A spray tan gives men a natural-looking color in a single session, without UV exposure. It’s a great option when you need an even and natural-looking tan quickly.
Key Takeaways
- Spray tanning has become part of mainstream male grooming, from athletes and professionals to guys preparing for weddings, vacations, and photos.
- Starting with a lighter shade and preparing your skin properly can help prevent orange, patchy, or streaky results.
- Body hair does not prevent you from getting a spray tan, but shaving at least 24 hours before or waxing at least 48 hours before can improve coverage.
- A spray tan can make muscle definition more noticeable by adding contrast across areas such as the abs, chest, shoulders, arms, and legs.
- Good aftercare, including regular moisturizing and avoiding long, hot showers and heavy sweating early on, can help your color last longer.
Why More Men Are Getting Spray Tans
Spray tanning is now part of mainstream male grooming. Athletes and professionals use spray tans to look their best for public appearances, while everyday guys get them before weddings, photo shoots, vacations, and other events.
It is not surprising that men are paying more attention to grooming overall. In 2025, NielsenIQ reported that 60% of men purchase products to maintain their appearance over time.
For many men, the appeal of a spray tan is obvious. It can help even out skin tone, add color, and give the skin a more polished appearance in photos. Some guys also prefer how they look with a tan, which can give them an extra boost of confidence.
Is a Spray Tan for Men Safer Than a Sunbed or the Sun
Yes. A spray tan is UV-free. The color comes from DHA reacting with the outermost layer of your skin. In simple words, you get a tan a few shades darker without stepping into a tanning bed or needing a sunbathing routine.
Avoiding UV exposure matters, especially for men. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, by age 65, men are twice as likely as women of the same age to develop melanoma.
Keep in mind that a spray tan does not protect you from the sun. When you’re outdoors, you still need sunscreen.
How to Get a Natural Tan, Not an Orange One
A natural-looking spray tan comes down to the right shade and good prep. The solution also plays a role, so choose an organic spray tan solution to avoid orange results.
First-timers should start with a lighter shade. You can always go darker next time once you know how the color develops on your skin.
A professional spray tan also takes much of the guesswork out of the process. Check out our spray tan shade guide to learn more about choosing your color.
In addition to solution type, orange, patchy, or streaky results are often caused by:
- Choosing a shade that is too dark for your skin tone
- Applying too much product
- Skipping or unevenly exfoliating before your appointment
- Having dry skin, which can absorb more solution in certain areas
- Using a low-quality spray tan solution
If your tan does not turn out as expected, our guide to fixing a bad spray tan covers how to correct uneven color, streaks, and other common problems.
Spray Tanning With Body Hair
Men with chest, back, or leg hair can get a spray tan. The main consideration is when you shave or trim before your appointment.
If you plan to remove or shorten body hair, do it about 24 hours before your spray tan. This gives your skin time to settle after shaving and helps the tanning solution reach the skin more evenly.
Your options include:
- Shaving or waxing: The best option for even results. Shave at least 24 hours before your spray tan session, or wax at least 48 hours before.
- Trimming: A good option if you want to keep some body hair. The body hair may impact how even your tan looks.
- Leaving it natural: Body hair does not prevent you from getting a spray tan, although thicker hair can make it harder for the solution to reach the skin evenly.
Need to take care of facial or body hair? Check out when you can shave after a spray tan.
Spray Tan for Bodybuilders
A spray tan can make muscle definition look sharper, which is why gym-goers and competitors often use it. Added color can create more visible contrast across the body, helping areas such as the abs, shoulders, chest, arms, and legs stand out.
You do not have to be preparing for a competition to get this effect. If you work out regularly, a spray tan can make your existing definition more noticeable for vacations, photos, events, or simply when you want to show off your gym results.
If you have a competition coming up, you can book a spray tan at SunsUp Tan & Wellness Spa before the event.
How to Prep for Your Spray Tan
Before your spray tan, exfoliate, skip lotion and deodorant, and arrive with clean, dry skin. A little preparation helps the solution apply evenly and prevents products on your skin from interfering with the color.
For men, the main things to remember are:
- Exfoliate beforehand, paying extra attention to dry or rough areas such as your elbows and knees.
- Shave at least 24 hours before or wax at least 48 hours before your appointment.
- Avoid lotion, deodorant, cologne, and other skin products on the day of your session.
- Arrive with clean, dry skin and wear loose-fitting clothes for afterward.
For the complete routine, including what to do in the days leading up to your appointment, read our full spray tan preparation guide.
What to Wear and What Happens During the Session
Wear loose and dark clothing. Choose a loose T-shirt, sweatpants or shorts, and sandals or other easy-to-wear shoes for after your appointment.
During the session, you’ll undress in a private room to your preferred level of coverage. Depending on the type of spray tan, a technician will apply the solution or you’ll step into a booth that sprays it evenly across your body.
Check out a comparison between the spray tan booth and airbrush methods.
How to Make Your Spray Tan Last Longer
Aftercare plays a major role in how long your color holds, so moisturize regularly and avoid long or hot showers and heavy sweating early on.
Once your tan has developed and you’ve taken your first shower, keep your skin moisturized and avoid habits that can make the color fade unevenly. For a complete routine, read our spray tan aftercare guide.
Planning to hit the gym? Our guide to working out after a spray tan explains how long to wait and how to exercise without affecting your fresh tan.
Final Thoughts: Spray Tan for Men
A spray tan is a quick way to get even, natural-looking color without UV exposure. With the right shade, prep, and aftercare, men can get results that complement their skin tone and physique.
Ready to try it? Book your spray tan at SunsUp Tan & Wellness Spa.
FAQ
How Long Does a Spray Tan Last for Men?
A spray tan typically lasts about 4 to 7 days. How long yours lasts depends on factors such as skin prep, showering, moisturizing, exercise, and other aftercare habits. Learn how to make spray tan last longer.
Does Spray Tanning Age Your Skin?
No. Spray tanning is UV-free and develops color on the surface of your skin, so it does not cause the UV-related photoaging associated with sun exposure. A spray tan does not provide sun protection, though. You still need to wear SPF when spending time outdoors.
Can You Get a Spray Tan If You Forgot to Shave?
Yes. You can still get a spray tan if you didn’t shave beforehand. Body hair does not prevent the tanning solution from reaching your skin, although thicker or denser hair may affect how evenly the solution is distributed. For the best coverage, shave or trim about 24 hours before your appointment.
Recent Comments