Spray tans are one of the most popular beauty services in Sydney, especially for people who want a sun-kissed glow without sun damage. Whether you’re prepping for an event, a holiday, or just love looking bronzed, it’s helpful to know the real cost and what affects your results.
If you’re planning a full glow-up, you can also explore our professional facial treatments and skin rejuvenation services to pair with your spray tan.
How Much Should I Pay?
In Sydney, spray tans typically cost between $35 and $80. The price depends on the type of tanning solution used, the location of the salon, and whether your tan is applied by a professional artist or an automated booth. Premium formulas that use cleaner, skin-friendly ingredients usually fall on the higher end of the range.
For the most natural, even, and long-lasting finish, most people choose tans in the $40–$60 range. A trained technician can customise your colour, apply it more evenly, and create a smoother result.
If you want your skin to look fresh and ready before tanning, check out our guide on how often you should get a facial.
How Long Does It Last?
A good spray tan usually lasts 7 to 10 days, depending on your skincare routine and lifestyle. Exfoliating before your appointment and keeping your skin moisturised can help your tan stay smoother and last longer. Swimming, sweating heavily, or taking long hot showers may cause the colour to fade faster.
Your natural skin type also affects longevity—hydrated skin holds colour better than dry skin. If you’re unsure what prep is best for you, learn the difference between facial vs. cleanup to pick the right one for your skin before tanning.
What About $5 Spray Tans?
You may see promotions offering $5 spray tans, but these are typically machine-applied tans using low-cost solutions. They can fade quickly, look uneven, or appear slightly orange depending on your undertone. While they’re affordable, they don’t offer the personalised touch or the quality of a professional studio.
If you want long-lasting, natural results, it’s best to go with a trained technician using high-quality solutions. To understand more about how skin absorbs treatments, you can read our guide on what a facial actually does.
How Much Should I Tip?
Tipping isn’t mandatory in Australia, but many people choose to tip when they’re especially pleased with the service. If your spray tan costs around $40, tipping about $5 to $10 is considered generous.
Most clients tip when the service feels personalised, the artist explains aftercare well, or makes the experience extremely comfortable. Still, tipping is always optional and based on personal preference.
Are There Any Negatives?
Spray tans are safe, but there are a few small things to be aware of. Some people notice a slight tanning smell while the solution develops, but it fades quickly. If your skin isn’t prepped properly, parts of the tan may look uneven or fade patchy over time.
The colour can transfer onto clothes if you don’t wait for it to dry completely. If you swim often or sweat heavily, your tan might fade sooner than expected. If your skin needs extra hydration or smoothing, explore our Best facial treatments for every skin need to prep your skin before tanning.
Before diving into common spray tan questions, explore more beauty tips on our Blogs.
FAQs
1. Is a spray tan safe for all skin types?
Yes, spray tans are safe for almost all skin types. DHA, the active ingredient in tanning solutions, only reacts with the top layer of your skin. Patch testing is recommended for very sensitive skin.
2. Will a spray tan look orange on me?
A professionally applied spray tan with a high-quality formula will not look orange. Orange tones typically happen when cheap solutions or incorrect shades are used.
3. When can I shower after a spray tan?
Most spray tans require a wait time of 6–8 hours before showering. Express tans may allow rinsing sooner, depending on the formula.
4. What should I wear after getting a spray tan?
Loose, dark clothing is the best choice. Tight clothes can rub the developing tan and cause uneven spots.
5. How do I make my spray tan last longer?
Moisturise daily, avoid chlorine, use gentle cleansers, and pat—don’t rub—your skin dry after showers.
Final Thoughts
A spray tan is an easy, safe, and natural-looking way to get a beautiful bronzed glow. While prices in Sydney vary, investing in a professional application ensures smoother colour, a better finish, and longer-lasting results.
If you’re ready for a flawless, long-lasting tan in Bondi Beach, visit Sheina Mill Studio. You can also explore more skin and beauty guides on our beauty blog.
