Spray Tan for Men: 7 Tips to Get a Natural Look

Let’s face it, there is something undeniably sexy about glowing, bronzed skin. A sun-kissed glow can instantly make any guy appear more youthful, healthy and in better shape.

Unfortunately, the simple act of tanning—whether in a tanning bed or sunbathing—can lead to skin cancer and premature wrinkles. To avoid the consequences of traditional tanning methods, many guys are now turning to spray tanning as an alternative.

Spray tanning for men is simple, fast and helps you achieve a healthy glow without the unfortunate side effects. If you’re concerned about coming out looking too orange, we’ve got the tips you need to get a natural look from your spray tan session.

Here are several things you need to know to get a natural-looking spray tan:

• Due to the increased risk of skin cancer in men, spray tans are far more preferable to sunbathing.
• The best way to achieve a natural look with a spray tan is by doing careful research beforehand.
• Prepping your skin properly before your spray tan session is key to preventing streaks and spots.

Tip #1: Read Reviews

When you want to be sure that you’re getting the best product for your skin, you probably read at least a few reviews before you buy, right? The same holds true for your spray tan.

Before you commit to any spray tan facility, make sure that there are plenty of five-star reviews and happy customers. You should also do a quick search within the reviews for the word “natural” to see what people are saying specifically about the results of their tan.

Tip #2: Schedule a Consultation

Once you’ve narrowed down your list of potential tanning salons, schedule a consultation with your top pick and visit them in person. If you decide to book an appointment with them, they need you to fill out a form anyway, so you might as well make the most of your visit.

If you have a picture of your ideal tan, bring it in to show them what look you’re going for. Be sure to ask your spray tanning artist about the different shades they have available—if they only have three shades (light, medium, dark), there is no way you’re going to achieve a natural-looking tan.

Tip #3: Exfoliate Your Skin

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, human skin sheds around 30,000 to 40,000 dead skin cells per day. Although the body does an excellent job of sloughing off dead skin cells on its own, it’s not a bad idea to exfoliate your body before getting your spray tan.

Exfoliating helps remove the buildup of oil and dead skin cells on the surface of the skin, revealing clear, brighter-looking skin. Before your appointment, be sure to use a gentle facial scrub on your face and a body scrub everywhere else to achieve the best results.

Tip #4: Don’t Forget to Shave

If you aren’t planning to grow out a magnificent beard anytime soon, make sure that you shave prior to your spray tan appointment. Otherwise, you’ll end up with funny spray tan lines where your beard once was.

When you shave, do so with a brand-new razor. Shaving with a new razor blade will give you the cleanest shave possible so you can achieve the most even and natural-looking spray tan.

Tip #5: Get Rid of Excess Oil

Oily skin is a common skin type in guys. According to a 2013 study published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science, men generally have oilier skin compared to women (see claim: “Sebum production in male skin is always higher and stays stable with increasing age, whereas sebum production in women progressively decreases over lifetime.”)

Although oily skin has its perks (such as being less prone to wrinkles), it can also act as a barrier to your spray tan, making it difficult for the ingredients to penetrate your skin. To get the most natural look possible, get rid of excess oil by using a daily acne treatment system for men.

Tip #6: Err on the Lighter Side

The further you stray from your natural skin color, the less natural it’s going to look. As much as you want to look like The Rock from the movie Baywatch, it’s just not going to happen if your skin color is milk white.

Opt for a shade that’s only a couple of shades darker than your natural skin color and give it time to sink into your skin.

Keep in mind that it will get darker as the day progresses. If you’re still not satisfied, you can always go back for a darker shade.

Tip #7: Schedule an Evening Appointment

There are several reasons why you may be better off scheduling your spray tan session for the evening—one being convenience. Spray tanning artists typically recommend not getting wet for at least six hours after your spray tan, so this makes it easy for guys to go home after their session, fall asleep and wake up ready to shower the next day.

Additionally, an evening appointment gives you the chance to wash and exfoliate your face properly before your session so that you’re fresh-faced and ready to go. For a natural result, it’s essential that you wipe off all the sunscreen and moisturizer you have on your face.

Getting the Natural Bronze Look You Want

If you have any lingering questions about your spray tan, don’t hesitate to ask your spray tan artist. He/she should fill you in on the best way to prep for your spray tan and how to care for your skin afterwards.