Rapid vs regular spray tan: what's the difference?

If you’ve ever booked a spray tan and been asked, “Do you want rapid or regular?” and had absolutely no idea what to say… you’re not alone.

One of the most common questions I get at Glow Girl Tanning is what the difference is between a rapid spray tan and a traditional 8-hour spray tan — and more importantly, which one is better?

The short answer? Both can give you a beautiful, natural-looking tan.

But at Glow Girl, we usually prefer rapid. And no, it’s not because a rapid tan develops faster. There’s actually a little more to it.

First, How Does a Spray Tan Actually Work?

The active tanning ingredient in spray tan solution is called DHA (dihydroxyacetone). DHA reacts with the amino acids in the outermost layer of your skin, creating the temporary bronzed color we know and love.

After your appointment, that reaction continues to develop — which is why your tan doesn't look exactly the same immediately after being sprayed as it will the next day.

The biggest difference between rapid and regular spray tan solutions is when you take your first rinse.

What Is a Rapid Spray Tan?

With a rapid spray tan, you'll typically rinse within approximately 2–5 hours, depending on your skin, your desired depth of color, and the solution we choose for you.

One important thing to know: rapid does not mean your final tan develops in two hours.

Your first rinse simply stops or limits how much DHA continues interacting with your skin. After you rinse, your color will continue developing over the next several hours.

So if you rinse and think, Wait…where did my tan go?! — don't panic.

You're primarily rinsing away the cosmetic bronzer. Your actual tan is still developing underneath.

What Is a Regular or 8-Hour Spray Tan?

A traditional spray tan works very similarly, but instead of rinsing after a few hours, you'll typically leave the solution on for around 8 hours before taking your first shower.

For some clients, that works perfectly.

You might get sprayed in the evening, sleep in your tan, and rinse first thing the next morning.

However, there are a few reasons why Glow Girl typically recommends a rapid rinse instead.

Why Glow Girl Prefers Rapid Spray Tans

Here's the thing: the longer you're walking around in an un-rinsed spray tan, the more opportunities there are for something to mess with it.

Sweating. Water. Washing your hands. Kids. Dogs. Tight clothing. Accidentally touching your skin. Sleeping in it. Getting caught in Virginia humidity approximately five seconds after leaving your appointment.

Life happens.

By using a rapid solution, we're able to get you through that vulnerable period much faster.

The sooner we can get you appropriately rinsed, the sooner you can stop worrying about protecting a freshly applied spray tan.

Rapid solutions also give us more control over your development time. Based on your skin tone, undertones, desired result and the specific solution we're using, I'll tell you exactly when I want you to rinse.

This helps reduce the chance of leaving the solution on longer than recommended or accidentally over-processing your color.

And personally? I would much rather have you rinse at the appropriate time than spend eight hours stressing about whether you can sit on your couch.

Does Rapid Mean Darker?

Not necessarily!

This is probably one of the biggest misconceptions about rapid spray tans.

A rapid solution isn't automatically a darker tan. Your final color depends on several factors, including the solution, DHA percentage, your natural skin tone, your skin's response to DHA, preparation, and how long I instruct you to leave the solution on.

At Glow Girl Tanning, your tan is customized to you.

We're not trying to make every client the exact same shade. Someone wanting a subtle bridal glow is going to have a very different goal than someone heading on vacation who wants to look like she just spent a week somewhere tropical.

Can I Still Get an 8-Hour Spray Tan?

Absolutely.

If you've always used an 8-hour solution, know that it works well for your skin, or your schedule makes an overnight tan easier, we can absolutely make it work.

Rapid is simply our preference at Glow Girl because we like getting that first rinse completed sooner and minimizing the amount of time you have to baby your tan.

At the end of the day, the best spray tan isn't necessarily “rapid” or “regular.”

It's the solution and rinse time that work best for your skin, your schedule and your desired result.

So, Which Spray Tan Should I Book?

You don't have to figure that out alone!

That's part of getting a custom spray tan.

When you come to Glow Girl Tanning, we'll talk about your natural skin tone and undertones, how dark you want to be, what you're getting sprayed for, when your event is, and what your schedule looks like afterward.

From there, we'll choose the solution and rinse time that makes the most sense for you.

Whether you're getting a spray tan for a wedding, vacation, photos, special event — or simply because life is better with a tan — the goal is always the same:

A natural-looking, even tan that looks like you…just a little more glowy.

Glow Girl Tanning offers custom spray tans in the Richmond, Goochland and Short Pump, Virginia areas, including mobile spray tanning options.

Ready for your glow? Book your custom spray tan with Glow Girl Tanning and we'll take care of the rest.

XO,

Lexie