising star in this scene is sunless tanning, also known as spray tanning, offering a fast and easy way to get that natural, sun-kissed look without worrying about harmful UV rays. Whether you’re getting ready for a big event, want a confidence boost, or just aiming to even out your skin tone, spray tanning packs a punch with benefits that fit perfectly into any man’s lifestyle.
Read on and discover the many perks of sunless tanning, which can include traditional spray tan sessions or at-home sunless tanning solutions, must-know prep tips, and learn important aftercare tricks to make sure your tan stays sharp and lasts longer. Get ready to transform your look and see why spray tanning could be your go-to secret for glowing skin!
Why More Men Are Embracing the Spray Tan Lifestyle
Spray tanning is no longer reserved for fashion models or Hollywood elites. Today, men across all lifestyles—from athletes to executives—are discovering the confidence and skin-enhancing benefits of a good spray tan. Whether you’re looking to even out skin tone, sculpt with subtle contouring, or simply maintain a healthy glow year-round, spray tanning offers a safe, effective, and modern grooming solution.
The rise of male-focused self-care trends, bolstered by social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok wellness influencers, as well as visual cues from the cosmetic industry, TV shows, movies, and even billboards, has reshaped what modern masculinity looks like. Spray tans are now seen as a smart, polished grooming choice, not just a cosmetic indulgence.
Spray Tanning vs. Natural Sun Tanning
When comparing spray tanning to traditional sun exposure, the advantages are clear:
- Sunless Tanning is UV-Free: A spray tan mist provides a bronzed glow without exposing the skin to harmful UV rays. This eliminates risks like sunburn, premature aging, and long-term concerns such as melanoma or other skin cancers.
- Professional Spray Tan = Controlled Outcome: With a custom spray tanning session, you avoid uneven tan lines, streaks, and burns often caused by tanning beds or natural sun exposure.
- Endorsed by Experts: Organizations like the American Academy of Dermatology advocate for sunless spray tanning over UV light-based tanning, emphasizing its safety and skin-friendly outcomes.
DIY vs. Professional Spray Tanning: What Men Need to Know
While self-tanner products at home may seem convenient, they often lack the precision, shade range, and expertise offered by professional salons.
- Uneven Application: Without proper exfoliation, self-tanners can cling to dead skin cells, especially around elbows, knees, and feet.
- Shade Matching Errors: DIY formulas may not complement your skin tone, resulting in orange or ashy finishes.
- Professional Technique: At goGLOW, our tanning specialists use proprietary airbrush technology that can deliver tanning solutions in several intensities and forms, including a micro-fine mist spray to deliver seamless, even results across the entire body.
Spray Tan Prep for Men: What to Do Before Your Session
Proper preparation ensures your spray tan develops evenly and lasts longer. Here’s how to get your skin in ideal condition:
Exfoliate and Shave the Day Before
- Use an exfoliating mitt like goGLOW’s EXFOLIATE to remove dead skin cells and smooth rough areas like elbows, knees, and feet.
- Focus extra attention on high-friction areas where buildup is common.
- Although optional, men can shave or trim body hair 24 hours prior to the appointment if they wish to have a clean-shaven look post-tan. This allows pores to settle and prevents the tanning solution from accumulating unevenly. Nonetheless, a spray tan can be done even with facial or body hair.
- Avoid waxing within 24 hours of your session as it can leave the skin too sensitive for application.
Moisturize Smartly Leading Up to Your Tan
- In the days before your session, use an oil-free moisturizer to hydrate the skin. Well-hydrated skin holds color more evenly.
- Avoid heavy, oil-based lotions that can create a barrier between your skin and the spray tan solution.
Skip Interfering Products on the Day Of
- Arrive with clean, dry skin—free of deodorant, moisturizer, cologne, body oils, and makeup.
- These products can create a film that blocks Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) from reacting evenly with your skin cells, resulting in patchiness or discoloration.
Dress Smart
- Wear loose-fitting, dark clothing made from breathable fabrics. Avoid tight items like socks, fitted undershirts, or compression wear.
- Clothing that presses against the skin can smudge or remove fresh spray tan mist, especially in the first few hours post-application.
- If unsure, request disposable underwear to ensure consistent coverage and minimize lines or transfer.
What to Expect During a goGLOW Spray Tanning Session
When you walk into a goGLOW salon, you’re treated to a clean, respectful, and expert experience.
Custom Consultation
Your tanning specialist will assess your skin type and tone, discuss your goals, and help select the right shade for your look, whether natural or dramatically bronzed. Patch tests will also be done to correctly assess the best color or determine if there are any rare skin reactions or allergies to the tanning solution.
Application Process
- You’ll step into a tanning salon and onto the bed, where our spray-tan artists and specialists will apply the solution through a spray gun
- Our proprietary sunless tanning solution is hypoallergenic, paraben-free, and eco-certified.
Undergarment Policy
- Men are required to wear dark-colored underwear or swim bottoms during their session. We provide disposable underwear as well for comfort.
Post-Tan Care Tips: How Men Maintain the Perfect Bronze
After your session, care is critical to protect your new glow and ensure a long-lasting, even tan. Here’s a comprehensive guide to post-tan maintenance:
Shower Timing
- For traditional spray tans: wait 12–24 hours before rinsing off. This gives the DHA in the spray tan solution time to fully develop.
- For rapid options: follow your technician’s guidance, typically rinsing within 3–5 hours based on desired color depth.
Water Temperature & Drying
- Use cool to lukewarm water for your first rinse to gently wash off the bronzer without disrupting the tanning layer underneath.
- Avoid soap during the initial rinse unless your technician recommends otherwise.
- Pat your skin dry with a soft towel—never rub, as this can streak your developing tan.
Moisturize Consistently
- Begin moisturizing after your first rinse and continue twice daily to keep your skin hydrated.
- Choose oil-free, fragrance-free products to avoid breaking down the color. goGLOW’s HYDRATE and EXTEND lines are specially formulated for this purpose.
- Well-moisturised skin retains its glow longer and fades more evenly, extending the life of your sunless spray tanning results.
Avoid Hazards That Can Strip Your Tan
- Skip chlorinated swimming pools, hot tubs, and long hot baths for 24–48 hours post-session.
- Hold off on intense physical activity and gym sessions until your tan has fully set. Sweating excessively before the tan settles can cause patchiness.
- Avoid exfoliating body washes, harsh soaps, or scrubbing with loofahs.
- Wear loose-fitting, dark clothing after your session and avoid anything tight or with elastic bands that may rub off the tan, especially around elbows, knees, and waistlines.
Protect Your Glow Between Sessions
- For facial touch-ups or color refreshes on hands, feet, and décolleté, use a self-tanner spray like goGLOW’s TOUCH UP and the EXTEND tanning mitt.
- Limit shaving to avoid prematurely exfoliating the spray tan mist layer. Use gentle, non-abrasive shaving creams.
- Avoid using products containing alcohol or retinoids, which can strip your tan.
Maintaining your glowing appearance post-session requires just a few thoughtful adjustments—and the payoff is a consistently natural look that enhances your grooming routine.
Spray Tanning for Events & Seasons: It’s Not Just for Summer
Spray tanning isn’t just a summertime indulgence—it’s an all-season strategy for looking your best, especially during important life events and social gatherings.
Event Planning Timeline for Spray Tans
For special occasions, timing your spray tan appointment is key to ensuring the color is fully developed and at its peak:
- Weddings: Schedule your tan 2–3 days before the ceremony for optimal tone and time to rinse and adjust.
- Photo Shoots: Tan 1–2 days prior to the shoot to let the color settle while avoiding fresh bronzer transfer.
- Conferences and Speaking Events: Book your appointment 2 days ahead for a polished, professional appearance.
- Reunions and Vacations: Aim for 1–3 days in advance depending on the event length and whether you’ll be exposed to water or sun.
Seasonal Tips for Year-Round Spray Tanning
Each season has unique considerations when it comes to spray tanning:
- Spring: Perfect time to transition out of winter paleness. Begin prepping skin with gradual self-tanner or moisturizer to build a healthy glow leading into summer.
- Summer: Plan ahead of outdoor events, beach trips, and weddings. Be diligent about aftercare, especially if exposed to UV rays, sunscreen, or chlorinated swimming pools.
- Fall: Complement seasonal tones and layered outfits with a subtle, natural bronzed finish. Ideal time to maintain color consistency as natural sun exposure wanes.
- Winter: Prevent the dullness of dry, pale winter skin. Focus on moisturised, well-exfoliated skin to combat dryness and extend the tan. Boost confidence for holiday parties, family photos, and corporate functions.
Staying radiant and even-toned through all seasons keeps your grooming on point and your skin looking healthy and vibrant.
How Much Does a Spray Tan for Men Cost?
Embarking on your spray tanning journey doesn’t just enhance your appearance but also boosts your confidence. And before you decide to book a spray tanning appointment, it’s good to have a general sense of the options available at goGLOW:
- Single goGLOW Session: You receive a premium custom application tailored specifically to your skin tone, coupled with a hydration finish that ensures longevity and vibrancy of the tan.
- Rapid goGLOW: For those with a busy lifestyle, this option offers a flexible rinse window while still providing a rich, long-lasting color that suits your schedule.
- Membership Programs: These options offer significant savings for regular clients, alongside exclusive discounts on products and services, making it a great value for those who plan to maintain their glow throughout the year.
Each of these options provides an opportunity to experience the transformative benefits of spray tanning with flexibility and convenience, ensuring you look your best, whatever the occasion.
Confidence Is a Shade Away
Spray tanning isn’t just about appearance—it’s about self-assurance, skincare, and sun-free sophistication. Whether you’re preparing for a big event or just want to feel more confident in your own skin, a goGLOW spray tan for men is your secret weapon.
Ready to redefine your glow? Book your session with a goGLOW tanning specialist today and experience custom spray tanning designed for the modern man
Spray Tanning for Men FAQs
Will a spray tan for men look fake or orange?
No, a properly applied spray tan won’t look fake or orange. We use a professional airbrush system with customized DHA formulas and neutralizers to suit your skin tone. Most men end up with a natural, sun-kissed glow that enhances their skin color without looking overdone.
Can I get a spray tan if I have body hair?
Absolutely. Spray tanning works fine for most guys with body hair. The mist is designed to settle evenly over the skin, even if you have chest or leg hair. However, if you shave your beard, legs, or chest after your appointment, especially if you’re lighter-skinned with darker hair, it may leave lighter patches. For best results, shave or trim beforehand.
How long does a spray tan last on men?
Typically, your tan will last between 5–10 days depending on your skin type and how well you care for it. Using a good moisturizer, avoiding long hot showers, and gently patting dry with a towel will help maintain your tan longer. Most men find that it fades evenly and naturally with proper care.
Is spray tanning a safe alternative to sun exposure?
Yes. Spray tans are a skin-safe and effective alternative to traditional tanning methods like sunbathing or using tanning beds, which increase the risk of skin cancer and premature aging. Spray tanning uses DHA, a colorless sugar that reacts with dead skin cells to produce a temporary tan without UV exposure.
Will the spray stain my clothing or white sheets?
Initially, the cosmetic bronzer (also called the guide color) might lightly rub off on clothing or sheets, especially if you’re wearing tight or light-colored clothes. But don’t worry—it usually washes out easily. After your first rinse and shower, the guide color comes off, revealing your actual tan underneath.
