Brilliant Tan - Home Spray Tanning: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

Professional spray tanning doesn't have to mean a salon visit. With the right solution and a little practice, you can achieve salon-quality results at home — and save significantly in the process. Here's everything you need to know to get started.

What You'll Need

• A professional spray tan solution (see our DHA percentage guide to choose the right one)
• A spray tan machine or airbrush gun
• A spray tan tent (to protect your walls and floors)
• Barrier cream (for hands, feet, nails, and hairline)
• Loose, dark clothing to wear after
• A good exfoliating scrub for prep

Step 1: Prep Your Skin (24–48 Hours Before)

Follow our full pre-tan checklist — exfoliate, shave, and arrive with clean, product-free skin. This step is non-negotiable for an even result.

Step 2: Set Up Your Space

Set up your spray tan tent in a well-ventilated area. Lay a towel or mat on the floor inside the tent to stand on. Have your machine, solution, and barrier cream within easy reach.

Step 3: Apply Barrier Cream

Apply a thin layer of barrier cream to:

• Palms of hands and between fingers
• Soles of feet and between toes
• Knuckles
• Around nails
• Hairline and eyebrows

These areas absorb more DHA and can go darker than the rest of your body without barrier cream.

Step 4: Load Your Machine and Test

Fill your spray gun with solution. Do a test spray on a paper towel to check the flow and pattern before applying to skin. Adjust pressure settings if needed.

Step 5: Apply in Sections

Work from the bottom up — feet, legs, torso, arms, then have someone help with your back, or use a back-spray attachment. Keep the gun 15–20cm from the skin and use smooth, even strokes. Overlap slightly to avoid lines.

Apply two light coats rather than one heavy coat for a more even, natural result.

Step 6: Dry and Dress

Allow the solution to dry for 5–10 minutes before dressing. Wear loose, dark clothing. Avoid touching your skin or sweating for the next 8–12 hours while the DHA develops.

Step 7: Aftercare

Follow our spray tan aftercare guide to make your tan last as long as possible.

Start with a Training Solution

If you're completely new to spray tanning, we recommend starting with our 0% Wash-Off Training Solution. It has no DHA, so you can practise your technique, gun settings, and coverage without any risk of uneven colour. Once you're confident, move to a colour solution.

Choose Your Solution

• Trial Pack — best for beginners who want to test before buying a full litre
• 9% Fair — light, natural glow
• 11% Medium — golden-brown, most popular
• 13% Dark — deep, rich colour