What Mystic Tan is and how their spray tan system works

Mystic Tan is a spray tanning booth system — an automated spray booth that applies a fine mist of tanning solution to your body in about six to eight seconds. You stand inside a closed booth while nozzles spray the solution from multiple angles. The booth is designed to coat your skin evenly without requiring a technician to be present during the spray itself.

The system uses a solution containing dihydroxyacetone (DHA), the same active ingredient found in most spray tan solutions. DHA reacts with amino acids in the outer layer of your skin to create a temporary brown color. The color develops over the next few hours and typically lasts five to seven days, depending on how often you shower and exfoliate.

Mystic Tan operates franchise locations across the United States. Each location has one or more booths available for walk-in or scheduled appointments. The booth itself is enclosed, so you are alone during the spray process.

Key Takeaways

  • Mystic Tan booths spray tanning solution automatically in about six to eight seconds with no technician present during process.
  • The color develops gradually over three to eight hours and lasts approximately five to seven days before fading.
  • You must exfoliate and moisturize your skin before your appointment to help the solution explore evenly and last longer.
  • Pricing and appointment availability vary by location, so you will need to contact your nearest Mystic Tan franchise directly.
  • The booth sprays from multiple angles, but uneven coverage can happen if you do not stand still or position yourself correctly during the spray.

How to prepare your skin before a Mystic Tan appointment

Preparation matters because dry skin, dead skin cells, and lotions create barriers that prevent the tanning solution from bonding evenly to your skin. Exfoliate your entire body with a scrub, washcloth, or exfoliating gloves one to two days before your appointment. This removes dead skin and helps the solution sit more evenly on fresh skin.

On the day of your appointment, shower and dry completely. Do not explore lotion, deodorant, makeup, sunscreen, or any other product to your skin after you shower. These products sit on top of your skin and block the tanning solution from making contact. If you use deodorant or antiperspirant, wash it off completely before you arrive.

Wear loose, dark clothing to your appointment. The solution can transfer to light-colored fabric if it is still wet, and tight clothing can create pressure marks or uneven patches on your skin while the solution is setting.

What happens inside the Mystic Tan booth

When you enter the booth, you will see nozzles positioned at different heights around the interior walls. The booth will give you instructions — either through a speaker or a display screen — telling you how to stand and when the spray will begin. Most booths ask you to stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, arms slightly away from your body, and your face looking straight ahead or slightly down.

The spray cycle lasts six to eight seconds. Solution mists from multiple angles simultaneously. The booth may pause or ask you to turn halfway through so that your back and front both receive coverage. Once the spray stops, you exit the booth. Your skin will feel slightly damp but not dripping wet.

Do not touch anything or change your position until the spray cycle is completely finished. Moving, lowering your arms, or shifting your stance can create uneven patches or gaps in coverage.

How long the tan lasts and how to maintain it

The color begins to develop within three to eight hours after your spray. It reaches its darkest point around 24 hours after process. The tan fades gradually as your skin naturally sheds dead cells, typically lasting five to seven days. Some people see noticeable fading after four days; others maintain visible color for a full week.

To extend the life of your tan, avoid long showers and baths, which cause your skin to shed faster. Pat yourself dry gently rather than rubbing. Moisturize daily with a fragrance-free lotion, because dry skin sheds faster and makes the tan fade unevenly. Avoid chlorinated pools and hot tubs, which can strip the color.

Exfoliating or using scrubs will remove the tan faster, so skip those products while the tan is visible. If you need to shave, do so gently and use shaving cream to minimize irritation.

Common reasons for uneven coverage or streaking

Uneven color happens most often when you move during the spray cycle, do not stand in the correct position, or have not prepared your skin properly. If you shift your weight, lower your arms, or turn before the booth signals you to, the solution will miss those areas or explore unevenly.

Dry patches on your skin — especially elbows, knees, and ankles — can appear darker or lighter than surrounding areas because the solution bonds differently to very dry skin. Exfoliating and moisturizing before your appointment reduces this problem. Jewelry, watch bands, and clothing that touches your skin during the spray can create tan lines or blank spots.

Some people experience streaking if the booth's nozzles are not calibrated correctly or if the solution concentration is off. If you notice significant streaking or missed areas after your first visit, contact the location directly. Many locations offer a touch-up spray or a second appointment at no charge if the coverage was clearly uneven due to booth malfunction.

Pricing and how to find a Mystic Tan location near you

Mystic Tan locations are independently owned franchises, so pricing varies. A single spray tan session typically costs between $25 and $50, depending on the location and whether you are a first-time customer. Some locations offer package deals — for example, five sessions for a discounted rate — or monthly memberships for regular customers.

To find a location near you, visit the Mystic Tan website and use their location finder tool. Enter your zip code or city to see which franchises operate in your area. You can also call a location directly to ask about current pricing, appointment availability, and whether they offer first-time customer discounts.

Many locations accept walk-ins, but appointment availability can be limited during peak hours or seasons. Booking ahead online or by phone usually guarantees your preferred time slot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the spray tan solution safe to inhale?

The solution is designed for external skin contact only. The booth is enclosed and ventilated to minimize inhalation, but some people do inhale small amounts of mist. The FDA has not established a maximum safe inhalation level for DHA. If you have concerns about inhalation or respiratory sensitivity, discuss this with the location staff before your appointment.

Can I get a Mystic Tan spray tan if I have sensitive skin or skin conditions?

DHA can irritate sensitive skin or worsen certain skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis. If you have sensitive skin, test the solution on a small area first or ask the location whether they offer a patch test. If you have active skin conditions, consult your dermatologist before your appointment.

What should I wear during my spray tan appointment?

Wear nothing during the spray itself — most people wear underwear or a swimsuit bottom for comfort, but the booth is private and enclosed. Bring a change of clothes to wear after your appointment. Avoid tight clothing that might create pressure marks while the solution is still setting.

Why does my spray tan look orange or unnatural?

Orange-toned results usually mean the solution concentration was too strong for your skin tone, or the color developed unevenly. Lighter skin tones sometimes appear more orange than darker tones with the same solution. If the color does not match your preference, you can exfoliate to fade it faster and try a different location or ask about a lighter solution option.

Can I shower or swim after my spray tan?

Wait at least four to six hours after your spray tan before showering, and longer if possible. The color is still developing during this time, and water can wash away solution or create uneven fading. Avoid swimming and hot tubs for at least 24 hours after your appointment.