How to maintain your spray tan on holiday

For many people, a spray tan is a pre-holiday essential. With more skin on show and a suitcase full of swimwear, feeling glowy from day one matters. “A spray tan gives you an instant confidence boost,” says tanning expert James Harknett. “It smooths out skin tone, adds a bit of definition and just helps you feel healthier and more put together.”

A spray tan isn’t just about achieving all-over colour fast – it’s the skin-safe alternative to sunbathing. “If you’re being sun-safe and wearing SPF, chances are you’re not tanning naturally anyway,” says Harknett. “A professional spray tan means you can skip the sun damage but still feel great.”

Of course, keeping that faux glow intact once you’ve landed is another story entirely. With chlorine, sunscreen and sweat to contend with, it can fade fast – or worse, go patchy. And no one wants to return from a week in the sun looking paler than before they left. So here’s exactly how to keep your spray tan on holiday looking fresh so you come back home with a pleasingly healthy glow.

How many days before holiday should you spray tan?

The timing of your spray tan can make all the difference when it comes to how well it wears on holiday. Harknett recommends getting it done 24 to 48 hours before you fly. “This will give the colour time to fully develop and settle, and ensures any initial residue is rinsed off before you travel.”

Leaving a day or two between your appointment and departure allows you to fit in that all-important first post-tan shower, so you’re not boarding a flight with guide colour still on your skin (which can easily transfer onto clothes). “It also gives you time to apply moisturiser and keep the skin hydrated before you’re exposed to heat, sweat and SPF,” he adds.

The same timing applies if you’re self-tanning at home.

What to ask your spray tanner for

The secret to a natural-looking tan that lasts through your holiday? It starts with the right shade and formula, both of which your spray tanner should tailor to you. “It’s never a one-size-fits-all approach,” says Harknett. “Like a makeup artist or hair colourist, I always begin with a consultation. I’ll look at your skin tone, how you tan naturally and what finish will complement you best.”

Harknett works with a ‘wardrobe’ of tan solutions, from golden-based glows to olive and violet undertones. “For holidays, I often recommend going one shade deeper than you might usually – it holds better in warmer climates and fades more gradually,” he adds. One of his go-to brands is Three Warriors, an Australian, certified organic formula, with olive and violet undertones that “sits beautifully on most skin tones and gives a luxe, believable finish”.

How to make your spray tan last on holiday

“The most important thing is to wear loose, dark clothing on the plane,” says Harknett. “Anything tight, especially around the waistband or straps, can cause rubbing which affects how evenly the tan fades.” He also recommends staying hydrated during the flight and applying a light, oil-free (as oil breaks down fake tan) moisturiser to combat cabin dryness.

Once you’ve reached your destination, it’s all about maintenance. “Moisturising morning and night will help prolong the tan and prevent it from going patchy. Just make sure your products are free from AHAs, as, like oils, those will break the tan down faster.” It’s also worth swapping out foaming body washes for something gentler and avoiding exfoliating mitts or scrubs until you’re ready to remove the tan.

Good skincare equals a good fade. “The better you look after your skin, the better your tan will wear,” adds Harknett “Hydrated skin holds colour longer and fades more evenly – it really is that simple.”

Will a spray tan go patchy on holiday?

It’s the number one fake tan fear – but while patchiness can happen, it’s also avoidable. With the right prep and a few smart fixes, your colour can stay even long after you land.

“Exfoliate the day before your appointment and avoid moisturiser 24 hours pre-tan as anything too rich can act as a barrier,” says former pro tanner Harriet Morrall. And what can you do while you’re away? “Rinse off chlorine or sea water as soon as possible and always pat your skin dry, never rub,” advises Harknett. 

Some areas will fade faster than others – hands, feet, underarms and chest are the main culprits. “Anywhere that sees more friction or gets washed more regularly is likely to fade first,” says Harknett. “This is totally normal, but the trick is how you manage it.”

If things start to look uneven, resist the urge to scrub it all off. “If it’s just slightly faded, apply a gradual tan to top it up. If it’s patchy, gently exfoliate and reapply for a smoother finish,” he adds. A tanning brush helps blend edges seamlessly and gives more control over trickier areas.

Harknett’s pro tip? “Pack a setting powder or baby powder. Use a fluffy brush to dust underarms, between the breasts, around the bikini line – anywhere that gets hot or sees friction. It acts as an invisible shield and keeps your tan looking fresh.”

Should you top-up spray tan on holiday?

For beauty journalist Charley Williams-Howett, continuing the glow on holiday is non-negotiable – she always tops up . “Fake tan is like a huge concealer – it disguises everything from cellulite and stretch marks to varicose veins,” she says. “I exfoliate gently every evening while I’m away and follow with a gradual tanner.”

According to Harknett, a gradual tanner is best for top-ups: “It’s easy to apply, builds slowly and won’t go streaky.”

The golden rule? Less is always more. “Top-ups are about enhancing your base tan, not starting over,” says James. “A light touch keeps everything looking natural and radiant.”

Your spray tan holiday care kit